The Word from Mountain View

Mountain View Church

Sunday Sermons from Mountain View Church of the Nazarene

  1. Oct 25

    The Better Benediction - October 25, 2026

    Pastor Mike closes the Hebrews series with a benediction that calls believers to trust the God of peace, depend on His power to equip them, and allow Jesus the great shepherd to work within their hearts. He urges practical response: receive challenging truth, stay connected to the church family, surrender to God’s transforming grace, and take one concrete step this week by identifying where you need God’s grace. ---- A Better Benediction Hebrews 13:20–25 Introduction: More Than a Pep Talk Main idea:  The God who raised Jesus works in us so that we can live out his will. Trust What God Has Done (v. 20) He is the God of peace. He brought Jesus from the dead. Jesus is our great Shepherd. Depend on What God Is Doing (v. 21) God equips us for his will, not merely for our plans. God works within us, not merely around us. Grace calls for surrender, not passivity. Respond to What God Is Saying (v. 22-25) Receive the word even when it challenges you. Stay connected to God’s people. Take the next step in grace. Conclusion: Leave with more than good intentions. Action Point: “God, this week I need your grace to _______________________________________ .” Surrender that to God to make it happen in your life. ---- Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

  2. Oct 18

    Our Better Sacrifice - October 18, 2026

    It is my privilege to invite you to today's sermon podcast. This episode explores how God’s grace—shown through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross—produces genuine gratitude that transforms our words, actions, and generosity. Using the story of Jean Valjean and Hebrews 13:10–19, the sermon calls listeners to offer the sacrifice of praise, to do good, and to share deeply with others as a response to grace, all within a faithful, prayerful church community. ---- Video referenced in the sermon: https://youtu.be/wF3FX43F-7Y?si=JTzS4EGaDOsg4Ip- ---- Our Better Sacrifice Hebrews 13:10–19  Introduction – Misérables to Incredibles Main Idea: Jesus paid the price, so we live the sacrifice. Our foundation is the altar. (vv. 10–14) Our altar is the cross of Jesus Christ. III. Our "Better Sacrifice" that pleases God. (vv. 15–16) The sacrifice of our lips: Spoken Praise (v. 15) The sacrifice of our hands: Doing Good (v. 16a) The sacrifice of our lives: Generous Sharing (v. 16b) Our Community sustains us. (vv. 17-19) A community marked by submission, joyful accountability, and prayer. Conclusion: Live a life that pleases God Call to Action: Which one of these three sacrifices is God calling you to practice intentionally this week? Words: Thank God aloud or share what Jesus means to you. Actions: Meet a practical need for someone else. Resources: Share something that can bless another person.   Live your life as one known for your praise, goodness, and generosity.  ----  Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

  3. Oct 11

    A Better Leadership - October 11, 2026

    This sermon reflects on Hebrews 13 and explores what better leadership looks like: leaders who remember and model faith, anchor us in the unchanging Christ, protect us from novel or unstable teachings, and produce mature followers of Jesus rather than fans or clones. The preacher shares a personal story of a leadership mistake and urges listeners to evaluate leaders by whether they point to Jesus. Listeners are invited to remember faithful guides, pass on stories of faith to the next generation, and center their trust on Jesus. The message concludes with an invitation to communion and to follow Christ daily, not merely follow leaders. ==== A Better Leadership Hebrews 13:7–9 Main Idea: Better leaders help you see Jesus. INTRODUCTION – Who are you following? Better leadership begins with remembering faithful guides (v.7) Who are the leaders whose lives helped you trust Jesus more deeply? Better leadership anchors you in the unchanging Christ (v.8) Your faith depends on the stability of Christ, not your leaders. 3.Better leadership protects you from “strange” teaching (v.9) Ask these questions of every teaching, every book, every podcast, every spiritual trend: Does this make Jesus bigger or smaller? Does this strengthen my heart by grace or by performance? Better leadership produces people who look like Jesus. Creates disciples not clones. Creates maturity not dependency. Creates followers not fans. CONCLUSION Action Point: This week spend time with your friends or family sharing stories about leaders in your lives who pointed you to Jesus, then pray for ways to be that kind of influence for others. Pass on the stories of faithful people who led you to Jesus, because a remembered faith can steady a future generation in Christ Jesus. ==== Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect With Pastor Mike Curry

  4. Oct 4

    A Better Worship - October 4, 2026

    It's my privilege to invite you to today's sermon podcast, drawing on Hebrews 13 and Ephesians 6:19. The speaker argues that true worship goes beyond Sunday songs and is lived out every day in love for others, faithful relationships (especially honoring marriage), and contentment rooted in God's promise never to leave us. The message highlights practical expressions—hospitality to strangers, compassion for those who suffer, guarding marital fidelity, and freedom from the love of money—and calls listeners to trust God's provision and find courage in His presence. As a simple challenge, listeners are asked to set an alarm for 4:19 and reach out to three people this week to share Christ-like love, demonstrating worship that continues into Monday and beyond. A Better Worship Hebrews 13:1–6 Main Idea: Worship isn't just what we sing; it's how we live. INTRODUCTION: Worship That Walks Out the Door What does better worship look like in everyday life? BETTER WORSHIP BEGINS WITH LOVE (vv. 1–3) Love for the Family of God. Love for the Stranger. Love for those Suffering. BETTER WORSHIP HONORS FIDELITY (v. 4) Marriage is precious to God. The whole Church protects Sexual integrity is worship. BETTER WORSHIP PRODUCES CONTENTMENT (vv. 5–6) Freedom from the love of money. Contentment rooted in God’s presence. Courage that comes from worship. III. CONCLUSION: Worship that walks into Monday Action Point: Reach out to three people in your community this week and express genuine love or support—whether through a call, a text, or a visit. The world doesn’t need a church that only worships better on Sunday; It needs a church that worships better on Monday.   Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

