Victory Christian Fellowship: Site News http://www.vcfellowship.us/mod/news/group.php?category_id=1 Feed en-us no@body.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-20T15:34:03-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 “The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” —John Maxwell http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/the_pessimist_complains_about_the_wind._the_optimist_expects_it_.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/the_pessimist_complains_about_the_wind._the_optimist_expects_it_.html 2005-12-06T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" from Brother Mac http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought_from_brother_mac.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought_from_brother_mac.html
The Thessalonian Test - 1 Thessalonians 1-5
Setting: The church at Thessalonica was in many ways a model church. Paul had many things to commend the believers for: their exemplary faith, diligent service, patient steadfastness, and overflowing joy. But in the midst of his commendation, Paul voices a word of caution. Abounding in the work of the Lord is only one step removed from abandoning the work of the Lord through complacency. Thus, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to excel in their faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to give thanks always for all things. In short, Paul encouraged them to "stay on target" as they labored for the Lord. Application: Two questions need to be answered. First, "Do you believe Jesus Christ is coming again?" Second, "Do you live like Jesus Christ is coming again?" The first question is straightforward and simple to answer. Either you do or you don't. But the second question is more difficult because it involves looking for the practical, everyday ways to translate your belief into behavior, and then making those activities and attitudes a priority in your life. Action Plan: Each of the five chapters of 1 Thessalonians ends with an exhortation based on the fact that Jesus Christ is coming again. Read the verses prayerfully, then write down at least two or more behavioral steps you can begin doing this week to put your belief into practice. Conclusion: As you contemplate and apply this lesson, I wish you a wonderful God-blessed week, and encourage you to keep one eye on the Eastern sky!]]> 2005-03-25T00:00:00-05:00 "We have committed the Golden Rule to memory; let us commit it to life" Edwin Markham http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/we_have_committed_the_golden_rule_to_memory_let_us_commit_it_to_.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/we_have_committed_the_golden_rule_to_memory_let_us_commit_it_to_.html 2005-09-18T00:00:00-05:00 "To evangelize a person is to say to him or her; you, too, are loved by God in the Lord Jesus. . . " http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/to_evangelize_a_person_is_to_say_to_him_or_her_you_too_are_loved.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/to_evangelize_a_person_is_to_say_to_him_or_her_you_too_are_loved.html Click to read the entire quote from Brennan Manning. "To evangelize a person is to say to him or her;  you, too, are loved by God in the Lord Jesus.  And not only to say it but to really think it and relate it to the man or woman so they can sense it.  This is what it means to announce the Good News.  But that becomes possible only by offering the person your friendship;  a friendship that is real, unselfish, without condescension, full of confidence, and profound esteem." (The Ragamuffin Gospel, page 122)
]]> 2005-09-13T00:00:00-05:00 "Happiness is a decision you make, not an emotion you feel" - Joel Osteen http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/happiness_is_a_decision_you_make_not_an_emotion_you_feel_-_joel_.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/happiness_is_a_decision_you_make_not_an_emotion_you_feel_-_joel_.html 2005-09-10T00:00:00-05:00 "You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/you_can_tell_how_big_a_person_is_by_what_it_takes_to_discourage_.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/you_can_tell_how_big_a_person_is_by_what_it_takes_to_discourage_.html 2005-09-04T00:00:00-05:00 "God gives every bird its food, but He doesn't throw it into the nest" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/god_gives_every_bird_its_food_but_he_doesnt_throw_it_into_the_ne.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/god_gives_every_bird_its_food_but_he_doesnt_throw_it_into_the_ne.html 2005-09-01T00:00:00-05:00 "Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed." - Charles Schulz http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_remember_once_youre_over_the_hill_you_begin_to_pick_up_spee.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_remember_once_youre_over_the_hill_you_begin_to_pick_up_spee.html 2005-08-30T00:00:00-05:00 "Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/coincidence_is_when_god_chooses_to_remain_anonymous.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/coincidence_is_when_god_chooses_to_remain_anonymous.html 2005-08-26T00:00:00-05:00 "Some minds are like concrete - thoroughly mixed up and permanently set" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/some_minds_are_like_concrete_-_thoroughly_mixed_up_and_permanent.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/some_minds_are_like_concrete_-_thoroughly_mixed_up_and_permanent.html 2005-08-13T00:00:00-05:00 “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us” http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/the_task_ahead_of_us_is_never_as_great_as_the_power_behind_us.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/the_task_ahead_of_us_is_never_as_great_as_the_power_behind_us.html 2005-07-27T00:00:00-05:00 "A Quote to Grow On" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/a_quote_to_grow_on.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/a_quote_to_grow_on.html 2005-07-09T00:00:00-05:00 "A Quote to Grow On" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/a_quote_to_grow_on-0.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/a_quote_to_grow_on-0.html 2005-06-26T00:00:00-05:00 "We were called to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/we_were_called_to_be_witnesses_not_lawyers_or_judges.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/we_were_called_to_be_witnesses_not_lawyers_or_judges.html 2005-08-07T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-1.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-1.html
"Destroying God's Enemies" - Revelation 17-19
INTRODUCTION: 
The Apostle John sees God's judgment poured out on more than just the physical universe.  Babylon, headquarters of religious and civil authority, is warned by an angelic messenger of its approaching doom.  The city's destruction - complete and irrevocable - is mourned by kings and merchants alike who profited from her rich trade and false religion.  By contrast, heaven rejoices in her demise.  After the marriage supper of the Lamb in heaven, the scene shifts back to the earth where the King of kings comes to judge and destroy His human enemies.

