Launch Into the Deep

A Sermon by Pasquale Granata, Elder at Victory Church in Providence, RI

Introduction and Welcome

• Current Speaker: Filling in for Pastor Richard and Pastor Lisa.

Theme Introduction

• Focus: "Launch Out into the Deep" (Luke 5:1–11).

• Setting: Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, teaching from Simon’s boat.

Scripture Reading and Context

• Luke 5:1–11: Jesus teaches from Simon’s boat, asks Simon to launch into the deep, miraculous catch of fish, call to discipleship.

• Background: Connection to Luke 4 (Jesus filled with the Holy Spirit, ministry in Galilee).

Background and Setting

• Jesus’ Ministry: Preaching and healing with authority and power.

• Response of the People: Marvel at Jesus’ authority and power, unlike religious leaders.

• Jesus’ Encounters: Life-changing for everyone he meets.

The Call of the Disciples

• Previous Encounters: Reference to earlier meetings with Simon (Peter) and other disciples.

• Multiple Calls: Jesus calls Simon more than once; disciples still follow from afar, not yet fully committed.

Jesus’ Use of Simon’s Boat

• Symbolism: Jesus wants to use your “boat” (your life, resources).

• Practicality: Jesus uses Simon’s boat to reach the crowd, but also to reach Simon.

The Miracle of the Catch

• Simon’s Response: “We have toiled all night and caught nothing. Nevertheless, at your word, I’ll let down the net.”

• Result: Immediate, overwhelming catch of fish.

• Disciples’ Reaction: Astonishment, recognition of Jesus’ authority.

Discipleship and Transformation

• Call to Follow: Jesus tells Simon, “From now on you’ll catch men.”

• Leaving Everything: Disciples leave their boats and follow Jesus.

Sermon Application and Reflection

• Obeying Jesus: The importance of obedience even when it doesn’t make sense.

• Letting Go of “Stuff”: The burden of insignificant things that keep us from following Jesus fully.

• Encountering Jesus: Every encounter with Jesus should be life-changing.

• Being Different: The call to be set apart, not to mix serving God with serving other “idols.”

Personal and Contemporary Application

• Personal Stories: The speaker shares memories of fishing with family.

• Word of God: The power of God’s word to break obstacles in life.

• Encouragement: Jesus is ready to “rock your boat” and use your life for his purpose.

Father's Day 2025

A Sermon by Caleb Dubois and Kwame Dapaah-Afriye, members at Victory Church in Providence, RI

Faithfulness

• Introduction and Definition
  • Gratitude for the pastor and the church’s commitment to teaching the word of God without compromise.
  • Definition of faithfulness from Webster’s dictionary: steadfastness in affection, allegiance, adherence to promises, and truth to facts or standards.
• Biblical Example: Daniel
  • Daniel’s faithfulness to God despite societal and governmental pressures.
  • Daniel’s consistent prayer life and refusal to compromise his devotion, even when threatened with the lions’ den.
  • Comparison of Daniel’s faithfulness to modern distractions, such as social media, and a call for Christians to set different priorities.
• Practical Application
  • Encouragement to spend more time in prayer and Bible reading, challenging the congregation to be distinct from societal norms.
  • Emphasis on faithfulness during difficult times, not just when it is easy or convenient.
  • Personal testimony of how faithfulness led to spiritual growth and blessings in the speaker’s life.
• Impact of Faithfulness
  • Daniel’s faithfulness resulted in societal transformation and influenced even the king.
  • Christians are encouraged to be set apart and to influence society by example, not confrontation.
  • Reference to Romans 12:2 about being transformed by the renewing of the mind.
  • The importance of role models and setting examples for younger generations in the church.

Integrity

• Introduction and Emotional Context
  • Addressing the emotions of fathers and men on Father’s Day, recognizing different experiences and backgrounds.
  • Encouragement that identity is defined by God, not by upbringing or past failures.
• Biblical Example: Jacob
  • The story of Jacob’s lack of integrity and the consequences of living a life of deceit (Genesis 27–32).
  • The importance of alignment between words, actions, and influence—integrity means consistency and authenticity.
  • The transformative encounter between Jacob and God, leading to a new identity and changed behavior.
• Call to Integrity
  • Integrity is not perfection but honesty before God and willingness to seek His help.
  • The church’s need for people of integrity who walk differently and reflect God’s character in their lives.

Awakening the Mighty Men

• Spiritual Awakening and Encouragement
  • A call for men in the church to “wake up” spiritually and embrace their responsibilities and calling.
  • Recognition that all are imperfect and in need of God’s grace, but each has the potential for greatness in God’s kingdom.
• Prayer and Blessing
  • A corporate prayer for the awakening and empowerment of men in the church, asking God to restore, anoint, and bless them and their families.
  • Encouragement for mutual support, prayer, and unity among men, emphasizing the importance of community and intercession.
• Conclusion
  • Final words of appreciation and blessing for the men, celebrating their role and encouraging them to live out their faith boldly.

Pentecost

A Sermon by Brenard Rowe, Elder at Victory Church in Providence, RI.

Introduction and Opening Remarks

• Expression of gratitude for the opportunity to minister.
• Acknowledgement and prayer for the pastor’s recovery.
• Personal anecdote about being asked to preach on short notice.

Setting the Context: Pentecost Sunday

• Explanation that Pentecost is recognized as the birth of the church and a pivotal event in Christian doctrine.
• Emphasis on the empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit and the ongoing relevance of Pentecost.

