Vero Beach Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Vero Beach Church
We are in an exciting section on the preeminence of Christ! We not only are given powerful details about our Lord, but of the Father, the world, and ourselves. It is challenging, humbling, and inspires worship.
Noah Webster's Dictionary 1828 defines preeminence as "superiority in excellence; distinction in something commendable". Christ's preeminence is not something we think about very often, although it impacts everything we know and believe.
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."Colossians 1:9-14
Today, Tracy continues our Colossians series by covering the topic of sowing and reaping.
To begin our Colossians series, Tracy lays out some basics to answer the "who", "why", and "where" of the book, and why these detail are important in understanding its meaning.
This summer, we have defined Christ-like agape love using Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 13. It is a passage often used at weddings, but we hope you see it is a far more practical definition of love that is not exclusive to simply husbands and wives.
Tracy continued our Summer of Love series, and finished up discussing the characteristics of agape love in I Corinthians 13:4-7. The last two traits say that love always hopes and endures.
Today, we are back to good news! After a few weeks of learning what love IS NOT, it's time to get back to what LOVE IS.
“[Love] does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6).Only when we stop viewing others as our competition can we genuinely desire the very best for them.
Anger can flare up, and anger can smolder, sometimes for years. But both of those manifestations of anger can be deadly to our relationships; therefore, love doesn't do either of them.
Rudeness is treating other people like they don’t matter. And once you understand that, you realize that rudeness is not a small thing. It’s a big problem.
Last Sunday, we looked at what love is, but this week, we begin studying the things love isn't.
For the second part of our summer series, The Summer of Love, we went back to I Corinthians 13 to begin studying what agape love is. And believe me when I say, these characteristics are challenging.
The Bible tells us that everything hangs on its definition of love. This week, we find out what it means and why Paul tells us that love is greater than even faith and hope.
Reading the Bible is one thing, but understanding it is another. When you can do both, it's truly life changing. God speaks to us through His Word, so let's learn how to study the Bible together.
On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, the Vero Beach Church of Christ held our first annual baby dedication during worship. We recognized all of the new babies born to our members and attenders over the past year, as well as offered pledges of support for these new children and their families as they grow together.
The day after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. After reinforcements never arrived and sickness and injury ravaged the American troops leaving them with no choice but to surrender, they were forced to walk sixty-five miles on foot to camps where some of history's worst war crimes were committed against them. They weren't forgotten, however, and their story concludes with one of the greatest rescue missions catalogued in American history - one not unlike a certain rescue mission God commissioned for all of us: The Greatest Rescue Mission Ever.
To celebrate Mother's Day 2024, Tracy talks about the Motherly Advice that comes from Proverbs 31.
A simple way to describe integrity would be your behavior matching your beliefs; and sometimes, practicing integrity can be as simple as doing what you know is right, and trusting God with the results. In this week's addition to our Proverbs sermon series, Payton expounds on why integrity is important in both the spiritual and worldly aspects of our lives.
Today, Payton continues our Proverbs series on the topic of friendship. Friendship brings something into your life that neither marriage, family, nor neighbors can. And it’s so important for us to talk about it because nearly every culture puts friendship in the backseat.
Today, Tracy discusses how should we approach the foolish people in our lives and the folly which surrounds us in our society.
The Christianity movement was kicked off by the resurrection. Before that moment, nobody was expecting Jesus to die.There was no hope. There was no Christian faith.And if you find yourself doubting, you are in good company. The resurrection of Jesus breaks all categories and that is why we celebrate.
Today, we discuss the cause of laziness, the cost of laziness, and the cure for laziness.
There’s an opening line in Proverbs that says, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Some scholars have said that if we distilled the whole book into one drop, it would be this verse. This verse is interesting at first glance because it shows that wisdom isn’t simply life-hacking. It’s being aware that when you’re doing wisdom, you are honoring and humbling yourself before (not a force) but a person. God has a vision for good and evil that might be inconvenient for me sometimes.
This first lesson in our Proverbs series is designed to help us understand one of the most unique books of the Bible. What we may not know is that it is part of a set that is intended to work together as we do life.
With programs in more than 20 countries worldwide, Christian Relief Fund is dedicated to providing holistic care for people living in poverty. Milton Jones, president and CEO of CRF, joined us for our 2024 Mission Sunday to illustrate the power our generosity can have in the lives of so many people around the world. Find out more about Christian Relief Fund and donate or sponsor a child at crf.com!
This is the last week in our series on Rest, and we conclude by talking about "How To Live '24/6'." If taking a weekly Sabbath day rest is a gift from God, what am I supposed to do on that day? What does a day dedicated to God look like in the 21st century?
We continue our current series on Rest. This week, Tracy begins to look at a practice as old as the creation of the world: Sabbath. Many have heard about a Sabbath day of rest and probably read a few passages on it, but is it still relevant today? Today, we dive deeper into its true intent. You might be surprised by what we find.
What if there are realities and truths that can only be found in silence and solitude? What if there are things about God that we don’t know because we won’t simply stop and be quiet? To some of us, this concept might seem a bit foreign, partly because we may have never slowed down to discover it for ourselves. In part two of our “Rest” sermon series, Payton demonstrates the importance of solitude in our spiritual lives through highlighting its frequency throughout Jesus’ life and ministry, and how it allowed Him to commune with the Father.
When our natural human restlessness collides with the digital age, and a culture of accomplishment and accumulation, the result is an epidemic of emotional health and spiritual death. Psychologists are now diagnosing people with hurry sickness. The number one enemy of Jesus followers is living in a state of hurry and distraction.
This sermon is the last in our series called "The Power of Change". The reason many people never become the person God intended them to be is because they are "trying". You can't start holy habits or stop bad habits by "trying." There has to be something more.
This week is the third in our series called "The Power of Change". Last week, we looked at good habits we need to add to our life to become the person God wants us to be. This week is about getting rid of bad habits that are taking us in a wrong direction, and we talk about two things that will help us overcome toxic habits in our lives.
We are in part two of our sermon series "The Power of Change." This week, Tracy is talking about "Holy Habits." We can become more like Jesus, more like the person God wants us to become, and more like the person we want to be - one small habit at a time. We talk about two things that are necessary to create "Holy Habits" in our lives.
Today, Payton talks to those of you who want to change, those of you who hope to change, and those of you who have tried to change but aren’t even sure that change is even possible.
This year, our goal was to send at least 35 people on mission, and we passed that. We want to send even more on mission next year. Today, Jeff Smith, director and founder of DiscipleTrips, is preaching. Jeff is a longtime friend of this church, and he helps organize our trips to Antigua and Liberia.If you'd like to learn more about DiscipleTrips, you can visit their website here: https://www.discipletrips.com/
Concluding our "The Carols of Faith" sermon series on Christmas Eve of 2023, Tracy explains the significance of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel".
We continue our sermon series "The Carols of Faith" with the timeless Christmas classic "Away in a Manger". The key theme of this message is that Jesus is Lord!
To continue this December's "The Carols of Faith" sermon series, Payton explains the significance of the cherished Christmas hymn "O Come, All Ye Faithful".
