Victory Ortigas

Read: Genesis 2:15

God has designed man to reflect who He is, and work is an aspect of this call to reflect the image of God. In Genesis, work is a pre-fall blessing, not a post-fall curse. While sin has distorted our view and experience of work, the gospel reshapes all of life, including work. This renders work spiritual rather than merely secular. Our faith is lived out through our work, and it is our worship unto the Lord. Supporting text: Colossians 3:23-24

Joshua recounts the things God has done on their behalf and challenges the people to put away their foreign gods. The proven record of God helps us see His being set- apart from all other gods and compels us to forsake all else and trust in Him alone. God's goodness is what sustains us until the end.

Israel fell in the hands of Ai despite them being more numerous than the latter. But when they repented, He strengthened them to victory once again. God's grace is what restores us when we fail.

God's awesome and limitless power can give us strength in doing what He is calling us to do-even if it may not make sense in our finite minds. It's often in these moments of unconventional faith that God's power is most clearly revealed. God's character is what anchors our trust in His promises when we lack understanding.

Joshua had a huge task of filling in the shoes of Moses and leading God's people in conquering the Promised Land that he felt inadequate to do. But God's Promise of His Presence strengthened Joshua to take on what's intimidating to him. God's presence is our source of courage as we move forward.

Culturally, many times, leadership is merely lip service. But Jesus not only taught leadership; He demonstrated it through His actions by His willingness to wash the feet of the disciples, taking the form of a servant, and being obedient to the point of death. Current and future leaders can learn from Jesus' example of showing humility as He served others. This can be expressed in establishing a visible and loving presence, addressing student needs, and building gospel-centered communities in the campus. We empower students, not just vocational ministers, to do this.

Culturally, leadership is based on position, glory, and lording over others. Even when the world tries to model leadership after Jesus, their posture is still for personal gain. But Jesus teaches that the purpose and motivation of leadership is to serve others. It is crucial for both current and next-generation leaders to grasp this truth and reach the campus not for our own gain, but with a genuine heart and desire to lead them to Jesus.

Supplication is the part of the worship service where people bring their prayers and concerns directly to the Lord. We grow as believers in our faith and are encouraged as we bring our concerns to God and respond to His word. Unbelievers can see prayer demonstrated and, as a result, they can approach God and go to Him in faith. We are shaped by praying and interceding for the advancement of God's purposes.

The sacrament of communion is a "means of grace" that is a: (1) remembrance of Christ's body and blood given for our forgiveness (1 Corinthians 11:23-25); (2) reminder of our participation in the Lord's sacrifice (1 Corinthians 10:16); and (3) recognition of the Church as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 10:17). We are shaped by participating in the body of Christ.

Congregational singing is part of our Victory worship services, where the community worships God together through songs. Through the songs, believers worship and magnify God as they grow in their knowledge and awe of Him, while unbelievers experience and acknowledge His presence.

We are shaped as we celebrate and proclaim who God is, what He has done, and what He promised to do.