This is the home of the Valley Life Church weekly podcast, featuring conversations and messages from our Sunday morning worship gatherings.
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On Sunday, November 21, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart led us in a reflective practice of gratitude by reminding us that gratitude is a practice that starts in our hearts and is expressed toward those closest to us and as well to the Lord.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
On Sunday, November 14, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart shared an encouragement to realign our perspective by worshiping the Lord, choosing to meditate on the Lord’s goodness toward us, and partnering with the Lord’s people to see the Lord’s plans come to fruition.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
On Sunday, November 7, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart shared an encouragement to walk in accountability as a key component of growth by granting permission for others to speak into our lives so that we can step into new opportunities afforded us by the new areas of growth. Lastly, we are reminded that we need each other. Our personal, spiritual, and community growth depends on our relationships with one another.
Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Ephesians 4:14-16 (NLT)
On Sunday, October 31, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart shares a message about taking next steps to ensure we have a firm spiritual foundation. We are encouraged from 2 Peter 1:5-8 to make supporting our faith a priority, revisiting the process listed here, and committing ourselves to possess the qualities so that we will be productive in our faith.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV)
On Sunday, October 24, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart shares a message about taking the next steps by evaluating what we have been entrusted with on a personal and corporate level. From there we ask, “Am I fully invested in these things?” By prayerfully asking these questions, we can receive discernment from the Lord as to what our next steps should be.
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.
“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them.”
Matthew 25:14-19 (NIV)
On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart shares a prophetic view of our current season and the season to come. This week’s message encourages us to focus on Jesus, seek to become a different type of disciple, and have a new way of thinking.
They said to him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.”
Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.”
He told them this parable: “No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.’”
Luke 5:33-39 (NIV)
On Sunday, October 10, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart concluded our series on the Spirit-empowered life. This week’s message encourages us to not depend on outward credentials or affiliations and to rather lean on Jesus by resting in the Holy Spirit, returning to the cross, and remembering that it is the Spirit at work within us to make us more like Christ.
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
Galatians 6:11-16 (NIV)
On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the Spirit-empowered life. This week’s message encourages us to be aware of our tendency toward self-deception, which leads us to invest in things that do not promote a Spirit-empowered life. We also discussed becoming weary in doing good. God promises a reward for those who don’t give up.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:7-10 (NIV)
On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message reminds us that those that are spiritual are:
Restorers (helping others heal),
Rebuilders (re-establishing kingdom ways), and
Reflectors (evaluate their own actions)
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:1-5 (NIV)
On Sunday, September 19, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to embrace the reality of our flesh, draw from God’s power, and harness the power of We.
The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:19, 22-25 (NIV)
On Sunday, September 12, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to identify and avoid Satan’s influence toward division, focus on the oneness we have in Christ, and practice gentleness.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:2-6 (NIV)
On Sunday, September 5, 2021, Pastor Stuart shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Stuart continued our series on the fruits of the Spirit. This week’s message encourages us to draw near to the Lord with a sincere heart, hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, and encourage one another to be faithful in love and good deeds.
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:22-24 (NIV)
On Sunday, August 29, 2021, guest speaker Pastor Abraham Philip of the North India Christian Ministries, shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. Pastor Abraham’s message encourages us to pray, love, and serve as acts of worship because the end of all things is near.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:7-10 (NIV)
On Sunday, August 22, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart discusses the meaning of goodness and encourages us to develop a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in the pursuit of doing good.
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NLT)
On Sunday, August 15, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart shares with us how the Holy Spirit convicts us of our brokenness, reveals God’s character in kindness, and washes us and renews us so that we might live in kindness toward others.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7 (NIV)
On Sunday, August 8, 2021, Gio Serrato shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Gio lead us in a conversation about our willingness to respond to Jesus in faith. Gio asks us three questions:
Am I willing to recognize Jesus as Lord?
Am I willing to accept God’s will for our lives?
Am I willing to obey the Lord in however God leads us?
Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”
Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”
Matthew 8:1-4 (NLT)
On Sunday, August 1, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of patience in our lives. We discuss how to practice patience in the seasons of life we find ourselves in, being patient with one another, and being patient with God.
The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience…
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
Colossians 1:11 (NLT)
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit produces the fruit of peace in our lives. We discuss how we lose our peace, how we restore our peace, and how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in living a life of peace.
The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:25-27 (NIV)
On Sunday, July 18, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a joy-filled life by acknowledging things that bring us joy, identifying things that steal our joy, and seeking the Spirit’s presence to lead us in joy in times of ease and challenge.
The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…
Galatians 5:19, 22 (NIV)May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
On Sunday, July 11, 2021, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message in person and online via YouTube Live and Zoom. In our discussion this week, Pastor Stuart continues our new series on the Fruits of the Spirit by sharing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to love by teaching us to see the image of God in one another. From there, the Spirit teaches us to bless and forgive, which are necessary for loving God by loving others.
The acts of the flesh are obvious… But the fruit of the Spirit is love.
Galatians 5:19, 22 (NIV)“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)
