Victory Family Church

Today we worshiped at Victory Family Church, 21150 Route 19, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066, 724.453.6200, www.lifeatvictory.com, John Nuzzo, Senior Pastor.

Scripture –

James 4:5 NKJV

Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

Psalm 139:17-18 NLT

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!

James 4:4 NLT

“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Exodus 34:14 NKJV

(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

1 John 2:15-16 NKJV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

Matthew 5:27-28 MSG

“You know the next commandment pretty well, too: ‘Don’t go to bed with another’s spouse.’ But don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt.

Colossians 3:1-2 NKJV

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Romans 8:5-7 NKJV

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

James 4:4-5, 8 NLT

“You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

1 John 5:21 NLT

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”

1 Corinthians 10:22-23 NLT

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.”

Hebrews 12:14 NKJV

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.

Bob’s thoughts:

I ended up in the worship space for only the part I am the least comfortable with: music and lights while in the tiers. When that part was over, my four-year-old grandchildren were done. They led me to a play area they knew well, right past the counter where I could have bought a coffee. Watching their interaction with the other children was inspirational…lots of smiles all around. Maybe that’s just the part of my heart that needed warmed.

Jan’s thoughts:

We decided to worship with our daughter and grandtwins in order to spend some time with them prior to the one’s surgery this week. We have visited this church numerous times so Bob knows the way around well.

Saturday night and Sunday morning John Bevere took over the preaching duties. I am somewhat familiar with his books but this is the first time I’ve seen or heard him. He was terrific: passionate, relaxed, friendly, open, direct, and forthcoming.

The Saturday and Sunday messages were different but both based on his book “Good or God.” Though not set to be released until August, he sold (and gave) copies of this book, which I can’t wait to read.

“Good or God” argues against the assumption “if it is good, it must be from God” and he made a case for warning in addition to teaching.

He asked the question, “If you were forced to make a choice, would you choose friendship with God or a ‘good life’ distant from God?” He made a Scriptural case for God’s intense, consistent longing for us, reminding that God is the passionate and jealous Lover of our souls.

He declared that the world is constantly seeking us out, and as believers it is possible for us to have an adulterous relationship with the world…the key is where our mind is set, whether it is set on God and the things of God or on the world and things of the world. The mind goes to where it is set.

He illustrated his point with vivid stories about how he had fallen in this regard in case there was any question whether he knew whereof he spoke. He knew, and he preached fearlessly from personal experience.

After hearing this message I want to pray the prayer he suggested, asking God to purify my heart of all that is not His best for me. I suppose that is what a great sermon is about: change.

Our prayer for this church:

Lord, a church this size and this active takes many “Marthas.” We pray they all have their “Mary” moments. Amen.