The Village Chapel - Sunday Sermons: Recent Episodes
The Village Chapel - Nashville, TN
At TVC, we've realized that we have a deep need to nourish our spiritual lives. We've grown tired of our tendency toward spiritual lethargy, cynicism, skepticism and brokenness. So, we're doing something about it. We're becoming intentional about our faith by drawing close to God in worship, studying His Word, and learning to give and take in the context of a community of believers. At The Village Chapel, we seek to be transformed as we feed our minds on God's truth and our hearts on God's love.
Across the Great DivideLuke 16:14-31
The Village Chapel - 06/15/2025
Luke 16 begins with a conversation Jesus has with his disciples about faithfulness with money and righteous stewardship in the kingdom. He continues that conversation with the Pharisees, who are lovers of money and need to be reminded of the sanctity and reverence of God’s Law. Jesus tells them a fascinating story of two men and five brothers, separated by a great chasm, both in this life and the next. Join us as we look at how the Law and the kingdom of God intersect, and how the love of Christ carries us across the great divide.
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Shrewdness, Stewardship & Submission in the KingdomLuke 16:1-13
The Village Chapel - 06/08/2025
In the three parables of Jesus in Chapter 15 of Luke's gospel, we saw how precious lost people are to God. The parable of the prodigal son ended with the father explaining to his older son that all the father has already belongs to him. In Chapter 16, Jesus speaks to his disciples about faithfulness with money, a small thing compared to eternal treasure. We are reminded that righteous stewardship begins with the acknowledgement that all we have been given by our Father still belongs to Him and we are accountable for how we use it in His kingdom.
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The Fellowship of the ForgivenLuke 15
The Village Chapel - 06/01/2025
Have you ever lost something precious—something you feared was gone for good—only to experience the overwhelming relief and joy of finding it again? In Luke 15, Jesus tells a trio of parables about lost things: a sheep, a coin, and two sons. Each story offers a window into the heart of God for those who are lost.
This week, join us as we explore what it means to be lost and what it means to be sought and found by a pursuing God. The ground is level at the foot of the cross, and the invitation to join the fellowship of the forgiven is open to all who would turn to Jesus.
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Real Discipleship, Real Cost, Real ImpactLuke 14:25-35
The Village Chapel - 05/25/2025
You were made for more. More than mere survival. More than greater success. More than just discovering your “self”. Beneath every craving for purpose, every longing to belong, and every restless ache for something more—is a deeper call. It’s the voice of Jesus, saying, “Follow Me.”
But His call on our lives isn’t a casual invitation. It’s a summons to a whole new way of being and living—to a life where Christ is not merely an accessory, but at the very core and center. A life where our loves are reordered, where meaning runs deep, and our stories get rewritten in light of eternity.
Join Pastor Jim for this study Luke 14:25-35 where we’ll explore what it really means to follow Jesus. Not just to believe in Him, but to follow Him so closely you walk in His dust. Not just to receive His gifts, but to also live under the freedom of His Lordship. Not just to become more religious—but to live a life of real impact, following Jesus as one of His disciples!
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The Table Set by GraceLuke 14:1-24
The Village Chapel - 05/18/2025
What if true freedom begins with honesty? What if real joy grows in the soil of humility? What if grace doesn’t ask you to earn your seat—but simply invites you to come?
There is a table—where you don’t have to be a somebody to get a seat, where the humble become the joyful, and where outcasts, outsiders and the overlooked are all invited in.
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us into the house of a leader of the Pharisees in Luke 14 and Jesus opens our eyes to a banquet of scandalous welcome, where grace rewrites the guest list. This is The Table Set by Grace—and there’s room for you.
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The Narrow Door Is Open WideLuke 13
The Village Chapel - 05/11/2025
In Luke 13, Jesus reminds his listeners that there is a universal need for repentance, no matter the circumstances of their lives. The door to the kingdom is narrow, and for now, is flung open wide with an invitation to all to enter. But Jesus also warns us that at some point, that door will be closed. Join Pastor Matt as we study this passage and hear more about the relentless grace of God that pursues each and every one of us.
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This Day and That DayLuke 12:35-59
The Village Chapel - 05/04/2025
Waiting is rarely easy, but in Luke 12:35-59, Jesus calls His disciples to wait with a watchful readiness that is anything but passive. His call is to stay dressed for action (be ready), to keep our lamps burning (stay awake), and to live each day with hearts anchored in the promise of His return (eager for His arrival). Our waiting is not wasted–it is shaped by the character and promises of God in Christ and should transform how we live on this day.
Jesus’ words carry both comfort and urgency. He reminds us that the day of His return will come unexpectedly, and the character of our waiting will reveal the true orientation of our hearts. A wake up call for sleepy believers and an invitation to those who don’t yet believe. Join Pastor Tommy as we study together this prophetic teaching from Jesus.
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Tune My HeartLuke 12:22-34
The Village Chapel - 04/27/2025
We live in a world drowning in fear, crippled by anxiety, and drifting into endless distraction. From the rising of the sun to its going down, our hearts are often tossed about—scrolling, striving, worrying and wondering. But what if our restless souls could be tuned, like an instrument, to the joyful music of heaven?
In Luke 12, Jesus calls us away from a life of anxious striving into the secure embrace of the Father's love—a love that gives, provides, and delights to calm our troubled hearts. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the beautiful mystery of Jesus as the human soul's A-440 and God's kingdom as our real True North.
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The Rest of the Easter Story
Acts 1: 1-11
The Village Chapel - 04/20/2025
Acts 1:1-11 captures a pivotal moment in redemption history—the resurrected Christ prepares His disciples for their mission and then suddenly ascends into the heavens to be seated at the right hand of God the Father. Immediately, two angels appear and reiterate the powerful promise of Christ’s second coming.
This passage reminds us that the gospel is not just about what Jesus has done in the past but also about what He is doing now, what He has promised to do in the future, and what this all means for those who put their faith in Christ.
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The Return of the King: Palm Sunday
Luke 19:28-48
The Village Chapel - 04/13/2025
Why have Christians observed Palm Sunday each year for the past 2,000 years? Why is it often called the “Triumphal Entry”? And why did Jesus choose to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey?
Some misunderstood what Jesus was doing that day—and many still do. Some expected a political liberator. Others rejected or ignored Him altogether. A few even tried to silence Him and His followers. And yet, millions throughout history have come to believe in Jesus and have found new life in His name. How is that possible? Can that happen for anyone?
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Full Barns and Empty Hearts: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 12:1-21
The Village Chapel - 04/06/2025
Fear is a powerful force. It can drive us to action or paralyze us in uncertainty. But the question Jesus asks us in Luke 12:1-21 is not whether we fear, but whom we fear. The solution Jesus gives us to our fears may come as a surprise. Rather than fearing man, He calls us to fear the One who holds eternal authority—God Himself. But what does it mean to truly fear the Lord? When feared rightly, what does a life of faithfulness look like? Join us as we continue our study in the gospel of Luke and uncover why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—and the key to fearless, faithful living!
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Wisdom in Warnings: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 11:33-54
The Village Chapel - 03/30/2025
We often picture Jesus as the ultimate example of being kind-hearted and soft-spoken, but he is also unafraid to speak hard words of truth in love when necessary. In Luke 11:33-54, Jesus encounters Pharisees and lawyers at a dinner and severely criticizes them for their external religion and adherence to man-made laws, which lead others astray.
Join Pastor Matt as we reflect on how Jesus confronts hypocrisy and challenges us to live a life that points to Him.
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The Stronger One: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 11:14-32
The Village Chapel - 03/23/2025
The mercy of God often arrives in ways we don’t expect. In Luke 11:14–32, Jesus confronts spiritually hardened hearts and warns of vulnerability to the schemes of Satan. When He casts out a mute demon, the crowd marvels—but others resist, question and accuse. Jesus doesn’t simply silence the critics; He reveals a greater reality: a cosmic conflict between two kingdoms, and only one King brings lasting freedom.
Join Pastor Tommy as we consider together the reality of spiritual warfare, the clarity of Christ’s kingdom, and the mercy found in His warnings.
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The Gift, Privilege & Power of Prayer: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 11:5-13
The Village Chapel - 03/16/2025
Prayer is one of God’s greatest gifts—an open invitation to commune with the Creator of the universe. Yet, if we’re honest, we often approach it with mixed motives, distracted hearts, and uncertain faith.
In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus teaches that prayer is not only a gift but also a privilege and a source of transforming power. He urges us to ask, seek, and knock, revealing that our Heavenly Father is not reluctant or annoyed but delights in hearing from us.
Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us that God welcomes us in prayer, is more generous than we can imagine, and, through prayer, draws us deeper into His heart, His plans, and His purposes.
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Lord, Teach Us to Pray: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 11:1-4
The Village Chapel - 03/09/2025
Do you ever wonder if prayer really works or makes a difference? Does God truly hear and answer our prayers? In this sermon, Pastor Jim dives into the Lord's Prayer (Luke 11:1-4), uncovering what prayer is—and isn’t. Is prayer simply making requests for what we want, or is it our lifeline to God, a way of developing a life-altering communion with the Lord? As we explore Jesus’ own teaching on prayer, we’ll learn to approach God not just as a distant deity, but as a loving Father who invites us into a personal relationship. Together, we’ll discover how prayer shapes our hearts and minds, aligns our will with God’s, and can transform our view of everyone and everything in the world around us. Like the disciples, let’s learn to pray as Jesus taught us.
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First Things First: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 10:38-42
The Village Chapel - 03/02/2025
In a world that glorifies much-ness, many-ness, productivity and busyness, are we missing what matters most? When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, one was distracted, worried and bothered with her hospitality and preparations, the other was sitting close to Jesus, listening to His Word. How does their story reflect the way our own hearts can be at times? Are we prioritizing productivity over presence, service over surrender? Join us as we explore the dangers of distraction, the delights of devotion, and the call to put first things first—listening to God’s Word, sitting at the feet of Jesus.
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Unexpected Mercy: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 10:25-37
The Village Chapel - 02/23/2025
The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most well-known teachings, but its depth goes far beyond a simple moral lesson. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus responds to a lawyer’s question about inheriting eternal life by pointing to the heart of God’s law: love for God and love for neighbor. Yet, through this encounter, Jesus exposes the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling the law on our own strength and reveals our profound need for God’s grace and mercy.
Join Pastor Tommy as we explore how Jesus redefines what it means to love God and others. His mercy is not only for the broken man on the roadside but also for the self-assured lawyer—and for us. Whether you wrestle with the weight of legalism or the pull of self-centeredness, Jesus invites you to step into a life centered on Him.
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Field Notes From the Harvest: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 10:1-24
The Village Chapel - 02/16/2025
Did you know that there is only one place in the New Testament where we read that Jesus rejoiced? What was he rejoicing about? What captured his heart and soul? It was the saving of souls, because it is the desire of God that none should perish, but that all should reach repentance. Join us as we study through Luke chapter 10 and learn how Jesus equips his followers and sends them out on this mission that is so precious to his heart!
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The Greatness of Humility: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 9:46-62
The Village Chapel - 02/09/2025
In Luke 9:46-62, Jesus confronts two of the most pressing issues in the life of a disciple—ambition and commitment. As the disciples argue over who is the greatest, we see a reflection of our own struggle for significance and recognition. Jesus turns our idea of greatness on its head by teaching us that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is not found in status or success but in learning to love and serve others.
The call of Jesus is radical and uncompromising: choosing to follow Him will require complete surrender, the abandonment of personal priorities, and a willingness to embrace the cost of discipleship.
This passage is not just a theological lesson; it’s a challenge to radically reorient our lives around Jesus and His Kingdom. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us consider questions like: What are the things we cling to that hinder our walk with Christ? How can believing the Gospel of grace shape and influence us to greater humility and deeper spiritual growth?
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A Glimpse of His Glory
The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 9:28-45
The Village Chapel - 02/02/2025
Some moments change everything. The disciples had walked with Jesus for a while now—learning as eyewitnesses of Jesus' healing, teaching, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom. Now, at the Transfiguration of Christ, on a high mountain, Jesus peeled back the veil between heaven and earth, revealing his divine glory in a way they’d never seen before. Then right after that, they all descended back down into the valley where chaos, suffering, and struggles with unbelief awaited.
That’s the paradox of the Christian life, isn’t it? Glory and struggle. Awe and agony. We long to stay on the mountaintop, but Jesus calls us to walk with him through the valley of our broken world.
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us catch the mind-blowing, heart-pumping, eye-popping glimpse of glory and rich depth of meaning we find in the Transfiguration of Jesus.
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The Christ, The Cross, The Call
The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 9:18-27
The Village Chapel - 01/26/2025
Who do you say Jesus is? This is the most crucial question every human heart must respond to. In Luke 9:18-27, we witness a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus and the growth of the disciples. For the first time, Peter confesses Jesus as "The Christ of God" (v. 20). It is after this confession that Jesus begins to reveal to His disciples the trajectory of His mission—suffering, death, and resurrection.
Join Pastor Tommy as we consider the identity of Jesus, His work on our behalf, and His invitation to follow Him in costly discipleship so that we might find true life.
Keywords: confession, grace, cross, suffering, death, resurrection, denial of self, taking up your cross, following, life, value, identity, kingdom
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Living a Sent Life
The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 9:1-17
The Village Chapel - 01/19/2025
The Galilean portion of Jesus’ ministry is drawing to a close. The disciples have witnessed miracles of Jesus’ power and authority over demons, disease, nature, and even death itself. Jesus now calls his disciples and sends them out on a mission to do the very things they have witnessed him doing. Join us as we learn how Jesus is preparing the disciples for their mission and how we are being called, equipped, and sent on that same mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hungry world.
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Faith in the Waiting: Trusting the Timing of the Unhurried Healer
The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 8:40-56
The Village Chapel - 01/12/2025
In Luke 8:40-56, we read the account of two desperate individuals who reach out to Jesus in faith - one a father with a dying daughter, the other a woman who has suffered for years. Despite their urgent needs, Jesus moves with perfect, unhurried timing, demonstrating His authority over both sickness and death, and his delight in encouraging their faith. In this sermon, we’ll explore how we can trust in the compassion of Jesus, His perfect timing, and His power to restore and heal. Join us as we discover how faith in the unhurried Healer brings both immediate and eternal transformation.
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A Savior in the Storm, A Deliverer from the Darkness: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 8:22-39
The Village Chapel - 01/05/2025
InLuke 8:22-39 we read about two miracles of Jesus. The first was when Jesus was with His disciples out on the stormy sea, and the second occurred when Jesus was confronted by a raging, demon-possessed man. In the storm, all seemed lost. In the confrontation with the demoniac, all the darkness of hell was on full display.
What did Jesus do in each situation and what do we learn about Him? How did His disciples react? And what can that teach us as we seek to follow Christ ourselves?
Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks answers to these and other questions in our verse-by-verse study of The Gospel According to Luke.
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Keep Your Eyes on Your Ears: The Gospel According to Luke
Luke 8:1-21
The Village Chapel - 12/29/2024
This Sunday we will be diving into Luke 8:1-21 where Jesus teaches the transformative power of truly hearing and living out God's Word. From the women who followed Jesus, the parable of the sower, and the illuminating call that His family is made up of those who hear and obey, Jesus challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts. Are we merely hearing the Word, or are we allowing it to take root, grow, and bear fruit in our lives? If not, how do we cultivate hearts that can truly recieve God’s word when we hear it? Join us as we uncover what it means to truly hear, respond, and bear fruit in the Kingdom of God.
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Advent Fully Realized: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Revelation 19:11-16; 21:1-7; 22:1-21
The Village Chapel - 12/22/2024
What has Revelation got to do with Advent?
The apostle John wrote with the heart of a pastor, the voice of a poet, the insight of a prophet, and the depth of a theologian. In the book of Revelation, John delivers the promise that the Advent story is not yet complete. In fact, he assures us that the best is yet to come! The child born in humility, who died in ignominy, and rose again in victory, has promised to return to this world one day and set the world to rights, to make all things new.
Christ’s birth and death proved His great love for us.
Christ’s resurrection displayed His great power to save us.
And based upon these historical realities, we believe and now proclaim His great promise to return one day at His second coming.
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through some of the events recorded at the end of the book of Revelation in a study titled: Advent Fully Realized.
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Advent Fulfilled: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Matthew 1:18-2:12
The Village Chapel - 12/15/2024
The Advent season is full of promise and hope, of watching and waiting for the coming of the long-expected Messiah, who will save His people from their sins. In Matthew’s gospel, we read of Old Testament prophecies that are being fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. We watch as the promise of rescue and redemption, which began in the Garden, unfolds before our eyes. What can we learn from this ancient text? Does God still keep His promises, even today?
Join Pastor Matt as we look at the promises of God that are fulfilled in Jesus.
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Advent Promised: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Isaiah 9:2-7
The Village Chapel - 12/08/2024
Advent is a season of waiting and watching for the promises of God to be fulfilled. The prophet Isaiah, writing some seven centuries before the time of Christ, points forward to the hope of one who would come with the power to set right what had been broken in the rebellion of the Garden. Like our own day, Isaiah’s was marked by moral, relational, cultural and spiritual darkness. Isaiah offers us the sure hope that the darkness will come to an end, it has an expiration date. The “joy of every longing heart” can be finally and fully satisfied in the person of Jesus—the Light of the World. He has come, is with us now by his Spirit, and will come again.
Join Pastor Tommy as we consider together the promises given to us in Isaiah.
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Advent Foreshadowed: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Genesis 3:15
The Village Chapel - 12/01/2024
The Old Testament presents us with a beautiful tapestry of anticipation, weaving together promises, prophecies, and types that all point forward to and find their fulfillment in Jesus.
As we gather to observe Advent we celebrate the fulfillment of these elements foreshadowing the first appearance of Christ, who came to dwell among us and the second appearance when Christ will return to consummate His kingdom and set the world to rights.
Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us that while Advent season begins in the dark, with longing in our hearts, it invites us to wait with hope for the coming of the Light of the World. We are the people of Advent, remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and trusting in His promises for the future!
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Stir Up Sunday!
Jeremiah 23:5-6
The Village Chapel - 11/24/2024
Thanksgiving is upon us, and the Advent season lies just around the corner. Many of us will gather with family and loved ones, sing carols, light candles, and reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation—when God became one of us.
But why did Christ become one of us? How does that supernatural act offer real hope for the brokenhearted, the disappointed, or those struggling under clouds of darkness and despair? Is there something about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas that runs deeper than nostalgia, sentimentality, or holiday romanticism?
In many Christian traditions worldwide, the last Sunday before Advent is known as Stir Up Sunday. Join Pastor Jim as he explores how the truth of Jesus' coming offers believers inextinguishable hope, unexplainable peace, and unshakeable joy. Discover how these gifts flow from living in union with Christ, being transformed daily by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Pride and Shame Encounter Jesus
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 7:36-50
The Village Chapel - 11/17/2024
In Luke 7, Jesus is invited to dinner at a Pharisee’s house. What happens next is both awkward and uncomfortable, yet profoundly beautiful, as Jesus encounters a woman publicly known as a sinner. Pride meets shame, and Jesus reveals the truth of the debt we all owe and the lavish grace on offer to everyone. As we wrestle with our inner narratives, it's essential to understand where our identity is found and sourced. Join Pastor Matt as he teaches us through Luke 7:36-50 and helps us explore the love of God in Christ for all of us.
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Where Do I Take My Doubts?
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 7:18-35
The Village Chapel - 11/10/2024
John the Baptist was the last and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant (Luke 7:28). He was given the unique honor of preparing the way for the coming Kingdom of the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Micah 3:1). John had publicly proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God (John 1:34). He had witnessed the Holy Spirit falling upon Jesus and heard God the Father thunder, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17) John’s entire life and mission pointed people to Jesus, “...the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). Yet even the greatest of the prophets, in his darkest hour, began to doubt. Languishing in Herod’s prison, John asks an honest question of Jesus, “Are you the Expected One, or shall we look for another?” (Luke 7:19)
John the Baptist’s honest question reminds us that doubts are often a part of the Christian life. Join Pastor Tommy as we study the way Jesus responds to John’s question with mercy and the light of truth.