To kick off this December's "The Carols of Faith" sermon series, Payton explains the significance of the cherished Christmas hymn "O Holy Night".
Our goal for the final lesson in our "Making Change" sermon series is to shift our mindset to: tomorrow matters. When we understand that tomorrow matters, it will change what we do today.
This Sunday we are in part three of our sermon series "Making Change". The first two weeks we looked at the principles "less is more" and "stress is bad." This week we are going to discover that "giving is good." There is something about giving that brings a greater joy than receiving. Not that we don't consider gifts as blessings, but giving takes it to another level.
This week, we are focusing on the principle "stress is bad." Financial stress is never good. It robs people of peace, causes conflict in marriages, and keeps us from enjoying the kind of freedom God wants us to have. No matter if you are drowning in financial debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or know you could be doing better, this sermon is for you. We are learning about God's wisdom on handling the resources He has blessed us with today.
To accompany our "Less Is More" lesson from this morning, we're going to talk about downsizing for our Sunday night class this evening. Tracy Moore and David and Shar Russell are going to lead discussions about downsizing and cutting back. Melissa Moore, Tracy's wife, had a thriving business helping people in our community downsize. While Melissa is no longer in that line of work, Tracy will teach you how she helped people make money on the things that are being unused in their homes. He will also reveal those things that well sell and things you need to either donate or haul off to the dump. You might be surprised what isn't worth your time selling and even more surprised by what people will buy. David and Shar moved from a big house into an RV. You learn very quickly about those things that are important to keep and what you can live without. Yet, it has given them the freedom to travel weeks at a time, visit their new grandchildren, and see their children in other states.
In this lesson, we will look at the principle of "Less is More." It is about changing the way we view things. You might be surprised to learn what excess does to you mentally.
It's impossible to love God and not serve people. Service was the embodiment of service, not status. Today, Payton breaks down Jesus' "Greatness Code." If you want to be great, you must serve others. If you are not serving, then something God wants to be done is not happening. Jesus shows us seven acts of service that will directly lead to your greatness in the Kingdom of God.
We can endure suffering when we understand its meaning, its “why.” Picture yourself as a pumpkin, filled with seeds and muck, intermingled with hope and the promise of new possibilities, along with a bit of baggage and old stories. You’re like a pumpkin, quaking with fear as you’re carved, all while yearning to shine brightly. Payton compares us all to a pumpkin, but not just a pumpkin. A pumpkin in the hands of a skilled carver.
This week, Tracy preached a visual lesson called "The Three Chairs." Each one represents generations, Christians or people in their relationship with God. It is designed to make us contemplate not only our own lives, but the next generation. Where you sit says a lot about where you stand.
Our 75th anniversary isn't just about looking at the past, but anticipating the next 75 years as a church family. Payton finishes up our 75th Anniversary Celebration by talking about our future and what we should be focusing on the most as we move forward.
To go with our 75th anniversary theme, Tracy focuses on the importance of remembering. He interviews someone who has been here since the beginning to highlight just a few of the past moments that have made this church great. At the end of the interview, Joe and Mike reveal our plans for the Brackett Lynn Bible Center and close out with a special prayer.
Tracy begins our 75th Anniversary Celebration with an enthusiastic welcome message, where he highlights the importance of remembering and appreciating our past.
Today, we take one more look into the book of Romans. It is a topic that was already planned - baptism. What does that mean to believers? And what does it do for us?
If we are to "love one another," we must "accept" one another in this way. And when that kind of acceptance takes place in your heart, then outwardly, the result is that you "welcome" others into fellowship with you. But what does this look like in real life? What should this look like among us, among the family of God here at Vero Beach Church of Christ?
Today, we are talking about hope in God. Not the promises of God, not the blessings of God, just God. Because all the other stuff, all the other fluff, can be torn away in a day. In a single moment. As followers of Jesus, we have to learn how to navigate our understanding of hope while still facing the terrible uncertainty of living in a broken world.
This week, we finish the second part of the word "law" in the book of Romans. Last week we said our sin problem isn't the law of God but our fleshly nature. The law is spiritual but we are of the flesh (7:14). The Hebrew Scriptures promised that one day something was going to happen that would change everything. Paul says that day has come and we are capable of fulfilling the law.
Sometimes it feels like the law of Moses is the real problem Paul is dealing with in the book of Romans. What is its purpose? And why are we talking about "Old Testament" laws in the first place?
This week, Payton continued our "When In Romans. . . " series with the topic of grace. Grace is a glorious commodity of heaven that can only be received and experienced in surrender to the will and love of our heavenly Father. Our world is unable to offer grace because it is in a constant state of need; grace can only be offered from a place of true wholeness and love.
This week Tracy is looking at one of the key words from the Book of Romans: "faith." What does that mean? Paul demonstrates a faith that brings about "justification" and makes us "righteous" through the example of Abraham. There is something about his story that points to us and our understanding of saving faith.
Today, we are learning about the word "justify" or "justification" in our series in Romans. This is a powerful word that changed the world forever. Sometimes, we struggle feeling like we have to live up to God's standard of holiness to be saved. We work our whole lives and discover it is impossible. Justification is Good News. This is the kind of lesson to which you want to invite people who are not believers in Christ. The message, not the speaker, has the power to change a life for eternity.
What do you think about when you think about God? Do you think first of the power of God or of His love? Do you picture Him as a loving Father or as a stern Judge? What characteristic of God do you first think of? Your perception of God will shape every aspect of your life. Today, we are continuing our "When In Romans..." series and tackling a new topic. When Paul thinks of God in the opening verses of his Roman epistle, his mind focuses first on the Righteousness of God.
The essence of the “good news” (the gospel) is that God extends grace to unworthy people, and we all are unworthy. In light of that reality, the idea of judgment becomes clearer. My judgment of others should be a reflection of God’s judgment of me: forbearance, patience, and steeped in goodness. Today, we continue our "When In Romans..." study and will focus on Paul’s understanding of the word "judgment".
Today, we are looking at the word gospel. Paul uses it eleven times in Romans. It's a word you have heard used in all kinds of ways, but what does it mean? It is rich with meaning!
We are ending our series on the Holy Spirit this week with the question: "Why do I need the Holy Spirit?" Christians can go days, weeks and even years without thinking about the Holy Spirit. But we must walk in the Spirit daily in the spiritual battle being waged in our homes, our communities and even our churches. We will try to answer some Christians' doubts as to whether they even have the indwelling of the Spirit.
God doesn't consult our appearance, opinions, or fears when He calls us. He just gives us boldness through His Spirit. Can you think of the last time you did something bold for the Kingdom of God? If you answer no, you are living by your own spirit, not the Holy Spirit. Today, we continue our Holy Spirit sermon series and discuss how we can tap into the power of the holy Spirit in our day-to-day living.
This week, Payton focuses on the works and functions of the Holy Spirit. What are the specific roles of the Holy Spirit as described in the Scriptures? How does the Holy Spirit empower and guide believers? And what are the two greatest dangers the church faces in abusing the power of the Holy Spirit?
