Church In The Valley - Ontario Ranch Campus

Many times, inner turmoil is connected to a decision we are facing. This can be a warning signal that we need to slow down and make sure that the choice we are about to make lines up with God’s will that He has already revealed in His Word. The right question to ask: Is there a tension I need to pay attention to? (Andy Stanley) Is there a moral or ethical dilemma (something inside, like a gut check) that is causing you to hesitate because it doesn’t seem like the right way to go? If so, the wrong choice may break through a guardrail that is found in Scripture to protect us from unnecessary pain and trouble. There is much guidance and protection found as we obey what we know to be God’s will in Scripture (Psalm 119:105; 119:168)

Every decision you make becomes a part of your story. Over and again, we are faced with a choice between something that looks like it will bring immediate satisfaction (or is expedient) or in taking the long road that we know to be God’s will trusting Him to work out His purpose for us. The right question to ask: What story do I want to tell? In the story of Joseph, we see a man who chose to do what is right before God in faith rather than do in the moment what would seemingly give Him a personal advantage (Genesis 39:8-10; 40-41). Faith is always a core part of making good decisions – He will never guide us in a way that eliminates our need to exercise faith (Hebrews 11:6)

When we are faced with a decision that surprises us (positive or negative), a difficult but crucial thing is to discover what’s real underneath all of the swirling thoughts and emotions. The right question to ask is: Am I being completely honest with myself? We are constantly in danger of self-deception (Jeremiah 17:9) and must do whatever it takes to get the facts (Proverbs 18:13) and refuse to rely on our own insight (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for many, this was His purpose for living (Mark 10:45). When He faced the reality of the price He would pay on the cross, He surrendered to God’s will. By His example, He showed us what to do when we face hard choices in life. He asked the right question and surrendered to God’s will. The right question to ask: How does this fit into my purpose for living? On this Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection. The resurrection is a historical event that can be investigated and proves that Jesus has the power to fulfill His purpose to ransom us. The resurrection also proves that He has the power to help us fulfill our purpose for living if we will surrender to God’s will.

Genuine friendships and family relationships thrive when the truth is spoken in an atmosphere of love. This message will provide a practical guide for speaking the truth in an atmosphere of love.

Love does not keep a record of wrongs but learns to let go of offenses and be patient with others. Learn how to choose genuine forgiveness.

Big Idea: Love is not rude but chooses to show respect and honor to others. We will uncover the key signs that indicate you are showing respect for those around you.

Humility is a state of mind that expresses itself in our words and deeds. Learn how this underrated quality is a key to loving others in practical ways.

Envy is resenting God’s goodness to others and ignoring God’s goodness to me. In this message, we will look at how to get past resentment to love the people around you.

If I don’t live a life of love, nothing I say, know, believe, give or accomplish will matter. God wants us to live a life of love and will show us how to if we trust Him.

Faith is the gateway for God’s power to work through our lives – to accomplish His work in us and through us.

To follow Jesus means that we will serve our friends and family and invite them to follow Christ with us.

In Jesus’ Kingdom, those who serve are the greatest and those who take last place are first. To follow Jesus, I must humbly accept my role in the Kingdom and allow God to establish my rank as He sees fit.

Jesus’ way to live is upside down from our values and approach. In faith, we must choose to keep “losing our lives” to find the life we really want. To follow Jesus I must embrace His values and ways.

Following Jesus means that I choose over and over again to do the will of God over what I want to do (from the heart). This is the key to the best life filled with purpose, meaning and God’s blessing.

Following Jesus means that we follow the King. It's crucial to understand how you enter His Kingdom - we must seek to enter and when we do, the Father allows us to enter. We continue to follow in the same way we enter. (In this message, I will also talk about the significance of the Lord's Supper.)

Looking at the opportunities the New Year brings.

Christmas is the story of 1 Act of kindness that brings hope to the entire world.

Jesus’ birth is proof that God keeps His promises that He gave us through the prophets. In this message we will trace the promises given and the fulfillment in Christ that reinforces our faith and worship during the Christmas season.

Jesus shows us the importance staying on the path His word shows us (Psalm 119:105) to know the truth that brings freedom. The word of God shows us the path to freedom from sin and the habits that enslave us. It is the key to overcoming temptation (Matthew 4:4-11) and gaining victory over the enemy (Ephesians 6:17).