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Just Say the Word
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 7:1-17
The Village Chapel - 11/03/2024
Luke 7 opens with two remarkable encounters that reveal Jesus as both mighty and merciful. The first account features a Roman centurion whose servant is near death. He sends a request for Jesus to come and heal his servant. In the second encounter, Jesus meets a grieving widow who has just lost her only son and is walking along with the funeral procession. How does Jesus respond in these two situations? And what do these moments reveal about His authority and compassion?
Join Pastor Jim as he guides us through these two astonishing accounts, carefully researched and recorded by the good Dr. Luke.
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Flecks, Fruits and Foundations
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 6:37-49
The Village Chapel - 10/27/2024
Jesus regularly uses metaphors because he wants to reshape the way we think about ourselves and our lives. He is a Master Teacher, and great teachers give us memorable images that can guide and transform us by guiding and transforming our perception of God, ourselves, and the world.
Join our guest, renowned author, theologian and Seminary Professor Dr. Jonathan Pennington, as he teaches us through Luke 6.
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Bearing the Family Image
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 6:20-36
The Village Chapel - 10/20/2024
In Luke 6:20-36, Jesus reveals what the life of a disciple looks like in His kingdom. What Jesus teaches will challenge our values, reshape our priorities, and call us to a new way of living. From what the blessed life looks like to the command to love our enemies, Jesus invites us into a world where true happiness is found in the most unexpected places. What does it mean to live out these countercultural truths? How can we love those who don’t love us back? Join us as we explore the heart of Jesus’ teaching and discover what a true disciple of Christ looks like.
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Four Unlikelies
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 6:12-19
The Village Chapel - 10/13/2024
The Bible is brutally honest. There’s no spin machine trying to hide anyone’s moral or spiritual flaws. As we read the Bible, God doesn’t conceal King David’s indiscretions or Elijah and Jeremiah’s depression. God doesn’t downplay Peter, James and John’s bold and brash behavior, or the conflict between Paul and Barnabas. There are no cover-ups in the Bible — we see the unvarnished truth about how self-centered, sinful, foolish, frail and faulty human beings can be.
What about the disciples of Jesus? If the goal was to assemble a team of influencers who would turn the world upside down, I doubt these guys would have been on anyone’s short list. As individuals, they weren’t exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer.
But Jesus often chooses those nobody else would choose, and Jesus often uses those nobody else would use.
Join Pastor Jim as we study Luke 6:12-19, where we’ll read about Jesus calling, choosing and commissioning twelve of His disciples and sending them out on mission as His apostles.
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Missing The Point
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 6:1-11
The Village Chapel - 10/06/2024
In Luke 6, the rising tension between the Pharisees and Jesus continues to build. At the surface level, the tension concerns the Sabbath, its purpose, and its practice. In his wisdom, Jesus reveals and corrects the harsh legalism of the Pharisees who had turned the Sabbath into a form of slavery. Their rigid external rule-following revealed an internal self-righteousness that had calloused their hearts.
Join Pastor Tommy as we study the two accounts found in Luke 6:1-11 in which Jesus exposes the perils of legalism and demonstrates the freedom and transforming power of His gospel.
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Get Used to Different
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 5:27-39
The Village Chapel - 09/29/2024
Any list of the utterly astonishing things about Jesus of Nazareth must include His uniquely authoritative teachings and mind-boggling miracles, especially His resurrection from the dead three days after His very public death on a Roman cross.
But another surprising aspect of Jesus has to be His somewhat puzzling choice of disciples. Given what we know about a few of them, one has to wonder why He chose them, how they could possibly work together, and how, through those unlikely followers, Jesus started a movement that changed the course of world history.
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the account of Jesus calling a tax-collector named Levi to become one of His disciples. That shocking choice would reveal how both the religious establishment and even those who were irreligious would all need to get used to “different” because of Jesus!
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The Rightside Up
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 5:12-26
The Village Chapel - 09/22/2024
What happens when Jesus comes face to face with two men whose lives have been turned upside down by disease and brokenness? How does he respond to them? How does he respond to us when we come to him with our brokenness? Join Pastor Matt as he teaches from Luke chapter 5, and we learn about living in the "Rightside Up."
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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From Now On
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 5:1-11
The Village Chapel - 09/15/2024
Luke chapter 5 opens with an ordinary scene on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd had gathered to listen to the teaching of Jesus as Simon Peter and his team brought their boats ashore after an unproductive night of fishing. Noticing their arrival, Jesus asks to borrow one of the boats so that He might be heard more effectively from the water.
In the middle of the day, as He finished teaching, Jesus turned His attention toward Peter and told him to return to the lake to fish again. As an experienced fish merchant, Peter was skeptical of this request, yet he obeyed the word of Jesus. After the weary fisherman cast the nets again, they could not contain the catch. They were astonished, not primarily by the large catch of fish, but by the power, authority and holiness of Jesus.
Join Pastor Tommy as we look more closely at how Jesus pursues and calls people to follow Him.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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How It All Began…
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 4:14-44
The Village Chapel - 09/08/2024
After the baptism and the temptation of Jesus, we find Him traveling back to His hometown of Nazareth. While there, Jesus made some rather audacious claims in the synagogue and the reception Jesus got was not all “peaches and cream.” As a matter of fact, it ended with Jesus being driven out of town, and the people even attempted to throw Him off a cliff.
Jesus then moved on to Capernaum. While teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, He was interrupted by a demon-possessed man who made startling accusations. How did Jesus respond?
Luke summarizes the reaction of the crowds by saying, “amazement came upon them all.”
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the early months of Jesus’ public ministry and how it all began.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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The Temptation of Christ
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 4:1-13
The Village Chapel - 09/01/2024
We’ve all felt it’s powerful tug from time to time… but just what is temptation and where does it come from? Is being tempted to sin the same thing as committing a sin?
Why do you think God even allows temptation? And is resistance futile? Or, do we have some tools and some truths we can count on that will help us resist temptation?
In Luke 4:1-13 we read about the temptation of Jesus out in the desert-like wilderness of Judea and it gets recorded in all 3 synoptic Gospel records in the NT. What was so important about the temptation of Christ? And what does the temptation of Christ mean for those of us who are believers and followers of Jesus?
For answers to these and other questions, let's study Luke 4:1-13 together!
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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Turning and Returning to God
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 3
The Village Chapel - 08/25/2024
What does a repentant life look like? Do we say we’re sorry, ask forgiveness, and then move on? Is repentance a one-and-done kind of deal? How can we say we’re following Jesus when we continue to mess up? In Luke Chapter 3, we meet up with John the Baptist, preaching and baptizing for the repentance of sins, all to prepare the way for the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. Join Pastor Matt as he teaches through Luke chapter 3, focusing on the mission of John in his ministry, the purpose of Jesus in his ministry, and what a repentant life looks like.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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The Turn of the Tide
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 2
The Village Chapel - 08/18/2024
Have you ever felt like the tide was coming in and rising all around you? Have you ever wondered if the culture we live in is drowning in darkness and confused about the meaning and purpose of life? And perhaps most importantly, have you wondered where God is in all of this? Is God aware and does He care about all that is going on in the world and in your world?
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through the well known passage of Luke 2. Whether you are familiar with this story or not, we’ll read three short vignettes about the early years in the earthly life of Jesus and we’ll be comforted to see how the God of the Bible is the One who turns the tide as He speaks, has spoken and continues to speak words of hope, redemption and salvation!
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The God Who Remembers
The Gospel According to Luke - Luke 1
The Village Chapel - 08/11/2024
The Gospel According to Luke was written so that we might know with certainty who Jesus is (1:1-4). Luke doesn't begin his account directly with the birth of Jesus; instead, he starts with the story of a childless couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, set in a dark season in the life of God's people.
Join Pastor Tommy as we begin our study of Luke, giving our attention to the ways God works in history and households to accomplish his purposes.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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Worshiping and Witnessing
The Minor Prophets: Habakkuk 3
The Village Chapel - 08/04/2024
Habakkuk 3 opens with Habakkuk saying that he has heard the report of the Lord. What is the report you have heard of the Lord? What is the story you have been told about God and where does it come from? Why does this matter? What if the true story of the Lord found in His word could transform us from wondering if God cares to fully worshiping Him and rejoicing in Him, even in suffering? Join Associate Pastor Tom Yarbrough as we conclude our study of Habakkuk.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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Watching and Waiting
The Minor Prophets: Habakkuk 2
The Village Chapel - 07/28/2024
The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk asked God some sincere and hard questions in chapter 1, questions like, ‘How long, Lord? How long will you let evil prevail?’ Now, in chapter 2, Habakkuk has positioned and postured himself to watch and wait for the Lord’s answer. God does indeed answer, but his answer curiously is…wait for it! What can we learn and apply from Habakkuk in our own lives? How do we embrace the long journey of faith, and give all that we are both ambitious and anxious about to the Lord as we wait for his answers? Join Pastor Matt as he points us to the faithful God who speaks, who answers our hard questions, and who promises to make all things finally and fully right.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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Wondering and Wrestling
The Minor Prophets: Habakkuk 1:1-2:1
The Village Chapel - 07/21/2024
Habakkuk was an Old Testament prophet who lived in a time marked by acrimony, wickedness and violence. With that difficult context and yet, given what he believed to be true about God, Habakkuk had some honest questions about God’s silence and God’s sovereignty. What did Habakkuk do with his questions? He took them directly to the Lord and then waited expectantly for God to answer. Just what were those questions and how did God answer them?
Join Pastor Jim as he opens up chapter one of Habakkuk to show us that even in our times of greatest difficulty, God is neither inactive, incapable nor indifferent; God knows and cares about our times of wondering and wrestling.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
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The Tyranny of Pride
The Minor Prophets: Obadiah
The Village Chapel - 07/14/2024
Obadiah, the smallest book in the Old Testament, vividly depicts one of the biggest enemies of the human soul: pride. This prophetic book sheds light on the deception and destruction that pride of heart can bring, yet it points forward to the hope of a Kingdom that decisively reverses its tyranny.
Join Pastor Tommy as we study the wisdom in the warnings of this prophetic book.
The Village Chapel exists to glorify God through the teaching of His word, through heartfelt worship, and by connecting people with opportunities to live lives of real significance, serving God and their neighbors as a local community of faith.
To find more resources like these, follow us:
🖥️ Website: https://thevillagechapel.com
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To support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!
Living for What Will Last
The Minor Prophets: Haggai
The Village Chapel - 07/07/2024
What does it mean to live a life of significance? In a recent study, 1/4 people in the USA said that they feel their life has no meaning or purpose. In a world where people are starving for meaning, what hope does the letter of Haggai have to offer? During the time of this letter, the Israelites have fallen under one of the great enemies of a meaningful life, distractions. Though this letter is over 2,000 years old, the problem of a distracted life is more prevalent than ever. Join us this week as we unpack the message of Haggai and learn what it means to truly live a life full of meaning and purpose.
The Prodigal Prophet Encounters God’s Lavish Mercy
The Minor Prophets: Jonah 3 & 4
The Village Chapel - 06/30/2024
What happens when a reluctant prophet delivers a word from the Lord to a group of people whom the prophet despises and wishes God would destroy instead of save? For that matter, how do we relate and respond towards those we regard as “Other?” How do we treat people who are deeply different than us? How would God have us treat those who we classify as “them” and not “us?” Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through the final two chapters of Jonah, and we hear from the Lord on these issues.
You probably already know the story from when you were growing up. It was probably called “Jonah and the Whale,” or “A Whale of a Tale,” or something like that. Well, the fact is the OT book of Jonah is not primarily about a whale or about whether or not there was a fish big enough to swallow a full-grown, adult human being and then hold him in its stomach for three days and three nights. No, Jonah is about a prodigal prophet. It’s an Old Testament version of the parable Jesus told about the prodigal sons and their father in Luke 15. But in this case, Jonah looks like both the younger son who ran away from His father, then squandered his life, and the older prodigal son who refused to rejoice at the return home of his brother.
What is this wideness in God’s mercy all about? Why does the grace of God become such a scandal to so many of our hearts and minds? Why do we so often want justice for others, but grace and mercy for ourselves?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see the real message at the heart of the story of the petulant, prodigal prophet known as Jonah and the way it points forward to the greater Jonah, Jesus Christ.
Have you wondered whether there will come a day when evil will be eradicated, justice will be done and everything broken in the world will be set right? We have and that’s why we believe you will love studying the book of Joel, especially this final segment in our series of studies in Joel. Here we read about what God intends to do about all that is wrong in the world.
Five times in three chapters Joel mentions “The Day of the LORD,” describing what will happen, to whom it will happen and implying its historic, imminent and ultimate fulfillments. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unpack the meaning and hope we find in the ultimate Day of the LORD!
Events like the locust plague described in the book of Joel are often classified as “natural disasters.” But natural disasters often lead us to ask questions: Why did this happen? Where was God when this happened? Why did this happen here and now? Why did it happen to those people, or to us? Have we done something to offend God? Is God trying to get our attention in some way?
Joel framed his answer using the phrase, “the day of the LORD,” five times in three chapters. What did Joel mean by that phrase and why should it still be important to us in our own day and time? Just how does the prophetic book of Joel apply to us today? Is it about eschatological predictions, eschatological promises, or both?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through most of Joel 2 in Part 1 of this two part series on The Day of the LORD.
The Book of Joel, one of the twelve Minor Prophets, opens with a devastating scene. A swarm of locusts had invaded the land, decimated crops and shriveled up the resources of God’s people. As the story unfolds, we see that the people's hearts had become spiritually dull. The worship of God had dried up. Even before the locusts had come, the people of God were spiritually asleep.
Join Pastor Tommy as we see God's extraordinary grace in waking His children up from the dangers of spiritual sleepiness, complacency and lethargy. The loving heart of God the Father never leaves His children to languish on their own, but offers newness of life to all who call on Him.
The Apostle Peter senses his time on earth is drawing to a close and writes to his beloved church, warning them of false teachers and reminding them that the return of Christ will come, no matter what some scoffers say. What can we know about the end times and the return of Christ? What remains a mystery surrounding this great day, and how should we live in light of the return of Jesus? Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through this final chapter of 2 Peter.
As we continue our series in the letter of 2 Peter, we will dive into the cautionary message of chapter 2, where Peter warns his audience about the dangers of false prophets and deceitful teachings. Join us as we explore how these ancient warnings are extremely relevant to our lives today, teaching us how to discern truth from deception while remaining steadfast in our own faith. As we gain a greater understanding of false teachers and the lies they spread, we will also gain a clearer picture of God’s grace and the beautiful truth of the gospel.
2 Peter reminds us that Christianity is not the move from vice to virtue, but rather the move from both vice and virtue to grace. But Peter is not shy about reminding us that we are not passive in the process of sanctification.
What kind of person was Peter? And why should we be interested in what he has to say about growth in the consistency and stability of our faith? Wasn’t he the guy that denied Christ three times?
Join Pastor Jim as he introduces us to 2 Peter and walks us through both the encouragement and exhortations of one of Jesus' closest disciples and apostles.
The Apostle Peter writes his first letter to a group of believers facing the heat of increasing persecution, suffering, and the temptations of a decadent culture. For the weary recipients of his letter and us today, Peter ends his correspondence with the same great hope he began his letter with—the resurrected Jesus.
Join Pastor Tommy as we mine the treasures of the final chapter of 1 Peter, showing how the "God of all grace" provides a firm foundation to stand on through the fiery trials of temptation, anxiety, and the schemes of the evil one.
In Biblical times, a steward was a faithful and trusted servant who would run his master’s household. The Apostle Peter tells us that we are stewards of God’s grace, entrusted with bringing the good news of the Gospel of grace to our unbelieving neighbor, loving our brothers and sisters and witnessing to God’s faithfulness, even in our suffering. Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through 1 Peter chapter 4 and teaches us about being a steward of God’s grace.
In a culture that worships at the altar of individual autonomy and self-assertion, is it any wonder we live in an angry, divided and often lonely world?
Into a similar societal chaos the ancient New Testament letter known as 1 Peter called God’s people to exhibit humility, self-sacrifice, kindness and compassion in all of their relationships.
Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the timeless truth of God’s instructions for Christians living in a fallen world and looking for ways the power of the Gospel can transform our relationships.
Have you ever felt like your spiritual life stalled out, as if you hit a plateau or, to use another metaphor, you were just drifting in circles? Well, here at The Village Chapel, we want you to know you are not alone in that experience. Most of us have been there too and so we gather on a regular basis to encourage one another in the Gospel.
John Stott once said, “Holiness is not a condition into which we drift.” So, what is the New Testament understanding of holiness? What does it look like in our everyday lives? What are some of the things that prevent us from growing in God’s salvation? And what are some of the things that can help us grow in God’s salvation?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through 1 Peter 2 for some insightful and practical answers to these and other questions.
First Peter is a letter suffused with hope: not merely a dream or a wish, but hope grounded in the reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. For the Apostle Peter, hope through the risen Savior is multi-dimensional, touching every square inch of creation and every aspect of humanity.
Join Pastor Tommy as we consider how Peter offers a panoramic view of the Christian life, pointing us toward the past — the empty tomb, the present — calling us to live a life of holiness and, lastly, a secure future — an eternal home with Jesus.
The New Testament describes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as a historical event, asserting that a physically dead Jesus rose again from the grave three days after suffering a horrific death on a Roman cross. In one of the earliest New Testament writings, the apostle Paul stated that there were over 500 eyewitnesses who had seen Jesus alive again, with many of those eyewitnesses still alive at the time of his writing, thus available for interviewing by anyone wishing to investigate the Resurrection of Jesus.
Despite this, some people have come to believe that Easter is merely a metaphor for springtime or renewal. Others suggest that Easter is based on a recycled pagan celebration or perhaps a legend crafted to bolster the image of a good man who suffered a tragic death.
Join Pastor Jim as he delves into the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus and then teaches how it provides Christians with a living hope that is philosophically reasonable, historically credible, globally beautiful and personally transformative. The Resurrection was the pivotal moment in redemption history and the seismic event that showcased the power of God for all those interested in becoming new creations in Christ.
Why has the observance of Palm Sunday lasted these last 2,000 years? Why do so many Bible scholars call it the “Triumphal Entry?” Why did Jesus ride into Jerusalem on a donkey? Why did the crowds shout “Hosanna?” What made them dance and sing “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” from Psalm 118? How might some have understood and/or misunderstood what Jesus was doing on that day? And what timeless truths about God’s love for sinners like us can be found here?
Two thousand years later, some continue to misunderstand Jesus and want him to be their socio-political Messiah. Others reject or ignore Jesus. Some seek to silence Jesus and His followers. But millions of others have come to believe in Jesus and have found life in His name. How is that possible? Can that happen to you?
Join Pastor Jim as he takes us back to that first Palm Sunday to remind us of precisely what happened, what it meant and what it still means for us today.
1 Kings offers a 3000-year-old chronicle that begins with an inevitable but forced royal succession and continues with relentless political disorder and conflict.
We started with the relatively good King David reigning over a united kingdom, and we now conclude 1 Kings with the ignoble death of the wicked King Ahab who ruled over half of a divided kingdom.
Unsurprisingly, we learn that we need a greater king than any presented in the history of ancient Israel or Judah. However, we are reminded that even through our most tumultuous times, God has proven Himself faithful to His people. God was neither silent nor inactive. Throughout 1 Kings, Yahweh's faithful prophets speak, and the word of the Lord remains central in each chapter of our study.