This week Tracy is preaching on "The Importance of Fathers." You might be surprised that fathers were not always considered significant in a child's life. There are some things we are just beginning to learn. We have always known and learned about the mother's significance; so today, we are going to show you fathers why you are important.
What do you say when you talk to yourself? I’m asking this question because what you say to yourself matters more than you might imagine. We are concluding our Missing Peace series. We have been addressing various forms of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and worry, and today we are going to talk about negative thinking.
According to the World Health Organization, Americans have a greater problem with this issue than any other country on the planet. If you can imagine, the world’s most prosperous society is also the world’s most worried society. So, congratulations to those of you who are Americans; we’ve won something we’d prefer not to win. But many of us struggle with a chronic, continuous, and, we believe, natural sense of worry that poisons our peace, kills our joy, and stunts our spiritual growth.
Depression is more than sadness or discouragement; it is a constant darkness. In today’s lesson, we will break down some of the root causes of depression, hear from two people who have experienced it firsthand (one biblical, the other in-person), and finally reveal two truths while battling depression.
Is it possible to live in this world without feeling anxious? When you open a news app, the entire world is falling apart, and no one likes each other. Then we have the presidential debates, which are beginning to heat up. We live in a world where simply picking up your phone is the spark we need to ignite the gasoline of anxiety inside us. This week, we study one of the greatest kings in history and three ways he navigated a debilitating moment.
I think things are getting better in the church world. People have long argued that the church should not discuss mental health. It was almost as if it were someone else's problem, and it was not something we would discuss in church. This week, we will bust that myth.
The word “disciple” literally means “follower.” Still, in our day, we need to define what a follower really is because, in our time, you can be one by simply clicking a button. You can be a follower of somebody without having met that person. In Jesus’ time, it was utterly and totally different to be a follower. To be a disciple involves commitment. Now, it’s no secret that the world’s commitment muscle is not getting any stronger.
Payton continues our three-part sermon series in John 1. John the Baptist takes the stand and testifies about Jesus, sharing his personal experience after encountering him face-to-face. He confidently states that Jesus is who he claimed to be, the Son of God.
To truly understand Jesus, we must look at what he said and did during his life, not just his birth and death. The Gospel of John helps us do that and John 1 contains a remarkable claim about "the Word" which is examined under three headings: a radical claim, rejection of the claim, and the answer to the rejection.
This Sunday we are finishing our two-part series on "Between the Applause." Last week we began with the cheers from Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But the applause went silent over the next several days leading to His crucifixion and burial. This Sunday, we begin with two sad disciples on a lonely dirt road to Emmaus. They are met by a stranger who turns their disappointments into joy. He eventually opened their eyes, not only with a new perspective, but an encounter with the Risen Christ. What do we learn about ourselves and Jesus on this dirt road?
This week Tracy is beginning a two-part series entitled Between the Applause. He begins with the "Triumphal Entry" in Luke 19:28-40. This was the greatest welcome Jesus was given in His ministry. The people along the parade route shouted praises. But suddenly the applause stopped. Something happened between the time the crowds shouted hosanna on the Sunday of the triumphal entry and the worship of the disciples on the following Sunday at His resurrection.
Kevin Linderman from African Christian Hospitals visited us for our 2023 Mission Sunday to deliver an inspiring message based on his experiences serving the underserved.
Today, Payton completes our Joseph series with the important reminder that the unexpected detours in our lives almost always lead to much better destinations in the end.
This week Tracy is preaching on "Work Detours" in part two of our series: "Navigating the Detours of Life". Many are not employed in their dream job. Some went years to college only to end up working in a different field. Others have found themselves in a dead end job with no hope of advancing. When it comes to "Work Detours", there are a number of situations that create stress and anxiety in our lives. What can we learn from the life of Joseph that would help us in these times?
We have all had to change direction in life due to unexpected circumstances and roadblocks. One of those circumstances is in our family lives. Roadblocks caused by death, health issues, divorce, addictions, rebellion, etc. How do we navigate through these painful and frustrating times?
Revelation 21 and 22 are good news and the best way to end our Revelation series. We are talking about Heaven. But the only way Payton knows how to describe Heaven is to break down some misconceptions many people have about Heaven.
This week, Tracy covers a section of Revelation when Jesus Christ comes back to bring down the evil beasts and their followers. We will learn about the battle of Armageddon, a mysterious rider on a white horse, and even a marriage supper.
We continue our sermon series in Revelation and Payton will help us understand the beasts in Revelation 13. Our primary focus will be understanding how the beasts operate through corruption and compromise. The better we understand the enemy, the more equipped we are in persevering in our faith.
In this lesson, Tracy looks at the powerful visions John is given in Revelation 12 about a pregnant woman and a seven-headed red dragon. It is the story of Jesus' birth from heaven's perspective, and it is here where we learn about a cosmic battle that is still raging. Do you want to know why there is so much evil in the world? Is there any hope? What is our role in the cosmic battle that is happening on the earth?
Guest speaker and longtime friend of Tracy and our church, Dale Jenkins, breaks down the specifics of what it looks like to truly be a Church (That Is) of Christ.
Guest speaker and longtime friend of Tracy and our church, Dale Jenkins, shares the reasons he believes that positivity and optimism among the local church is the hope for our struggling world.
This week, Payton broke down the symbolic significance of the famed four horsemen of the apocalypse.
This week, we are in Revelation 5. We are still in the throne room of heaven but someone of great importance appears. The future of the world depends on Him!
This Sunday is our second lesson in our series on Revelation. We are given a glimpse into a place that had been forbidden to speak about or write down. The throne room of God is being revealed. The imagery is powerful and shakes the foundations of our world. It brings us to our knees in worship and humility.
The first words give us the reason for the letter of Revelation. It’s not a revelation of information or a revelation of prophecy; it’s a revelation of Jesus.
This sermon looks at the last oddest gift given to Jesus at his birth: gold. Throughout history, because of the scarcity and value of gold, this has been known as a gift fit for a king. However, this is a king like no other.
We are preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of our savior in our message series, The Oddest Gift Of All, as we look at the odd gifts that the Magi or Wise Men brought to worship Jesus. Myrrh was one of the odd gifted items that has far more significance than you might realize. In this sermon we will spend our time looking at an Old Testament prophetic passage from Isaiah 53 and show how myrrh represents Jesus, the suffering servant, who was born to suffer on our behalf for the forgiveness of our sins.
This Sunday we are looking at the gift of frankincense. How is this aromatic resin biblically significant?
This Sunday we conclude our sermon series "Generous". What we want for you is for you to have a life that is abundant and full, where you can live in the overflowing joy of generosity. For those of you already experiencing that, we want you to experience it even more remarkable. For those of you standing on the sideline, we want to challenge you to push through those mindsets that limit us and realize we serve a God that has more than enough to meet our needs.
This week, Payton continues our November sermon series "Gen-er-ous" by debunking four common lies that our culture likes to tell us about money and wealth.
This week Tracy will be dealing with the second lesson in our November series: "Gen-er-ous". What did Jesus mean when He taught His disciples to be "Rich Toward God"?
