Trusting Through the Night

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 13, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin share with us that in the Christian life we will experience Gethsemane moments. By keeping in close relationship with God, these moments will not overtake us, because we will be in the habit of meeting with God in the good times as well as the difficult ones.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Mark 14:32-37.

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. And He said to them, “ My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by. And He was saying, “ Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?"
Mark 14:32-37, NASB

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:40; Conversation, 16:40-50:03

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal
2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV

Reboot: Going Back to Go Forward

In the conversation for this Sunday, March 6, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice leads us in a reflection about the practice of Communion, also referred to as the Lord's Supper or Eucharist.

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, NIV

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:20; Conversation, 14:40-48:55

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading.

Sacred Reading Text

So from now on we don’t think of anyone from a human point of view. If we did think of Christ from a human point of view, we don’t anymore. 17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships. In other words, God was using Christ to restore his relationship with humanity. He didn’t hold people’s faults against them, and he has given us this message of restored relationships to tell others. Therefore, we are Christ’s representatives, and through us God is calling you. We beg you on behalf of Christ to become reunited with God.
2 Corinthians 5:16-20, God's Word Translation

Rodney Gonsalves: My Story and Lessons Learned from Walking with Jesus

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 28, 2016, special guest speaker, Rodney Gonsalves, shares with us his story of coming to faith in Jesus Christ and the relationship with God that followed. Rodney also shared with us some life lessons he learned from trusting God in difficult situations and allowing the Bible to be a source of wisdom for him and his family.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–16:10; Conversation, 16:10-49:48

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading: 
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. 

So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2, Common English Bible

Heart Work: Grieving Well

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 21, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice, while processing a personal grief experience, provided us some guidelines on how to process grief and loss in our lives. Click here to view the worksheet for this conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 Peter 5:7-11.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:7-11, New Living Translation

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:40; Conversation, 14:40-49:20

Sacred Reading Text

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7, NASB

Reboot: Love

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 14, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice & Kim Nowlin lead us through a "Love Checkup" based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Click here to view the Love Checkup worksheet. 

The passage for this morning's conversation is 1 John 4:7-11.

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
(1 John 4:7-11, NASB)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–13:52; Conversation, 13:52-49:50

Sacred Reading Text

I may speak in the languages of humans and of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am a loud gong or a clashing cymbal. I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don’t have love, I am nothing. I may even give away all that I have and give up my body to be burned. But if I don’t have love, none of these things will help me.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-3, God's Word Translation)

Getting Unstuck: Getting Started Again

In the conversation for this Sunday, February 7, 2016, Pastor Stuart Nice shares an encouragement for those who are feeling stuck in their current circumstances and gives a simple solution getting started again.

The passage for this morning's conversation is John 5:2-9.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew Bethesda, having five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, and withered, ... A man was there who had been ill for thirty- eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your pallet and walk.” Immediately the man became well, and picked up his pallet and began to walk. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.
(John 5:2-9, NASB)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–17:42; Conversation, 17:42-40:24; Communion, 40:24-45:24

Sacred Reading Text

     A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have. We didn’t bring anything into the world, and we can’t take anything out of it. As long as we have food and clothes, we should be satisfied.
     But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires which drown them in destruction and ruin. Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief.
     But you, man of God, must avoid these things. Pursue what God approves of:a godly life, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness
(1 Timothy 6:6-11, God's Word Translation)

First in Mission: The Fellowship of Service

In the conversation for this Sunday, January 31, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin lead us in a conversation about living according to the mission Jesus gave us, and doing it together.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Luke 10:1-3.

After this, the Lord appointed 70 other disciples to go ahead of him to every city and place that he intended to go. They were to travel in pairs.
He told them, “The harvest is large, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord who gives this harvest to send workers to harvest his crops. Go! I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves.
(Luke 10:1-4, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–15:50; Conversation, 15:50-54:32

Sacred Reading Text

The eleven disciples went to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they bowed down in worship, though some had doubts.
When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations:Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to do everything I have commanded you."
“And remember that I am always with you until the end of time."
(Matthew 28:16-20, God's Word Translation)

First in Forgiveness

In the conversation for this Sunday, January 24, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin discuss the importance of forgiveness and the freedom it affords for those who learn to forgive and live forgiven.

Click here to view the exercise sheet used in the conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Matthew 5:21-26.

“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, ‘Never murder. Whoever murders will answer for it in court.’ But I can guarantee that whoever is angry with another believer will answer for it in court. Whoever calls another believer an insulting name will answer for it in the highest court. Whoever calls another believer a fool will answer for it in hellfire."

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember there that another believer has something against you, leave your gift at the altar. First go away and make peace with that person. Then come back and offer your gift."

“Make peace quickly with your opponent while you are on the way to court with him. Otherwise, he will hand you over to the judge. Then the judge will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. I can guarantee this truth:You will never get out until you pay every penny of your fine."
(Matthew 5:21-26, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–14:45; Conversation, 14:45-46:54

Sacred Reading Text

God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ’s blood sacrificed on the cross.

Once you were separated from God. The evil things you did showed your hostile attitude. But now Christ has brought you back to God by dying in his physical body. He did this so that you could come into God’s presence without sin, fault, or blame. This is on the condition that you continue in faith without being moved from the solid foundation of the hope that the Good News contains.
(Colossians 1:19-23a, God's Word Translation)

First in Grace

In the conversation for this Sunday, January 17, 2016, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin lead us in a discussion, exploring what it is to live a life of practical grace.