Join Pastor Jim as he concludes our exploration of 1 Kings, reminding us to remain alert and proactive, listening for the word of the Lord as it comes to us through the written word of God, the ancient scriptures, and the living Word of God, the greater King, Jesus Christ.
Why do the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper? In 1 Kings 21, we read of a story that involves a gross misuse of power and authority against an innocent man. Where is God in the midst of all of this? How will He make things right? Join us this week as we begin to unpack the glorious hope we have in Christ who helps the righteous to endure while also making a way for the wicked to be redeemed.
Lots of people have asked questions about why God allows this or that to happen in our world. But have you ever wondered why God was merciful to somebody you thought simply didn’t deserve it? Why does it surprise us to think God might forgive those persons we consider to be repeat offenders or “repugnant others?" And are there ever times we think God simply could not forgive us for something we’ve done multiple times?
Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how there are times the surprising and relentless grace of God proves Him to be more merciful than we think He should be, more powerful than we believe He could be, more just than we sometimes want Him to be and more wise than we ever imagined He could be.
1 Kings 19 follows the prophet Elijah after a decisive victory over the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Fresh off this climactic spiritual battle, he is confronted with a dire threat to his life. Elijah had likely expected a great revival to sweep the Northern Kingdom of Israel, a turning back to God. Instead, Queen Jezebel had only intensified her opposition to God and the life and ministry of Elijah.
Join Pastor Tommy as we consider together the kindness of God as he cares for Elijah in a season of despair. This account of God’s mercy offers encouragement and practical wisdom for all those who have found themselves in the fog of sorrow, depression, melancholy, or have lost their spiritual bearings. There is much for us to learn from the tender way God continues to provide for Elijah in his moment of need.
Israel has suffered three long years of drought and God plans to bring rain back to the land. But before that happens, God intends to make very clear to the Israelites who is the real God and who is a false god. Join us as Pastor Matt leads us in the powerful recounting of Elijah’s challenge to the prophets of Baal.
It was the 9th century BC and the northern kingdom of Israel had turned away from God to worship Baal, the rain-storm god of the Canaanites.
In 1 Kings 17 the prophet Elijah appears on the scene with an abrupt and harsh prophecy for the wicked King Ahab of Israel. Elijah’s God was going to dry up all the rain credited to Baal. God immediately directed Elijah to head east and hideout for a bit, promising him some ravens will serve as waiters, bringing him the food and sustenance he will need.
Not long after this, God sends Elijah deeper into Baal territory to minister to an unnamed widow and her son. But as time passes, the boy gets sick and dies. The woman blames Elijah who then responds in a most remarkable way and the woman appears to come to faith in God. What happened there?
As important a figure as Elijah is throughout biblical history, he is not the primary point of this action packed chapter. Just what is? Join Pastor Jim as he guides us on a journey alongside Elijah to learn about the God who speaks, guides, hears and provides!
1 Kings 15 & 16 describe decades of unbridled idolatry, debauchery, treachery, conspiracy, assassinations, wars, civil unrest, international intrigue and strife.
Was the God of the Bible aware of the chaos and deepening darkness in that time? If so, what did God do, or what was God planning to do about it? What hope can the Gospel of Jesus bring to us in our own conflicted and troubled times?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the pages of the yearbook of ancient Judah and Israel that we find in 1 Kings 15 & 16. Here is an important part of the divine dossier of redemption history, and it all points forward to and finds its fulfillment in the greater King Jesus.
1 Kings 14 is a heartbreaking chapter describing God’s judgment on the Northern and Southern Kingdom for their wicked ways. In light of all we have read in the book of 1 Kings, it’s right for us to ask, “How did we get here?” Join us this week as we take a closer look at the deceptive nature of sin and how the Gospel shines bright even in the midst of man’s rebellion and God’s judgment.
What does the phrase, “the word of the LORD,” mean? Can and does God speak? If so, in what ways or by what means does God speak? How should we interpret and respond to the word of the LORD?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unravel one of the most puzzling chapters in the Old Testament and shows us how it can also be one of the most clarifying chapters in the Bible, especially as we seek to understand what the Lord may have said or might be saying. 1 Kings 13 is part of the written word of the LORD, the divine dossier of redemption history.
1 Kings 12 is a dramatic scene change in the history of God's people. King Solomon has just passed away, and his son, Rehoboam, is assumed to be his successor. Instead, the kingdom divides. Two kingdoms are now set against one another: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This separation is tragic, and the consequences will reverberate for generations. Yet, we see the hand of God at work, even in this seemingly hopeless moment. Three words from God frame this chapter and offer hope to us today, "...but not forever." (11:39)
Join Pastor Tommy as we seek to learn from these events in redemptive history and lift our eyes to the hope we have today in King Jesus.
As a young man, King Solomon was gifted by God with unparalleled wisdom and wealth. Even in our own time, Solomon is considered to have been one of the wisest men who ever lived. And yet, while Solomon started out so well, he finished quite poorly. As a result, Solomon’s life story is both an inspiration and a warning to us. What went wrong? What happened to Solomon? And what was God up to?
Join Pastor Jim as we finish up the story of King Solomon and see our great need for a much greater king.
The Bible is refreshingly, and sometimes shockingly, honest. Our study of 1 Kings 11 will reveal to us the unvarnished reality of King Solomon's condition of heart toward the end of his life and reign. From this short biography of Solomon's latter years, we will seek to learn how to avoid the dangers of spiritual drift.
How did Solomon go from the wisest of men to one of the most foolish? His heart was wholly with the Lord as he began his reign (1 Kings 3), but in his final years, he did "evil in the sight of the Lord..." (1 Kings 11). What can we learn from this heartbreaking story?
Join Pastor Tommy as we look for God's provision of mercy and lift our eyes to one greater than Solomon, who seeks to rescue and redeem all who would come to Him.
In 1 Kings 10, we reach the pinnacle of Solomon’s kingdom. As the nations begin to hear about his wisdom, splendor and wealth, he receives an unlikely visitor to see for herself if everything said about Solomon is true.
Join us this week as we unpack 1 Kings 10 and see how the glory of Solomon and his kingdom foreshadows the glory of another greater king to come.
God is the designer and creator of everything that exists. As the ultimate architect of the human person, what would God’s blueprints for a healthy spiritual life look like? What key elements and features would characterize God’s design for a vibrant life with Him? Is it even possible for us to live in a right relationship with God, and if so, upon what basis?
Join Pastor Jim as he draws insightful and helpful answers from God’s second appearance to King Solomon as recorded in 1 Kings 9.
1 Kings 8 describes a great gathering of God's people in Jerusalem. The Temple construction had been completed and King Solomon called for an extraordinary celebration to honor this moment in the history of Israel. The pinnacle of the gathering was marked by the manifest presence of God falling on the Temple in a great cloud of glory.
The presence of God is something every human heart longs for, whether one acknowledges it or not. For some, that longing has been misdirected, obfuscated or calloused over, and for others, numbed by the weight of suffering. Still, some ignore or dismiss this longing through willful unbelief.
Join Pastor Tommy as we study this remarkable account of the dedication of the Temple. This notable event in the history of Israel points to an even greater reality of the resurrected King Jesus, who has made a new and living way for all people who turn to Him to dwell with God today and for eternity.
Solomon is in the middle of a 20-year-long construction project of the Temple and his palace. He uses only the brightest and the best for his builders and craftsmen, and the results are magnificent.
What does his project reveal about his heart for the Lord? How is God going about building His kingdom now, and how do we fit in to His building process? What foundation are we building our lives upon?
Join Pastor Matt as he teaches us through 1 Kings 7 and we look at the building of God’s kingdom in our hearts.
Solomon was known for two things: his vast amount of wisdom and for building the first Jewish temple in Jerusalem. What impelled Solomon to undertake such a massive project and build that majestic and beautiful temple? What was the significance, meaning and purpose of the temple? What did it foreshadow for the worship of God in our own day and time?
Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how the ancient temple reminds us of how much God delights to dwell among His people, and how much God desires that we would enjoy His presence among us, trust His provision for us and rest in His promises to us.
Solomon was known for two things: for his vast amount of wisdom and for building the first Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. What impelled Solomon to undertake such a massive project and build such a beautiful and magnificent temple? Why did he involve a neighboring pagan king in the building of the Jewish Temple? What does all this teach us about the disposition of our hearts towards our own vocations and how we might engage with others in our surrounding culture?
Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the beauty, riches and wonder of seeing all we do, especially our work, as an opportunity to worship of God.
The story of Solomon's ascension to the throne continues as we study chapter 4 of 1 Kings. The author delivers a vivid description of the pinnacle of Israel up to this point. The kingdom is united, prosperous, fruitful and at peace under Solomon's wise leadership. The hand of God is on full display as His promises of a flourishing people and land are being fulfilled.
However, as we read the story carefully, it begins to reveal the seeds of distraction and disorder in the heart of the new king. Join Pastor Tommy as we study this remarkable account of God's faithfulness in working out His promises and purposes in history through His people.
Now that David’s son Solomon has been firmly established as the king of Israel, does he have the ability to govern and lead? When God speaks to Solomon in a dream and asks him what one thing Solomon would like God to give him, how does he respond? What does he ask for? How would we respond?
Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through 1 Kings 3 and we see how Solomon points to Jesus, the one true and righteous king.
Can God be trusted? Does God have the power and the inclination to fulfill His promises? What has God actually promised He will do? And what role do we play in God’s unfolding plan of redemption history?
As we come to 1 Kings 2 we find King David on his deathbed giving final instructions to his son Solomon. What words of wisdom, what wise warnings did David offer the young man who would become one of the wisest and wealthiest men to ever live? Are there timeless lessons in this text on the best way to navigate a season of contentious political transition?
Join Pastor Jim as he guides us through the rough and tumble world of three millennia ago and the story of how God faithfully and firmly established His plan for redemption history.
King David was aged and bedridden, about to pass from the scene. David’s son Solomon was supposed to become his successor. But real history doesn’t always work out like a fairy tale and this transition did not go as smoothly as planned.
Who were the ancient kings of Israel and what can we gain from studying their history? The Old Testament books we call 1 and 2 Kings cover a time period of over 400 years that began some 3,000 years ago. 1-2 Kings is a saga that starts off with an inevitable but forced royal succession, lots of political tension and familial conflict.
Join Pastor Jim as he draws some timeless truth from these chaotic moments during Israel’s monarchy, pointing out the faithfulness of the true king of redemption history.
The book of Proverbs is a feast of practical instruction for wise and faithful living. More than that, the authors of Proverbs offer us a way to develop godly intuition for navigating the complexities of a world disordered by sin, and the disorder of our own hearts. The Proverbs cultivate in us a taste for heavenly wisdom.
We invite you to join Pastor Tommy and The Village Chapel as we consider the wisdom of Solomon from Proverbs 2, which demonstrates the spiritual posture of one who seeks after the treasure of God's wisdom and ways.
Scottish pastor Kent Hugh describes the book of Proverbs by saying, “there is no book, even in classical literature, which so exalts the idea of friendship, and is so anxious to have it truly valued, and carefully kept.” In a time where friendship is seemingly on the decline, we are in need of practical wisdom for one of the most important but misunderstood relationships in our lives: friendship.
We invite you to join our Director of Youth Ministry Ryan Motta today as we consider what friendship looks like and how Jesus is the friend we’ve always needed.
The book of Proverbs is a treasure chest full of practical advice for how to live a blessed life. In Proverbs 30:1-5, a sage named Agur connects the timeless truth of scripture with the ultimate expression of wisdom.
We invite you to join Kevin Rudd and The Village Chapel as we consider how the language of God is perfectly wise and should move us to pursue life in Jesus Christ.
C.S. Lewis once said, “If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realize that one is proud... If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.”
Most of us can easily think of somebody we know who is fairly humble. But becoming humble ourselves doesn’t sound like it would be very easy at all. And yet, the Bible extols humility as one of the most important characteristics of faith and wisdom.
Join Pastor Jim as he takes a few minutes to help us consider what real humility is, how we can nurture humility in our own character and the role humility plays in our walking in the wisdom and the ways of God.
We are made in God’s image, including the ability to speak – to use words to convey thoughts, emotions and ideas. Is there a wise or foolish way to use our words? Does God have any thoughts on what we say and how we say it?
Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through a study from Proverbs 16 on the power, consequence and wise use of words.
Most of us would acknowledge that growing in wisdom is desirable. But just what is wisdom? How does wisdom differ from knowledge? Where does wisdom come from and how can a person gain more of it?
The ancient book of Proverbs is perhaps the greatest treasure trove of godly wisdom available to us. Join Pastor Jim as he kicks off our six week study with an introduction to Proverbs, identifies the central theme for the book of Proverbs, and then points us to the ultimate expression of the wisdom of God in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
What is the difference between happiness and joy? If you were to list the top four things that add joy in life, what might be on that list?
As believers in Jesus, we have been called to live out our faith in a world that is increasingly syncretistic and secularized. Within that context, if you wanted to, how would you measure the vitality and effectiveness of your own spiritual life?
The apostle John was one of the closest disciples of Jesus and John’s writings offer us both pastoral and practical insight into what it looks like to “walk in the truth” of the Gospel and to know the joys of faithful discipleship.
Join Pastor Jim as he teaches through this short but powerful ancient letter we call 3 John.
The second epistle of the Apostle John opens with an affectionate greeting that sets the tone for the letter's central message: the truth of God's love in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In a time when many believers were being deceived by false teachers, this message of assurance provided a firm footing for a steady walk of faith.
We invite you to join Pastor Tommy and The Village Chapel as we consider the practical and timeless wisdom this letter offers us today.
What is the difference between an authentic and living faith, and a nominal faith? How can we tell the difference? How do we reach out to those who have drifted away from an authentic faith?
In this short 25-verse Epistle, Jude, the brother of James and the half-brother of Jesus, writes to fellow believers to encourage them to contend for the faith once given to all the saints, and to caution them to be aware of false teachers creeping in to the church.
Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through this short and punchy letter full of both caution and encouragement.
What does the Bible have to say to the question of certainty about our salvation? Can a person really know they have been saved? Or do we all just have to nervously cross our fingers, wish upon a star and hope that whenever our time on this earth is over, we have been good enough to persuade God to let us into heaven? What are the distinctive characteristics of authentic, biblical, saving faith?
Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the reassuring promises and hope believers can find in this final study of 1 John and the Gospel of God’s grace through Christ.
We have all seen courtroom dramas where a witness is called to testify. We ourselves may have been a witness to a crime or an historic event, whether it be fantastic or catastrophic. Truthful testimony cannot be underestimated in its value.
In his first letter, the Apostle John has continued to return again and again to themes of God’s love and our response – what we might call the “Spiral Staircase of the Christian Life.” He adds in a new theme for chapter 5 – that of belief: the core belief of Jesus as the Christ and how that faith is the means by which we become “born of God.” This belief in the Son is the way to life, and this faith also receives the true testimony of God regarding His Son.
Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through the first 12 verses of 1 John 5 and we hear the witness of the Father and the Spirit, testifying about the Son, Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches that God loves us. But why does God love us? It is universally acknowledged that love is a powerful force, but there are so many ways of understanding love. What does the Bible mean by the term ‘love?' Why is God’s love for us such a significant aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Who can and how can we experience this love of God personally?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us explore the source and depths of God’s love, and teaches us how the Church has been called and equipped to be a living demonstration of the love of God in a culture being choked out by its own self-centeredness, self-indulgence and self-glorying.
1 John 4 begins with a pastoral caution not to believe every teaching and teacher that vies for our attention. John offers a warning about the dangers of falsehood, and an assurance that the Spirit of God is with us and has the power to guide us by His Word. The battle between truth and falsehood is not between two equals. “…Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” (4:4)
The Apostle John reminds us of the Spirit’s work in revealing Christ, applying Christ’s work, illuminating the scriptures and empowering us to discern between truth and error. Join Pastor Tommy as we learn together about the treasures found in the person, presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.
While Christian faith is never merely theoretical, it is always thoroughly practical. What are the marks of authentic Christian faith? Jesus once declared, “By this shall all men know you are my disciples: if you have love, one for another.”
In our own day and time, ‘love’ is a word that has been reduced to the emotional realm and all but eviscerated of its deeper meaning. When we use the same word to describe our disposition towards our favorite ice cream, sports teams, pizza and – oh yeah – people, what then could the term ‘love’ actually mean? And why is the love human beings share with one another so fickle, fragile and fleeting?
Jesus' followers believe there is a love that comes from beyond ourselves and is sourced in Christ. We also believe the nature of love and the scope of God’s love reaches deeper and further, beyond personal preferences or how any one of us might feel in a given moment.
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the last half of 1 John 3 and shows us how today’s church is uniquely positioned to both restate and demonstrate the love of God, in spite of the darkness and division that overshadows our present world.
The first ten verses of the third chapter of 1 John are full of hope and encouragement. John tells us that not only are we loved by the Father, but that we are called His children. John promises us that one day when we see Jesus face to face, we will be transformed and be like Him. In light of that knowledge, John encourages us to live a life of righteousness so that it is evident that we are God’s children. Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through these ten verses, reminding us of our hope in Christ and the love of the Father.
Who/what does the Bible mean when it uses the term “antichrist?" Does the Bible teach eternal security or perseverance of the saints? How can Christians remain faithful servants of Jesus in an increasingly secularized, anti-faith world? How do we continue steadfast in the promises and commands of God’s Word, resting in the inexhaustible hope of the Gospel?
Join Pastor Jim as he draws from the deep well of Gospel wisdom and encouragement found in 1 John 2:18-29.
The second chapter of 1 John is brimming with pastoral wisdom for believers who need assurance that they know God and are known by Him. The root and source of our assurance is the finished work of "Jesus Christ, the righteous." (v2:1) For those who have placed their faith in Christ alone, a radical shift in identity has taken place. Our sins have been forgiven (v2:12). We are no longer in darkness, but in the light (v2:8). We are now children of God (v2:13). The Apostle John unpacks many of these treasures of the gospel and calls his people to examine their lives for evidence of the grace they have received in Christ.
Join Pastor Tommy as we learn together about the power of the gospel to transform every part of our lives, shaping us into the likeness of our Lord, Jesus.
Can faith ever become a source of joy? Can we know with any certainty that we have been reconciled to God? Does the Bible offer any assurance that the faith we place in Christ is a saving faith? Where can we turn for clarity, conviction, increased understanding and confidence as it relates to the faith we have placed in Jesus?
As we begin this brand new study of the Letters of John, all who have trusted Christ will find it like a river overflowing with encouragement and reassurance.
Join Pastor Jim as he starts us off with an introduction to the first letter of John and a verse-by-verse study of its first chapter that he has called, “The Joyful Fellowship of Jesus.”
After Jesus died and rose again from the tomb, He gave His disciples what has come to be called the Great Commission. What does that term mean and how does it relate to our role with God’s mission in the world? How does our understanding of God’s mission help define who we are to be as God’s people and Christ’s followers?
If Christians have been entrusted with the great news that God in Christ is restoring all of His creation, how should that impact the way we live out the Great Commission in a world bound by the darkness it loves more than the light it so desperately needs?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us learn how to lovingly persuade postmodern hearts and minds, even as they flounder in the quicksands of intellectual confusion and moral relativism, of the biblical claim that Jesus Christ really is “the way, the truth and the life.”
Christians all over the world believe in the physical death, burial and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Was the resurrection of Jesus hoax or history? What kinds of evidence exist for the claim that Jesus rose again? What impact does the resurrection have on those who put their trust in Christ?
The power of the resurrection is central to the Christian faith and rooted in the faithfulness of God. Followers of Jesus Christ have an inextinguishable hope because Christ has defeated death and the Gospel promises that believers will share in His victory.
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through Matthew’s account of the resurrection of Jesus and the hope that fills us to overflowing with a trembling joy.
John Stott has said, “When we look at the cross, we see the justice, love, wisdom and power of God. It is not easy to decide which is the most luminously revealed.” How is it possible that the death of Christ on the cross reflects all of that?