We start our "Gen-er-ous" series with a lesson on "How to Take Hold of Your Money." This is what sets us on the path to a generous life.
This week Tracy finished our series, "I Want to Believe, but..." by dealing with one of the difficult subjects in Scripture: Hell. How could a good God send people to Hell? How do we answer that question?
I think we can all admit we have become an "on-demand generation", so here is my thought process. Because everything we want now is on demand, everything can get to me in under two days, EVERYTHING is on-demand, I believe there are many people that want an on-demand God. “I prayed about it. God didn’t do it. Therefore I don’t believe in God. God should do exactly what I want.” In this sermon, we talk about unanswered prayers and what kind of God we have if He is not on-demand!
How do you believe in a God you can’t see, you don’t hear audibly, and you simply don’t feel? A lot of people want to believe, but they don’t seem to feel it like others do. Payton provides three suggestions why this might be the case.
This Sunday Tracy is taking on a difficult and sensitive topic in our series, "I Want To Believe, But...". We are talking about transgenders. Most of us have never had to deal with this issue, but it is a growing trend the church needs to understand. More importantly, we need to know how to respond.
In this Sunday's installment of our "I Want to Believe, but..." sermon series, David Russell breaks down whether or not Jesus is the only way to salvation. If He isn't, then why did He allow himself to be crucified for us?
Tracy is dealing with the next lesson in our series "I Want to Believe, but... Christians are all Hypocrites." We have heard these arguments before. What do we say about some of the horrible things that have been done in the name of Christianity?
Do we always have to take the Bible literally? What about contradictions that exist? Is the New Testament a trustworthy source for me to go “all-in” with? Questioning the legitimacy of the Bible is not an unnatural thing and it most certainly is not a new thing.
The late Richard Dawkins looked at the atrocities of the world and declared that our universe “has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference.” Continuing our new sermon series, "I Want To Believe, but", we will discuss the question that I imagine haunts every one of us from time to time: how could a good God allow suffering in His world?
Tracy kicks off this series with the question: "Is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God?" Can we prove that God exists? This is a big subject.
This sermon's testimony is from a man named Greg Johnson who once identified himself as a gay atheist, but has found a new identity that he believes has given him a greater sense of self. Those who are outside of Christ are going to live by the standards the world has established as morally true and right. Our job is not to prove them wrong; our job is to prove to them that Jesus is right.
This week, Payton continues our series on Testimony by looking to the life of Rosalind Picard. She was an MIT professor who thought she was too intelligent for religion. What changed?
This week, Tracy continues our new series on "Testimony" as he looks into the conversion of a man who was once "the most dangerous man in Mississippi." It is a story that highlights the power of prayer and God's word.
Tracy begins our "Testimony" sermon series with the conversion of a priest and co-founder of the South African Satanic Church. How does the Good News of Jesus reach the heart of someone like this? You might be surprised.
Payton finished up our Red Letter Living sermon series by examining Jesus’ urgent plea to the Father from the Garden of Gethsemane. He experienced extraordinary stress over the very thing he had come into the world to accomplish and cried out, “Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me.” Satan is cheering, the darkness of the world is closing in, and death and corruption seemed to have won again. But Jesus is not finished praying.
In this eighth lesson of our Red Letter Living sermon series, we are looking at Jesus' first words on the cross and the most powerful example of forgiveness we have available to us.
In this continuation of our Red Letter Living sermon series, Payton discusses how Jesus' words of "I am the way and the truth and the life" contrast with the universalist approaches to faith that are found in the world today.
In this sermon, Tracy looks at Jesus' statement "I have overcome the world." What does that mean for us?
This week, Tracy looked at some of the most encouraging words of Jesus: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." What did He mean by "rest"? It goes beyond taking a break from life. The concept of "rest" takes us back to the Garden of Eden.
Jesus takes a very profound idea of salt and uses it as a metaphor to establish three things: unity, identity, and mission. "You are the salt of the earth" is a simple statement with a profound meaning.
Tracy kicked off our "Red Letter Living" series with Jesus' invitation to "Follow Me". What does that mean to a lost world and what does it say to the church today?
Tracy concludes our sermon series on Abraham this Sunday by looking at an often overlooked narrative. Abraham makes a powerful statement of faith after the death of Sarah.
This Sunday, Payton will be continues our series about Abraham and how God uses the unexpected to bring about good.
This Sunday, we continue our series on Abraham from Genesis 15. This narrative intersects our story in a BIG way. It is here we learn about God's amazing grace. In fact, it is so amazing it is difficult for many Christians to accept. Paul dedicated an entire chapter (Romans 4) to one verse in that account.
Since Abraham's story was saturated with failure, there's a lot we can learn from how God used that failure for good. Knowing that, what reason have we to fear?
This morning, we were all blown away from Brad Green's presentation of the gospel and were encouraged for our Mission Sunday! Brad Green works at one of our mission efforts, Mt. Dora Children's Home & Academy.
In this sermon, Tracy discusses the importance of unity in the church as covered in 1 Corinthians 14.
1 Corinthians 13, although often quoted at weddings, is actually not necessarily talking about the romantic kind of love; rather, it speaks of the love we should have for everyone around us. Listen as Payton breaks down this topic further.
In this lesson, Payton discusses the topic of Spiritual Gifts and how we can use them to benefit our church family and the world as a whole.
Some had used the Lord's Supper to divide and shame many in the community. Paul's advice resonates today as we come together before the table of the Lord.
Paul gets into this discussion about head coverings, long hair, short hair, shaved heads, etc. What does any of this have to do with us, if anything? This is one of the most misrepresented passages in Scripture, but we will try to make sense of what Paul is saying and why it is important for Christian women today.
Payton continued our 1 Corinthians sermon series this week with the discussion of idols. In some fashion, we all practice idolatry.
In this sermon, Tracy is looking into I Corinthians 8-10. Paul is answering another question the Christians had asked him in a letter. This has to do with eating meat sacrificed to idols. Not exactly a big problem in our country, so how might it pertain to us today?
In this sermon, Tracy preaches through I Corinthians 7. Paul addresses specific questions asked by the believers. He gives advice to those married, thinking about divorce and remarriage. He also has something to say to widows/widowers and singles.
In this sermon, Tracy is dealing with I Corinthians 6. Paul confronts the Christians who were suing each other over everyday issues. But what does that mean to us?
God is waiting for a church that takes the truth of His Word seriously, which means that it must take sin seriously. Can we be that type of church?
Paul prayed that we would be united. Jesus prayed that we would be one. What if we could be the generation that is the answer to their prayers?
This week Tracy begins with Paul's opening to the letter. This was a dysfunctional church loved by God.
The beginning of this new year presents us with a great opportunity to pursue new goals, improve ourselves, and more.
With the turn of the calendar year, many of us are reviewing our life and don’t like what we see. We wish we were happier, more successful, wealthier, or we created more meaning for our life. If you’re a follower of Jesus, you might even be asking that scary question: "Does Christianity even work?" The answer might catch you off guard.
