Message by Bro. Zeke Rivera (Philippians 2:5-8)

Bro. Zeke Rivera delivered a message from Philippians 2:5-8, urging the congregation to adopt the mindset of Christ. He outlined four key aspects of Christ’s perspective that believers should emulate:

1. God’s Positioning:

Jesus Christ, though equal with God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with Him. Bro. Zeke challenged the congregation to prioritize God in their lives, reorganizing their priorities according to biblical teaching: God first, followed by spouse, children, friends, job, and then self.

2. Servanthood:

Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant (doulos in Greek, meaning bondservant or slave). Despite His divine status, He chose a life of humility and service for humanity. Bro. Zeke encouraged believers to follow this example by selflessly serving others, especially in their homes and relationships, while embracing their roles as stewards of God’s work.

3. Humiliation:

Christ actively chose humility rather than waiting for circumstances to humble Him. Bro. Zeke contrasted this with biblical figures like Job and King Nebuchadnezzar, who were humbled by God through trials. He exhorted the congregation to voluntarily humble themselves before God, sparing themselves from the pain of being broken by external circumstances.

4. Obedience and Sacrifice:

Christ was obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Bro. Zeke emphasized the importance of lifelong obedience to God, even when it requires personal sacrifice. He reminded the church that taking up their cross daily demonstrates their faith and reflects Christ’s sacrifice for humanity.

Bro. Zeke concluded by highlighting that living like Christ—thinking, serving, humbling, and obeying as He did—provides a powerful testimony to others, drawing them closer to God.

Message by Ptr. Damon Covalt (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Ptr. Damon Covalt spoke on the significance of Victory Baptist Church’s 22nd anniversary and the ongoing commitment needed to sustain its ministry. Using Hebrews 10:23-25 as his text, he outlined three essential actions for the church’s future:

1. Hold Fast to Faith:

Ptr. Damon stressed the importance of unwavering faith in God, especially during difficult times. He reminded the congregation to make God their top priority, trusting Him to handle their needs. He emphasized that challenges will come, but faithfulness to God ensures strength and success.

2. Support One Another:

Building on the morning’s message, Ptr. Damon illustrated the importance of helping one another. He emphasized that mutual encouragement, love, and unity are vital for the church body to thrive. Ptr. Damon urged members to step up and fill gaps in ministry, reminding them that the church cannot function effectively without their active participation.

3. Be Present:

Ptr. Damon highlighted the importance of attendance and involvement in church life. He compared church responsibilities to a job, stating that accepting God’s call requires showing up and fulfilling one’s role. He encouraged the congregation to take their service seriously, understanding that God has a unique purpose for each member.

Ptr. Damon also shared sobering statistics about church closures in the U.S., reminding the congregation that future anniversaries are not guaranteed without dedicated effort. He called for a renewed commitment to ensuring Victory Baptist Church continues as a beacon of light in the community.