What difference does the death of Jesus 2000 years ago really make? Why did Jesus really die on the cross? What was accomplished through the cross of Christ? And what difference does it make for us so many years later?
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through a study of the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel.
Matthew 27 begins in the early morning of Friday of the Passion week. Jesus has been personally betrayed by Judas, stood trial before the religious leaders and is now being handed over to the Roman political authority, Pontius Pilate, to be sentenced to death.
Jesus is silent as He faces the malicious lies and deceit of the accusers before Him. His silence reveals an immeasurable confidence and trust in His Father. Confidence in His good plans and purposes for the salvation of His people. Trust in the sovereignty of His Father’s hand over the plans of men.
Join Pastor Tommy as we study together the approach of Jesus to the cross and what it means for us today.
Events are happening quickly now late in Holy Week, en route to the cross. After their Passover meal, Jesus and His disciples go to the the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus is overcome with sorrow and anguish as He prays for His Father’s will regarding the cup of suffering, of which He will partake. Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot, arrested by a crowd, taken to Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin and is denied by Simon Peter. Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through this passage which speaks of trust, obedience, betrayal and forgiveness.
Is it possible to safely navigate the storms of life? If God is all-powerful and good, then why does God allow pain, evil and suffering in this world? Why would anyone want to follow Jesus Christ if the road of Christian discipleship includes hardship and trial? Join Pastor Jim from the Sea of Galilee as he unpacks answers to these questions and more from Mark 4:35-41.
Guest speaker Scotty Smith teaches through Matthew 26:1-29. As the plot to kill Jesus takes shape, He gathers with His disciples and institutes the Lord's Supper – an event we commemorate in the Church to this day.
Scotty Smith is Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church in Nashville, TN, and Pastor Emeritus at Christ Community Church in Franklin, TN.
Most people would claim they want to see justice done. But what is this thing we call “justice” and what does it require? Will there ever be a time when justice is realized?
In Matthew 25 where Jesus talked about the end of time, His return to judge the world, and His plan to separate the sheep from the goats, just what did He mean by all of that?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this passage and shows us how all of this is really good news for those whose hearts long to see justice done and this broken world set right once again.
In Matthew 25:1-30 Jesus employs the use of two parables as He continues to teach His disciples about faithfulness in His Kingdom. These two parables have been likened to searchlights all focusing on one central theme: the Lord will come again when we least expect, and faithful followers of Jesus will show the fruit of genuine faith as they await His return.
Appearances can be deceiving. The outward trappings of faith such as church membership, family heritage and religious forms cannot save – only faith in Jesus. But faith in Jesus — even the smallest measure of faith — can and will result in joyful obedience to Him as we await His return.
Join Pastor Tommy as he explores these parables and helps us understand Jesus’ call to be prepared for His return.
Matthew 24 offers us a record of what Bible scholars have come to call the “Mount Olivet Discourse." This is the second-longest teaching segment of Jesus we find recorded in Matthew’s gospel. Here we read of the disciples gawking at the magnificent structure of the Jewish Temple and Jesus responding with what had to seem like a strange prediction: He said “not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down.” What was the significance of that statement by Jesus and what does it tell us about Him?
In the rest of Matthew 24, Jesus talks about the signs of the End Times, Christ's glorious return and how we who follow Christ can best prepare for both.
A lot of what’s found here reads like today’s news feed. What hope can we have and in what ways does Jesus say believers should respond? Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through some of the major views on the End Times, the return of Christ and the Eschatological sequence of events leading up to the consummation of God’s kingdom.
As we come to study Matthew 23, the context is the Passover week in first century Jerusalem. The hillsides, roads and Temple precincts are jammed with pilgrims who have come to present their sacrifices, and there is mounting tension in the air between the religious leaders of that time and the carpenter turned rabbi and healer, Jesus of Nazareth. We find ourselves drawn in, wondering what will ultimately happen between them.
As we look back through history, sometimes the final public words of a person in a given setting can have the greatest lasting impact. In Matthew 23 Jesus delivers a withering rebuke of the religious leaders for their spiritual corruption and self-aggrandizement.
What was Jesus thinking and what was His purpose in all of this? And what, if anything, of what Jesus had to say to them on that day might also apply to us in our own time, and in our life with God?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see the gospel hope placed on offer, even to the hardest hearts, spoken through the sternest words of Jesus on that day.
During Holy Week, Jesus engages with the Pharisees, Sadducees and Herodians as they all seek to trap Him politically, theologically and legally. Jesus’ answers to their questions leave them marveling and the crowds astonished as He deals with a variety of issues: what does citizenship and allegiance look like? What will heaven be like? How does God want us to live in the here and now? And lastly Jesus asks them a question they cannot answer: whose son is the Christ?
Jesus often taught in parables to help His listeners understand more about who He was and is, what He was up to while He walked the planet, and what it means to join Him in the kingdom of heaven.
How should we understand the Gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven in our own day and time? Sometimes it helps to begin with what it is not. The Gospel of Jesus is not a demand for us to do something; it is a declaration of what God has done for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ; it is an invitation, an offer. Jesus is inviting us to enter His kingdom and live our lives under His righteous reign and sovereign rule. Who wouldn’t want that?
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through two of the fascinating parables Jesus used to teach us more about the Gospel and what it means to live life with Jesus as your King.
Both the words and works of Jesus displayed a unique authority which attracted thousands of followers to Him, but at the same time, created a great amount of tension between Jesus and the religious establishment of that time.
How do we respond to the idea of Jesus’ divine authority in our own day and time, especially when it comes to understanding who we are in Christ, our role as members of God’s kingdom, and the way we should conduct ourselves in this present world?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us understand the great freedom of living life under the sovereign rule and reign of King Jesus!
Matthew 21 is a transition point in the life of Jesus from His public ministry toward His mission to the cross and resurrection. The text tells us that Jerusalem was “stirred up” as Jesus entered the city during Passover. He came on a donkey, not a warhorse. The King had arrived, although not in the way we might have expected. When Jesus entered the temple, He drove out the corrupt and welcomed in the blind and crippled. Some in the crowds asked, “Who is this?”
Join Pastor Tommy as he helps us consider together the various responses to Jesus. Some responded with indignation and rejection, others with wavering curiosity, still others with worship. Are we stirred? If so, how will we respond?
In the opening lines from The Gospel of John, we have one of the most amazing summary statements about Jesus, His personhood, His nature, His role in redemption history and what all this means for us.
What would it look like to begin every day fully embracing the fact that Jesus is the Word, the Life and the Light of God in our lives?
We turn to one of Jesus’ closest friends and followers for answers to questions like these and more.
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this brief but powerful prologue that declares the great news of how the God of the Bible came to fulfill His promises and accomplish His purposes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
After the extraordinary events surrounding the birth of Jesus, we are introduced to Simeon and Anna, two faithful people who had been waiting for many years, expecting to see the promised messiah.
Join us as Pastor Tommy helps us consider this remarkable account of Simeon and Anna witnessing with their own eyes the promise fulfilled.
The third canticle of Advent we find in Luke’s gospel is the song the angels sang to the shepherds. Like the other songs of Advent, it erupts with themes of God’s glory, God’s goodness, and delight in God’s grace shown towards humanity.
What was the meaning of this exuberant angelic song? Why was it sung to simple shepherds? What difference does it make in redemption history?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this short but powerful song that declared the great news of how the God of the Bible had come to fulfill His promises and accomplish His purposes in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
The second canticle of Advent that we find in Luke’s gospel is the song of Zachariah (often called the Benedictus). It explodes with themes of God’s greatness, God’s goodness and an expression of true delight in God’s grace.
As with the other three songs, this one has a context. Here was an elderly Jewish couple whose marriage had been overshadowed by decades of disappointment. However, we are told both individuals had remained faithful to God. Enter the angel Gabriel with some shocking news that took Zachariah by surprise and led to his cautious and quizzing response.
Questions aplenty arise. What was God up to? Why does God sometimes use such unusual means to accomplish His purposes? Does God hear our prayers and does prayer work? How can we know if what we are praying for is something God has actually promised?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through Zachariah’s symphony of salvation, a proper response to the God who makes promises and fulfills all His purposes.
The angel Gabriel is sent by God to a small Galillean village called Nazareth, and visits a young peasant girl named Mary, betrothed to a man named Joseph. Gabriel tells Mary that even though she is a virgin, through the power of the Holy Spirit, she will bear a child whose name will be Jesus, who will be called the Son of the Most High. Mary responds to this startling and miraculous news with obedience and worship! Join Pastor Matt as he teaches through Luke 1:26-56 and we hear Mary’s song of praise, “The Magnificat.”
Thanksgiving is upon us and the Advent/Christmas season lies just around the corner. Many of us will gather with family or loved ones, sing carols, light candles, and be reminded over and over again of the mystery of God becoming one of us. Why did Christ come and what real impact can believing this have on us? How does it offer hope for the broken-hearted, the disappointed, or for those struggling under clouds of darkness and despair? Is there something to Advent that is more than mere nostalgia, humanistic sentimentality, and holiday romanticism?
In some streams of the church the last Sunday before Advent season officially begins is called “Stir Up Sunday” or “Christ the King Sunday.” Join Pastor Jim as he points out the reasons believers in Jesus have an unexplainable peace and an unshakeable joy, all found in union with Christ.
Matthew 20 opens up with Jesus scrambling all the usual ideas of fairness and equity. How do things in God’s economy work? What about commonly embraced principles of fair play and getting what we deserve? How is the Christian gospel starkly different in essence from the concepts of moral merit and/or karma?
The last half of the chapter describes two requests made of Jesus: the first from a proud mother on behalf of her two sons; the second, the cries for mercy from two poor blind beggars. How did Jesus respond in each of these cases? What does this tell us about King Jesus?
Join Pastor Jim as he highlights the wonders of God’s extravagant grace we find in the upside-down kingdom of Jesus!
Jesus has left Galilee for the last time, and is headed towards Jerusalem and the cross. He has three encounters in this chapter: with Pharisees who want to trip Him up regarding divorce, with parents who bring their children to Jesus for blessing, and with a rich young man who wants to know what one thing he must do in order to get into heaven.
How does Jesus respond in each of these encounters? What does He have to say regarding our marriages, our children, and our wealth? Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through Matthew 19 and we hear what God would tell us regarding redemptive relationships.
C.S. Lewis once said, "Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive." Because we are all sinners, we all need to receive forgiveness and we will all need to show forgiveness to someone else at some point in life. Why are both of these so hard for us? How does believing the Gospel help us with this?
No other person in human history is more connected to the subject of forgiveness than Jesus Christ. What can we learn from the life and teachings of Jesus on this subject?
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through one of the teachings of Jesus on one of the most beautiful manifestations of the Gospel in motion: reconciliation, restoration and forgiveness.
In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 18, the disciples ask Jesus a bold question: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Though they have recognized Jesus as King, the Son of God and messiah, earthly values like position, prestige and power lingered in discussions about their own positions in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus answers the question in a most surprising way.
Join Pastor Tommy as he walks us through the the kind of greatness Jesus intends for all those who are a part of His kingdom: a greatness that springs from childlike humility, holiness and trust in the Great Shepherd.
As Jesus, Peter, James and John descend from the glorious experience on the Mount of Transfiguration they are immediately confronted with chaos, conflict, frustration and failure. Here in Matthew 17 we read the account of a father in anguish over the dark and destructive forces at work in his only son’s life. Where could he find help for his child? Could he get his son to Jesus and if so, would Jesus even see him? Would Jesus be willing and able to do anything to help?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us catch a glimpse of the limitless power and merciful compassion of Jesus!
Matthew, Mark and Luke all record an event commonly referred to as “The Transfiguration.” What is meant by the term 'Transfiguration?' What does this event teach us about Jesus? And what difference can learning more about this event make for those of us who follow Jesus now?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us catch the mind-blowing glimpse of glory and rich depth of meaning we find in the Transfiguration of Jesus!
Following some of His most notable miracles, Jesus begins to tell His disciples the kind of messiah He is going to be. Once they start to understand the kind of savior Jesus is, they begin to realize what it will mean to truly follow Him. Join our Director of Youth Ministry, Ryan Motta, today as he dives into the richness and implications of Matthew 16 and discusses what it truly means to follow Jesus.
Foreshadowing what the kingdom of heaven will look like when it comes in its fullness, Jesus broke through national, racial, religious and social barriers. Through His miracles, Jesus gave us a preview of what He intends to do when He returns again to set the world to rights.
Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the beautiful tapestry of Matthew 15 that offers us a foretaste of the future in the kingdom of heaven, where we will feast together at the table of the Lord, and every knee will bow before the only one who is truly worthy, King Jesus.
Midway through Matthew’s Gospel, Pharisees and scribes travel from Jerusalem to confront Jesus about the way His disciples break with their traditions. Jesus turns the tables on them and reveals how they have broken God’s commandments for the sake of their traditions, and then He teaches the crowds and the disciples that it is the condition of the heart, not the washing of hands that God is most concerned with. Join Pastor Matt as he helps us look at what God truly desires for us and from us.
One of the most well known miracles of Jesus took place on a stormy night when He walked out on the water to be with His disciples.
What really happened that night and what was the point of it all? Did Jesus actually walk on water? How did Jesus respond to Peter’s desire to walk out on the water with Him? Why did Peter begin to sink after just a few steps?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see what the point of the entire experience was and how it shows us the power of Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God.
Join guest speaker and poet Malcolm Guite as he teaches through Matthew 14:14-21 in our ongoing sermon series, "Matthew: The King and His Kingdom."
Have you ever wondered if God knows about what you’re going through? Does God understand what it’s like to live in this world – more precisely, in your world? When life’s worst experiences include things like agonizing rejection, the smothering grief of loss, and the crushing weight of relentless need all around us, does the God of the Bible really understand those kinds of things? And what has God done about those things?
Matthew is all about King Jesus and His in-breaking kingdom of heaven. Chapter 14 is a pivot point in the narrative as Jesus moves from illustrating the kingdom of heaven by teaching in parables, to actually living within the broken, darkness-loving kingdom of this world.
Join Pastor Jim as he points out the gospel hope we find in Jesus, as He faithfully continued walking the road to the cross and the resurrection.
Toward the end of Matthew 13, Jesus concludes a teaching series of seven parables that describe the nature, growth and hope of His kingdom. With the final four parables, Jesus invites His listeners to consider whether or not they have seen, recognized and treasured Him and His kingdom above all others. These parables invite us to ask the same question: have we seen, recognized and treasured the King for all His superlative worth and beauty? Join Pastor Tommy as he walks through these parables and helps us grasp the treasure of the King and His kingdom.
A pop song from 1985 declared, “Everybody wants to rule the world!” But how would that work? And is that the kind of world we really want to live in? Chapter 13 of the Gospel According to Matthew records 7 parables of Jesus in which Jesus describes what He calls, “the kingdom of heaven.”
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us understand exactly what Jesus meant by that term and the astonishing joy, hope and peace Jesus offers our broken world, when we begin to live with Jesus as our king!
What is a New Testament parable and why did Jesus so often teach using parables? How should we interpret and apply the parables of Jesus? What is the real meaning of the Parable of the Sower, the Seed and the Four Soils? How can we engage more deeply with this parable and benefit from the insights of Jesus?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us begin mining the rich veins of godly wisdom and wonders of gospel hope found in the parables of Matthew 13!
Once again Jesus heals someone, and once again faces opposition from the Pharisees. How does He answer His accusers, who claim He only heals by the power of Satan? Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through this passage and we hear what Jesus has to say about belief and unbelief; about forgiveness and the unforgivable sin; and who He calls His family.
Why did the claims of Jesus become sources of such great tension between Him and the religious leadership of the first century? What did Jesus say are some of the essentials for a flourishing soul? How do Jesus’ teachings on such matters still speak to the deepest longings of our hearts today?
Join Pastor Jim as he explores answers to these and other questions in Matthew 12:1-21.
Why do so many people seem chronically restless and hopeless? Does the Christian gospel address these deepest longings of the human soul? What is the disposition of the heart of Jesus towards us during those times? What does Jesus promise to give to all who are weary and burdened, when they respond to His extraordinary invitation?
Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the answers to these and other questions that flow from Matthew 11:16-30!
After Jesus sends out the 12 disciples on their mission in Matthew 10, He continues to teach and preach in their hometowns. From prison, John the Baptist sends Jesus this message: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” John is expressing honest doubt that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus responds with tenderness and respect to encourage John that He is indeed the Messiah, fulfilling the law and prophets.
How does Jesus respond to our doubts? Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through this study of Matthew 11:1-15, as we look at faith, doubt, grace, and the call to believe.
In chapter 10 of Matthew’s gospel, we witness the calling and commissioning of the Twelve Apostles. Before beginning their ministry, Jesus clarifies the mission, giving them instructions to follow His pattern of proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, healing diseases, raising the dead, cleansing lepers and casting out demons.
Jesus cautioned His disciples about opposition that would come because of Him and His message. Opposition from institutions and people that reject Him and His kingdom should be expected by all who follow Jesus, but we are not left alone. We belong to the King (Matthew 10:32), are empowered by His Spirit (Matthew 10:20) and are cared for by the Father (Matthew 10:30-31). Three times Jesus gives these words of comfort and courage to His disciples: "do not fear."
Join Pastor Tommy Bailey as he leads us in a study of Matthew 10, listening to the voice of Jesus calling His people to mission and setting them free from fear.
Today we are blessed to welcome guest speaker and longtime friend of TVC Scotty Smith. Scotty Smith is the Pastor Emeritus at Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and a Teacher in Residence at West End Community Church in Nashville.
Join Scotty Smith as he guides us through Matthew 10:1-23 in our ongoing teaching series, "Matthew: The King and His Kingdom."
Chapters 8 and 9 of Matthew’s gospel present us with a record of some of the miracles of Jesus. In today’s passage we read of Jesus healing disease, raising someone from the dead, opening the eyes of two blind men, and casting a demon out of another man.
Were these miracles of Jesus real events? If so, what seems to have been the purpose behind these miracles? What do these miracles tell us about the heart of Jesus toward our human predicament? In what ways do these miracles point to the greater mission of God in this world and our role in it?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see how Christ has come to move us from desperation to salvation.
What kind of people does Jesus call to become His disciples? What does it mean to respond positively to the call of Jesus on our lives? What does following Jesus actually entail?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us catch a vision of the joy and wonders of living our lives as disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.
Chapter 9 of the Gospel of Matthew begins with Jesus and His disciples returning from the other side of the Sea of Galilee and arriving back in Capernaum, the central hub of His ministry. Matthew gives an account of a group of men who bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. Jesus responds to the unwavering faith of these friends in a surprising way. First, He forgives the man's sins and then heals his broken body. The power and authority of Jesus to do both - forgive and heal - were on display for all to see. There were many witnesses to this miracle: the friends, the crowds and the religious leaders. Join Pastor Tommy as we look more closely at each of these groups and how they responded to all that Jesus had done.
Chapters 8 and 9 of Matthew’s gospel present us with a record of 9 miracles of Jesus. These miracles were not merely a bit of supernatural entertainment, they served the purpose of displaying the power and authority of Jesus, they revealed the compassion of Jesus, they affirmed the identity of Jesus, and they inspired faith in, allegiance to, and worship of Jesus.
If Jesus really is who He claimed to be, the Son of God and the Savior of the world, then we should expect He would have the power to perform these kinds of miracles. Matthew, the former tax collector and accountant, gathers these remarkable events onto his spreadsheet to remind us that Jesus indeed has authority over disease, disasters, demons and even death itself.
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this amazing story of how Jesus rescued and restored some of the most tormented and miserable souls on the planet. And if Jesus could do that for these men, what might that mean He can do for us?