We conclude our series, A Season of Expectation, with "Joy." The Biblical account of the birth of Christ is surrounded with rejoicing! Yet, it was not a happy time in the world. How can we have joy amid difficult times? And what does the infant in the manger have to do with it?
In this sermon, we look to the next topic in our series - Love. It is the foundation of God's story. It is the reason for Jesus being born in Bethlehem. But it is also our calling as we wait for Him to come again.
What so many people really want in life, and don't even know that they really want or need, is peace - real peace. A peace that the world wouldn't even understand; a divine peace that only God can give.
In this first installment of our "A Season of Expectation" sermon series, Tracy focuses on the prophecies and anticipation of a coming Messiah among God's people.
In this special sermon, Tracy gets us in the mood for Thanksgiving by taking us through Psalm 100. The idea of being thankful goes back thousands of years and has been an important part of our country since its birth.
In this conclusion of our Marriage Matters sermon series, Tracy delves into the subject of purity. It goes beyond the marriage bond and our relationship with the Spirit of God.
Payton is continuing on with our Marriage Matters series by preaching on Pursuit Matters. What does it look like to still date your spouse even after years of marriage?
Payton kicks off our series called "Marriage Matters" by talking about how priority matters.
Tracy continues our series on "The Whole Disciple" as he looks at the one thing followers of Christ must be known for - loving one another. You can read John 13 in preparation for the lesson.
In this lesson, Tracy looks at what it means for disciples to live in community with one another. Jesus never intended for His people to live in isolation of one another. He sent the Holy Spirit to breathe into us and for us to breathe the Spirit into one another.
In this lesson, we continue our series on "The Whole Disciple." Many of you remember a time when almost everyone you know went to church and believed in God. Times have changed over the last few decades and we are called to hone in on an important part of being a disciple of Jesus - being able to defend the faith. Join us in listening to this lesson as Tracy encourages us in our calling as Christians.
What does it look like to "live missionally"? As we live out our lives in a world of darkness and division, God calls upon us to be His light. In this lesson, Payton explains this directive.
Being a Whole Disciple means being a good steward. Tracy breaks down what it means to openly and freely give our time, money, resources, and talents to allow God to continue to work through His people for His purposes. Jesus’ ministry thrived from the resources and gifts of others. It was the same for Paul. And the continuation of God’s Kingdom on Earth will be through our stewardship.
In this lesson, Tracy looks into another aspect of being a complete follower of Jesus - Godly Character. Find out what that looks like today and why it is important to God.
In the first lesson of our The Whole Disciple series, Tracy gets us started on the idea of thinking Biblically. We all have a worldview but a disciple of Christ is meant to filter everything that thinks, says, offers and produces through God's Word. What does that look like? How can I grow in my walk with Jesus?
We are on our last lesson in the Road Trip series and what a fitting, final destination: Heaven. Here is the truth: what you believe about eternity determines how you live today. In this lesson, Payton talks about everything in Heaven: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it directly affects how you live today.
Jesus’ arrival into the city of Jerusalem caused a commotion. The demonstration with the donkeys, coats, and palm leaves made it clear that Jesus was claiming some sort of royal authority. The crowd's reaction has lots to teach us of our own expectations. On this stop in our road trip, we will look at the Road Into Jerusalem and how Jesus completely changed the name of the game.
In this lesson, we travel one of the most familiar roads of Jesus' parables - "The Road Home." We often refer to this story as the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Yet, it isn't so much about the son as it is the father. "The Road Home" is paved with love and grace.
In this lesson, our Summer Road Trip takes a detour in Acts 16. Detours are those times when the Holy Spirit takes us off our current path and sends us in a new direction. Like road detours, it isn't always the easy route. There are many twists and turns that can be frustrating. But if we trust God, He will lead us to something better in the end.
In this lesson, Tracy takes us on a road with Jesus and His disciples. It was here Peter makes that famous confession, "You are the Christ" but soon after is rebuked by Jesus for following Satan. He misunderstood what it meant for Jesus to be "the Christ." Can we do the same thing?
In this lesson, Payton continues our Summer Road Trip by taking us down Emperor's Road.
In this lesson, we are headed up the Damascus Road to witness one of the most amazing conversion stories in Scripture. It answers one of the most important questions humanity has asked since the beginning, "Can God save someone like me?"
This week we are driving along the Desert Road with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). On the way to Gaza an outcast meets Jesus. Whether that person is you, or not, we all have something to learn on our Summer Road Trip.
This week our Summer Road Trip takes a drive on Emmaus Road (Lk. 24:13-35). It is one of those powerful texts in Scripture. Have you ever been discouraged with God? Have events in your life gone different than you anticipated as a follower of Jesus? Most of us have been there at times. In those moments we need a fresh encounter with Christ.
Payton took us down Calvary Road and taugh us about the ultimate sacrifice when Jesus picked up his cross died for us.
This lesson starts out our Summer Road Trip Series with Wilderness Road! Buckle up because it is going to be a wild ride.
Tracy takes us to the book of Haggai when a remnant of Israel returns to Jerusalem after 70 years in captivity. Haggai is only two chapters, but it is packed with lessons meant to challenge God's people in every generation.
Zephaniah not only predicts the downfall of Judah, but of the nations as well. As usual, God's judgment is mixed with His love.
The prophet confronts Israel for their sins and pronounces a coming judgment. Yet, it is a message mixed with hope and the promise of the defeat of evil by a coming messianic King to bless the nations. God's punishment was not to destroy but to redeem Israel and save the world. The prophet also shows us what it really means to follow God. What does the LORD's judgment and hope say to us today?
Jesus brings His entire Sermon on the Mount to a summary in this week's topic of "The Golden Rule".
In Matthew chapter 7, Jesus talks about judging other people. It's one of those passages that even non-Christians are pretty familiar with. Let's did deeper into this topic.
In this lesson we talk about the symptoms of anxiety and depression and what God means when he says "Do not worry".
As we strive for the perfection of the Father as Matthew teaches us, we learn that there are things along our journey that will try to divide our loyalty to the Father and to His kingdom. One of those has to do with our wealth.
In Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus is going to illustrate how people continue to do things that are corrupt. Especially the religious leaders, Jesus calls them hypocrites.
Payton Minzenmayer, our Associate Minister, delivers the ninth installment of our sermon series covering the Sermon on the Mount, entitled Upside-Down Kingdom.
"...But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." -Matthew 5:39
Joe Wild, one of our elders and Spiritual Shepherds, delivers the seventh installment of our sermon series covering the Sermon on the Mount, entitled Upside-Down Kingdom.
Jesus is making citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Following a rule is much easier than totally transforming our hearts to be like that of God. We like rules...but listen as Jesus tries to take us deeper in today's sermon text.
What is God's design for sexual desire? Within the covenant relationship of the husband and wife, we bear the image of God. It is a powerful complex when sex is within this bond, but when it is outside of God's design for humanity, including desiring another, it has the potential to destroy.
Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the fourth installment of our sermon series covering the Sermon on the Mount, entitled Upside-Down Kingdom.