YOUR DAILY WALK:
In the cast of characters in the unfolding drama of God's plan of the ages, the leading role is played by the Lord Jesus - the promised Messiah in the Old Testament - come as the Lamb of God in the New Testament, and returning as the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (19:16).  This is the significance of the angel's statement to John: "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (19:10).  The totality of Scripture as the prophetic message of God to men centers around the Person and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, Jesus should be "visible" in every page of your Bible!

Try it!  Thumb back through the books of the Bible you have covered along your daily walk, and see if you can suggest the way Jesus is pictured in each.  For example, Genesis - the one who will crush Satan's head (3:15); Exodus - the Redeemer from bondage to sin; Leviticus - the Holy One of God; etc.  Look and live!

APPLICATION:
The woman dressed in purple "that sitteth upon many waters" (17:1) is given the title, "Mystery, Babylon the Great" (17:5) - a most appropriate caption for this mysterious person who has prompted commentators to suggest a variety of different identities including:  (1) the actual rebuilt city of Babylon, (2) an actual city, but different from Babylon, (3) a false religious system, (4) an atheistic political system.  After completing your reading of chapters 17-19, what is YOUR conclusion?

CONCLUSION:
My prayer for YOU this week is found in the Book of Romans, chapter 15 and verse 13: "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (KJV).

Have a God-blessed week and "stay in the Word!"  Faith comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God.  Thanks again for logging on.  We love you in Christ and will be praying for YOU this week.  God bless!]]> 2005-11-04T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-2.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-2.html
"The Seven Bowls" - Revelation 14-16
INTRODUCTION: 
Accompanied by the singing of the 144,000, the final outpouring of God's wrath begins.  The earth is ripe in its wickedness, and richly deserving of the calamities which are about to fall upon it.  Seven angels arrive with seven bowls full of plagues and pestilence, disease and death.  As the vials of God's wrath are poured out -- judgments which are true and righteous (16:7)-- men refuse to acknowledge the Creator, but instead blaspheme "the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores"(16:11).  Following the seventh vial, a loud voice from heaven declares: "It is done"(16:17).

DAILY DEVOTION:
When was the last time your spouse was angry with you?  Do you recall the circumstances?  How about the last time your boss was mad at you?  What was the outcome?

