Vida Church Santa Maria

Christian Conduct 1a

The conduct of those who follow Jesus should be different than how it used to be when we were following our own path. And the Bible is clear that part of that difference is learning to live "under" the authority of others — actually becoming obedient in ways that reflect God's grace in our lives. This is challenging, especially for those of us who were raised to fight for our rights and liberties. But as we see in God's Word, our citizenship changed when we said "yes" to Jesus — and that changes everything about how we're now to live in the world!

Christian Conduct 1.5

"Be ready to do whatever is good." Before we start thinking that statement is a generic Christian throw-away line, we're going to take a deeper look. And what we find is that this idea — of doing good — is woven throughout Scripture and is at the very core of what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. Get ready to do good!

Finding True Freedom in Christ

On this Fourth of July, Pastor Lisa shares on how we should consider freedom in a spiritual aspect so that we would not be held captive by anything. Jesus came to this world and paid a high price for us to walk in the truth of God’s word. Pastor Lisa discusses important points concerning true freedom - how Jesus was sent by the Father to offer freedom to us and how we are to maintain our freedom by recognizing and resisting the lie of the enemy.

A Seat at the Table

So much of life changes when we discover who we truly are and that we belong. It's the story of God's love for us — that we are not rejected, but accepted as his own. Because of Jesus, there is a seat at the table for you!

Christian Conduct 2.0

How does God expect us to live toward each other — especially during challenging times when we have strongly held positions about everything from politics to vaccinations? We find we're called to a new way of living, radically different from the way we used to be.

Rekindle Part 7

When we're about to rekindle something of God's purposes in our lives, voices can come to discourage us and tell us why we CAN'T do it! How can we cancel out those negative voices? Pastor Sergio explores the three voices David heard before going to battle with Goliath, and how to come out on top.

Rekindle Part 6

Over the last weeks, we've been asking God to "rekindle" an expectation for God's power to be shown in our lives and through our lives. But we need to do more than demonstrate God's power. We need to demonstrate His love. When His love and power are working together in our lives, we become awe-inspiring to those around us!

Rekindle Part 5

Before Jesus left for heaven, he told his followers that he'd be sending the Holy Spirit to baptize them with power. These disciples already had the Spirit IN them, but now the Spirit would be coming UPON them for empowerment. This gift wasn't just for them — it's for US — for all who believe. And of all the power-gifts the Holy Spirit brings, it's the gift of "tongues" that may best be used to rekindle faith in our lives. Today we learn about this interesting gift of a spiritual language.

Rekindle Part 4

God's presence is his power. And he's available at all times — no matter what we're facing — through the Holy Spirit. On this Pentecost Sunday, we discover a simple way of engaging the work of the Spirit by calling on him, acknowledging his presence, then asking him what he wants to do. Get ready for the Holy Spirit to work in you and through you.

Rekindle Part 3

Who is the "kindler" in our lives? It's God, the Holy Spirit! In this message we take a look at who Jesus said he'd be sending to be both WITH us and IN us. The Holy Spirit is an ever-present help, available to us at all times, no matter what we're going through.

Rekindle Part 2

Whenever we face discouragement or despair, we run the risk of losing confidence in the true Jesus. We may still believe he loves and forgives us — but become less certain that he is still the all-powerful, miracle-working God. But he IS the Lord of all, and even today, nothing is too hard for him! His goodness and his power are inseparable! Dive in with us as we allow God to REKINDLE our expectation for God's miracle-working power in our stories.

Rekindle - Part 1

Jesus is described as one who won't break off a bruised reed or put out a flickering flame. In other words, he mends and rekindles. It's what he does. None are too damaged or too far gone for him! Today we look at a miracle rekindling story that reminds us what's happens when we put our trust in the Lord — even when we're at the end of our rope.

When I Can't Take it Any More! - Part 3

When you're stuck — feeling paralyzed and unable to move forward — how can you get free? We've been looking at a story about Paul and his friends who were in just such a place. In today's concluding message, we're looking at a twist in the story. Just when you'd have thought it was over, they went to prayer. And how they prayed for breakthrough informs how we can also pray for God to make a way.

When I Can't Take It! Part 2

When we feel stuck in difficult and stressful situations in life it can be difficult to creatively find ways to get unstuck. In the Bible, Paul goes through something similar, but he is able to find creative workarounds in order to accomplish the goal. These steps to finding creative workarounds can also help us to get unstuck from the difficult situations in our life.

Can't Take It

The Apostle Paul and his friends found themselves in what felt like an unwinnable situation. And they came to the end of their rope! What they did next can truly help us when we feel stuck. They used three spiritual strategies that moved them out of their despair and allowed them to accomplish their mission.

Easter: Living and True

Have you ever felt like your faith was small? If so, you're in good company — including all those who were followers of Jesus on that very first Easter. They were stuck in their pain and hopelessness. But...something changed that made all the difference in their stories. And it can make all the difference in your story as well. Easter changes everything!

Growing in Jesus

Have you ever met someone who calls themselves a "Christian," but they act nothing like Jesus? Way too common! It's what happens when people become "converts," but never step into a life of discipleship. Today we're double-clicking on the three words we use at SM4 to describe what discipleship is all about: Discover, Develop and Deploy.

Strong at Home: Finishing Strong

At the end of the book of Nehemiah, everything fell apart! All the strong things he'd put in place were forgotten during a season when he'd traveled away. The people lacked self-leadership. They lacked the maturity to take responsibility for their own lives. Nehemiah put things back in order — and the steps he took give us a master class in self-leadership.

Strong at Home: Faith

All the areas of our lives are interconnected — but their not all equal! It's only our faith in Jesus that will bring order to our lives today AND bring us eternal life. Our faith is vitally important for strong lives, and Nehemiah 8 gives an incredible picture of what it looks like to grow as spiritually strong people.

Strong at Home: Physical Health

We tend to put God in a box -- a "spiritual" box. But Jesus showed that he wants to be the Lord of our whole lives, including all that's natural and physical. Today, with the help of "Coach Moss," Brennon Mossholder, we take a practical look at rebuilding our physical health after a year that's been hard on our bodies.