We have Deacons!

It has been a while since I've posted on here, but I wanted to come talk a little bit about what has been happening at Victory Life!

We have Deacons!

I'm very happy to present Deacons Cedric Wicks, Jessica Robinson, and Darius Ganzie! These three have been faithful to the ministry since the 1st year of Victory Life. 

Deacons at Victory Life are charged with:

1. Taking care of the church
2. Being faithful in attendance
3. Being faithful in tithes and offering and support of ministry
4. Being knowledgeable of Word
5. Living the Word & taking care of their families
6. Having a desire to serve

These individuals went through observations, interviews, and written biblical testing and were found to be ready to serve in the office of deacon. They have been faithful to the ministry, growing in their relationships with God, supportive of leadership and committed to the vision and mission of Victory Life Christian Ministries. On the Sunday of our Newness 2013 conference, their roles became official and they were anointed for the office of deacon. We are honored to have these three stand as leaders at Victory Life and we look forward to what God is going to continue to do in their lives and ministries. Congratulations on this great charge!

Below is more information about deacons for those interested in learning more:

Definition of DEACON

: a subordinate officer in a Christian church: as

one of the laymen elected by a church with congregational polity to serve in worship, in pastoral care, and on administrative committees

Some scriptures about deacons:

1. Romans 16:1 [Personal Greetings ] I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. Romans 16:1-3 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons :Philippians 1:1-3 (in Context) Philippians 1 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
3. 1 Timothy 3:1 [Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons ] Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 3:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
4. 1 Timothy 3:8 In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. 1 Timothy 3:7-9 (in Context) 1 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
5. 1 Timothy 3:10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 1 Timothy 3:9-11 (in Context) 1 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
6. 1 Timothy 3:12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and must manage his children and his household well.1 Timothy 3:11-13 (in Context) 1 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations

Deacon

The original meaning of this word is an attendant, assistant, helper. It is sometimes translated minister, that is, servant, as in Matthew 20:26 2 1 Corinthians 6:4 Ephesians 3:7. Deacons are first mentioned as officers in the Christian church in Acts 6:1-15, where it appears that their duty was to collect the alms of the church, and distribute them to such as had a claim upon them, visiting the poor and sick, widows, orphans, and sufferers under persecution, and administering all necessary and proper relief. Of the seven there named, Philip and Stephen are afterwards found laboring as evangelists. The qualifications of deacons are specified in 1 Timothy 3:8-12.

Newness 2013 - 4 years of ministry

We are excited about our upcoming celebration - Newness 2013 - celebrating 4 years of ministry as Victory Life Christian Ministries!

• Friday, January 18 at 7 p.m. - Pastor Jermone Glenn (Revolution Christian Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI )
• Saturday, January 19 at 6 p.m. - Pastor/Prophetess Doriane Parker-Sims (Kingdom Life Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI)
• Sunday, January 20 at 1 p.m. - Prophetess Kelly Crews (Kelly Crews Ministries, Cleveland, OH)

We will also have special musical guests including Nate Glasper on Saturday & Ryan Robertson with us at the Sunday service.

Visit the facebook event page to learn more or email victorylife@victorybr.com!

The Unfortunate Ability

Today, I just have a thought that I want to share with you. It is a thought that I woke up with this morning and I feel the need to share. Many of us struggle with an unfortunate ability and even tendency to settle.

We had big dreams, big initiate goals, big hopes for our future, big vision - plans to end up in a certain kind of house, career, relationship, church etc. but as life has kept going and we didn't see what we envisioned come to pass, somewhere along the way, we have reasoned in our minds (or perhaps, we have entertained the enemy reasoning with us) and have become convinced that what we once saw, will not be. Therein, we have become complacent and comfortable with the idea of settling for less than our vision.

To settle is to accept less than. In financial terms it has to do with compromising in a way where you tend to accept less than what you were owed in order to make sure you walk away with something rather than nothing. But, I believe deep within yourself, there is a part of you that cries out to God saying, Lord, I want everything you have for me! I believe there is a remnant of people who exist who would say, I want God's perfect will for my life. I'm lonely right now, but I would rather wait on the person God has for me than find myself, once again, trying to make something happen and settling for less than God's plan for my life. Don't let anyone tell you that is selfish. If God has given you a vision of your future, that is your movie preview and you need to use that as a baseline and guidelines for what/who you will accept and give a chance and what/who you should just let keep walking past your life! Settling can cause the plan of God to be interrupted in your life!

