V1 Church

Matthew 16:16-18 13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” There were more than just the 12 disciples counted among the disciples. I guess when you throw all your Brooks Brothers outfits in the garbage to follow a man...this is a good question one. 14They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Who is they “they”....the they are fans of Jesus. Podcast junkies, Instagram Quote fiends. They’re not following Jesus because of what they can do for the Church, they need that inspirational talk Jesus brings because of what it does for them! Jesus was looking for followers with unoffendable hearts. He knew who was going to SELL OUT and who was going to COP OUT. 15“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Now this is important: if Jesus asked you, “who do you say I am?” I mean, depending on where you’re at with this whole church thing, you might be wondering why we raised our hands during worship...like are they all practicing for a trip to six flags great america? Are they all practicing getting arrested? Holy Spirit should be dialoguing with you while I’m preaching. There’s an interaction that takes place. This is how the foolishness of preaching produces salvation. While I’m talking the Holy Spirit is speaking to the diseased part of your heart - the chamber of confidence! 16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. The way you will come to know Jesus is that Spirit of the living God will begin to dialogue internally with you. He’s dealing with issues of your heart even now.

In this Episode: Three things offense produces. 1. Character produces competition. They don’t want to do right, but they want to be perceived as right. Just because they’re mad doesn’t mean they’re right. 2. Dreams produce division People aren’t intimidated by dreamers, they’re offended by doers. Your dream isn’t safe with everyone. You’ll only be as big as the amount of hate you can tolerate. 3. Talking will produce the root of transgression Transgression means to go beyond the boundaries. Fences and Guardrails aren’t for decoration, they’re for protection. Proverbs 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Guards their SOUL from distress, anguish HEBREW De-stress by talking less and praying more. Talk to God.

Offense is the (false) belief that holding a grudge helps you and enacts revenge on the offender. Offense is the surprise brought on by the expectancy that people will never hurt you. Offense is misguided expectation. Offense is the stethoscope for identity disease of the heart.

God is faithful, even when we are faithless. This is the Easter message for those who have already heard the resurrection story but didn't believe it.

Pastor Julie Signorelli delivers a powerful message for the grand finale of Homecoming!

Hebrews 11:1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. How you deal with the unseen is connected. A God you can’t see... what about a future you can’t see either? Do you speak to it? Faith for a Heavenly Father Faith for a Heavenly Future How you deal with people's’ opinions - I can’t believe you go to church, believe in God... they’re not going to believe in your UNSEEN future either. Christian atheists Don’t have a God problem, they have a Church problem. Senses there’s something more, but accepts there’s nothing at all Colossians 1:18-20 15-18 We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body. I love Jesus, but I don’t like the church = “I like you, but can’t stand your wife.”

1. Desire without process will destroy you. Desire without process will take you far away from home. 2. Never mix seasonal people with lifetime expectations. “May the bridges I burn light the way home.” Some people aren’t loyal to you...they’re loyal to their NEED for you...once their need changes, so does their loyalty. Many times, friends can’t support you publicly because of how they’ve spoken about you privately. Why are you afraid to lose people that aren’t even yours’? Stop holding on to people who keep letting you GO. When people are two-faced...just know you can’t trust either one of their faces. 3. While you’re rehearsing your homecoming prayer, God is already preparing the homecoming celebration! 4. You’ll never be able to celebrate your identity while you’re striving for identity.

Trusting is a very hard thing to do. They had a relationship TO Christ, but not WITH Him. Sometimes the storm has to be really bad - you have to travel into the epicenter of the fear to realize you have a relationship TO him, but not WITH HIM….because relationships take TRUST. Their fear was the result of the acknowledging the end of their ability. They were skilled at navigating the seas - they had no doubt been in rough waters many times. But as the wind and waves crashed round about them, there was a collective realization: This is beyond us. Have you been in a situation “beyond you”? They came to the realization - He’s in the boat. We have a relationship TO him, but not with him. Every chance to build trust is an opportunity Trust: choosing to make something important to you vulnerable to the actions of someone else. Distrust: what I have shared with you that is important to me is not safe with you. The disciples in the boat chose to come to Jesus - we know we are experts at sea…we are men who drunk, cuss, fart, and smoke… but we are so vulnerable, we feel like we’re going to die. Jesus rebuked and rescued. He’s not ok with you not trusting Him. He’s always made a way. Might not have looked like you wanted it to look, but I’ve always rescued you. As you make yourself vulnerative - He will make it a safe place to speak with him. Safe doesn’t make your feelings valid excuses. 2 Cor. 1:8-11 We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he’ll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. We started to trust God. Discovered in the moment of trust Julie was going to lose the very thing she was going to hold on to if she tried to. To trust means to LET GO. You may lose the thing you’re desperately trying to hold on to. Maya Angelo “I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves, but say I love you.” She quotes an African proverb when she says that “Beware the naked man offering you a shirt.” If you find yourself lacking in trust is to examine yourself. We cannot ask people to give to us something we do not believe we are worthy of receiving. There are people who will try to tell you how to get to your destiny. If those disciples would have not just acknowledge that not only was Jesus present in the boat, but He already said they were going to do ALL He did and greater. We are waiting for Jesus to step in to do it. But I don’t trust people who don’t love themselves, but say I love you. The naked man offering you a shirt. If you want trust, trust God. Every opportunity to build trust is an opportunity to betray. 2 Cor. 1:8 As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally—not a bad idea since he’s the God who raises the dead! I don’t know your situation, but it’s an opportunity not for betrayal because God cannot betray you...it’s an opportunity for healing.

Maybe you've been craigslist hunting for "casual encounters," but find out what happens when you have a divine encounter. The supernatural realm is real. Your being longs for it, but a "casual encounter" with religion is not enough to fill the void. Founding Pastor Mike Signorelli teaches how to provoke a God encounter in your life. When God is your primary pursuit all other pursuits are aligned. God writes straight with crooked lines. Share this podcast with your friends. This is a life changing message! Leave a review on iTunes and let them know you've went V1, no turning back!

Last week we talked about three lies you believe about relationships. True Love is not an emotion you feel, it’s an act of the will….which is why you don’t base a relationship off of the feeling of love. You don’t make love by making feelings, you make love by making choices. The point of relationship isn’t to meet your needs. If you serve yourself, ultimately, you will only be left with yourself. God can refurbish your future because a defect doesn’t change your value. You are WORTH THE WORK. Proverbs 4:7 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.