Category: Sermon Notes

Just Do It!

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: Just Do It!

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19; James 2:14-17, 26

 

There is a profound difference between thankfulness as a (concept) and thankfulness as a (practice).

I.   THE EXAMPLE OF GRATITUDE

To practice thankfulness, you don’t just (feel) something; you (do) something. Thanks is something you (give).

Luke 17 and the leper:

        1. Begins (to glorify God) with a loud voice. (v.15)
        2. Fell on his face in (worship). (.v16)
        3. This man was a (foreigner).
        4. Jesus asks an obvious question: “Where are the other nine?”

 

II.   THE ENHANCEMENT OF GRATITUDE 

 

Why do people have trouble with thanksgiving?

        1. They have trouble seeing it as (more than a holiday).
        2. We have lost sight of (contentment).

The grateful person sees (the cup half full); the complainer (half empty).

Two things don’t coexist: (whining) and (gratitude).

Two final thoughts on contentment:

        1. Contentment is a (command)
        2. Contentment concludes that (what I have is enough).

NEXT WEEK: SERIES: More Than a Holiday

“When It’s All Said and Done”- Pr.16:18; 2 Cor. 9:8-11

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/11/justdoit/

Let’s Compare!

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: Let’s Compare

Scripture: Col. 3:16-17; Romans 1:20-23

I. A PORTRAIT OF A GRATEFUL HEART

1. The grateful heart is a (transformed) heart.
2. The grateful heart is a (growing) heart.
3. The heart is a (humble) and (dependent) heart.

II. A COMPARISON OF TWO HEARTS

Ingratitude toward others ruins relationships. What are some negative outcomes of ingratitude?

1) Skewed (consequences).
2) Skewed (expectations).
3) Skewed (rights).
4) Skewed (math).

Next Week: More Than a Holiday
Title: Just Do IT! Luke 17:11-19; James 2:14-17,26

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/11/letscompare/

Why Be Grateful?

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: Why Be Grateful?

Scripture: I Tim. 1:12-15; Psalm 67

 I. WE HAVE MUCH FOR WHICH WE CAN BE GRATEFUL

Gratitude reveals what is deep inside a person-his (priorities), his (presuppositions), his
understanding of (God) and (how He works).

Gratitude is the ability to (see grace), and, as a result, desire to affirm it and its giver as (good).

II. WE HAVE ONE TO WHOM WE CAN BE GRATEFUL

Romans 8:32- “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not
also with Him graciously give us all things?” (ESV)

The only right and correct response to God’s provision is (gratitude).

Thankfulness is all about the absolute and total lordship of God, His sovereignty over all things,
and His kindness in using His power to work all things for our good.

Next Week: “More Than a Holiday
Title: Let’s Compare! Col. 3:16-17; Romans 1:20-23

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/10/whybegrateful/

It’s Who We Are

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: It’s Who We Are

Scripture: Mt. 28:19-20; John 4:35; various others

 

   I.        OUR MISSION                                                                       

 

“If you don’t have target you are sure to hit it.”

A BRIEF HISTORY OF OVCF

Our Mission: (Connecting) people to Jesus.

   II.        OUR VISION                                                          

 

Our vision is four-pronged:

1.       Pursuing Jesus (Passionately)

2.       Demonstrating Jesus (Visibly)

3.       Revealing Jesus (Clearly)

4.       Preparing Disciples to Obey Jesus (Faithfully).

Next Week: “More Than a Holiday

Title: Why Be Grateful? I Tim. 1:12-15; Psalm 67

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/10/itswhoweare/

The God We Can See

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: The God We Can See

Scripture:  Hebrews 1:1-3, Colossians 1:15 and 19, John 10:1-16

 

I. The Revealed One

Colossians 1 – Jesus is the (perfect revelation) of God. Whatever Jesus (says and does) – it’s what God is saying and doing.

Hebrews 1 – Jesus is here to (reveal God to us). He is the (exact representation) of God.

“God’s fullness is revealed in Jesus, who is God in the flesh. Jesus revealed the character of God through His teachings, through His mighty works and through His perfect life. On one occasion, Philip – one of Jesus’s disciples, said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus replied, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’” The Old Testament reveals so much about the character of God, but the picture was not complete until ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. (John 1:14)’” -Pastor Bryan Gibson

II. The Gate and the Good Shepherd – John 10:1-16

 

There is only (ONE gate by which we can enter). Any other attempted way in ends badly. The gate is the way into salvation. (Jesus is the gate).

A thing about gates: There’s a definite “in” and “out” – you’re either through the gate or you aren’t. You will have to choose: to enter or remain outside.

Good Shepherd vs. Hired hand – the good shepherd loves the sheep and (sacrifices his own life) for them to protect and rescue them.

Metaphor of Shepherd – (Psalm 23) and (Ezekiel 34)

Let’s close together by reading Psalm 23 together. Let us remind ourselves what kind of shepherd we have and let us draw near to him and experience “fullest life” [John 10:10]

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The God You Can K.N.O.W.

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: The God You Can K.N.O.W.

Scripture:  Psalm 18

 

I.   KEYSTONE                                                                        

Without the (keystone) the (arch) doesn’t stand a chance. Without (God) our (lives) don’t stand a chance.

