Vineyard Church | Weekly Update July 23rd, 2025

Happy Wednesday Vineyard fam-

Captured by Christ: Carrying His Scent Into the World

This past Sunday, we explored a powerful truth: we are called to be the aroma of Christ in a world that is hurting. But here’s the key—we’re not the perfume itself. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. We’re simply the bottle He chooses to use.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians that it is captives who carry the fragrance of Christ. That means, in order to spread His scent, we must first become His captives. But let’s be honest—captivity doesn’t come naturally to us. We love our freedom. We resist surrender. So how do we learn to desire being held captive?

The answer lies in captivation.

When we are captivated by the beauty, power, and grace of Jesus, we want to be His. We welcome His hold on our hearts. His love becomes so compelling that surrender isn’t a sacrifice—it’s a joy. And here’s the beautiful ripple effect: our captivity isn’t just for our own transformation. It’s for the sake of others, too.

Here’s how I like to think of it:
We are captured through captivation, and then Christ uses us to captivate and capture others.

So, this week, as you engage with Week Three of the Giving Campaign, it’s going to look a little different. Instead of focusing first on what you can give—start by receiving. Be captivated. Sit with Jesus. Reflect on the wonder of who He is. Let His Spirit fill you with awe.

Then, from that place of holy captivity, go out and carry His scent into the world. Because someone near you needs to breathe in the aroma of grace, love, and hope.

Jacob Troyer
Vineyard Church
www.billingsvineyard.org