Click here to view the exercise sheet used in the conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Romans 12:6-11.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord
(Romans 12:6-11, NIV)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–13:35; Conversation, 13:35-52:11

Sacred Reading Text

He is the image of the invisible God,
  the firstborn of all creation.
He created all things in heaven and on earth,
  visible and invisible.
    Whether they are kings or lords,
      rulers or powers—
      everything has been created through him and for him.
He existed before everything
  and holds everything together.
He is also the head of the church, which is his body.
He is the beginning,
  the first to come back to life
  so that he would have first place in everything.

God was pleased to have all of himself live in Christ. God was also pleased to bring everything on earth and in heaven back to himself through Christ. He did this by making peace through Christ’s blood sacrificed on the cross.
(Colossians 1:15-20, God's Word Translation)

Living the "God First" Life

In this week's conversation, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin lead us in a discussion, exploring what it is to live the God First life and how to know we're on track with it.

Click here to view the assessment used in the conversation.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Matthew 6:33-36.

"Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. So don’t ever worry about tomorrow."
(Matthew 6:32-34, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:10; Conversation, 12:10-44:57

Sacred Reading Text

So then, be very careful how you live. Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days. So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts. Always thank God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ.
(Ephesians 5:15-21, God's Word Translation)

Going Forward in the Spiritual Life

Happy New year! This is the first episode of our 2016 Conversations here at VLC. In this week's conversation, Pastor Stuart Nice encourages us to go forward in our spiritual lives by seeking God's kingdom as our first priority.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Matthew 6:33-34.

"But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
(Matthew 6:33-34, God's Word Translation)

Sacred Reading, 00:00–12:10; Conversation, 12:10-44:20

Sacred Reading Text

“No one can serve two masters. He will hate the first master and love the second, or he will be devoted to the first and despise the second. You cannot serve God and wealth.
“So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes?
“Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?
“Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?
“And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes. But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers. That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith?
“Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat? ’ or ‘What are we going to drink? ’ or ‘What are we going to wear? ’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.
“So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
(Matthew 6:25-34, God's Word Translation)

Themes of Christmas: O Come, Let Us Adore Him

This episode concludes our Advent Conversation here at VLC, The Themes of Christmas. In this week's conversation, Pastor Stuart Nice helps us to explore how it is that we can adore Jesus this Christmas and beyond.

The passage for this morning's conversation is Matthew 2:1-12, NASB.

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They said to him, “ In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
6 ‘ And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah;
For out of you shall come forth A Ruler
Who will shepherd MY people Israel. ’”
7 Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” 9 After hearing the king, they went their way; and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, the magi left for their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:1-12, NASB

This week's conversation is Part 4 of The Themes of Christmas.

Conversation, 00:00–30:50; Sacred Reading, 30:50-47:50

Sacred Reading Text

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. ’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You? ’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'"
Matthew 25:34-40, NASB

Themes of Christmas: The God of the Impossible

This episode continues our Advent Conversation here at VLC, The Themes of Christmas. In this week's conversation, Pastors Stuart Nice and Kim Nowlin lead us in discovering that "nothing will be impossible with God."

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “ The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word."
Luke 1:34-38, NASB

This week's conversation is Part 3 of The Themes of Christmas.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–10:55;  Conversation, 10:55–47:36

Sacred Reading Text

I would like to learn just one thing from you:Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? 4 Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? 5 So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? 6 So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Galatians 3:2-6, NIV

Themes of Christmas: Price of Peace

This episode continues our Advent Conversation here at VLC, The Themes of Christmas. In this week's conversation, Pastor Stuart leads us in discovering Jesus as our Prince of Peace.

"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
Luke 2:14, NASB
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."
John 14:27, NASB

This week's conversation is Part 2 of The Themes of Christmas.

Conversation, 00:00–14:10;  Sacred Reading, 14:10–29:00; Communion, 29:10-36:17

Sacred Reading Text

"Never worry about anything. But in every situation let God know what you need in prayers and requests while giving thanks. 7 Then God’s peace, which goes beyond anything we can imagine, will guard your thoughts and emotions through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7, God's Word Translation

Themes of Christmas: Expectation

This episode launches our Advent Conversation here at VLC, The Themes of Christmas. In this week's conversation, Pastor Stuart and Pastor Kim lead us to explore our expectations as we enter the Christmas season.

... and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Romans 4:21, NASB
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ...
Ephesians 3:20, NASB

This week's conversation is Part 1 of The Themes of Christmas.

Sacred Reading, 00:00–10:57  Conversation, 10:57–48:00

Sacred Reading Text
But there will be no more gloom for the land that is in distress. God humbled the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali in earlier times. But in the future he will bring glory to the road by the sea, to the land across the Jordan River, to Galilee, where foreigners live. The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. The light will shine on those who live in the land of death’s shadow. ... A child will be born for us. A son will be given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and peace will have unlimited growth. He will establish David’s throne and kingdom. He will uphold it with justice and righteousness now and forever. The Lord of Armies is determined to do this!
(Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7, God's Word Translation)

Spirit Born Faith: Grounded in Christ

The current VLC Conversation Series is Best Practices for Spirit Filled & Led Living, which is a study through the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. There is no law against things like this.
(Galatians 5:22-23, CEB)

This week's conversation is Part 7, Spirit Born Faith: Grounded in Christ

Spirit Born Goodness: Generosity in Action

The current VLC Conversation Series is Best Practices for Spirit Filled & Led Living, which is a study through the Fruits of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. There is no law against things like this.
(Galatians 5:22-23, CEB)

This week's conversation is Part 6, Spirit Born Goodness: Generosity in Action.