As we have continued in our study of the gospel of Matthew, we are seeing that Jesus is inviting everyone to follow Him. The question we will be discussing today is what is involved when Jesus calls us to follow Him? Join us as we study Matthew 8:18-27 and take a deeper look at what it means to be a disciple of Christ!
Matthew 8 presents us with a record of several of the miracles of Jesus. The first was performed at the request of somebody who was considered an “outcast,” the second at the request of an “outsider” and the third at the request of no one, but for a person whose very life might have been considered “obsolete.”
Were the miracles of Jesus real? If so, what was the purpose of His miracles? More importantly, what do these miracles tell us about the heart of Jesus toward us?
What began with a description of Christian character in the Beatitudes now comes to a climactic ending with a description of building on the firm foundation of Christ Himself.
On its surface Matthew 7 may read like a patchwork quilt of aphoristic statements about unconnected subjects. But taken as a whole we begin to see the artfulness of Jesus’ teaching style. As rich as the moral, ethical and spiritual lessons of the Sermon on the Mount may be, Jesus has been leading up to showing us that it is in coming to Him, to Himself, that we will find the flourishing life we are all longing to find.
Join Pastor Jim as he guides us through the last section of the Sermon on the Mount.
Over the last few weeks, in our studies of chapters 5 and 6 in Matthew’s gospel, we’ve looked at both the vertical and horizontal aspects of righteousness - living faithfully in relationship to both God and others. Last week, we studied how Jesus taught his disciples to pray, and what effective prayer looks like.
This week Jesus delves to the very heart of the matter and focuses on applying kingdom principles to our material possessions, and examines those things about which we are most ambitious and most anxious. What we most value, how we view our material possessions and our need for daily sustenance are all affected by the condition and posture of our hearts.
Join Pastor Matt as we study what Jesus has to teach us about reorienting our ambitions in a fallen world.
It has been said that most of our prayers can be reduced to one or two word exclamations such as “Help!”, “Thank you!” or “Wow!”
What did Jesus have to say about prayer? How did Jesus teach His disciples to pray? What is the ultimate purpose of prayer and what are the most effective ways for us to pray?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see with greater clarity some of the most meaningful aspects of our life with God, from what is perhaps the most well-known prayer in the world, the prayer we have come to call “The Lord’s Prayer.”
The New Testament describes the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as an historical event, claiming that a physically dead Jesus rose up from the grave three days after His death on the cross. Over 500 eyewitnesses saw Jesus alive after He came back to life. In one of the earliest New Testament writings, the apostle Paul said many of those eyewitnesses were still alive and could be interviewed by any person choosing to investigate the Resurrection event.
Now, what difference could it make to us if Christ was raised from the dead? Isn’t the whole idea of Easter just a spiritual warm-fuzzy, a metaphor for springtime and renewal, based upon a rehashed pagan celebration and merely designed to prop up the image of a good man who had a very tragic death? Why would it even matter to us that Christ was raised from the dead?
Join Pastor Jim as he explores the significance of the Resurrection and why it provides Christians with an inexhaustible hope even in the midst of an increasingly dark and despairing world.
The gospel accounts of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday describe a grand entrance in at least three ways: it was dramatic, it was deliberate and it demanded a response.
Why did Jesus ride in on a donkey? Why did the crowds shout “Hosanna” at Jesus? How might they have misunderstood what Jesus was doing? How did the religious leaders react that day? And what timeless lessons about God’s love for us are to be found here?
Join Pastor Jim for this study of that first Palm Sunday (a.k.a. Passion Sunday) from John 12:12-19.
Last week, in our study of chapter 5, Jesus focused on the moral (horizontal) dimensions of righteousness—living faithfully in relationship to others. Jesus taught that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. In other words, behavior modification alone is not true righteousness. Authentic righteousness comes from an overflow of a heart that has been transformed and reoriented to the King and His kingdom.
Join us this week as we begin our study of chapter 6. Jesus puts His focus on the religious (vertical) dimensions of righteousness—living faithfully in relationship to God as Father through means of grace like fasting, prayer and giving. At the root our spiritual appetites have been twisted by sin. Even good gifts like prayer can be mangled by our disordered hearts. Instead of nourishing intimate communion with God, the means of grace can be turned into a tool to satisfy a hunger for esteem, self-aggrandizement or pride.
Join Pastor Tommy as we study what Jesus has to teach us about reorienting our appetites in a fallen world.
According to Jesus there was complete congruence and continuity between the Old Testament and His own teachings. Jesus had not come to overturn the Old Testament law, but rather, Jesus had come to fulfill the law.
In the passage at hand, Jesus offers examples of how to distinguish between God’s laws and man’s traditions. He shows the correct interpretation and application of God’s law and shows how it summons us to embrace and enflesh the values of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus reaffirmed the authority of Old Testament Scripture, rejected mere religious rule-following, and spelled out the full and challenging implications of God’s moral law.
Join Pastor Jim for this study of what Jesus taught about loving obedience to Jesus and kingdom living in a fallen world.
After teaching about what a flourishing life looks like in the Beatitudes, Jesus told those who followed Him they would be like salt and light in the world. Both their character and their influence were to arouse curiosity and inspire others to believe in Jesus and become members of God’s kingdom. Their words and deeds, as Jesus’ disciples, were to make His kingdom audible and visible.
But what about the Old Testament? Was there continuity between the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus? Or, was Jesus trying to overturn the Old Testament?
In the passage at hand, Jesus clears up His views on the ancient scriptures and shows how they are foundational for understanding who He was, what it would look like to follow Him, and how His disciples should think about true righteousness.
Join Pastor Jim for this study of what Jesus believed and taught about the scriptures and the kind of impact they can have in the life of every believer.
Jesus has just finished the first section of the Sermon on the Mount, the section we call The Beatitudes: the conditions of the heart that lead to a flourishing life. Jesus now begins to show us what this life looks like lived out on a daily basis. Do you want your life to have influence? Jesus tells us how. Join Pastor Matt as he leads through Matthew 5:13-16.
The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most famous sermon in history and the opening lines are some of its most well known. Often called The Beatitudes, they describe what Jesus calls the “blessed” life.
In part 3 of our series on The Beatitudes, Pastor Jim explores the subject of what kind of people real disciples of Jesus can become and how their interior life can affect their outer way of life. The last half of the Beatitudes offers tremendous insight into the way relationships with God and others work best for those who belong to the kingdom of heaven.
The Sermon on the Mount is perhaps the most famous sermon in history and its opening lines are some of the most well known. Often called The Beatitudes, they describe what Jesus calls a “blessed” life.
Each of the Beatitudes is stated in three parts: a pronouncement of blessing, a disposition of the heart or condition in life, and the benefit that accompanies those hearts and lives thusly described.
As beloved as this passage has become, the Beatitudes overflow with paradox and raise important questions. Are the Beatitudes a list of rules to follow or do they describe something else? How should we interpret and apply them in our lives? What is the meaning of the term “Blessed?”
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us ponder anew the wonder, the blessedness and beauty we find in the Beatitudes.
After He began His ministry, Jesus left the crowds, climbed up a hillside, sat down and began to teach the disciples what His kingdom is like. He begins to answer some of the most fundamental questions that philosophers, accountants, woodworkers, fishermen and everyone in between have been asking throughout history: How can I be happy? What is the good life? What is the summum bonum (the highest good)? What is the blessed life? Join Pastor Tommy as we begin our study of Matthew 5, listening in as Jesus teaches His Beatitudes, the introduction to the most famous sermon in history, His Sermon on the Mount.
After the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus returned to the northern region of Galilee: this time to the town of Capernaum, which became the hub of most of His Galilean ministry. From there Matthew records the first elements of the public ministry of Jesus, the first calling of disciples, and also, a summary of the first responses of the people to Jesus.
What issues were so important that Jesus had to include them in His first bit of preaching? What kinds of people did Jesus choose to call as His first disciples? How did people first respond to the real Jesus of history? What does all of this tell us about who Jesus really was and is?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us explore answers to these and other questions that arise from our study of the last half of Matthew 4.
Immediately after Jesus is baptized and hears the audible voice of His Father proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” the Spirit leads Him into the wilderness where He faces temptation from the devil. Join us as Pastor Matt leads us through this passage and we learn about Jesus’ response to the devil and what it means for us today.
Over 20 years have passed since the events we read about in Matthew 2. Here in chapter 3 the narrative shifts to the person and ministry of John the Baptist, and culminates with the baptism of Jesus.
Just who was John the Baptist? What was his message and what was his mission? What is this thing called “repentance” and who needs it? Why did Jesus want to be baptized by John?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us explore answers to these and other questions that arise from our study of Matthew 3.
Teaching by contrast is one of the most effective ways to help people learn. Matthew chapter 2 presents the stark contrast between two kings and two kingdoms. Here, Matthew helps us understand what can go wrong with the world when the prevailing political powers, social structures, and cultural influencers act without respect for God. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see the wisdom of offering our ultimate allegiance to the one king we’ve always needed and really wanted, Jesus, the Servant King.
Just who was the disciple of Jesus we call Matthew? Why did Matthew start his book with the genealogy of Jesus and what’s interesting about the 42 names on that list?
Join Pastor Jim as we study the first book of the New Testament, The Gospel According to Matthew, which tells us about King Jesus and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Psalm 90 is the kind of song that invites us to sit up and pay attention; to put aside temporal distractions and examine our lives in light of eternity. This Psalm of Moses, likely one of the oldest in the entire Psalter, is composed of several prayers and statements that remind us of who God is: the creator, infinite, eternal and everlasting. Moses also lays out the present condition of humanity: finite, rebellious and in need of redemption. The opening sentence loudly proclaims that the Everlasting God is our true dwelling place, home and refuge. How does an infinite and holy God become the dwelling place of finite rebellious people? Join us as we study this beautiful Psalm and witness the grace, mercy and favor of God at work in his people, offering us an eternal perspective from which to orient our lives.
King David proclaims “My Times are in Your Hands” in this Psalm, in the midst of danger and suffering. How did this claim affect the way he viewed his circumstances? What does it mean for us to make this same claim in our own lives, and view God as completely sovereign in all things? Join Pastor Matt as he leads us through Psalm 31.
We’ve all heard people talk about the “true meaning” of Christmas. But just what is it? What difference does the birth of a baby two thousand years ago make to us? Who was this baby and why has he become the most talked about individual in human history? How is it that His life has had such an impact on so many when He had such a lowly entrance into the world and then died the death of a criminal? Was Jesus really “God with us,” or God becoming “one of us?”
Join Pastor Jim as he explores some of the claims of the New Testament concerning the historical person, Jesus of Nazareth, and just what those claims can mean for us.
Jesus Christ was born into a world of political unrest; economic hardship; religious, racial and international tension; and there was precious little peace to be found. What had gone wrong with the world?
We might ask the same question of our own time. What has gone wrong with our world? Why is there so much disappointment, restlessness and despair? How can those who have acquired and achieved so much, who have amassed so much apparent control over life, still end up feeling that life is lacking, meaningless, hopeless, unsettled and unfulfilling? Instead of being "peace-full," why are so many people falling to pieces?
Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the story of how the God of the Bible takes the initiative to bring us the unshakable Advent Peace of God in Christ as described in Philippians 4:1-9.
At the time of the birth of Jesus, Israel had turned away from God and found themselves broken and longing for hope and deliverance. But there was none of either on the horizon. God had given them exactly what they had wanted: life apart from Him. The spiritual problem of the human condition has not really changed much since that time.
Ironically, we still ask the same kinds of questions the ancient Jews asked: “Where is God? Why doesn’t God do something about what is wrong with the world?” Isn’t it interesting what motivates us to ask those questions? It’s usually when we are suffering the consequences of our having turned away from God. What does it suggest we believe about God or, what we believe about ourselves?
What can we learn here about the Gospel’s offer of unbounded hope? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the story of how the God of the Bible takes the initiative to bring us Advent Hope found in Isaiah 40:27-31.
Some form of the word “joy” occurs well over 200 times in our English Bibles. Is joy even obtainable in this life; in our dysfunctional, angry and fear laden world? Can God really save and redeem us from the despair and sadness of this life? Can God turn our sorrow into gladness? If so, how does living in relationship with Jesus Christ lead us to joy?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps us take a look at this account of the announcement of the birth of Christ by the angel Gabriel, and Mary’s response. What can we learn here about the Gospel’s offer of unquenchable joy?
In the ancient scriptures, Advent begins in the dark. God’s people were living under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. Poverty, racism, abuse and violence were everywhere. And on top of it all, the heavens seemed silent. There had been no word from God for 400 years. When Christ entered the world the picture we are given of the world context for the Jewish people was filled with despair, trauma and difficulties.
Where was God in all of this? Why didn’t God do something about all the suffering of His people?
Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the story of Jesus talking with Nicodemus about God’s great love for sinners and God’s plan for making all things new.
How should we interpret the painful experiences of this life? Is there a way we can learn to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God? Join Pastor Jim as we come to the final chapters of Genesis and the Joseph narratives. While this is the end of the stories about the beginning, it is just the beginning of the rest of God’s redemption story!
Don’t you just love a good reunion story? Do you ever wonder if God has a purpose when changes come flying at you like a speeding curveball and disrupt your life? Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through some major changes in the lives of Jacob and Joseph and then shows us what those events teach us about God and whether He can be trusted.
Joseph’s brothers did not merely hurt his feelings; they kidnapped him, abused him, sold him into slavery, and in doing so, they thought they had signed his death warrant. What happened years later when they came face to face again in desperate need of Joseph’s mercy and kindness? And what can we learn from this dramatic story about finding our way towards the road to reconciliation if we have strained relationships? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks gospel hope and practical help from Genesis 44-45.
The famine predicted in Genesis chapter 41 has to come to pass. Jacob’s 10 sons travel to Egypt to buy grain, not knowing they will soon meet their younger brother Joseph, who is second in command only to Pharaoh. What happens when they are reunited? Join Pastor Matt Pierson as he walks us through Genesis chapters 42-43 and we look at the forgiveness and reconciliation given to us through Christ.
The story of Joseph reveals a man of character, integrity and giftedness. But, more than any of those attributes, what framed and shaped his life was the reality that the Lord was with him. Four times we are told in chapter 39, “The Lord was with Joseph.” The story of chapters 40-41 work out the implications of that truth. We invite you to join Pastor Tommy as we study this life of faith that runs through a pit to a palace, from a prison and back to a palace again. This side of the cross, our union with Christ assures us that we are never alone. It’s good for us to ask the question, “What does a life shaped by the 'withness' of the Lord look like?”
Is temptation a sin? Does everyone experience temptation at some point? How should we respond when we are tempted to do something we know is wrong? What choices are available to us? Join Pastor Jim for this practical study of a powerful temptation that entered Joseph’s life, how he responded, and the role of God in all of it.
Why is it so hard for some people to hold the faith of their family together? Why have issues of sexuality become so complex? What is it about us that makes us so consumer minded in our relationships? The story of Judah and Tamar is not a light-hearted one. But it does remind us, in spite of how complicated the world can get, through it all, God fulfills His purposes and plans. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unpack the light of gospel hope that shines through an otherwise very dark chapter in Genesis!
What does the Bible teach us about parental favoritism? How about sibling rivalry? What should we do when our hearts and minds are beset with competition or crippled by resentment? Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the timeless and practical truths we find in Genesis 36-37 and the gospel realities this passage points us towards.
For over 30 years, God has faithfully protected and provided for Jacob as he promised he would. Now, God calls Jacob back to the land of his fathers, to rename him “Israel” and continue with the covenantal blessings given to Abraham and Isaac. Join Pastor Matt as he teaches through Genesis 35- “Turning Towards Home”, and reminds us how God might be calling us to return as well.
Where would we be without God? Would we even exist without God? Can humanity be good without God? Where did we get our ideas of truth, love and justice? Join Pastor Jim as he explores one of those chapters of the Bible that doesn’t even mention God, Genesis 34.
This weekend, TVC welcomes guest speaker Conrad Mbewe. He is the pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia. Pastor Mbewe is also a Council member of The Gospel Coalition Africa and the Director of International Advancement at African Christian University in Lusaka. Today he opens the Word to Philippians 2:5-11 to teach us about "Jesus Christ, the Servant King."
There are two terms that often get conflated: forgiveness and reconciliation. But they really are quite different. We can chose to unilaterally forgive someone. Forgiveness requires just one person but reconciliation requires at least two.
Is reconciliation possible? If the timeless truths of the Bible are REALLY true, how can we start living them out for the glory of God, the love of others, and the witness they can be to the watching world? Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through an example of reconciliation found in Genesis 33 that also points forward to the greater reconciling power at work in our lives through the gospel!
Jacob lived much of his life as a deceiver and manipulator, attempting to control outcomes in his way and his timing with little regard to God or others. The same can be said of any of us. This is what makes the grace of God so beautiful and mysterious. Join Pastor Tommy as we study Genesis 32 and witness the pursuing, wounding and renovating grace of God at work in the life of Jacob as he begins his return home 20 years after fleeing from his brother Esau.
How can we make sense of adversity? When we try to find meaning in life’s seasons of difficulty, where should we turn? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through the unfolding story of Jacob’s developing faith in God, and God’s unflagging faithfulness to Jacob.
Each character in this passage is longing for something they hope will meet the deepest needs in their life. And yet, these longings inside our souls often just result in chronic dissatisfaction or despair. What is it we are looking for? And is WHAT we are looking for, what we OUGHT to be looking for? Or, might there be something else we never knew about, but have always really wanted? Join Pastor Jim as he explores this and more from Genesis 29-30:24.
Jacob had to drop everything and run away, everything he thought he had schemed for and stolen from Esau, had to be left behind. Jacob was out of luck, running on empty and didn’t even have a pillow to lay his head on. But then God intervened! Join Pastor Jim as he shows us the sovereign grace of God in action in Genesis 28.
Genesis 27 is a chapter filled with conspiracy, deception and conflict! Worse, there is no heroic protagonist; none of the characters look very good in this chapter. Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the ongoing story of redemption history as God continues working through flawed individuals to accomplish His ultimate purpose of bringing salvation to this world.
Between the story of Abraham and the story of Jacob (who later becomes Israel) lies the story of Isaac, the promised son of Abraham. Isaac faces a famine, but chooses to faithfully follow where God leads him. This chapter reminds us that we are created to reflect God’s image, asks us whose image we are reflecting, and encourages us to faithfully follow God as he leads us between Promise and Provision!
God’s plan for redemption history that began to unfold all the way back in Genesis 3 continues to open up for us here in chapter 25. Abraham passes from the scene and the storyline shifts to the much shorter story of Isaac and Rebekah. As a couple they struggle with hopes and dreams while living in a broken world. Along come their twins, Esau and Jacob and things become more complicated. How are our lives similar to theirs and in what ways do we see God working through these ancient stories? Join Pastor Jim for this inspiring and insightful look at Genesis 25!
Genesis 24 is another masterfully told biblical narrative that overflows with inspiration and encouragement. Abraham has sent a loyal servant on a long journey in search of a wife for Isaac. While this passage has been described as a beautiful love story of Isaac and Rebekah, there is an even greater love story behind that story! Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the wonders of God’s love for us in Genesis 24.
What do we have in common with a person like Abraham? What is the ultimate impact of our witness to those in the watching, unbelieving world? Join Pastor Jim as he amplifies the timeless truths of Genesis 23 and then gives us a preview of one of the most epic love stories we find in the Bible from Genesis 24!
Mark 2 is a story of healing, power, redemption and friendship. In the aftermath of 2020 a lot of people may be left in what feels like an emotional and spiritual paralysis. How do we get to the feet of Jesus? How do we receive healing? How do we help our hurting friends? Join us today as we study this powerful passage and see how, in Jesus, we find everything we need.
