REJOICE: Pressed but Blessed

by Pastor Greg Simon

The link below is from the September 20, 2020 recording of Pastor Greg Simon preaching “REJOICE” from the “Pressed but Blessed” series at Valley Fellowship Church in Huntsville, Alabama. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 MEV)”

The ultimate key that unlocks our joy is the Source, the Lord. To successfully obey God’s command to rejoice:

• Center on the Lord – not the problem.
• Center on the Lord – not the victory.
• Center on the Lord – not the enemy.

Shut d’ door to the enemy’s foothold, to the enemy’s intimidation, and to the enemy’s condemnation. Jesus Christ promised, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.] (John 14:27 AMP)”

THE WORD

by Pastor Greg Simon

The Apostle Paul’s overcoming attitude is evident in the way he describes his personal troubles in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. If you cannot see good in your future, then the problem is not with God, but with your “seeing”. Too often believers get caught up in contemporary culture’s commitment to comfort, health, and safety. Our current pandemic conditions threaten us all, but we can overcome. In his letter to Timothy, Paul reveals some keys to overcoming. According to verse 14, an 0vercomer: (1) continues in Scripture, (2) learns Scripture, (3) is assured of the Scriptures, and (4) knows his/her teachers. Listen as Pastor Greg teaches from 2 Timothy 3:10-17. This recording was made during the 10AM Service at Valley Fellowship Church in Huntsville, Alabama on September 13, 2020.

Continue reading “THE WORD 9-13-2020” →

THE BLOOD (Sacrifice of Atonement)

by Pastor Greg Simon

On the cross, Christ Jesus became the sacrifice of atonement, so we as believers now enjoy the canopy of His blood covering. The apostle Paul reveals how God chooses to see His family. “And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight (Colossians 1:21-22 MEV).” In His sight – looking through the blood covering – God sees us as holy, blameless, and above reproach.

Everyone of us have sinned, we have missed the mark, we have failed. Humanity’s horizontal view sees sin, failure, and fault (and accusations arise from people and satan).  God chooses to look through the blood covering – Christ’s atonement. When we receive redemption by faith, God sees holiness, instead of sin. God sees blamelessness, instead of failure. God sees freedom from accusation, instead of fault.

Do you see yourself under the blood covering? Paul continues in Colossians 1:23, ““But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it (NLT).”

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith (Romans 3:23-25a NIV).” If we stand reconciled to God, then no charges can be brought against us. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes, who is risen, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us (Romans 8:31-34 MEV).”

Click below to learn more as Pastor Greg teaches about this important truth. The recording is from the Sunday morning service at Valley Fellowship Church on September 6, 2020.

 

SHAKE IT OFF

by Pastor Greg Simon

Are you under pressure? Do you get confused sometimes? Do you face harsh criticism? Are you knocked down sometimes? Pressure doesn’t necessarily mean you are not in the will of God. You are not the only one going through crisis. Every person on earth faces pressure in some form – situations, circumstances, obstacles, problems, difficulties. Don’t let the enemy use pressure to deter you or to delay God’s purpose, or to take you off course from what God would have you to run. Don’t give up; don’t quit!

We have a spiritual enemy who covets our perspective, our passion, our purpose, and our potential. The 28th chapter of Acts reveals how Paul faced several forms of attack. As believers, we face attacks from the enemy including: the direct attack (“the lion”), the unfounded attack (“the dragon”), and the surprise attack (“the snake”). Listen below to discover how to SHAKE IT OFF! The video below was taken from the live Zoom feed of Valley Fellowship Church’s 10AM Service on August 16, 2020.

Continue reading “SHAKE IT OFF” →

GREET ONE ANOTHER WITH  A HOLY ELBOW BUMP!

by Pastor Greg Simon

Social distancing is posing a problem for some folks in Alabama. Handshakes and hugs are common greetings and demonstrations of real affection in United States southern cultural Christianity. Is an elbow-bump really an expression of affection?