What is morality? What is right and wrong? Payton, our associate minister, talks about it in our third message in The Sermon on the Mount series.
Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the second installment of our sermon series covering the Sermon on the Mount, entitled Upside-Down Kingdom.
Jesus' life was notorious for offending, displeasing, and angering those around him. He was different. He had a different way of viewing the world. And, he said some pretty radical things. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) serves as a compilation of some of Jesus' most radical teachings in one place. However, the shock value of his words are not limited to the original audience alone; we soon will see the values of Jesus run counter-cultural to many of our own.
Payton Minzenmayer, our Associate Minister, delivers the tenth and final installment of our sermon series covering the book of Genesis.
The story of the tower of Babel is the climax of the first section of Genesis. Humanity continues to move further from Eden and the presence of God.
For many today, the idea that the Bible is good, beautiful, and loving crashes against moments in the Bible of violence, judgment, and bloodshed. We find ourselves asking questions like, “How could a good God send a flood to destroy the earth?” Without a good answer, these questions should keep us awake at night, rattle our confidence, and make belief seem less believable. The problem is that many often don’t seek out good answers; many would rather walk away from these intense moments in the biblical story and leave their faith behind, too.
This week we are looking at the beginning of life outside of Eden. There is a human nature that must be controlled or we continue to repeat the failure of Adam and Eve and move further from God.
This week we are talking about the coming Seed - Christ - who will return humanity to the 7th day reality of Genesis 1 and 2. We can live 7th day moments today as we anticipate its completion.
Most people read Genesis 3 and call it the falling of humanity. We are going to explore how it could be called "the failing of humans".
What does the Sabbath mean and why do we need to take a day of rest? Tracy Moore, our preaching minister, explains in this sermon.
In the ancient world, specifically the Ancient Near East, to be made in the image of God was a depiction reserved for only two things: idols and kings. When Genesis uses this phrase, “image of God” it uses the Hebrew word selem for “image.” You might be surprised to learn this, but selem is often translated as “idol” in our Bibles - “the idols of God.”
Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the first installment of his new sermon series covering the book of Genesis.
Our 10 week series on Genesis begins here. We want to explore the core messages and admire the beauty of the book of Genesis. Pause, listen and appreciate its message and then place that understanding into our world today.
Payton Minzenmayer, our Associate Minister, delivers the second and final installment of Tracy's lesson series entitled "Identity".
Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the first installment of his new lesson series entitled "Identity".
In this portion of our Online Worship Experience for May 10th, 2020, Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the second installment of his new lesson series entitled "Belong".
YouTube Channel: bit.ly/VBCyoutube, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbcoc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verobeach.church/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vbchofchrist
belong #jesus #jesuscommunity
In this portion of our Online Worship Experience for May 3rd, 2020, Tracy Moore, our Preaching Minister, delivers the first installment of his new lesson series entitled "Belong", with the help of Master's Academy Lady Patriots Olivia, Bella, Amber, &Tessa.
YouTube Channel: bit.ly/VBCyoutube, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vbcoc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verobeach.church/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/vbchofchrist
belong #mastersacademyofverobeach #ladypatriots #softball #team
Healthier rhythms will only have a lasting impact if they are reshaped and reoriented around the person of Christ. So as you lean into your community and you slow down the tempo of your life do these things around the person of Jesus. He is the vine by which we are nourished and energized.
Even when we try to control our lives God reminds us that we are not in control. All we know how to do is run and now the treadmills have stopped. Perhaps the goal is not to get the treadmill up and running again, maybe we are supposed to stop. Because there is something deeper happening.
Minister, Tracy Moore interviews Louis Swakkiam, our missionary in India, talking with him about Christian persecution in his country, prayer and other meaningful topics.
Jesus has been going through His legal trail before the Sanhedrin, but now it is Peter’s turn. His trial is personal and before his peers. He is the last man standing with Christ and then a rooster crowed.
Jesus has been going through His legal trail before the Sanhedrin, but now it is Peter’s turn. His trial is personal and before his peers. He is the last man standing with Christ and then a rooster crowed.
Only in the light of suffering can Jesus openly divulge his identity as God’s Son. It is his trial before the religious council that the veil is finally removed; the secret that Jesus has protected since the beginning of his ministry can now be disclosed.
Only in the light of suffering can Jesus openly divulge his identity as God’s Son. It is his trial before the religious council that the veil is finally removed; the secret that Jesus has protected since the beginning of his ministry can now be disclosed.
Jesus has made His predictions about the failure of the Twelve, and now they are being fulfilled. More importantly, this is the Lord’s darkest hour and His closest disciples fail Him. This is a side of Jesus we haven’t seen.
Jesus has made His predictions about the failure of the Twelve, and now they are being fulfilled. More importantly, this is the Lord's darkest hour and His closest disciples fail Him. This is a side of Jesus we haven't seen.
Jesus predicts the scattering of all the disciples and the Peter's denial that night. They arrogantly believe they would ever do such a thing. But the announcement of their failure is mixed with grace.
Jesus predicts the scattering of all the disciples and the Peter's denial that night. They arrogantly believe they would never do such a thing. But the announcement of their failure is mixed with grace.
Jesus is on His way to the cross but stops to celebrate the Passover meal with His disciples. It is filled with 1,000 year old images that will be transformed into something new. The meal is everything Jesus has been trying to tell His disciples.
How much is Jesus worth to you. That's the question only you can answer for yourself. For the woman in today's passage, Jesus was worth everything she ha.; for Judas: 30 silver pieces. How about you?
When will we know it is the end of all things? Who is the Son of Man? What should we be expecting? Tracy explores this and more in today's sermon.
Jesus enters into a difficult portion of the gospel according to Mark. This morning we talk about the end times. What are the signs, how will we know, and what do we need to be focused on above all else?
Jesus is no longer being questioned by the religious leaders, in fact, he has turned the tables and gone of the offense. After dealing with the question of a sincere scribe, Jesus attacks the scribes as a group. Our narrative is filled with comparisons of the scribes, the rich and a poor widow. Only one is living in the image of God. Over the last two weeks, Jesus has told God’s creation to give to God what belongs to God. What belongs to God? Our whole selves. Loving God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. As God loved us, we are to love our neighbor. Today we are given an example of what that looks like.
Jesus is speaking about what it means to live in the image of God. For the first time He is not confronted by a group, only a single scribe. Something is different with this religious leader, he is genuinely interested in what Jesus has to say. Jesus gives the greatest commands in the Law – love God and love our neighbor. Everything hinges upon these two commands. They are greater than the most sacred sacrifices offered at the Temple. But it is more than emotion – it is an action given of our whole being.
For Jesus, the biblical story is all about imagining a world where we receive the love of our life-giving creator and we return that love through our love for our neighbor. That's what it means to be the image of God. However, we have done such a poor job of it, we must be reborn and transformed into something new. Jesus's response to the religious leader of the day still resonates today with the meaning of life and how to live out that meaning.
Peace on earth. It’s one of the most popular sentiments of the Christmas season. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, after all, who doesn’t want peace on earth? Join us as we discover together the true meaning of Peace on Earth.