A lot of people talk about “story” in our day and time. Story can be a powerful method for communication, for persuasion, for preserving the lessons of history, for teaching wisdom and morality, etc. The Bible overflows with both narrative and with history. And the over-arching story, the grand narrative, is that there is a God, and this God is in pursuit of a people He can call His own. It’s the story of redemption and if you and I are interested in being part of God’s story of redemption, this God of the Bible has done everything necessary for you to become part of that story!
Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through Genesis 22 and shows us how it foreshadows the New Testament Gospel of grace through faith in Christ.
Genesis 21 is a story of promises kept. In a world where broken promises seem routine and often leave collateral damage in their wake it is natural to ask the question, "Is there something sure and steady I can hold on to?" Join us as we study this remarkable story that answers that question with a resounding, "Yes!"
Just as Abraham and Sarah are about to see God’s promise of the birth of their son Isaac come to pass, Abraham risks the promise by yet again passing off Sarah as his sister in order to save himself. What would cause this father of faithfulness to fall to fearful thinking? Join Pastor Matt as he walks us through this story of the shaky faith of Abraham and the sovereign grace of the unshakeable God.
The story of God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah is nothing short of a tragedy. And it is so very sad because it didn’t have to be this way.
However, buried deep in the middle of this tragedy, there is one shining jewel of a different kind of story. It’s the story of God’s grace at work in the life of one person who has shown little interest in God or God’s ways, but a great amount of interest in the ways of the world. Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was enchanted by the way the world thinks and acts apart from God. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the double story of the ugliness of sin and the beauty of grace from Genesis 19.
Join us as guest teacher, Scotty Smith, walks us through Genesis 18 which reveals to us the great mercy and patience of God through the faith and perseverance of Abram. This account foreshadows someone greater than Abram, Jesus Christ, who selflessly lays down his own life and takes upon himself the judgement for our sin so that we might be reconciled to God when we turn to him in faith.
If God promised to do something that seemed impossible to you, would you trust Him? Can God do what appears impossible to human reason?
When we closed out our study of Genesis 16 Abram and Sarai were 86 and 76 years of age, respectively. Yet, God had still promised them a son plus, innumerable descendants. How did the couple manage trusting God together? How many times did their faith falter? How many times did impatience or frustration with God’s delays turn into a marital argument or a sleepless night?
Genesis 17:1 opens with the statement that Abram was now 99 years old (which means Sarai was 89). If the couple had had difficulty conceiving before, what hope was there now? Then, verse one goes on to tell us that “YHWH appeared to Abram and said to him…” Reaffirming God’s promise once again. After 13 years of nothing, what did God say now ? How did Abram respond to what God said? What does this mean for the rest of us who believe and trust God? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through this ancient text that overflows with timeless truth and unquenchable hope!
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates once remarked that the unexamined life would not be worth living. Years before the time of Socrates, as recorded in Genesis 16, the angel of the LORD seeks out and asks an ancient Egyptian handmaid named Hagar these questions: Where did you come from and where are you going? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unpack the way these great questions lead us back to the God who finds us, speaks to us, sees us and hears us!
The Genesis account of YHWH’s promises to Abram and Abram’s responses to God makes for an encouraging and inspiring study. Join Pastor Jim as he highlights the inexhaustible hope we find in the covenant-making, covenant-keeping God of the Bible.
We live in a world infatuated with authority and autonomy. At one and the same time modern monarchies and political leaders monopolize headlines, while the autonomous self seems to be the authority we are inclined to bow towards. As we study Genesis 14 we read of earthly kings and nations that seem to threaten the promises of God. A story like this reminds us that we are always walking in the direction of some authority—either towards God or or away from him, his ways and his people. This chapter begs the question: Who's really in charge here? Join Pastor Tommy as he walks us through this study that ultimately points to a final authority who's promises can always be trusted.
Do you ever find yourself reading a passage of scripture… and then wishing you hadn’t? Perhaps you found yourself “wincing” and “ouching” your way through the text because it deals with awkward parts of the human experience or raises big theological or philosophical questions? Or, you end up seeing your sinful self in the life of some Bible character who is blowing up his/her life in a big way and you wonder how will God deal with you?
Such is the feeling you may have as you study Genesis 13. It recounts the story of Abram and his nephew, Lot as they part ways. Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this study in contrasts and answers the question: Can we trust and rest in the promises of God?
In the aftermath of the March 3, 2020 tornadoes throughout middle Tennessee, we took a walk through this ancient song to remind ourselves of the timeless truths of scripture and the importance of knowing God as our ultimate refuge and strength. But what do we really believe about the power of God, the presence, the purposes and the peace of God? Join Pastor Jim as we revisit Psalm 46 to find the answers.
For Christians around the world Easter Sunday commemorates one of the most significant events in all of history. Is Easter just wish fulfillment or some ambiguous metaphor for Springtime? Or, does there exist good evidence for the resurrection of Jesus? And if such evidence does exist, where should we look for that evidence? Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us how unexpected yet unparalleled the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was and is; and how it literally changes everything.
Our Good Friday services have become a special tradition over the years as we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by our Savior. These silent services include a time of reflection and prayer. One of the most moving moments of our Good Friday services each year is when we take our nails to the cross as a reminder of our sin that put our Savior there. We encourage you to re-create this tradition from your own home in a way unique and special to your family with nails and wood, or similar materials you are able to locate.
What does Holy Week refer to? Why is what happened during that week significant in redemption history? Join Pastor Jim as he teaches from a passage written by one of Jesus’ closest disciples to help us understand how Jesus is the King we’ve always wanted and always needed.
Genesis 12 is the story of God calling one person, of that person answering God’s call, then loosing sight of that calling, and then returning to that calling. But it’s not a rom-com story where everything is all goodness, sweetness, sparkly and bright. It’s the true story of how we respond to life sometimes with faith, sometimes with fear; but more importantly, it’s the story of how amazing God’s grace is towards us, even when we fumble our faith and stumble spiritually.
In a culture which constantly tries to shape our identity, where do we find our significance and security? Join Pastor Matt as we study Chapter 11 of Genesis and learn who God says we are.
What will happen to the human race as it starts over after Noah? Will they have learned anything from God’s righteous judgment through the Great Flood? Will they pass on the spiritual lessons to their families? Or, will they turn their backs on God and continue down the same path of worshiping at the altar of autonomy as did their predecessors? And much more importantly, how then will God respond to them? Join Pastor Jim as he sheds some light on the Table of Nations in Genesis 10.
The Christian faith is not always about explanations but it is always about promises. And the promises of God are based upon the character of God. Here in Genesis 8-9 we learn that even though we are all sinners, God remains faithful to His promises and to His people. Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us that the God of the Bible is the God of new beginnings, who remembers His people, rescues His people, and renews His people.
As we come to chapter 6 we find that human beings, created in the image of God had begun turning their backs on God, attempting to control their own destiny, to find fulfillment apart from God and God’s design for their lives. Put simply, humanity became reckless in its pursuit of unrivaled power and unbridled pleasure. Sound familiar? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through the familiar story of Noah, the Great Flood and the Ark.
So far, Genesis has shown us that the physical universe and the space-time continuum had a beginning and a Beginner. All of creation, including and especially human life, has a telos/purpose and a design, and therefore, every human life is significant and meaningful.
But what are we to make of the amazing lifespan claims here in Genesis 5? How does this chapter show the compounding consequences of humanity’s sinful rebellion against God? Was there a glimmer of hope for redemption?
Join Pastor Jim as he helps unpack the timeless message of Genesis 5.
Genesis 4 is a combination of narrative and dialogue. This is a story set in antediluvian history, overflowing with timeless lessons to be learned. Who were Cain and Abel? What can we learn from their lives, the choices they made and how they interacted with God? Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how God is always at work, making progress with His plans for redemption history, no matter how dark the days may appear to us.
Genesis has much to teach us about who God is and who we are as his image bearers. Chapter 3 describes the tragic introduction of sin into the world through the rebellion of Adam and Eve. They listened and obeyed the word of the Serpent above the word of God. This chapter reveals the absurdity and disintegrating effects of sin, but more than that, we witness God's plan of redemption set into motion.
Genesis helps us push ‘reset’ so we can be reminded of who God is, who we are as human persons, why God created us, what our purpose in life is, and what God desires for each one of us. Growing in our knowledge of these things will broaden and clarify our perspective on the big questions of life and will help us flourish better as we experience life as individuals, and as a society of persons, within God’s creation.
Genesis 2 serves like a commentary on Genesis 1 elaborating in greater detail on a biblical work ethic, God’s creation of humankind, and the establishment of God’s design for marriage.
Today we look at what the Genesis record actually says about the origin of human beings. Where did we come from? What does it mean to be a human person? What is unique about our role in all of God’s creation? How can we find meaning and purpose as we explore God’s original creation design for human persons? Join Pastor Jim as he explores answers to these and other questions from Genesis!
Is Genesis true? Does Genesis correspond to reality as we know it? What can be believed about this ancient book we call Genesis? Have you recognized God as the Creator to whom you belong? When God speaks, are you listening for His voice? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks some of the timeless truths of the Bible found in Genesis 1.
Why is there something rather than nothing? Where did everything come from? Does God exist? What does it mean to be a human being? Can we know the One who made us?
The first book of the 66 books in the Bible is called Genesis which means “origins” or “beginnings.” Why is the book of Genesis so important? Because it begins to offer answers the very BIGGEST questions we ask in life.
Join Pastor Jim as he leads us on a journey through the riches of this ancient text, inspired by our God and Creator.
Join Pastor Matt Pierson as he explores the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3:13-30.
How is it that so many people feel chronically dissatisfied, habitually frustrated and overcome by unrest? How can we who have acquired and achieved so much, amassed so much apparent control over our lives still wind up feeling like life is meaningless, hopeless, unsettled and unfulfilling? Instead of being peace-full, why are so many people just falling to pieces?
And if Christians are going to continue to sing our Christmas carols and read the Christmas story, does the Bible and the Christian gospel offer any comfort or help for us in the face of these disconcerting incongruities and in our search for a peace that is unshakable?
We really do believe it does and we seek to persuade you that this is precisely why Jesus Christ came in the first place. WE need outside help and if Christianity is any kind of religion at all, it is a rescue religion. Join Pastor Jim as he shares this peace-inspiring study from Philippians 4.
At the time of the birth of Jesus, Israel had turned away from God and found themselves broken and longing for hope and deliverance. But there was none of either on the horizon. God had given them exactly what they had wanted, life apart from Him. The spiritual problem of the human condition has not really changed much since that time.
Ironically, we ask the same kinds of questions the ancient Jews asked: “Where is God? Why doesn’t God do something about what is wrong with the world?” Isn’t it interesting what motivates us to ask those questions? It’s usually when we are suffering the consequences of our having turned away from God. What does it suggest we believe about God or, what we believe about ourselves?
Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the story of how the God of the Bible takes the initiative to bring us Advent Hope found in Luke 1:1-25.
During the Advent season churches all over the world look back in time to reflect on the first arrival of Jesus and then look forward in time to anticipate that great day when Jesus has promised to return to set the world to rights.
Advent has become a season of holy reflection, repentance, preparation, faithful serving, eager and expectant waiting. Because Advent begins in the shadowlands of winter, we know we can trust the Bible because it doesn’t trivialize or ignore the darkness in this world. The Bible teaches us that this is precisely why God invaded the world in the 1st century as Jesus of Nazareth, aka Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Join Pastor Jim as he focuses our attention on the Advent Joy of Jesus!
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival or appearing. Advent is a season of reflection, prayer and contemplation, looking back on the first appearance of Christ into the world and at the same time, eagerly anticipating the second appearance of Christ when He will return again, this time to set the world to rights. Join Pastor Jim as he opens up the four Advent themes of love, joy, hope and peace. What is their significance? What can they mean for all of us today? What can they mean for you?
Join Pastor Matt Pierson as he explores Colossians 4 in the conclusion of our sermon series, “Colossians: Christ is All in All.”
In chapter 3 of Colossians Paul reminds the ancient church at Colossae of who they are in Christ and how they are to live in light of this identity. Those who have been raised with Christ were once dead in sin and have been brought to life because of the gracious initiative of Christ. How then should we live in this new life? Join Pastor Tommy as he walks through this treasure trove of gospel truth, encouragement and practical pastoral guidance.
In chapter 2 of Colossians, Paul both encourages and exhorts the ancient church at Colossae. He reminds them the Christian faith is both personal and propositional; that everything they need is found in Christ. Join Pastor Jim as he points out the timeless truths of the gospel that propel us forward along a pathway to maturity in Christ.
The Bible overflows with hope for all those who ask the BIG questions of life. Where did everything come from? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Do we have an eternal destiny? Paul’s ancient letter to the Colossian church presents Christ in all His uniqueness, supremacy and sufficiency. Paul encourages the saints in their faith, love and hope and appeals to them to continue growing in Christ. Join Pastor Jim as he explores the riches of the opening chapter of Colossians!
Revelation 22 is the final chapter in the book of Revelation and also in the entire Bible. We are calling our study of this important chapter The Returning King since it expresses our longing for Jesus’ return when He will come to set the world to rights. Join Pastor Jim as he explores the riches of joy and the hope of glory we find in the return of Christ!
Have you ever wondered what this world is coming to? Is there any hope for lasting peace, for an end to all the acrimony, corruption, evil and violence? What is the real problem in this world and where can we find the real solution we need? The book of Revelation points us in the right direction, the hope of glory. Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the 21st chapter, which carries the joyful account of how God intends one day to set all things right.
What does the Bible teach about the End Times, the Millennium, the Lake of Fire, and the Great White Throne Judgment? When will these things take place and how will they impact those who resist God and/or those who surrender to God? What can we really know about these things? What timeless lessons can we learn from this amazing vision God gave to the apostle John? Join Pastor Jim for this hope filled message that leads us to wonder and worship!
Join Pastor Matt Pierson as he explores Revelation 19 in our ongoing sermon series, "Revelation: The Hope of Glory."
In the book of Revelation the ancient name of Babylon represents the false religious system and all the forces of wickedness and evil who have set themselves against God and against the Lamb. Chapter 18 describes the swift and scrupulous, righteous judgement of God in which He brings an end to Babylon in a vindication of God’s good name and of the trust and faith of God’s people down through the ages. Join Pastor Jim as he highlights the two proper responses of God’s people to such news.
One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, “Whom or what do we worship?” We do have options on this but the impact on our lives is more significant than some would know. Join Pastor Jim as he opens up the treasures of Revelation 17 for us and leads us to see the beauty and majesty of Jesus, our Redeemer.
Revelation 16 continues the description of the unfolding cycle of the 7 bowls of God’s wrath to be poured out upon a sinful, darkening and rebellious world. This chapter is sobering, yet it offers us hope that God intends to right every wrong. God offers abundant mercy and is exceedingly patient with those who are set against him and his good ways. But, sin and evil have an expiration date. Join Pastor Tommy for this study from Revelation 16.
Revelation 15 describes the unfolding cycle of 7 bowls or cups of God’s wrath to be poured out upon a sinful, darkening and rebellious world. This short chapter can easily be broken into two sections. The first section being about worship and the second about witness. Each of us participate in both all the time. The questions become: who/what are we worshiping? And what is the testimony of our witness, or, as some would call it, our “story” all about? Join Pastor Jim for this inspiring study from Revelation 15.
Revelation 14 briefly asks and answers two pressing questions: First, what will ultimately happen to the Beast and all those who are marked as his? Second, what ultimately becomes of those who belong to God, yet who may endure suffering or death? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks this often overlooked chapter that summarizes God’s wise warnings to those who have rejected Christ, and stirs hope among those who have trusted and surrendered to Christ.
Join us as Scotty Smith continues our study of the book of Revelation. Chapter 13 gives us a picture of Satan's attempts to destroy the people of God and to keep Christians and non-Christians worshipping anything/anyone but Jesus. But, God is the sovereign ruler over all, including Satan, and God's people will be held fast through the blood of the Lamb.
A great battle rages between good and evil and Revelation 12 helps us understand what is going on and how we can not only survive but overcome through faith in Christ. Join Pastor Jim for this hope-filled-to-overflowing study of Revelation 12.
Revelation 11 overflows with images and events that lead up to the sounding of the 7th trumpet and the foreshadowing of the return of the rightful king of all creation. Here we find the measuring of a temple of the worshipers of God, the significant and powerful work of two witnesses in the world, the beast from the abyss, and a world that has gone stark raving mad in their celebration of all that is evil. How does God respond? What about those who belong to Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he helps unfolds the hope of glory we find in Revelation 11!
Join Associate Pastor Matt Pierson as he explores Revelation 10 in our ongoing sermon series, "Revelation: The Hope of Glory."
Throughout its pages the Bible reminds us that we need redemption. This is because our natural tendency is to think and act apart from God. We live as if God does not exist or, if God does exist, He does not matter. It is this lust for autonomy that ends up being self-destructive, has broken us and will continue to lead us to the wreck and ruin of our lives. Revelation 9 shows us how God has offered wise warnings about sin and points us to the redemption God offers through faith in Christ Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he continues to unfold the hope-filled message of Revelation!
Sometimes the silence of heaven can seem deafening. The third vision of Revelation opens chapter 8 with just such an unexpected silence. What is going on? What is God up to? Then follows a series of 7 trumpet blasts each signaling the divine shaking of everything humanity has put its trust in that is not God. Join Pastor Jim as he explores the meaning of all this and shows us the kindness of God’s patience and lovingkindness with a world full of lost sinners He loves.
Revelation 7 is an interlude between the 6th and the 7th seal. The camera has shifted towards the heavenly realm where we find the sealed people of God in vibrant worship. In this vision we are given a glimpse of the innumerable Church gathered together from every tribe, tongue and nation giving praise. This multitude has been sealed, they are singing and they are fully satisfied as they worship God and the Lamb!
What are the 7 seals and who are the 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse we read about in Revelation 6? What is the best way to understand the prophetic aspects of a book like Revelation? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us understand God’s sovereign and amazing grace at work to draw our hearts to faith in Christ!
Revelation 4 and 5 give us a glimpse into the throne room of heaven and what an amazing vision it is! Here we find incredible images of an important scroll held closed by 7 seals and the momentary realization that there might be no one worthy to open the scroll. John begins to weep in despair until one of the elders steps forward to point him to Jesus who is described as the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, and the Lamb who was slain. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the explosion of hope and the joyful response of all creation to this great news!
Scotty Smith discusses Revelation 4 in our ongoing sermon series, "Revelation: The Hope of Glory."
The last of the 7 letters to the 7 churches found in Revelation 2-3 is the final piece of the 1st of the book’s 7 vision segments. This letter offers a final word of realistic evaluation and loving exhortation to all those who belong to Christ and His church. How can we move from the complacency and nominalism of half-hearted worship to a robust and passionate, whole-hearted commitment to Christ, His kingdom and His glory? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through one last letter from Jesus Christ to His church.
The 6th letter of 7 was addressed to the church in the ancient city of Philadelphia. They were commended for their deeds and for their faithfulness to Christ, His Word and His Name. They had persevered under persecution and marginalization but they were exhausted, weakened and needed hope. Jesus reminded them that He could take their weaknesses and turn them into opportunities for His glory. Join Pastor Jim for this hope-filled message that still speaks to us 2,000 years later.
The third chapter of Revelation begins with a letter to the church at Sardis, which looks vibrant on the outside but is dying on the inside. Jesus comes to this church with a call to wake up and remember the Good News they have heard and received. What about us? Do we also need awakening to the Good News? Join Matt Pierson as he brings us this message of an encouraging wake-up call from Revelation 3.
The 4th letter to the early Christian churches in Asia Minor was addressed to the church in Thyatira. This time Jesus deals with the problems of spiritual syncretism and a weakness in the church leadership. The result was that the church was vulnerable to being enchanted by idolatry and immorality. What timeless lessons can we learn from this ancient letter in the book of Revelation? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us mine its wisdom, encouragement and exhortation.
The letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum deals with the issues: spiritual vigilance and moral vitality. What were the strengths and weaknesses of the church in Pergamum? What did they struggle with back then and what can we learn from the encouragement and exhortations of Jesus to the church at Pergamum? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us learn from this powerful and timeless letter.
The test of faithfulness can be how it responds to the incursion of suffering. The church of ancient Smyrna was suffering persecution, poverty and imprisonment at an unprecedented level. In the second of seven letters to seven churches in ancient Asia Minor, Jesus wanted John to convey His promise of comfort and hope. Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us that when we are with Jesus, we are never alone and we are never out of hope.
As we begin studying the 7 Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation 2-3 we are immediately reminded of how familiarity can breed indifference. How did the church in Ephesus come to abandon their first love for Christ? What made them wander or drift away from loving the Lord? Join Pastor Jim for this helpful look at some of the timeless truths of scripture.
The second half of chapter one of Revelation records the opening vision John has of Jesus Christ. It is nothing short of mind-blowing, eye-popping and heart-thumping. And it drops John to the ground at the feet of Jesus. What the church so often needs, what every individual believer so often needs is to get back to the feet of Jesus and gain a renewed, clearer vision of who Christ is and how He loves those who belong to Him. Join Pastor Jim as he marvels at the person and work of Christ revealed in Revelation 1.
The last book of the Bible is the book called Revelation. It is God's final word to the church and to the watching world. Revelation engages the mind and stirs the imagination to the beauty of who Jesus is, and the glorious gospel of God‘s grace on offer through faith in Christ Jesus. Join Pastor Jim for this inspiring introduction to our study called Revelation: The Hope of Glory and a look at the first 8 verses from the first chapter.
While the church building remains closed, God is still in the business of building His church. And God often does things in ways we would never have imagined. From my perspective, God has been turning our isolation into a transformation.
Some have asked “How can you even talk about Easter when everything in the world is turned upside down, inside out, when so many are suffering, even dying, and there is so much fear, anxiety, and despair????
We say, that’s precisely WHY we need to talk about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are praying God will carry us through survival and to revival. Join Pastor Jim for this hope-filled message from Luke 24.
That first Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem He was illustrating the fact that He was taking the initiative to offer Himself as the perfect Lamb of God, to pay the price for our sin, and to purchase our salvation. One thousand years before the time of Christ, King David sang of God’s salvation in what were unquestionably dark and uncertain times. How do these ancient scriptures speak hope into our own era? Join Pastor Jim as he takes a look at the good news of God’s salvation, on offer through faith in Christ.
Acts 16 tells the story of 7 Unlikely Conversions. Paul and Silas (2 of the unlikely ones themselves!) traveled out on the second missionary journey. Along the way God led them to share the Gospel with an amazingly diverse group of individuals who all turned to faith in Christ. Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us that God works in mysterious ways, even through difficult times, and pours His glory through their lives in all kinds of circumstances.
Borrowing from Bible commentator and teacher John Stott, Pastor Jim explains how Romans 8 teaches us that the Christian gospel includes 5 unshakeable convictions, 5 undeniable affirmations, and 5 unanswerable questions. Together, these offer reassurance and hope for all believers living in tumultuous times when pain and suffering seem to have shaken everything we thought we could count on. Here we find our sure and steady anchor, Christ our hope, in life and in death.
The Bible tells of several different kinds of storms that build faith. There are storms of correction and storms of perfection. There was a storm in the life of the disciples of Jesus that was a defining moment in their faith. This storm moved them into a whole new understanding of who Jesus was. It caused them to recognize Jesus was the Son of God and compelled them to worship Him. Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks helpful insights from this exciting passage in Matthew’s Gospel.
In the aftermath of the March 3, 2020 tornadoes throughout middle Tennessee, we took a walk through this ancient song to remind ourselves of the timeless truths of scripture and the importance of knowing God as our ultimate refuge and strength.
Tony Giles teaches from 2 Samuel 20 in our ongoing series, "2 Samuel: The Story of Unlikely Redemption."
This passage describes the return to Jerusalem of King David as God’s chosen covenant king over Israel. But the transition is anything but easy or smooth as various individuals and groups respond to David’s return in different ways. As pro-David and anti-David elements jockey for position, the tension becomes tangible, squabbles and bickering spring up all over the place. How does God lead David to respond? In what ways do these events point us forward to Christ, the true king, not only the king we always wanted, but also the king we have always needed.
What happens when people reject God and God’s proper claim to sovereignty in their lives? What happens when people believe in God but live their lives as if God simply doesn’t matter? Join Pastor Jim for this study of a 3,000 year old snapshot of redemption history when the hope of the Gospel was foreshadowed in the life and times of Israel’s King David.
In this age of expressive individualism, opinions are copious and advice ubiquitous; wisdom, on the other hand, remains precious. Where can we find real wisdom? Is all truth and reality just up to the individual? What is the difference between Divine revelation and human discovery as it relates to gaining wisdom? Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the wisdom of God found in 2 Samuel 17.
King David’s son Absalom had coordinated a coup and was heading for Jerusalem to take over the throne. Others were screaming and throwing stones at David as he left the city. What was at the root of all of this? Where was God in all of this? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the story of three discouragers in the life of David and shows us how the amazing grace of God in Christ has returned good to replace our guilt.
2 Samuel 15 continues the account of King David and his fractured family. King David’s third son, Absalom, has set his heart on insurrection. He is intent on stealing the hearts of the people of Israel and taking the throne for himself. In the midst of this treachery David flees, and in the process his heart seems to come awake with a deeper trust and faith in God. Join us as we study this passage and witness the grace of God at work amidst the tragic consequence of sin.
2 Samuel 14 tells the tale of a fractured family. King David appears ineffective as a father and his third son, Absalom, recalcitrant upon his return to Jerusalem. After two years of the silent treatment Absalom has had enough and draws a line in the sand. The conflicts begin to unfold but join Pastor Jim as he points us to the good news of how God’s grace towards repentant sinners is both whole-hearted and unconstrained.
2 Samuel 13 recounts a series of stories about sinful human beings in desperate need of God’s redeeming love. Join Pastor Jim for this honest, challenging but ultimately hopeful study where we learn we don’t have to be controlled or defined by passions or anger. We don’t have to find our identity in brokenness or in our darkest moment. In union with Christ we can have our sins forgiven and be made new, born again to a living hope. As C. H. Spurgeon has said, “There are many sorts of broken hearts, and Christ is good at healing them all.”
What kind of response can we expect from God after we have repented from our sins? Does the grace of God free us from the consequences of our sins? Join Pastor Jim as he draws timeless lessons from a significant event in the life of Israel’s King David, which point us to the hope we find in God’s amazing grace, through faith in King David’s greater son, Jesus Christ.
As we close out one year and begin a new year it is appropriate to ask, “What kind of church do we hope to become?” There are many different aspects of church life we could discuss when it comes to this process of “becoming” but essentially this is about in the direction in which we hope TVC will continue to grow. Join Pastor Jim as he draws insights from 2 Peter 3 about how to nurture a more faithful, joyful and steadfast faith.
Pastor Jim Thomas teaches about Jesus Christ, the Living Word and Light of the World, on Christmas Eve, 2019.
The Advent tradition teaches us to look back and reflect on the first advent/appearance of Jesus Christ, and also to look forward and anticipate His promised second advent/appearance.
Throughout the 4 Sundays of this Advent season here at TVC we’ll focus on four aspects of the grand, overarching narrative of the scriptures which tell us the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Join the TVC teaching team as they explore how the coming of Christ intersects these themes and brings us the good news of the Gospel!
Pastor Jim Thomas focuses on the theme of Redemption in week 3 of our Advent series, "The Story of Christmas: Genesis to Revelation."
Pastor Jim Thomas focuses on the Fall in week 2 of our Advent series, "The Story of Christmas: Genesis to Revelation."
The Advent tradition teaches us to look back and reflect on the first advent/appearance of Jesus Christ, and also to look forward and anticipate His promised second advent/appearance.
Throughout the 4 Sundays of this Advent season here at TVC we’ll focus on four aspects of the grand, overarching narrative of the scriptures which tell us the story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Join the TVC teaching team as they explore how the coming of Christ intersects these themes and brings us the good news of the Gospel!
The Christmas season is just around the corner. We will gather with loved ones, sing carols, light candles, and be reminded over and over again of the mystery of God becoming one of us. How can this impact real life? Is there any real hope for the broken-hearted, for those chronically disappointed, for those crippled by darkness and despair? We believe there is and that if there is, this is a hope that will have to be based upon something more than mere nostalgia, humanistic sentimentality, or holiday romanticism.
In some streams of the church the last Sunday before the Advent season officially begins is called “Stir Up Sunday” or “Christ the King Sunday”. Join Pastor Jim as he points us to the cause every believer has for unassailable peace and unshakeable joy, found only in union with Christ.
2 Samuel 12:1-14 is a sobering passage to be sure. It raises so many questions and yet it also leads us to a greater humility before God’s holiness, raises our awareness of humankind’s sinfulness, and offers us an increasingly greater wonder at God’s grace and mercy offered to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging message from 2 Samuel.
There are two names hardly used anymore but most often remembered for their association with King David: Goliath and Bathsheba. David faced the battle with the giant as a young and inexperienced youth but with God’s help, David became victorious. It was when he was older and should have been wiser, David faced his battle with temptation over Bathsheba. But David failed terribly and the collateral damage was horrific. What were the signs that David should have seen but completely missed? What about all the lives David ruined? What was God’s response to David’s selfish actions? What were God’s purposes in all of this mayhem? Join Pastor Jim for this look at a well-known story that holds both timeless truths and ultimate hope for all of us.
Most of us have been misunderstood before and most of us have misunderstood others at some point in our lives. In both cases, misunderstandings cause a great deal of tension for all parties concerned. 2 Samuel 10 is the story of kindness misunderstood and rejected, and how this led to war with a tremendous loss of life.
If we are interested in understanding others and being understood properly ourselves what is the role of faith in God and how can believing the Gospel of God’s grace through Christ begin to nurture and influence healthy relationships? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks lessons from this record of events that happened over 3,000 years ago; lessons that remain as true now as they were back then.
The beauty of the historical narrative found in 2 Samuel 9 is the way it reflects the Gospel in the context of covenant relationships. Don’t you just love a narrative about promises made and kept, about grace, mercy and kindness in action? Join Pastor Jim for this study that leads us to the beauty of God’s lovingkindness, grace and mercy towards sinners such as we are!
The Old Testament overflows with examples of how we are all longing for the love of a righteous king who loves justice and deals in mercy. But this is so far from the real world many people have experienced. Is there any hope that things will ever change? Join Pastor Jim as he explores a 3,000 year old example of this in the people of God under King David all foreshadowing what we find in David’s greater son, the greater king, Jesus Christ.
We can learn a lot about a person whenever we hear them pray and there is much to learn from David’s prayer response to God in 2 Samuel 7:18-29. David was sitting in the middle of a “no” from God. What would his immediate response be towards God? How do we respond when God says “no” to us? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks this prayer of humbled gratitude from David, a man after God’s own heart.
Today’s passage from 2 Samuel chapter 7…
Now that King David had brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he wants to build a temple for it, a house for God. But God has other plans for both the Ark and for David. Join us as we study this passage of God’s promise to establish his kingdom forever in the line of King David.
What was the Ark of the Covenant and what did it symbolize in the life of God’s people? How do the presence of God and the fear of the Lord bring us to the joy of the Lord? Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through this 3,000 year old story of how God has been at work restoring the joy of His people and how He continues to do that in our day and time.
2 Samuel 5 is like a narrative patchwork quilt or a collage of short stories surrounding the reunification of two kingdoms that had been in conflict. What timeless and transferable lessons can we learn about the role of faith in matters of reconciliation? How does God show Himself faithful, powerful and compassionate during those times we get stuck and can’t breakthrough the darkness or, we can’t even see any light on the horizon? Join Pastor Jim as he explores helpful answers to these questions and more from 2 Samuel 5.
Skepticism, cynicism and suspicion abound in our world. Almost everyone has been disappointed by an individual, and most of us by at least one institution, be it a school, the government or, sadly, by a local church and/or it’s leadership, pastors included. Dishonesty and injustice abounds. Is there anybody or anything we can really trust? Is there any authority we can look to for trustworthy justice? Join Pastor Jim for a look at the honest but hopeful lessons of history from 2 Samuel 4.
Today’s passage from 2 Samuel chapter 3 is filled with political diplomacy and treachery; personal ambition and vendetta; a thirst for power and a hunger for revenge. The winds of change are blowing for the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
Join us as we study this chapter and see how God’s sovereignty prevails in spite of our mixed motives, and how God’s purposes include a Saviour who endures and will bring a true and lasting peace.
The Old Testament narrative passages overflow with stories of personal struggle, family dysfunction, civil war, intrigue, espionage, and greed. In spite of it all, the Bible shows us how God has been in search of a people He could call His own. How unlikely is it that God would have chosen, called and saved the likes of some of the Bible’s most prominent characters? How unlikely that God would do the same for some of us? Join us for this study of 2 Samuel 2:12-32 where we find a nation in turmoil and transition, while God was still at work to accomplish His purposes.
Most people down through the ages of human history have asked what the meaning of human life is. Is it possible for us to know? Is it possible to discern God’s will for our lives? Join Pastor Jim for this practical study of how King David made a disciplined habit of inquiring of the Lord during times of great uncertainty.
What makes us mourn, weep or cry? Is there a proper time and place for people of faith to lament? Join Pastor Jim as he opens up a 3,000 year old song of lament written by the psalmist David to show us how the love of God for us in Christ is a love from which we can never be separated.
Epic battles, grifters, grief and fear all mark the opening chapter of 2 Samuel. David’s village in the south had been sacked and burned to the ground by the Amalekites and at the same time, up north, King Saul and his son Jonathan had been killed in a fierce battle against the Philisitines. Along comes an opportunistic schemer with a story full of holes and half-truths. Join Pastor Jim as he reminds us how much we all want and need the only truly righteous King, Jesus.
2 Samuel is action packed, overflowing with espionage, political power struggles, epic battles, rising and falling heroes, tsunami sized socio-cultural shifts, family betrayal, unfettered human passion, adultery, murder, revenge! Join Pastor Jim for this Intro to 2 Samuel and explore how we as the people of God can live for the glory of God and the good of our neighbor as we realize that Jesus Christ is the king we’ve always wanted and the king we’ve always needed.
It has been said that Philippians is the epistle of joy. In part, this is because the words “joy” or “rejoice” appear 16 times in this short letter. The unassailable joy of the Gospel is a theme that runs throughout the NT and it is inextricably connected to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Join Pastor Jim as he wraps up the closing thoughts of the apostle Paul from the ancient letter called Philippians.
The times in Philippi were contentious, and Paul not only knows it but has experienced it. As he encourages his beloved church there, he reminds them how to be “in Christ”, and what that looks like in our daily life as individuals and as members of the body of Christ. He also reminds them of the life-giving promise associated with being “in Christ”. Join TVC’s Curate Kim Thomas as we look at these things from Philippians 4:1-9.
How can we tell if we are on the wrong road or the right road in our life with God? How do we make progress in our Christian pilgrimage? What impact does the Gospel of grace have on our past, our present and our future? Join Pastor Jim as he explores the answers to these questions and more from the apostle Paul’s ancient letter to the church in Philippi.
In chapter three of the letter to the Philippians, Paul makes it clear that nothing compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Our only hope and confidence is found in the work of Christ on our behalf.
Do you ever wonder what terms like salvation, justification, sanctification and glorification really mean? If the Bible tells us to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” how does that square with its claim that “it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure”? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks one of the most succinct passages on these subjects found in Philippians 2:12-30.
Jesus prayed that love and unity would be foremost among the characteristics that mark those who call themselves His disciples. The apostle Paul echoed that in Philippians 2 and spelled out some of the ways we can nurture such deep love and unity. Join Pastor Jim as he explores the rich tapestry of the unity and love we share in Christ.
In this passage the apostle Paul exhorts his readers to conduct themselves in a manner “worthy of the gospel of Christ.” What would that have meant in their time and how does that relate to us all these years later? Is it possible to nurture a steadfast faith in a culture that isn’t always friendly to our faith? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the timeless truths of scripture and what it means to live out the Gospel of grace, remaining steadfast in the faith, all for the glory of Christ.
As we continue our study of chapter 1 of Paul’s letter to the Philippians we are given an example in both word and deed of a sturdy confidence in the providence and sovereignty of God. Whether in life or in death Paul has a proper abandonment to whatever the Lord has for him. Paul displays a clarity for life’s great aim: Christ and his glory. He loves the church at Philippi and desires to see them continue growing and maturing in the faith. His desire is for their progress and joy in Christ.
Some form of the terms “joy” and “rejoice” appear a total of 16 times in Paul’s ancient letter to the Philippians. The phrase “in Christ” appears 10 times and there are over 40 references to “Jesus Christ”. So, we can begin to see there is some connection between real joy and abiding in Christ. Just what does Paul mean by this and how might it apply to our life with God today? Join Pastor Jim as he begins this study of Philippians: The Hope of Joy!
The closing chapter of our study in Hebrews features almost 20 straight ahead, practical exhortations that answer the question, If Jesus truly is the Incomparable Christ and that makes any difference at all in the lives of those who claim to follow in Him, what would that actually look like? Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging summary of the transforming impact Jesus Christ has on the life of the Christian community.
Guest speaker Tony Giles teaches about Hebrews 12:18-29 in our ongoing series, "Hebrews: The Incomparable Christ."
Do you ever grow weary spiritually? Do you ever loose heart in seeking to follow Christ? How can we be better prepared to run the race of faith each day? What will it take to run well? Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging study from the first half of Hebrews 12.
We continue our study of Hebrews 11 with its focus on the subject of faith; not just faith “in faith itself” and not just a spiritual warm-fuzzy kind of faith, but a properly directed faith, whose object is the living, loving and sinner saving, Almighty God of the Bible. Hebrews is about God coming on a rescue mission to earth in the person of The Incomparable Christ.
Hebrews 11 is an encouragement to the faith of Christian believers, who are now or, who have suffered, and who need encouragement to know that they can still trust Christ, because it is He who will hold them fast when they waver, even through the dark storms of persecution, suffering, and deep loss. Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging study from Hebrews 11:17-40.
Chapter 11 of Hebrews has been called Faith’s Hall of Fame. Here we find one of the best descriptions of what biblical faith is and multiple examples of how it has transformed people’s lives down through the centuries. What does it mean to have faith? Why can having faith sometimes leave us feeling so lonely? What are the joyful and eternal results of authentic faith in Jesus Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he begins our tour of redemption history from Hebrews 11.
Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. Did Jesus Christ really rise again from the dead? Was the Resurrection a bit of history or just a hoax? What difference does this make in the grand scheme of things to us? Join us for a look at the evidence the Bible presents as it seeks to persuade us to believe and find life in the name of Jesus Christ!
For Christians all over the world, “Holy Week” often includes the remembrance celebrations called Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday/Resurrection Day. Join Pastor Jim as he reviews the basic meaning of each and explores the significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. What was God up to in allowing Jesus to die? Why has the death of Jesus had such a lasting impact upon millions of believers? What might it mean for you today?
One of the greatest features of Hebrews is its blend of solid doctrine and practical encouragement. What are the essentials of the Gospel? What can we do if we want to nurture a healthy spiritual life? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the answers from the gospel treasures found in chapter 10.
Some of the deepest riches of the Gospel are found in the New Testament book of Hebrews. Join Pastor Jim as he explores what chapter 9 teaches us about whether we really have access to God, whether the price for our sins has really been paid, and how all of this can bring to us some of the sweetest words of reassurance found in the entire Bible.
The author of Hebrews was well-versed in Old Testament scripture and how first- century Jews and Christians thought about covenants. What was wrong with the Old Covenant, and what is so radically new and different about the New Covenant? Join TVC East Campus Host Matt Pierson as he shares with us from Hebrews 8 how Jesus was The High Priest of a Better Ministry, The Mediator of a Better Covenant, and The Savior and Keeper of Better Promises.
