Church in the Valley - Ontario Ranch Campus

Authenticity is a crucial ingredient of meaningful friendships and family life. Consideration builds trust and paves the way for honesty that allows us to really help one another.

Friendships and families thrive over the long haul when they are centered on love that turns into showing consideration for the goals and interests of the other. If we focus on our own needs, the friendship stays in survival mode. Learn God's way out of survival mode.

We counter all the schemes of the Devil by claiming the truths found in Scripture. When we "swing the sword" we counter the temporary lies and attacks of the enemy with the eternal promises of God. In the same way, we pray we invite God into the forefront of whatever situation we're facing. Satan wants us to rely on our own resources and strength to fight, but when we voice scriptures and pray, we...

The Devil wants us to lose heart and give up when life gets tough. If we quit, we are not accomplishing the purposes God gave us. However, God's salvation to us is our only hope. It reminds us of our spiritual identity and that we are followers of Christ. As Christ followers, we learn from Jesus example of endurance and perseverance, and we do not have to quit - no matter what we face. God's salva...

Satan launches "flaming arrows" at us so we will question God's presence and His goodness to us. Many times these arrows come during times of trouble. Satan wants to discourage us, while God wants to use the trouble for our good. God has given us the shield of Faith so we may remember God's track record with us and that He will not rip us off.

Satan wants to do all within his power to stir up conflict between people and especially God's people within the church. If we're bickering and divided, we cannot use our energy to fight the real adversary - Satan himself. However, God gives us the Gospel of Peace so we may explain God's forgiveness to others (after we've experienced it ourselves) and extend His mercy to others as we work toward u...

Satan wants to continually accuse us and remind us of all the sin we've done in our life. God has given us the righteousness of Christ to battle these accusations. Christ paid the price for our sins and we fight the battle against Satan by putting on the breastplate of Christ's righteousness as we admit our sin and accept Christ's forgiveness through faith.

The enemy, the Devil, and the demonic, have waged war against humanity. The Devil wants to destroy us and will use any means and schemes necessary to take us out. In this message we will focus on one of Satan's main attacks against us - confusion. He applies this strategy by telling lies to our mind and emotions. Discover how to use God's word to battle back against the enemy's lies.

God is working in the lives of others as we set out to find those who are lost to Him. I can be confident that God is doing the work that only He can do. He makes Himself known; draws people to Himself and convicts people of sin.

Evangelism was never intended to be a solo mission. The church was meant to partner with us in the process. So it's important to create opportunities for our friends to meet others in the church. When our friends and family see the "witness of the body," the way we love one another and live, our effectiveness is multiplied.

Sharing the news means that we must work through our fears. Paul asked for prayer that he would proclaim the truth fearlessly. How to get past your fears: know Jesus by spending time with Him and His people AND let your love for others drive out the fear.

A Jesus follower's purpose is to share the good news about Christ with those around us.

Our role as Jesus' followers is to be salt and light to those around us. He wants us to be real and show others how Jesus changes lives.

Jesus is the life. He is the One who made us and the ultimate source of life. He gives springs of living water to those who trust Him and those who stay connected to Him flourish.

Jesus is the truth. Jesus' life and teaching were based on reality - the way things are not the way we want them to be. He teaches the way to salvation and the best way to live in the real world. When we arrive at key intersections in life we have a choice to go with what Jesus says is real or not - for salvation and beyond.

Jesus is the way. He left us with a map to the best kind of life and promises to be our guide. Jesus' way is characterized by faith, sacrificial love and consideration, a focus on giving rather than receiving, and the belief that life is found when you lose it.

Jesus' statement, "No one comes to the Father except through me" leaves no room for neutrality - He claims to be the only way to God. How can we verify His claim an dnot conclude these are the words of a deranged egomaniac? We know He is the only way by looking at His character, power, the resurrection, and our own experience.

When you put your faith in Christ, God makes you a member of the Body of Christ. If you take your place in the Body of Christ then you experience God's blessing. If you don't take your place in the Body, you miss His blessing, and your own refreshment and growth is limited.

Peacemaking is a major issue for Christ-followers - it is the key to enjoying life. Peacemakers enter "The Zone" - God blesses them. God is pleased when we take the initiative to live at peace with others, if possible.

We are "in the zone" of God's blessing when we follow God's guidance for living and manage our resources for God's benefit. God's test for spiritual blessing is faithfulness. Money is our biggest management issue. God promises that He will bless faithful financial management and giving.

The heart of the zone is living life God's way. Trusting God to the point of obeying Him is the first boundary. Baptism is the first step of obedience that Jesus asks us to take. It is a visible test of our willingness to follow.

Wisdom is the key to handling our money. There are financial decisions that we must make: Live on less than you make, track your spending, get rid of dumb debt.

Heart issues that drive us off course financially are greed, comparison, and discontent. In this message, we will discover God's antidote to these. They are bridled when you turn your attention from what you want to what others need--you discover and appreciate the shelter God has provided.

When it comes to personal finances, it is easy to get lost. If we follow our heart without a good financial map, the day comes when we suddenly realize we are in trouble. In this message and the rest of the series, we will learn God's perspective on money and aim to adopt His values.

A key to our growth is love that pushes us outside of our comfort zone to serve others and share Christ with those who don't know Him.