Anger can be a fearful emotion, whether expressed by a spouse or child, friend or foe.  Now imagine that it is not another human being who is angry with you, but the God of the universe...the God who created you from dust ... the God who will one day destroy "the elements with fervent heat" (2 Peter 3:10,12).  How do you face that kind of anger?  Where do you go to escape that?

The answer, of course, is: You don't!  Today God offers His love and mercy, but there is coming a day when His wrath and judgment will pour down upon all who have ignored His invitation.  That means YOU if you have turned down His salvation in Jesus Christ.  That means your unsaved family members and friends.  And that means there is no better time than NOW to warn those you love of the judgment they face by continuing in their unbelief.  Whom can YOU warn TODAY?

INSIGHT:
Armageddon -  The Big Little Mountain (16:16).  Apart from its significance in Bible times during which it witnessed two great victories (Judges 4:15; 7:1-25) and two defeats (1 Samuel 31:4-10; 2 Kings 23:29-30), the hill of Megiddo has been the site of strategic battles involving Pompeii, Napoleon, Alexander the Great, and most recently Lord Allenby in 1917.

Megiddo is certainly one of the most interesting places I have visited in the Holy Lands.  I will be taking another group with me next March and we plan to visit there again, always remembering what the Book of Revelation tells us about the future of that place and what will take place there.

CONCLUSION: 
Once again, it is our joy each week to share with you and I trust that you are being blessed and challenged.  Please continue to pray for the Lord's work here at Victory Christian Fellowship.  God bless YOU!]]> 2005-10-31T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-3.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-3.html "The Seven Signs" - Revelation 10-13 OVERVIEW: 
Revelation, chapter 10 represents the second parenthesis in the unfolding drama of God's judgments.  Six trumpets have blown; the seventh is yet to come.  But in the interim, the Apostle John is given added revelation, part of which he is not permitted to write down.  The words which the angel entrusts to him are "sweet" to hear but bitter to contemplate.  At last, the seventh trumpet sounds, introducing seven key figures in chapters 12 and 13.  John sees a great struggle reaching from heaven to earth, and setting the stage for the third and last of the judgments.

YOUR DAILY WALK: 
The enigma of history is the continued existence of the Jewish people.  Though without a homeland for nearly 2,000 of the past 2,500 years, and threatened with extermination by a variety of enemies ranging from Haman (Esther 3:6, 8-13) to Hitler, still the Jews have maintained their identity without being assimilated into the cultures in which they lived.  Why has this been possible against staggering human odds?  Because God is not finished with Israel yet!

Let the lessson of the Jews be a comfort and encouragement to you as well this week.  God is not finished with you either, but is still molding your life into conformity with His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).  Invite Him to occupy the throne of your life today as you memorize this verse:  Revelation 11:15 - "... The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever."

INSIGHT: 
Satan by any other name is STILL Satan!  The "great red dragon (12:3) is perhaps the most colorful name John uses for Sata, but he also calls him "that old serpent", "The Devil", and "Satan" (12:9).  Jesus and Paul used at least eigtht other names.  How many can you recall?  (Research these verses for clues:  Matthew 12:24, 13:19; John 8:44, 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6:15; Ephesians 2:2, 6:12)

CONCLUSION: 
Thanks again for checking out www.vcfellowship.us!  We are so blessed to be able to share with you weekly here on the web.  We pray that God will bless you "real good" this week and that He will open to you ALL THAT HE INTENDS FOR YOU TO HAVE.  Please continue to pray for the work here!]]> 2005-10-27T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-6.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-6.html
"Is character really important? Acts 5:1-11
OVERVIEW:  Happiness is not the end of life, but character is!  Everything depends upon character, both for this life and the life which is to come.  The Bible is the best book to read about character, and gives the only true light and estimate of life as it really is.  There are five special characters to which the Bible often refers:  the Fool, the Atheist, the Thief, the Drunkard, and the Christian.  It would be wise, on our part, to see what God thinks of these.
  • The Fool --- A dark mind --- Proverbs 18:2
  • The Atheist --- A dark heart --- Psalm 14:1
  • The Thief --- A dark like --- John 12:6
  • The Drunkard --- A dark future --- Porverbs 23:21
There are three kinds of "Fools":  (1) Natural Fool - with intellect that is weak; (2) Wicked Fool - despises the light and truth, and hates knowledge [Proverbs 1:11]; (3) Deluded Fool - deceives himself and prefers the world to Jesus Christ, the body to the spirit, and earth to heaven [Luke 12:20].