In a court of law, you always want to be represented by the best lawyer you can find. You want somebody who knows the law and who can help you find justice. Hebrews 7 spells out what it means to every believer to have Jesus Christ as an advocate and our ultimate high priest before God. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds the timeless truths and practical implications of this passage for all believers.
The author of Hebrews writes like a pastor, mixing encouragement with exhortation and wise warnings. Many of us were raised hearing the phrase, “Once saved, always saved!” Precisely what does that proposition mean and how do passages like Hebrews 6 reconcile with it? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us unpack its meaning in light of the sovereign grace of God and the consistent message of the Gospel from the rest of scripture.
Like a seasoned pastor, the writer of Hebrews alternates between encouragement and exhortation as he seeks to awaken his readers to the riches of grace available to them in Christ. They had grown dull of hearing and some were stunted and stagnant in the spiritual lives. What was the best strategy for moving forward and beginning to grow again? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the timeless truths of scripture from the books of Hebrews.
Because of the work of Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest we are invited to draw near to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace for help in our time of need. This truth would have been great comfort for the wavering believers the author of Hebrews was addressing, and it is a great comfort to believers today. Join us as we continue our study in the book of Hebrews.
Why do so many people live in a state of unrest and anxiety? What is it about the human condition that we have been so unable to find the peace and rest we all deeply long for? What does the Bible teach us about finding rest in our relationship with God? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks a baker’s dozen verses from Hebrews 4 which describe God’s promised rest for believers.
In our study of the book of Hebrews thus far we have been exhorted to pay closer attention to the revelation of God in Christ, to avoid the dangers of a drifting life, and not to neglect this great salvation offered to us in the person and work of Christ. For those who may find their faith wobbling as they struggle with the realities of a world that isn’t always friendly toward faith or, with their own brokenness and sin, the book of Hebrews offers encouragement and hope. Join Pastor Jim as he explores the subject of evading unbelief from chapter 3 of Hebrews.
All of us stumble and fall to some temptation. All of us have moments of doubt or anxiety. How do we know if our faith is authentic, true and genuine? Can we know that we are truly saved? What is the evidence of a genuine faith? Join Pastor Jim as he explores the encouraging and hopeful answers to these questions and more from the first part of Hebrews 3.
After having presented convincing evidence for the divinity of Jesus Christ in chapter 1, here in chapter 2 the author of Hebrews shows us the significance of the humanity of Jesus Christ. What difference does it make to believe that Jesus Christ was fully God and fully human? What can Christ accomplish with both natures that cannot be accomplished in just one of the two? How does it affect our relationship with the Lord to know that Christ experienced all that He went through in becoming human, suffering and dying on a cross, and then being raised physically from the dead? Join Pastor Jim as he points out the significance of what this all means, in our study from Hebrews 2.
Whenever we find warnings or exhortations in scripture it’s a reminder of the nature of the relationship between God and humanity; that this relationship is more than just theoretical, it is also practical and volitional, because we have a choice to either heed the wise warnings of scripture or, to ignore them. As our theology intersects and influences our biography, what are we taught about Jesus Christ in scripture that is designed to have a transformative impact on our life with God and on every other aspect of our lives as well? Join Pastor Jim for this practical and encouraging study from Hebrews 2:1-4.
The book of Hebrews presents Jesus Christ as totally incomparable. What’s so special about Jesus and in what ways is Christ ultimately unique? It’s one thing to worship angels or any other created thing that is finite. It’s quite another thing altogether to underestimate Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he explores answers to these and other questions from the first two chapters of Hebrews.
Many questions have arisen about the New Testament book called Hebrews: Who wrote it? When, from where, and to whom was it written? Under what circumstances? While most of this remains a mystery, the central theme stands obvious for even the most casual reader: Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God, the ultimate prophet, priest and king. Join Pastor Jim for this introduction to a new study series called Hebrews: The Incomparable Christ.
Spiritual stagnation over time can happen to any individual and to any church. As TVC gets ready to move into its 18th year together as a church community, Pastor Jim draws from the teachings of Jesus found in Mark 10 to spell out what it looks like for us to follow Christ more closely, as a loving, serving and worshiping community.
The term “Advent” means coming, arrival or appearing. During the Advent season Christians all over the world reflect back on the first advent of Jesus and look forward with anticipation to the second Advent of Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he explores how the four gospel accounts give us the most credible account of the first Advent of Jesus, describing with eyewitness detail who the real Jesus of history was, revealing the reasons Christ came to earth, and showing us the practical differences trusting Christ can really make in our lives.
The term “Advent” means coming, arrival or appearing. During the Advent season Christians all over the world reflect back on the first advent of Jesus and look forward with anticipation to the second Advent of Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he explores how the four gospel accounts give us the most credible account of the first Advent of Jesus, describing with eyewitness detail who the real Jesus of history was, revealing the reasons Christ came to earth, and showing us the practical differences trusting Christ can really make in our lives.
The term “Advent” means coming, arrival or appearing. During the Advent season Christians all over the world reflect back on the first advent of Jesus and look forward with anticipation to the second Advent of Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he explores how the four gospel accounts give us the most credible account of the first Advent of Jesus, describing with eyewitness detail who Jesus really was, revealing the reasons Christ came to earth, and showing us the practical differences trusting Christ can really make in our lives.
The term “Advent” means coming, arrival or appearing. During the Advent season Christians all over the world reflect back on the first advent of Jesus and look forward with anticipation to the second Advent of Jesus. Join Pastor Jim as he explores how the four gospel accounts give us the most credible account of the first Advent of Jesus, describing with eyewitness detail who Jesus really was, revealing the reasons Christ came to earth, and showing us the practical differences trusting Christ can really make in our lives.
What kind of life is it that we find when we answer the call to follow Jesus Christ as His disciples? As we close out our study of the Gospel of John, Jesus presents to his disciples, and specifically to Peter, a series of questions, commands and promises. Join Pastor Jim as he takes a look at what the apostle John thought would be the appropriate focus for the closing thoughts of his record of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
After His resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared multiple times to diverse individuals and a variety of different groups of people who recognized Him and thereafter, became eyewitnesses to the vindication of the claims of Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of God. How does this fit in with the overall theme of the book we call John’s Gospel? What is the significance and impact for those who place their faith in Jesus in our own time? Join Pastor Jim as he looks at the story of the person who has come to be known as “Doubting Thomas,” when the risen Christ appeared to him, along with the other disciples.
The most famous life in history is also the most famous death . Collectively referred to as the Passion, Jesus' suffering and substitutionary death by crucifixion are two central events in redemption history, especially as they relate to the Biblical teachings on atonement and salvation. Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through the crucifixion of Christ, its historicity and eternal significance for all who believe.
Before His crucifixion Jesus endured difficult trials before the religious leaders and Roman government officials of His time. What crime was Jesus accused of? Why did Jesus allow Himself to go through this amount of suffering? What does it all mean to us in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim for a look at what the Bible teaches about the Passion of Christ leading up to His crucifixion and the glorious Gospel of grace that drove Christ to the Cross.
The story of Peter’s denial of Christ is recorded in all four gospels. I’m not sure how most of us would feel about having our worst moment documented indelibly in the best selling book of all time for everyone to read. At the same time, this story tells us something very important about someone else. It reveals what kind of a Savior Jesus is and we’ve got it on pretty good authority that after all the dust had settled, Peter was more than ok with that. Join me for this grace-filled study of the failure of one of Jesus’ closest disciples and the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of John was written so that we might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that in believing we might have life (20:30-31). In John 18 we find Jesus and his disciples in a garden, a garden that will be the setting for betrayal and arrest. However, John is clear that Jesus is the one with power and authority, not his betrayer Judas and not the Roman cohort seeking to arrest him. Christ is in charge and he willingly gives himself up so that he might drink the cup the Father has given him. Join us as we study this extraordinary event that marks a turning point is John’s gospel.
Have you ever noticed how you can learn a lot about someone when you hear them pray? In John 17 we have a record of what has been called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. What was important enough to make it into this prayer of Jesus Christ? And as His followers, what does this prayer tell us about what Jesus desires for us as individuals and for all of us as the body of Christ, the church? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the riches of grace found in this prayer of Jesus.
If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be? Many people would probably ask Him about the role of pain, evil and suffering in this world. Just what did Jesus say about such things? Join Pastor Jim as he explores some of the astonishing things Jesus said about sorrow, perplexity, and tribulation, and some of the reassuring promises Jesus made for those who place their trust in Him.
What did Jesus teach His disciples about the Holy Spirit? What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the individual believer? Why is this such great news for those of us who follow Christ in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us understand the often misunderstood third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit.
What does it mean to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ? How do we actually live in union with Christ? Can living as a Christian in this broken world really change anything at all? Join Pastor Jim for this look at what Jesus taught about faithful and true discipleship and how it affects our relationships with God, with others and even the way we view our own identity.
Jesus made some very bold claims about who He was and is. Among them Jesus claimed to be the True Vine and said that we are all branches. What did Jesus mean by this and what does it mean for us to “abide” in Christ? How does abiding in Christ impact our spiritual fruitfulness? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us explore the metaphor to unpack precisely what Jesus meant by these beautiful comparisons.
If the Bible never mentions the Trinity, why do Christians believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? What is the connection between faith, love and obedience in our relationship with God? In what ways does experiencing God’s presence affect our growth and progress in the spiritual life? Join Pastor Jim for this inspiring and insightful study of Jesus’ teachings from what is typically called the Last Supper, delivered in the Upper Room.
The last half of John 13 is layered with intrigue, betrayal, love, hope and glory. It features the stories of Judas, Peter and John in the context of their relationships with none other than Jesus himself. How are each of us meant to identify with the principle characters in the unfolding drama of redemption in this text? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see the glorious gospel of God’s grace through Christ recorded in the eyewitness account of John 13.
What is the significance of the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples? Was this merely an act of hospitality or humility or did it symbolize something more? What did Jesus want His disciples to learn about the Gospel, about how generous God’s grace is, how they view their own need for redemption, and how they should treat one another? Join Pastor Jim for this study of one of the most famous acts of Jesus and the timeless truths it conveys.
In the last section of the 12th chapter of The Gospel According to John we find two summaries: one of the various responses to Jesus Christ and the second, a summary of the teachings of Jesus. John’s purpose in writing has been explicitly stated and the bold and astonishing claims of Jesus have been illustrated and affirmed in the miraculous signs Jesus performed. Why did some people still not believe? Why were some fearful or timid about believing in Jesus? And what can we learn about belief and following Christ in our own day and time, so riddled with doubt and skepticism?
What does the word “glory” mean? How is it that the Bible describes God’s glory and what does it teach us about our relationship with God and His glory? Join Pastor Jim for this study and find out why The Gospel According to John is often referred to as the Gospel of Glory! Untitled
On His way back to Jerusalem and His death on the cross, Jesus stopped in Bethany and spent some time with several of His friends, including Mary, Martha and Lazarus. In an expression of extravagant devotion and worship, Mary anointed Jesus with some very expensive perfume. Why did she do that and what did it symbolize? Judas was there and made some rather rude comments, posing a false dichotomy. What do we learn from John’s record of this contrast between Mary and Judas? How did the presence of Lazarus create an additional problem for the agenda of the religious establishment of that time? How did Jesus respond and what does it teach us about Him? Join Pastor Jim for this study of one of the most beautiful examples of devotion to Christ.
After Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, the tension escalated sharply between Jesus and the religious leaders of that time. If Jesus could raise the dead then His bold claims to be one with God started to become plausible, even probable. As the religious leaders scrambled to figure out what they could do to stop Jesus, we learn much about humanity’s conflicting deep need for God and yet our resistance toward God. Join Pastor Jim for this look at one of the final confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of the 1st century and how the things we fear often reveal what we are truly worshiping.
All of us will at some time suffer the experience of a season of disappointment, loss, confusion or pain. As people of faith, how are we supposed to navigate these difficult seasons? What do we do when God’s timetable seems to be so very different from our own? Join TVC’s Ministries Staffing Advisor, Tony Giles, for this hope-filled study of the account of Jesus recalling Lazarus from the dead.
It was the Feast of Dedication aka the Feast of Lights or, Hanukkah, and the religious leaders had surrounded Jesus in Solomon’s Portico on the eastern side of the outer court of the Jewish Temple. Tension was rising and they had murder on their minds. But first they confront Jesus, demanding to know if he claimed to be Messiah or not. What questions did they pose? What answers did Jesus give and what impact does all this have on those of us who claim to follow Jesus? Join Pastor Jim for this enlightening and encouraging study from John 10:22-42
Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd. Just what did He mean by that? How would the people of His time have understood what Jesus was claiming? And what does it mean for us in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim as he explores the metaphor and helps us see who we belong to and how a faithful God has committed Himself to taking care of His own.
John 9 records the 6th of 7 miracles of Jesus contained in John’s Gospel. These signs were designed to be more than a bit of supernatural entertainment, they were meant to arouse curiosity about Jesus, display His power & authority, reveal His compassion and confirm His identity as the Son of God, the only One who can credibly offer to be our Redeemer and Savior. This time Jesus heals a man born blind but since it was done on the Sabbath, it heightened the tension between Jesus and the religious leaders of that time. But Jesus claimed to be the Light of the World and offered Himself to all who will believe. Join Pastor Jim for this interesting study of contrasts between how a variety of people responded differently to Jesus and to this miracle.
In John 8:32 Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Precisely what did Jesus mean by saying we will know the truth? Is that really possible? And what is it that truth will set us free from? Join Pastor Jim for this look at the mysterious but liberating teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a genuine disciple of His!
John’s Gospel records at least 7 of the astonishing “I AM” statements of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. What can these statements tell us about Jesus’ own self-understanding, His mission and purpose? How can they lead us to a greater understanding of the riches of glory for those who put their faith in Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through this inspiring and up-close look at Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and King!
In John 8 a group of self-righteous religious folks attempted to put Jesus on the horns of a dilemma. What was their method and means? How did Jesus respond to their test? What can we learn about Jesus and the disposition of His heart toward our own sin? Join Pastor Jim for this gospel-rich story commonly known as The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery.
What question would you ask Jesus Christ, if you had just one question you could ask Him? There are 12 questions posed by the crowds of people listening to Jesus in this passage from John 7. Join Pastor Jim as he shows us what we can learn about ourselves from the kinds of questions we ask; and what we can learn about God from the way Jesus responded to these folks.
Biblical faith displayed in both the Old Testament and New Testament is rich with symbolism. What do the feasts, the ceremonies, the rituals, the symbols all mean? How are we to interpret and engage with them? How do they point to Christ and the Gospel of grace through faith in Jesus? Join Pastor Jim for a look at what Jesus said in John 7 and how it relates to Christian belief in our own time.
John 6 started off with a record of two of the miracle signs of Jesus. These miraculous signs do more than offer up a bit of supernatural entertainment by Jesus; they display His power and authority, reveal His compassion and confirm His identity. The last half of chapter 6 is a record revealing more of the astonishing claims of Jesus of Nazareth about Himself. Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how the works of Jesus affirm the words and teachings of Jesus.
One of the most astonishing sign miracles of Jesus is when John tells us Jesus came walking out on the water in a stormy Sea of Galilee. Were the disciples hallucinating or did this actually happen? If this really did happen, what is the significance of such an event? What does it tell us about Jesus Christ? And what does it mean for us, so many years later? Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging and inspiring study from John 6:16-21.
Join TVC guest speaker Tony Giles as he leads us through a study of one of the best known miracles of Jesus Christ, the Feeding of the Five Thousand. How does this New Testament miracle relate to the Old Testament prophecies about God’s promised Messiah? What really happened on that day and what did it reveal about Jesus Himself? What significance do the miracles of Jesus have for us 2,000 years later as we consider faith in Christ? How did the people of that time respond to Jesus after this miracle and how should we respond in our own day and time?
Join Pastor Jim as he finishes up our study of John 5 with Part 2 of a look at "The Incomparable Christ”. What evidence did the apostle John offer that the astonishing claims of Jesus Christ were actually true? How convincing are these testimonies about Jesus? If Jesus claimed to be able to bring the salvation of God into the world and offer it as a free gift to all who will simply repent and believe, in what ways is Jesus uniquely qualified to do this?
As we close out one year and begin another, Pastor Jim leads us through a two part series from the last half of John 5 with an emphasis on the Incomparable Christ. What’s so special about this 1st century Jewish person known as Jesus of Nazareth? What bold and unique claims did Jesus make about Himself? Why does the Bible joyfully proclaim that we can receive salvation through faith in Christ? There’s no better way to reboot our spiritual thinking and reset our heart’s affections than to fix our eyes on Jesus, who is the center of the Gospel itself!
We’ve all heard the phrase "God helps those who help themselves.” But in John 5:1-18 Pastor Jim shows us how the great news of the Gospel is that God helps those who cannot help themselves. In the passage, Jesus came upon a man who had been sick for 38 years. Frustrated by his circumstance and failed by everyone who claimed to love him, this man had run out of options. His condition was actually far more hopeless than he actually realized. But on the day Jesus called him out, everything would be different.
This week’s message synopsis:It was midday when Jesus came to the ancient site of Jacob’s Well in the village of Sychar of Samaria. There Jesus encountered a woman whose life had been a sad series of failed relationships, self-loathing and public shame. But on that day everything would be forever changed as she encountered the mysterious man who was willing to hear her story and then offer her a drink of living water. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds this story of God’s initiating love and amazing grace.
John the Baptist and the apostle John both agreed that Jesus Christ was the most unique individual who ever lived. What did they see in and know about Jesus? What difference does it make to us in our own day and time? What’s so special about Jesus Christ that makes Him the most talked about person in human history? Why does it make so much sense to consider placing your faith in Jesus? Join Pastor Jim for this fascinating look at the preeminence of Christ in all things.
The Gospel of John includes several one-on-one conversations between Jesus and a wide variety of individuals. What did Jesus mean when He talked with the religious leader, Nicodemus, about being “born again?” What does one of the most well known Bible references, John 3:16, have to say and why do so many people write it on signs and then hold them up at football games? Join Pastor Jim for this interesting study of the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from John 3:1-21.
Have you ever wondered what makes God mad? In this study from John’s Gospel, Pastor Jim leads us through a passage that is typically entitled “The Cleansing of the Temple.” Jesus was swinging a whip and turning over tables, people were scattering, sheep bleating, goats running, doves flapping their wings to escape, and an avalanche of coins were rolling across the floor. What ever happened to “Gentle Jesus meek and mild look upon this little child?” Exactly what was it that stirred up the anger of Christ? More importantly, what good news does the Christian Gospel have to offer those of us who realize we too are sinners in the hands of an angry God?
The first miracle of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John takes place at the celebration of a wedding. But something had gone wrong as the caterers ran out of wine before the celebration had ended. And so the last recorded words spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus, are “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Jesus’ instructions are followed but only a few present actually notice that water had become wine. What can we learn from this supernatural intrusion of God’s power into a seemingly everyday event? How does it apply to each of us as it relates to our faith in Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he points us to the glory of God and the life transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Who was John the Baptist and what role did he play in the New Testament story of redemption? Who were the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him? Why did Jesus choose and call them? And just what does it mean to “follow" Jesus these days? Join Pastor Jim for this practical and helpful study from John’s Gospel.
“In the beginning…” Those three words open the entire Bible in Genesis 1 and they also open the first chapter of the Gospel of John. It’s as if John wanted us all to sit up straight and get ready because with the arrival of Jesus there comes the opportunity to begin life anew. What else does John have to say about Jesus Christ and the mysteries of who He was, His miracles, what He taught, His death and Resurrection? Join us as we begin this new verse by verse study of one of the most beautiful books of all time, the Gospel of John.