We've all done it before. We've been living in an apartment for 8 months and we know it's time to have our own house. We make our God-inspired list of our "have to haves" - what we know we need in a house - Lord, I need 2 bedrooms, an attached garage, air conditioning and a safe neighborhood, I'll be flexible about everything else, but I need that - then, 4 more months pass by and an opportunity finally presents itself that has 1 bedroom, a detached garage and a box fan in the window, but it is in a safe neighborhood... It is at that point where we must decide, will I wait on my vision or will I settle! Once we grow tired of waiting, many of us change our "have to have" lists midstream. We even have this interesting ability to focus in on the 1 thing that's right, instead of the 3 things that are wrong. Well, I know it's missing a bedroom, the garage is detached and there's no air conditioning, but it sure is a great neighborhood; I would hate to miss out on this neighborhood. So, we settle... and then become angry with God every time we're reminded of what we don't have. Well God... I had company come over today, where are they supposed to sleep - I only have one bedroom... Lord, it's raining and I have to walk from this garage to this house, I told you I wanted an attached garage. Lord, it's HOT in here; I'm so tired of living like this. We actually get frustrated with God for decisions we have made. He never told you to settle; in fact, He showed you a vision of what you need.

You can change the example to anything - I've been in an uncomfortable spot for quite a while now and I know God wants me to move into a better position. Make the God-inspired list of the "have to haves" - determine what you need and what you can be flexible with and then wait on the Lord. There's the part where it gets challenging - how long are you willing to wait? What if He doesn't deliver in your time expectations. Will you keep on waiting or will you settle? Will you wait on your vision or will you settle?

Yes, there are some things you should be willing to compromise on, if it's something that was only produced from your thoughts, your mind and God didn't really have anything to do with it... but, if God has a plan for your life, don't compromise, don't waiver and don't settle. Don't miss the full extent of what God has for you by settling because of impatience and discomfort! They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength! (Isaiah 40:31).  

Consecration Progress

Leading up to September, I believe the Lord spoke to me with instructions about a unique Consecration. In August we studied about the Whisper of God in Connect and the teaching led us to a discussion of the Spiritual Disciplines. Armed with that inspiration and leading, we jumped into the Spiritual Disciplines Consecration in September and have continued it into October!

We keep progressing and are turning up the levels of the Consecration and we keep experiencing the supernatural favor and flow of God in our lives, in our services, in our relationships, in our circumstances. Wonderful things are being ushered into our lives through this Consecration. Welcome to the Outpour! 

I just wanted to stop and reflect and get your feedback on how the Consecration is going so far from your perspective. Tell me about your experience: What's the most challenging part? What's the easiest part? What's the most rewarding part? What have been the benefits of this particular Consecration in your life to date?

I look forward to hearing from the participants about this journey so far. Keep on keeping on - God has greater things in store for you!

Outpour!

October Outpour, phase 10. Join us on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. for the month of October as we experience the Outpour! Fresh oil, new wine, and living water is flowing! Our vessels are ready to receive the flow!

Now, we want to hear from you.

1. What type of an Outpour are you expecting? 
2. Tell us about how God has been flowing and pouring into your life!

Prayer Call tonight 9/7/12

Join us tonight (Friday, September 7, 2012) on our prayer call - right on time for our Spiritual Disciplines Consecration as we increase our personal and corporate prayer time, this will be a powerful time in God's presence tonight. Dial in at 605-475-3200 and enter access code 563087#. 

If you have prayer requests in advance, please send them to victorylife@victorybr.com or leave them as a comment on the facebook ad. If these options don't suit you, feel free to leave a comment on this blog and we'll see your request there. 

Prayer changes things! Today, as you pray, expect God to talk back! Expectation leads to manifestation! In His presence, your life can be changed forever. Hope you join us tonight at 9:00 p.m. on our prayer call.

Pastor Razel

September Consecration at Victory Life

The Whisper of God!

