2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: What a Heritage!

Scripture: Matthew 1

I.   A MESSY FAMILY TREE  

Jesus’ family tree is nothing to brag about.

1. 1. 1. 1. Tamar- a (deceiver) who pretended to be a prostitute.
         2. Rahab- a (prostitute) in Jericho who hid two spies.
         3. Ruth- a (Moabitess), a Gentile.
         4. Bathsheba- an (adulteress), the “wife of Uriah.”

We would say, “(He doesn’t stand a chance)”

II.  A SUBMISIVE COUPLE

1. 1. 1. Mary was a godly woman living in a (godless place).  God will pick the most unexpected people, places, and things to (accomplish His will).
      2. Mary was a godly woman who questioned but then said, “(Yes).”
      3. Mary was a godly woman who was married to an (extraordinary man).

NEXT WEEK: SERIES: More Than a Holiday

Title: The Role of a Lifetime- Luke 2:7-29; Mt. 2:1-12

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: Long, Long Ago

Scripture: John 1:1-5; Isaiah 9:6-7

The story of Christmas is not a “Christmas morning story” of a virgin with child and all the other players. The story is actually a very intricate story from long, long ago. It was not a last minute scheme by God to (fix something that broke).

I.   LONG, LONG AGO LAYS ITS FOUNDATION 

The story of Christmas is the (story of our redemption).

II.  LONG, LONG AGO FINDS ITS MEANING   

4 names for the promised Messiah from Isaiah 9:6-7

1. 1. 1. 1. (Wonderful Counselor)-  The Hebrew word for wonderful means “something uncommon our out of the ordinary.”  See also Ps.139:6
         2. (Mighty God)- Actually two words in Hebrew: El which is used to refer to the (one True God).  Mighty means (strength, power, hero).
         3. (Everlasting Father)- This says He is (timeless).  He is (eternal). He is (preexistent). He is also (self-existent), which is seen in His name (I AM).
         4. (Prince of Peace)- This will be and is only found in Jesus.

• • He is the Wonderful Counselor- This takes care of the (decisions) of life
  • He is the Mighty God- This take care of the (demands) of life
  • He is the Everlasting Father- This takes care of the (future) of life
  • He is the Prince of Peace- This takes care of the (disturbances) of life.

NEXT WEEK: SERIES: More Than a Holiday

5 Women and a Man- Matthew 1

2023 THEME: Victory!

Series: More Than a Holiday

TITLE: When It’s All Said and Done

Scripture: Pr.16:18; 2 Cor. 9:9-11

Gratitude finds its source in the One who has (given us all things).

I.   THE NECESSARY INGREDIENT 

What can hinder thankfulness?

1. 1. 1. 1. (Inertia)
         2. Ingratitude is often (modeled for us)
         3. Chronic (spiritual blindness)
         4. (Pride)

Thanksgiving has a key word in it: (giving).

Giving to others (transforms our heart) and changes us from the inside.

II.  THE AFTERMATH OF GRATITUDE  

Three characteristics that “play off” gratitude:

1. 1. 1. 1. (Contentment)
         2. (Humility)
         3. (Wonder)

NEXT WEEK: SERIES: More Than a Holiday

Long, Long Ago- john 1:1-5; Isaiah 7:10-14; 9:6-7

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. 1. 1. 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. 1. 1. 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. 1. 1. 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

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

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

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

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]

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. 1. 1. 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

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