 

II.  NEAR                                                         

One of the most common feelings we have is God is (far away).

When we are confused, God will guide us.
When we are afraid, God will protect us.
When we are tempted, God will help us resist.
When we are hurting, God will comfort us.
When we are discouraged, God will encourage us.
When we are lonely, God will be our companion.

 

III. OPEN

God is (worthy of respect) but not (unapproachable).

IV.  WORSHIPPED

3 thoughts:

        1. This section is a repetition of verses 4-19
        2. These verses show the extent of his victories.
        3. David brings (all the praise) back to God.

 

Next Week: “The God We Worship”

Title: Pastor Ryan preaching

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/10/thegodyoucanknow/

The Good Father

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: The Good Father

Scripture:  Matthew 6:9; Deut. 32:6; Ps. 103:13; Mk. 14:36

 

I.   WHAT DOES GOD WANT FROM US?

Two truths collide with our thinking:

1. God wants you to know (who He is).
2. We are all on a (desperate search) to know who God is.

II.   WHAT DOES GOD BEING FATHER MEAN FOR US?

Matthew 6:9; Deut. 32:6; Ps. 103:13; Mk. 14:36

6 ways the fatherhood of God makes a difference:

1. Knowing Him as Father means the (end of all fear).
2. Knowing Him as Father settles (uncertainties) and (gives us hope).
3. Knowing Him as Father settles the issue of (loneliness).
4. Knowing Him as Father settles (or should) the matter of (selfishness).
5. Knowing Him as Father settles the matter of (resources).
6. Knowing Him as Father settles (or should) the matter of (obedience).

The Perfect Father is:

1) A provider
2) Able
3) Present
4) Protector

Next Week: “The God We Worship”
Title: The God You can K.N.O.W.- Psalm 18

 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/10/thegoodfather/

God is Great…God is Good?

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: God is Great…God is Good?

Scripture:  Romans 8:28-29, 31-32;                James 1:16-18

 

I. SEEING GOD’S GOODNESS

“Goodness, in God as in man, means something admirable, attractive, and praiseworthy.”
Packer

“The goodness of God is what which disposes Him to be kind, cordial, benevolent, and full of
good will toward men.” Ingram

God revealed His goodness to Moses. See Exodus 33:12ff

God’s goodness is not (conditional).

II. RESPONDING TO GOD’S GOODNESS

How does God reveal His goodness to us?

1. Through (natural blessings).
2. Through specific (deliverance).
3. Through (His Son, Jesus).

What should be our response to His goodness?

1) (Repent) of our unbelief and ingratitude.
2) (Rest) in His goodness when tough time come.
3) (Risk) by stepping out in faith.

Next Week: “The God We Worship”
Title: The Good Father- Matthew 6:9; various others

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/09/godisgreatgodisgood/

Our One True God

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: Our One True God

Scripture:  Deut. 4:15-40

 

I.   WHAT ARE THE LIES?                                                                        

Lies about God (for information only)

        1. (Pantheism)- universe and cosmos are one
        2. (Panentheism)- God and world are interrelated
        3. (Deism)- Supreme Being created world then withdrew from it
        4. (Mormonism)- God once a man who became a god
        5. (Christian Science)- mind and intelligence are from God
        6. (Jehovah’s Witness)- Father alone is God. No Trinity
        7. (Buddhism)- one doesn’t learn from Buddha; one becomes Buddha
        8. (Hinduism)- One impersonal god or Ultimate Reality (Brahman)
        9. (Islam)- Christians worship Yahweh; Muslims worship Allah
        10. (New Age spirituality)- you are God
        11. (Scientology)- we are immortal spiritual beings called thetans
        12. (Atheism)- denies the existence of God

 

II.  WHAT IS THE TRUTH?                                                        

Religion is about (DO); Christianity is about (DONE).

        1. Religion- (doing something)
        2. Christianity- (what Christ has done)

 

Deuteronomy 4:15-40

        1. Images (dishonor) God, they obscure His glory
        2. Images (mislead) men.

Post-modernism- (no absolute truth).

Scriptures to consider: Acts 4:12; I Tim.2:5; I John 5:12

 

Next Week: “The God We Worship”

Title: God is Great…God is Good?-  Romans 8:28-29, 31-32; James 1:16-18

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Our Unchanging God

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: The God We Worship

TITLE: Our Unchanging God

Scripture:  Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17; various others

Immutability- (Unchanging)

I.  EXAMPLES TO START WITH

Our only hope in this life: (God never changes). 2 examples:
Noah:

1. Genesis 6:17- It is called a (covenant)
2. Genesis 9:8-17- rainbow. This promise is (ongoing).

Abraham: from his seed would come (Christ).

II. QUALITIES TO STAND WITH

6 ways God does not change (from Knowing God)

1. God’s (life) does not change. Ps.90:2
2. God’s (character) does not change. Heb.13:8
3. God’s (truth) does not change. Ps.19:7-8a
4. God’s (ways) do not change. Ps.19:8b-11
5. God’s (purposes) do not change. Rom. 8:29
6. God’s (Son) does not change. Rev. 7:17

Next Week: “The God We Worship”
Title: Our One True God- Deut. 4:15-40

Permanent link to this article: https://www.ovcf.org/ovcf_wp/2023/09/ourunchanginggod/