Don't Miss the Whisper
Pastor Razel O. Jones

On Wednesday, August 8, 2012 we will enjoy part 2 of this month's Connect series at Victory Life entitled, "The Whisper: Recognizing, Hearing & Obeying God's Voice." 

We had a great start last week as we talked about how God still speaks and the importance of quieting down the distractions in our lives. We talked about why God often chooses a whisper - the intimacy, the attentiveness, the direct communication, the fine tuning.

Today, I would like to ask you - have you ever experienced a whisper from God? If so, I would love if you would tell me about your experience by leaving a comment on this blog or emailing me-pastorrazel@victorybr.com.

Tomorrow night we will dive into "Divine Input for the Day-to-Day!" I hope to see you there as we work to help you hear God's voice better and have the boldness to obey what He says. Don't miss the whisper!

Activities also available for children and youth - Victory Life Christian Ministries - Connect - Wednesdays at 7pm!

Baptism - what's it all about?

Baptism

I'm getting excited as we approach our 2nd Baptism service ever as a church family on this Sunday, July 15 at Hemlock Park in Big Rapids, in the Muskegon River at 11:00 a.m.

Why is it important? 

Baptism is an outward expression/sign of an inward truth for the believer. Baptism demonstrates to the world that you are serious about your connection to Christ. Through baptism, we connect with Christ in his life, death, burial and resurrection. The old you is left in the water as your sins were cast into the sea of forgetfulness, and the new you emerges from the water! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Baptism is defined as: 

• a ceremonial immersion in water as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church.
• an action of initiation, dedication, etc. 
• a trying or purifying experience or initiation. 

Here are some scriptures to think about concerning Baptism:

• Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
• Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

3 distinct methods/names to be baptized in, in each of these scriptures: 1. in the name of Jesus Christ 2. in the name of the Lord 3. in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

More importantly, many results are listed after the baptism:

• Forgiveness of sins
• Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit
• Being with the Lord/Waiting on the Lord
• Observing the Word of the Lord
• Dwelling with the Lord always

Some additional results include:

• Connection with the body of Christ everywhere
• Renewal
• Cleansing
• Fresh start!

We have 5 candidates who have signed up for Baptism this Sunday. Feel free to join us at the Baptism service to celebrate with these 5 as they experience one of the greatest days of their lives!

What does Victory Life mean to me?

What does Victory Life mean to me? When I was given this question, the first two words that came to mind were home and love. These two words I believe are often taken for granted.

I never had much of a “home” growing up. The house I lived in was not a place I wanted to run to or felt safe in. The word home means a dwelling place; a place of residence or refuge. I believe that Victory Life has been a refuge to me over the past two years. The first time I walked into Victory Life, I was 45 minutes late and the seats were full and Pastor Razel was preaching a message that I can’t remember now but I remember how I felt. For the first time in many years I felt safe. And now two years later, after growth, success and even failure, I still feel safe.  But I’m not just referring to a building but the family that I have gained as well. A house is not a home unless it is filled with people you love, right?  

Family is something I haven’t experienced much over the years either, so for me it was tough making the adjustment to trust the Overcomers who wanted to get to know me, I even resisted Pastor Razel and Lady Camille. I don’t know what made them take interest in me but I’m glad they did! My family of Overcomers has given me something that I have experienced very few times in my life; real, unconditional love. I have made friends that have been with me through the good and bad, and still love me and push me to do better. That is something to thank God about!

Yes, they gave me a natural love but they have also introduced me to the spiritual love of God. Victory Life has sparked a passion that I have never known; to know God, to please God and to be who He wants me to be. I have become a better person and a stronger believer since I joined this wonderful ministry. I wish all people could experience what I've experienced, whether it's at Victory Life or even another church. God will work in your life if you let Him. He brought me something I was sure I would never need, people to love me and a place of refuge in Him

I am especially grateful to my parents, Pastor Razel and Lady Camille for all the time, effort and prayer they have invested in me over the last two years. The vision that was placed in both of them has made such a difference in my life that I hope one day I can make them as proud as they have made me.  I’m excited about the amazing things that God has in store for the ministry. I’m also looking forward to having the things that have manifested in my life through Victory Life be spread to others. 

Two years ago Victory Life was a new beginning and it may not be where I end up but it will always be home!