The heart of the Atheist is wrong, and his creed is NO GOD!  No God, then no light, no love, no life, and no hope, for God is Light and Love, and Life, and Hope for the lost.  The typical Atheist is described in 2 Kings 7:2.  His unbelief cost him his life [2 Kings 7:19-20].

The Thief loves the dark places because his deeds are wicked.  There are different kinds of thieves:  the Professional Thief [Joshua 12:6], the Oppressing Thief [Proverbs 14:31, the Pious Thief [John 12:6], and the Foolish Thief [Malachi 3:8; John 10:1; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20] who rob God of his dues, Christ of His glory, and the Holy Spirit of His property.

There are four remedies recommended to deal with the Drunkard:  the Legal, the Medical, the Moral, and the Spiritual.  All are needed, but the Spiritual remedy is the most effectual and sure.  The poor drunkard's future is dark and hopeless.

YOUR DAILY WALK:  Remember:  The Christian is the noblest work of God.  He is a Son of the living God, a Copy of the Lord Jesus, a Temple of the Holy Ghost, a Witness in the world, and a Citizen of the New Jerusalem.  Although a peculiar person in many respects, he has his mind light, his heart right, his soul saved, his life true, and his future bright; his Mind is renewed [Ephesians 4:23]; his Heart is cleansed from all sin [1 John 1:7]; his Life in harmony with God [Luke 9:23]; his Soul is committed to Christ [2 Timothy 1:12]; and his Future is all insured [Hebrews 11:10-16].

APPLICATION:  Your homework for the week is to look up all Scriptures listed above and write a short summary of what each one means to you personally.

CONCLUSION:  Thanks again for logging on and please always remember that Jesus loves you and we do too!  Pray for the Lord's work here at VCF.]]> 2005-09-30T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-7.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-7.html
Is God really interested in numbers? Ephesians 4:4-6

OVERVIEW:  The science of numbers is required for every position in life.  The statesman, the merchant, the soldier, the sailor, and the laborer, all require - more or less - a knowledge of figures in order to secure success in life.  The science of arithmetic is also used in spiritual things; and it is clear by reading the Bible that there has been great importance placed on numbers and figures.  To be "spiritually smart" we need to be familiar with how numbers relate to the school of grace.  Are you ready?  I hear the school bell ringing!

YOUR DAILY WALK:  Find your "quiet place".  Get your Bible, a pen, and paper and look up each Scripture reference related to each of the following numbers: 
  • #1 - Unity Number - "One Lord, One faith, One baptism" - Ephesians 4:4-6; 
  • #2 - Testimony Number - "Testimony of Two men is true." - John 8:17; Mark 6:7; 
  • #3 - Trinity Number - "Three that bear record in heaven." - 1 John 5:7; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 
  • #4 - Worldly Number - "Four corners of the earth." - Revelation 7:1; Acts 10:11
  • #5 - Responsibility Number - "Five of them were wise." - Matthew 25:2
  • #6 - Limiting Number - "Six days the Lord made heaven and earth." - Exodus 20:11
  • #7 - Perfect Number - "Seven dispensations. Seven Churches." - Revelation 1:20
  • #8 - Resurrection Number - "Eight souls saved in the ark." - 1 Peter 3:20
  • #9 - Failing Number - "Where are the NIne?" - Luke 17:17
  • #10 - Testing Number - "Ten Commandments. Ten talents." - Exodus 20:1,17
  • #11 - Incomplet Number - "He appeared unto the eleven." - Mark 16:14
  • #12 - Complete Number - "Twelve tribes of Israel. Twelve Apostles." - Revelation 21
  • #40 - Probation Number - "Forty years. Forty days." - Hebrews 3:17; Jonah 3:4
  • #70 - Fullness Number - "Seventy weeks of Daniel." - Daniel 9:24