Continue reading “HOLY ELBOW BUMP” →

WE COLLABORATE TO PRAISE

by Pastor Greg Simon

Believers are a part of God’s worship team. During the congregational worship on Sunday morning, we all have a part to play. The frontline may sing with a microphone and the band may play from the platform, but ALL of us together elevate Christ Jesus in our midst. Our gathered worship is a dynamic, collaborative effort. Our corporate response pleases the heart of God.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 HCSB).” As God’s royal priests, let us offer sacrifices of something meaningful and valuable. Enter the sanctuary with a focus to proclaim His praises!

A live, in-person worship experience is once again available on Sunday at 10AM at Valley Fellowship Church. Extra precautions include screening, physical distancing, and face masks.

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YOUR FAITH MATTERS

by Pastor Greg Simon

“Your faith matters!” Those were the words impressed upon my spirit as the pastors prayed together via a zoom meeting on Wednesday earlier this week. In this video below, I share more about what God revealed to me. This is a recording of the teaching from the Zoom Meeting of Valley Fellowship Church on Sunday, July 26, at 10AM. You are invited to join us next Sunday, August 2, as we once again meet via Zoom. Contact the church office for the meeting link and password.

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UPDATED CHANGES JULY 8, 2020

by Pastor Greg & Patti Simon

We are praying for you, knowing that God is still on the throne. Our lovingly Heavenly Father is not wringing His hands, worried about what to do next. God will safely guide us through this difficult season. 

Here on earth, we contend for the unity of our local Body. God’s Word commands us, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NLT). We are all facing this challenging time together. We have had to adjust to not seeing one another nearly enough!

Challenges we all face include not meeting together regularly, not staying connected to the Body, and not staying spiritually feed. In reality, you need the Body and the Body of Christ needs you. Valley Fellowship offers opportunities for you to stay connected and spiritually fed while also staying physically healthy. 

Recently, Madison County was designated as a high risk area. Health Officer Dr. Karen Landers asked residents to utilize face masks in Madison County. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the updated health order requires most individuals (older than two years old) to wear face coverings in public places in Madison County. Although not mandated, face coverings are strongly recommended for congregants at worship services.

Though places of worship have specific exception, we ask everyone attending in-person worship services at Valley Fellowship Church to wear a face mask. 

If you cannot safely wear a mask, we recommend that you connect with us online rather than in-person. Join the Sunday 1:00 PM Zoom Meeting that includes short teaching, prayer, and fellowship.

We practice healthy cleaning and sanitation practices, physical distancing, and wearing face masks, but above all, we trust in the Lord. Thank you for your cooperation. We will keep you informed of changes as we move forward. We hope that the current high risk level in our county will be lowered in a short time. 

Please, reach out to us, reach out to one another, and reach out to your greater church family. “Try your best to let God’s Spirit keep your hearts united” (Ephesians 4:3 CEV). Do your best to connect on a weekly basis. Let’s stay healthy spiritually and physically!

We love you and are praying for you daily!

Greg and Patti Simon

Continue reading “SCHEDULE CHANGE” →

CELEBRATE FREEDOM

by Pastor Greg Simon

This week we acknowledge the birth of the United States, we pray for our nation and leaders, and we are thankful for our liberty. We have much for which to be thankful! Let’s celebrate the Fourth with gratitude to God for what He has allowed us to enjoy.

Continue reading “CELEBRATE FREEDOM July 2020” →

YOU’RE NOT YOU WHEN YOU’RE NOT HUNGRY

by Pastor Greg Simon

Have you ever seen any of the humorous commercials promoting Snickers? Snickers kicked off a popular advertising campaign in 2010 featuring commercials with the tagline “you’re not you when you’re hungry”. Apparently the message resonated around the globe and significantly lifted Snickers’ sales.

Today, I want to alter the message: “You’re not you when you’re not hungry”. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled”(Matthew 5:6 MEV). Blessed are those who hunger for what is right in God’s eyes for they shall be filled and fulfilled with those things totally right in God’s eyes. You will never live your BEST life without spiritual hunger for righteousness.