When Jesus clears the Temple by running out those selling animals for sacrifice and overturning tables of those exchanging money for the Temple tax, the Jewish religious leaders wanted to know who gave him the authority to do these things. Jesus does not answer their question, but He does give them a parable similar to the prophets of old. Jesus continues as a prophet of God. The parable not only condemns the religious leaders, but reveals the amazing love the Father has for humanity.
Arthur David is the founder of Ford-Madden Christian Academy in Liberia, Africa. He spoke with us this morning about the academy and how to use our gifts to bless them there.
Through the literary brilliance of Mark, our narrative is wrapped around a fig tree cursed by Jesus. It, like the Temple, looked as if it bore fruit, but in fact there was none. Both the tree and the Temple are judged. No matter how holy an institution may be, if it doesn't bear fruit, it must be removed. Today we will explore what that means for us.
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem like a king. His actions are completely out of character from the ministry of Jesus. There is much drama only to end, on what seems to be anticlimactic. We are meant to follow the breadcrumbs back to the Old Testament to understand the long-awaited Servant King has arrived in the Holy City. But the expectation of the crowds and the expectation of God is different.
This section ends with the only one with spiritual sight – a blind man from Jericho. He becomes the model disciple, not the Twelve or even Jesus’ inner circle. Jesus asks the blind man the same question He asked James and John – “What do you want me to do for you?” It is one of the most important questions God asks us today. Our answer reveals our motives.
Jesus is marching to Jerusalem to die for humanity and James and John are marching to receive glory for themselves. They still don’t understand the purpose of the Messiah. They too will suffer. Human nature hasn’t changed through the centuries. We often follow Jesus to receive something in return. And what we desire, we want without suffering. Like the brothers, we too can struggle with pride and spiritual competition. We define greatness differently than Jesus.
A man, who has kept the law of God since his youth, wants to know what else he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus shocked the man by telling him to sell all his possessions, give it to the poor and come and follow Him. The man left sad and not a follower of Christ. This narrative is intended to show us there is nothing we can do to inherit eternal life. Jesus’ own disciples were “exceedingly astonished” by Jesus’ declaration of the rich. That was the intent. They then asked the right question, “Then who can be saved?”
The Pharisees are trying to trap Jesus by asking him a question that ultimately cost John the Baptizer his head. Instead of giving them what they wanted Jesus taught the true understanding of marriage from Genesis. We live in a world were marriage is seen as a temporary commitment. But God intended it to be a symbol of something higher.
Mark gives us a series of narratives to help us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Despite following Jesus all this time, they are still hard-hearted and struggle to over come their culture and longtime beliefs. In order for us to truly see Jesus, we must come as people who are ready to be humble and carry a cross. The church struggles with the same things as people in the world – wanting to be in places of honor or deciding who gets in or not. To be a follower of Jesus it takes a complete claim of our lives.
Jesus and the inner circle leave the glory of the mount of transfiguration to return to the world’s reality – evil, suffering, faithless crowds and religious disputes. The remaining apostles had not been able to heal a boy with an unclean spirit. Jesus heals him and builds the faith of a father who had lost all faith.
Many in our world struggle with their faith, especially in a world filled with chaos and suffering. Jesus is the one who encourages our faith and shares the key to spiritual warfare.
The message of suffering and death is mixed with resurrection and glory. You cannot have glory without death. Our own suffering brings us into deeper fellowship with Jesus. We become an extension of His ministry and find new life.
Jesus heals a blind man in stages to show how the disciples would be healed of their spiritual blindness. Declaring Jesus is the Christ is only the beginning of spiritual sight. It is important to understand the true meaning of Jesus being the Christ - death and resurrection. A follower of Jesus must also be willing to bear a cross of suffering.
Most of us have an Annual Physical Checkup. What about an Annual Spiritual Checkup - that compares our present attitudes & actions to those of our Savior & Lord. This simple procedure ensures that we are following Christ and being like Him to others.
Most of us have an Annual Physical Checkup. What about an Annual Spiritual Checkup - that compares our present attitudes & actions to those of our Savior & Lord. This simple procedure ensures that we are following Christ and being like Him to others.
We have to stop telling God to approve of what is right in our own heart, and instead seek what is right in God’s heart. The Pharisees do not want to seek the heart of God, they wanted God to fit inside of their pre-constructed mold of who God is and how he should be working in the world.
Jesus shows the Pharisees how they used the “traditions of the elders” to serve their own purpose and disobey God’s written Law. While they lived by strict rules their hearts were far from God. When we allow our own religious traditions to become equal or more important than God’s Word, they become idols. When we focus on particulars we lose sight of the greater commands of the law – justice, mercy and faith.
Jesus reenacts to significant Old Testament stories. When He walks on water, Mark says He wanted to “pass by them.” God did this twice in the OT to reveal His name and identity. Jesus calls out to them by the personal name of God.Jesus is God. He does what only the Creator of the Universe can do.
Jesus was trying to enjoy a spiritual retreat with the Twelve when He sees the crowds running along the Sea of Galilee to follow Him to His next stop. Out of compassion Jesus puts the retreat on hold to teach the people. As darkness started to set in, a problem arose. The people are hungry, and they needed to eat. Once again Jesus teaches us about discipleship. It isn't sitting back and watching Jesus do everything. He brings us in, to be His hands as we serve Him with faith.
Jesus sends out the Twelve for the first time. They are a continuation of the mission of Christ - casting out demons, preaching the good news and healing the sick. Suddenly Mark recounts something that had already occurred - the death of John the Baptizer. Immediately after this flashback, Mark simply tells us the disciples returned to their mission. To be a disciple of Jesus is to count the cost. One must be prepared to die for the cause if necessary. But the victory has already been won. And Christianity cannot be extinguished.
Jesus visits His hometown synagogue and teaches. The people are astonished but not for the right reasons. They cannot get past how Mary's boy, the carpenter, could have such wisdom and power. Many believing parents wonder why their children leave, stop going to church and turn their backs on the things they had always been taught. We have made sure we and our children know the stories but have neglected to allow our faith to grow.
A synagogue leader pleads with Jesus to heal his sick daughter. Jesus agrees but is interrupted by a woman who was suddenly healed by touching His garment. She demonstrates a saving faith that the father will be asked to have. Two very different people are represented, and both were restored. All are equal before God. Jesus loves us all and longs for humanity to stop living in fear and learn to trust Him no matter the situation – even death.
Jesus heals a man tormented by a legion of demons. This man, who lived among the tombs, could not be restrained by the strongest of chains. Jesus not only has the power to confine him, but to set the man free from the evil within him. Jesus calms the inner being. He has power over the spiritual forces of evil. Not all have demons tormenting them from within, but many struggles with inner conflict. Only One can bring peace. He has a power that is greater than the strongest of irons. He can bring calm to our chaotic inner battles.
Despite following Jesus and seeing His miracles, the disciples are terrorized by the power of Jesus over nature. The point isn’t to show Jesus saves them from a storm, but to demonstrate He is God. He does what only God can do. All of us find ourselves in sudden, terrifying storms in life. In those moments of desperation, we are to turn to Jesus, even if we do not fully understand who He is and the power He possesses.