INSIGHT:  Numbers are used in the Scriptures to convey definite ideas of God's gracious dealings with man, and the blessed life, testimony, and service of the saints.  Hebrews 12:22 says, "An innumerable company of angels" and we read in Revelation 7:9, "A great multitude, which no man could number."  Check out the numbers in Scripture this week and record each of them.  Ask God to show you the spiritual significance of each number and how the Holy Spirit uses them to teach us.

CONCLUSION:  Have a God-blessed week!  Thanks again for logging on!  Please continue to pray for the Lord's work at Victory Christian Fellowship.  We are attempting to build a new Worship Center and we sure could use your prayers at this time.  Come fellowship with us if the opportunity comes up!


 

]]> 2005-09-23T00:00:00-05:00 "Just a Thought" http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-8.html http://www.vcfellowship.us/n/just_a_thought-8.html
"September - The Fruit Month" - John 15
OVERVIEW:  September is the time of the Ingathering of the fruits of the earth, the golden link between Summer and Winter, the seasons of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord of the harvest for His constant faithfulness and love.

September is te time of Hope's fulfillment, when Sower and Reaper rejoice together, and the Summer's last smile.  The emblems of the afternoon of man's life, when the fruit of wisdom and grace should be manifest.

Dr. Franklin had a fruit-bearing tree etched on his signet ring with a motto from Psalm 1:3.  When he was dying, his son asked for a final word of counsel.  The dying man whispered the word, "Fruitful".

A farmer who had turned his attention to the raising of fruit, said to a friend as they sat at dinner, "I have cut down over fifty peach trees today".  When asked why his response was, "Because the fruit was not good.  The peaches were too small."  Afterwards, walking through the orchard, the friend saw where the trees had stood, and also the spot where, after being cut down, they had been burned.  This procedure brought to his mind at once the Savior's parable of the fruitless Fig tree.  Think about it.  What if God dealt with men as they deal with the trees in their orchards?

YOUR DAILY WALK:  Read John, chapter 15 this week when you can.  As you read, take a pad of paper and pen and write down everyone you know, friends, family and co-workers, that you have never shared your testimony of faith with.  As you record their names, set a goal-date that you will share with them either in person or by phone call and record that goal-date next to each name.  Pray for the opportunity to sow fruit for the Lord Jesus Christ into the lives of those recorded.

INSIGHT:  John 15:4:  "Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the Vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me."

LESSONS IN FRUIT:  (1) Fruit Trees - A Living Blessing,  Genesis 1:29, Matthew 7:17;  (2) Fruit Seasons - A Timely Blessing - 2 Samuel 16:1; (3) Fruit Manifest - A Happy Blessing - Isaiah 28:4; (4) Fruit Ripe - A Perfect Blessing - Acts 14:11, Matthew 13:20; (5) Fruit Gathered - A Secured B lessing - Matthew 3:12; (6) Fruit Enjoyed - A Present Blessing - Galatians 5:22; (7) Fruit Spoiled - A Lost Blessing - Matthew 21:19, Jude 12.

CONCLUSION:  God bless you as you fulfill your goals this week.  It is our prayer that you will experience a major "spiritual breakthrough" this week and will sow many seeds for the Lord Jesus.  Your testimony is the "most powerful" resource you have to share.  Let's sow and reap MUCH FRUIT for the Lord this week!  The Victory Christian Family truly loves you in the Lord and we are grateful for the opportunity to share with you each week.  Pray for us; and if you are in our area please call or come by.]]> 2005-09-18T00:00:00-05:00