Living in Kingdom Time

On Sunday, September 11, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today, Pastor Stuart Nice led us in a conversation on how to understand time in regards to the Kingdom of God, how to develop an awareness of Kingdom time, and ways to incorporate strategies to be more effective when we are operating in Kingdom time.

Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity (redeeming the time, NKJV), because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)

Back to the School of Christ: Tending to the Holy Spirit

On Sunday, September 4, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today, Pastor Stuart Nice led us in a conversation about living in a dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit by watching what causes us to let the Spirit’s presence dissipate in our lives. We also addressed some key strategies to stay in alignment with the Holy Spirit. Lastly, we were reminded that gratitude brings us into a proper perspective of our relationship with the Lord and our interaction with those closest to us.

Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)

Back to the School of Christ: Prudent Living

On Sunday, August 28, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today, Pastor Stuart Nice led us in a conversation about living prudently, encouraging us to make gaining wisdom a priority, to make the most of every opportunity, and to live in a way that pleases God.

Be very careful, then, how you live —not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Back to the School of Christ

On Sunday, August 21, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today, Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message encouraging us to know Christ more by doing the things that enhance our relationship with him, receiving his power to endure suffering, and pressing in to take hold of Christ.

Pastor Stuart also shared a song called "I Want Jesus" by John Wilds.
Click here to watch it.

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Philippians 3:10-12 (NIV)

Best Day Ever!

On Sunday, August 14, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today, Ray Arney shared a message about choosing to have a “Best Day Ever” perspective by looking for diving appointments, doing something for someone else, and being someone who can be seen so that we can have a positive impact on the world around us while drawing people to Christ.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?
2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NIV)

How to Stand Firm in this Shifting World

On Sunday, August 7, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Brook Fonceca shared a message about using what’s available to us to stand firm when the world around us seems to be in continual change. We were encouraged to acknowledge and understand our resources, move the fulcrum toward the resource that is providing balance, and then trust the process.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)

How to Live Courageously in this Uncertain World

On Sunday, July 31, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart encouraged us to be strong in the Lord and not to fear by staying grounded in God’s word, by obeying the Holy Spirit, and trusting God when the way is unfamiliar.

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV)

The Gift of God’s Promises, Part 3

On Sunday, July 24, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared part 3 of a message on God’s Promises. We are encouraged to seek God’s presence in the midst of trials, trust the provision of the Lord’s protection, and embrace God’s enduring blessings all the days of our lives.

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23:4-6 (NIV)

The Gift of God’s Promises, Part 2

On Sunday, July 17, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared a message reminding us of the Lord’s provision as our shepherd, making safe and restorative places for us to find our alignment and walking in the Lord’s ways for us.

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Psalms 23:1-3 (NIV)

The Gift of God’s Promises

On Sunday, July 3, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared a message reminding us of the power and durability of God’s promises. We can take ownership of them and impart these promises into our lives, allowing their impact to not only change us but those closest to us as well.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 (NIV)

The Blessing

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Gio Serrato shared some thoughts about blessing, especially doing the hard work to ensure that we are able to bless others. We are blessed when we are able to bless others.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

Experiencing a Renewed Pentecost, Part 2

On Sunday, June 12, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart continues his message from Pentecost Sunday reminding us about the work of the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to examine our lives for the mistakes we’ve made and lies we’ve believed, and lastly, exhorting us to put our faith in Christ and not in following the rules.

How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.
Galatians 3:3-5 (NLT)

Experiencing a Renewed Pentecost

On Sunday, June 5, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared a message for Pentecost Sunday from Acts 1:6-8. He walks us through the passage encouraging us to think about how we approach the Lord with our questions, and then reminding us that when we encounter the Holy Spirit we will be empowered to be Christ’s witnesses in our world. 

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:6-8 (NIV)

The Simplicity of Worship

On Sunday, May 29, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today members of the VLC worship team, Santiago & Beth Barboza and Brook Fonceca, shared some thoughts about worship, its simplicity, how we are created to worship, and how God uses worship as an instrument of growth in our lives.

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:28-31 (NIV)

Being Ready for the Coming Season

On Sunday, May 22, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared a message of hope through preparing ourselves to be close to the Lord, to love more deeply and sacrificially, and to be of service to the Lord and God’s people.

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)

Worship Reset: Returning in Surrender

On Sunday, May 15, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart continues our series on the Foundations of Worship. This week’s message focused on the posture of surrender and our need to return to the Lord regularly in worship. Adopting a posture of surrender opens us up to be transformed by God’s presence and empowers us to live according to the Lord’s discerning guidance.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)

Worship Reset: Restoring the Word

On Sunday, May 8, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart began a new series on the Foundations of Worship. This week’s message focused on the place God’s word has in our expression of worship. From teaching and admonishing to singing with one another, the word of Christ is our foundation and guide as we seek to walk in wisdom and gratitude.

Pastor Stuart also shared a song called Gratitude. It can be found here. https://youtu.be/mRlLumFvwyA

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16 (NASB)

The Foundations of Worship: Enjoying the Lord

On Sunday, May 1, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart began a new series on the Foundations of Worship. This week’s message explored the concept of enjoying the Lord as worship by enjoying God as a person, looking for ways to delight in the Lord, and then expressing that joy as love toward one another.

Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV)

The Value of a Friend

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today’s speaker, Gio Serrato, shared a message exploring friendship, its reciprocal nature, and encouraging us to be mindful of whom we hold as friends.

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)