Jesus describes himself as the light that slowly reveals God’s power and magnificence. The very humanness of Jesus governs the glory of God from overwhelming and blinding the world, and invites people to discover the kingdom by experience. The rather baffling activity of God in Jesus is like hide-and-seek: only that which is hidden can be found.
Jesus’ parables are like stained glass windows, in a cathedral, dull and lifeless from the outside but brilliant and radiant from within. Jesus's parables are not simply good advice, nor are they tools to help you understand something better, they are good news. The life of Jesus is itself a parable, indeed the greatest of them all.
Jesus has come to liberate humanity from the power of evil. Casting out demons was a sign God’s kingdom was arriving. Satan is being defeated one battle after another. He is plundering the house of Satan. Jesus will not even allow his mother or brothers to take priority over the new community being formed. The true family of Christ are those who sit in His presence and do the will of God.
Many times we merely read over the calling of the 12 disciples. However, there is profound significance of these men being chosen and what it means for us.
The presence of Jesus meant it was a time of festivities. Jesus came to gather all under His wings of grace and love.
Jesus demonstrates His power to forgive by healing a paralytic. We all have greater needs than the physical. The One who could heal the sick can also forgive sins.
Jesus has come, not only to heal, but to cleanse the impure and outcasts. Jesus loves and comes to us when all others are keeping their distance. Jesus not only makes the leper clean, but He trades places – Jesus becomes the one bearing the burden.
Jesus amazes the crowds with His authoritative teaching, as well as, His power over human sickness and the evil powers of the world. Jesus was not just a great religious authority or prophet. He is the Messiah who has come to redeem captives. Jesus healed the sick and the oppressed.
Apparently, according to Jesus, the good news and the message of the Bible is not us going somewhere, it's about God coming here. It's about something God is doing here that according to Jesus is the good news.
The baptism of Jesus demonstrated Jesus is the one promised in the Old Testament and the one who will launch God’s kingdom. But like humanity, He must go to the wilderness for testing. Will he emerge the promised Messiah? This event reveals Jesus as the Son of God. It also signifies the long-anticipated return of the Spirit of God. If He passes the test, Jesus becomes the One who can bring salvation to the world
The Gospel is more than a set of beliefs - it is a person - Jesus Messiah. The "beginning of the gospel" was as momentous as the creation of the world, for in Jesus new creation is at hand. It is a call for the world to wake up!
Are you feeling adrift, as if hope is gone? We have good news! There is an unshakable hope that will see you through whatever hits you. Come, celebrate Easter with us and discover this unshakable hope for yourself.
Not everyone we share the Good News of Jesus Christ with will be accepting. How do we deal with those who reject Christ?
How do we help one another know the way of God more accurately? All true disciples want to grow in the ways of God; to love God is to love truth.
As disciples we are called to love our enemies. There is no greater love we can illustrate than to tell them about Jesus.
Conversion is not simply a matter of the heart or the emotions; it has a cognitive content and carries with it a call to service and action. Saul thinks he is doing God’s will and then the scales fall from his eyes and he see his life and vocation differently. It changes the way you see yourself and what you believe.
Discipling others is more than telling them what they need to do or not do. Discipleship is about taking others along with you in ministry.
When things got tough for John Mark, he decided he would take the easy route. He left his teammates. He deserted them. But John Mark would not be defined by this mistake. No, far from it. You see, we have a God who uses us even in our weakness. God continues to work through his broken people: he can make a way out of no way and write straight with crooked lines.
When you are at odds with people, it can be a real challenge. It can be tempting to simply ignore them and try to move on. But Jesus asks us to do more. Often as we seek to love our neighbors, God changes us more than he changes them. Loving our difficult neighbors (and our enemies) ha the potential to transform us into the people God wants us to be.
How do we take the Good News to those who are seeking God, even if they are considered outcasts by others?
Jesus chose to make himself vulnerable. The one who came to give everything for us was also willing to receive from us.
Sharing the story of Jesus and his impact on our lives is the right motive, but it cannot be an ulterior motive in developing relationships.
The number one obstacle to neighboring well is time. If you’re taking the Great Commandment seriously (to love God with all you have and to love your neighbor), undoubtedly you will start to feel conflicted.
Discipling others can be messy. Of all the people who came to Christ in that Samaritan city, Simon seemed to have to most baggage.
The goal of the Campaign 100 is to develop 100 disciples who are making disciples. The Vero Beach Church of Christ will be laser-focused on this vision in the year 2019. The leaders of this church are challenging you to "be 1 of the 100." Be a disciple who is making disciples.
People were attracted to the early church. Who wouldn’t be with what they were doing and the things they were proclaiming. Some joined them, many hated them, but nobody could ignore them. We, at the Vero Beach Church of Christ, want to be that type of church.
Until we commit ourselves to being disciples of Jesus, we will never change our personal and congregational culture. We can never be an instrument of God. We can never receive direction from God’s Spirit.
Next week we are going to look closer at Jesus and the model He incorporated with His disciples. For now, we have to accept the challenge:
“If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
From Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, through the early stages of the spread of the Gospel, angels were actively proclaiming God’s intentions and assuring the success of His redemption plan. Enjoy as guest speaker Michael O’Neal leads you on an angelic discovery.
The text this morning gives us the most condensed version of what happens when the Spirit of God, when the Spirit of Jesus, is actually working inside of us.
It requires a fundamental desire to want to change the broken person that I am and let God’s Spirit do his work.
To seek justification through legalistic rules is chase after something that doesn't accomplish anything. When we are justified and clothed in Christ, we enter a new realm of redemption.
Jesus died so you could be unshackled from sin. Jesus rose so He could send His Spirit to free us from living a life bound to the desires of the flesh.
As Christ followers, we are all part of the family of God. Families love and support one another, families are great...most of the time. How do we cope when families aren't so great?
Steve Hayes was our guest speaker on November 4th and he spoke to us on dealing with grief. he told of his personal experience of losing his son. Steve in the head basketball couch for Mt. Dora Christian Academy.
Adoption is for those who have put their trust in Jesus and are united with Him in baptism. The adoption process is completed (Rom 8:23) when our bodies are redeemed. Now, a new community made up of Jews and Gentiles sit at one table of fellowship awaiting the coming of the Lord.
Why would anyone want to go back to a cursed system? Our salvation has never been determined by our works. Even Abraham was credited for righteousness by his trusting faithfulness.
I trust Jesus to save me. I trust him to be with my in my darkest hour. I trust he knows what is best for my life even when things don't make sense. Do you trust Jesus?
Do you want to know why churches are dying? Because we are so focused on ourselves.
If I have received the gospel of Christ, Jesus lives in me. This is more than begin forgiven; Jesus living in me is about being transformed for love and service of others.
If we believe the autonomy of the church we shouldn't expect every church to look the same. It's okay to disagree. None of us will ever agree on everything.
Remain humble and be patient with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Remember, none of us deserve salvation; we are saved by God's grace. Love God, love others, and come to the table.