The Role and Power of the Holy Spirit

• The Holy Spirit transforms believers from fearful followers to bold witnesses.
• The Holy Spirit provides strength, peace, wisdom, unity, and equips believers for service.

Biblical Foundation

• Reference to Acts 2:1-4 describing the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
• Jesus’ instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 1:8).
• Importance of receiving the Holy Spirit before undertaking ministry.

The Experience of the Early Church

• Disciples' state of confusion and despair after Jesus' death.
• Fulfillment of Jesus’ promise through the coming of the Holy Spirit.
• The supernatural signs accompanying the Spirit’s arrival (wind, tongues of fire, speaking in tongues).

Speaking in Tongues

• Definition: A supernatural language for worship and communication with God.
• Old Testament examples of the Spirit coming upon individuals (e.g., Moses’ elders, Gideon, Samson, Saul’s messengers).
• New Testament affirmation of speaking in tongues as evidence of Holy Spirit baptism.

Instances of Holy Spirit Baptism in the New Testament

• Jerusalem (Acts 2:4): Disciples receive the Holy Spirit.
• Samaria (Acts 8:14-17): Believers receive the Spirit through the apostles’ laying on of hands.
• Saul/Paul (Acts 9:17): Receives the Spirit after Ananias lays hands on him.
• Cornelius’ house (Acts 10:44-48): Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit while Peter preaches.
• Ephesus (Acts 19:1-6): Believers receive the Holy Spirit through Paul.

Benefits of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

• Power for ministry (Acts 1:8).
• Spiritual refreshing (Isaiah 28:11).
• Ability to witness and reveal Christ (John 16:13-14).
• Inner strength and comfort (John 15:26).
• Spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
• Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
• Spiritual quickening (Romans 8:11).

Who Can Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

• Everyone: Rich, poor, young, old, sinners, saints, children, etc.
• Reference to Psalm 81:10 as encouragement to receive.

Who Cannot Be Filled with the Holy Spirit?

• Those satisfied with mere salvation and unwilling to serve.
• Disobedient and unyielding Christians.
• Those who do not believe or are closed off to the Holy Spirit.

Conditions for Receiving the Holy Spirit

• Repentance and baptism (Acts 2:28).
• Asking God with faith (Luke 11:13).
• Deep conviction, consecration, and willingness to live for God (John 7:37-39).

The Ongoing Work of the Holy Spirit in Believers

• Teaches and makes believers teachable.
• Enables true worship and confession.
• Guides prayer and leads by God’s word.

Conclusion

• The Holy Spirit is the comforter and helper sent by God.
• Encouragement to be open to the Holy Spirit’s work and to fulfill commitments in service to God and the church.

All Call Sunday

A Sermon by Judy Mensch, missionary to the children of Europe.

For more information about Judy here.

Ouline

Introduction

• Introduction of the speaker: Judy Mensch, a missionary, children’s pastor, evangelist, and Bible school instructor.
• Personal anecdotes regarding support and shared history with the church community.
• Humorous and personal stories to establish rapport (e.g., pantyhose story behind the pulpit).
• Emphasis on the church as a community of people, not just a building.

Reflections on Aging and Experience

• Positive perspective on aging: increased wisdom and social skills.
• Physical challenges of aging contrasted with personal vitality and ongoing activity.
• Encouragement to embrace age and continue serving.

Purpose and Structure of the Service

• Explanation of the focus: The Body of Christ and individual roles within it.
• Outline of how the service will conclude:
  • Invitation for newcomers to learn about Jesus.
  • Instructions for congregation members to visit ministry tables and sign up for service opportunities.
  • Emphasis that everyone should find a place to serve.

The Body of Christ: Diversity and Function

• Analogy of the body: Each part has a unique and necessary function.
• Encouragement for all members to participate in ministry, not to remain spectators.
• Assurance that everyone has something to contribute.

The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30)

• Reference to the parable as a basis for the message.
• Clarification of terminology: preference for “skills and gifts” over “talents.”
• Emphasis that all have received gifts/skills from God.

Key Points of the Message

• A. Variety of Gifts
  • Everyone has received something; no one is left out.
  • Gifts differ in type and measure, reflecting God’s sovereignty and purpose.
  • Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians.
• B. Responsibility of Having Gifts
  • Each person is called to use their gifts in service.
  • Serving fills personal gaps and brings fulfillment.
  • God’s will is for everyone to be active, not passive.
• C. Rewards of Using Gifts
  • Joy is the reward for serving and using one’s gifts.
  • Serving others leads to personal growth and spiritual satisfaction.

Diversity and Equality in the Body

• God gives different gifts to different people, but loves all equally.
• No gift is more honorable; all are necessary for the body to function.
• Reference to the “upside down kingdom”: God’s values often differ from worldly values.

Practical Application and Encouragement

• Encouragement to sign up for ministries, including less glamorous roles (e.g., nursery).
• Recognition that some ministries are less visible but equally important.
• Everyone’s contribution matters, regardless of recognition or praise.

Conclusion

• Restatement of the call to serve and be active in the body of Christ.
• Assurance that serving is serving Jesus himself.
• Final instructions for the congregation on next steps after the service.

Not on Your Own Understanding

A Sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

God, Israel, and The Church

A Sermon by Pastor Richard Sfameni, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Providence, RI.

Paul’s Perspective

Paul’s Passion

Romans 9:1-5 NKJV

Israel’s Rejection of Christ

9 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.

Faith, Hope, and Love

A Sermon by Antoinette Marion, Carolyn Grenata, and Shiana Dubois, members of Victory Church in Providence, RI.