  5. Sep 27

    If His Presence Doesn't Go, We Won't Go: Moses’ Desperate Plea

    This sermon examines Exodus 32–33 as Moses confronts the prospect of moving forward without God’s presence, highlighting the fear and loss that come when we separate ourselves from Him. Drawing on practical spiritual disciplines—like Frank Laubach’s "practice the presence"—the message offers clear steps to cultivate awareness of God in daily life, encouraging listeners to rely on Christ for identity, strength, and guidance. ---- Exodus 33   In chapter 32 of Exodus the Israelites create the golden calf Quote  “I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people.  Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”    Exodus 32:9-10 Quote  So Moses went back to the Lord and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold.  But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”   Exodus 32:31-32 Quote Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you.    Exodus 32:33 Quote I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.  Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”   Exodus 33:2-3 Moses is confronted with the possibility of moving forward without the Presence of God Quote  But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you.   Exodus 3:11-12 God has been the source of Moses’ strength God has shaped the identity of moses and His people Quote  The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.   Exodus 33:14-15 Moses is totally dependent on the ‘Presence of God’ “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus”.  Romans 8:39 The new Testament Promises While God will be faithful we can separate ourselves from the Presence of God We separate ourselves from God’s Presence through Sin and inattentiveness What steps can you take this week to cultivate the Presence of God in your life?  With Reverend Scott Shaw --- Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect

  6. Sep 20

    A Better Kingdom - September 20, 2026

    Pastor explores Hebrews 12 urging believers to move beyond casual faith and embrace a holy fear that leads to reverent worship. He explains how God shakes away what is temporary to reveal and purify what is eternal, and offers practical steps to listen deeply, hold earthly things lightly, welcome God’s refining fire, and stand firm in the unshakable kingdom. Listeners are invited to reflect on three things they trust too much and to live more purposefully in gratitude, worship, and obedience as they receive God’s kingdom.                                              A Better Kingdom                                             Hebrews 12:25–29 Main Idea: God shakes what needs to go, so His kingdom can grow. Introduction — The Problem of Casual Faith What do we do when everything around us is shaking? Listen to the Voice That Cannot be Shaken (v. 25) God’s grace doesn’t make obedience optional; it makes obedience possible. Recognize what God is shaking away (vv. 26–27) Shaking is grace when it exposes what we should never have trusted in the first place. Receive the Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken (v. 28) Holy fear is the deep awareness that we belong to something eternal. Worship the Consuming God with Reverence and Awe (vv. 28–29) God’s fire consumes sin, not His children. Five Practices of an Unshakable Faith Listen deeply rather than selectively. Hold earthly kingdoms lightly. Welcome God’s refining Worship with intentionality. Stand firm when the world shakes. Conclusion — Live in The Better Kingdom Action Point: Write down three things you trust too much that could be shaken (e.g., a job, a friendship, a hobby) and pray for God to help you hold them lightly this week.   Live into the holy fear that invites us deeper into God’s unshakable kingdom. -- Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

  7. Sep 13

    A Better Mountain - September 13, 2026

    Pastor Mike contrasts Mount Sinai and Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:14–24) to show how the law exposes sin and creates distance from God, while Jesus’ sacrifice and the new covenant welcome sinners into God’s presence. He urges believers to live as people of Zion by pursuing peace and holiness, uprooting bitterness, guarding their inheritance, and invites those who have not trusted Christ to receive forgiveness and come near. A Better Mountain Hebrews 12:14–24 The Big idea: In Christ, we stop living like fearful outsiders and start living as confident people who belong to God. Introduction: “We’re on the wrong trail” Mount Sinai shows us the problem. (vs.18–21) God is holy, and sin is serious. Sinful people cannot casually walk into the presence of a holy God. Mount Sinai is not where Jesus leaves His people. Mount Zion announces the gift. (vs.22–23) Through Jesus, we have come near. We belong here! Jesus speaks the better word (v. 24) Abel’s blood shed by Cain demanded justice and condemnation. Jesus’ blood shed fulfills justice and brings forgiveness. Live like you belong at Zion (vs. 14–17) Pursue peace (v.14) Pursue holiness (v.14) Pull up bitterness roots early (v. 15) Guard your inheritance (vs. 16–17) Conclusion: Live on the better mountain. Action Steps: Ask yourself: Am I relating to God as if I’m still at Sinai—trying to earn, hide, or prove myself? What would it look like, right now, to live from Zion—to receive Jesus’ ‘better word’ of forgiveness and welcome? Write down one area of life where you’ve been living in fear or condemnation, and next to it write one truth from Hebrews 12:22–24. Pray a simple prayer: “Lord, I’m not at Sinai anymore. Through Jesus, I have come to Zion. I receive Your forgiveness and welcome today.” Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect   With Pastor Mike Curry.

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Sunday Sermons from Mountain View Church of the Nazarene