Vestavia Primitive Baptist Church

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

The Christian life is a real spiritual battle, and Satan seeks to attack the minds and hearts of God's people. In this sermon from Ephesians 6:17, we consider the "Helmet of Salvation" and the importance of remembering the glorious truth that salvation is by grace alone through Christ alone. Rather than fighting for victory, believers fight from victory, resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ and finding hope, assurance, and freedom in the gospel.

Luke 6:46-49 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? [47] Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: [48] He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. [49] But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

“Shield of Faith” — In this message from Ephesians 6:10–16, we examined how faith protects the child of God against the “fiery darts of the wicked.” Just as warfare in history often left destruction behind, Satan’s goal is to destroy peace, joy, homes, marriages, and fellowship with Christ. But God has given His people a shield: faith. We looked at what biblical faith is, where it comes from, how it grows, and why without faith we cannot stand in the spiritual battle.

In this message from Ephesians 6:10–15, we examine the spiritual warfare facing every believer and the importance of having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” This sermon explores the centrality of the gospel in the Christian life, the peace it brings in the middle of spiritual battle, and how the finished work of Christ gives believers firm footing to stand against deception, fear, and darkness.

In this powerful exploration of spiritual warfare, we're confronted with a profound truth: we're all soldiers in a battle we didn't choose but cannot avoid. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10-18, we discover that our struggle isn't against the visible challenges of daily life, but against invisible forces of darkness that seek to destroy our faith, our families, and our witness. The call to 'stand' echoes four times in this passage—a repetition that demands our attention. We're not called to advance or retreat, but simply to stand firm, to remain faithful, to not give up ground. This standing requires specific equipment: truth as our belt, righteousness as our breastplate. Truth protects us from Satan's primary weapon—deception—while righteousness guards our vital organs, our very life and joy. We find truth in three essential places: God's Word, God's church, and God's people. In an age where we can't trust our own eyes, where news is manipulated and social media spreads lies, we desperately need these anchors. The breastplate of righteousness reminds us that how we live matters—not for earning salvation, but for experiencing the fullness of life Christ offers. When we sow to the Spirit, we reap life everlasting. The beautiful paradox is this: we fight from a position of victory, not defeat. We put on righteousness because Christ has already made us righteous through His blood.

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Because He lives,I can face tomorrow!Because He lives,All fear is gone.Because I knowHe holds the future,And life is worth the living,Just because He lives!

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” (1 John 5:7)

“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.” (Acts 12:1-17)

Luke 10:30-37 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, [34] And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. [36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Prayer (Josh Coker) - 3.15.2026

Acts Chapter 2 (Josh Coker) - 3.1.2026

In this message from Luke 10:25–37, Jesus responds to a lawyer who seeks to justify himself by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” Rather than presenting a plan of salvation, Christ exposes the heart of the question and illustrates what true obedience to the law looks like through the parable of the Good Samaritan.As Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, He teaches that love toward God is inseparable from love toward others. The Samaritan’s actions reveal compassion that flows from the Spirit, while the priest and Levite demonstrate that religious position and knowledge alone do not produce mercy.This sermon emphasizes that spiritual fruit cannot be manufactured by the flesh. Just as an apple tree cannot produce oranges, an unregenerate heart cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit. Doing good unto others is not the cause of life, but the evidence of it.Scripture Text: Luke 10:25–37Key Verse: Galatians 6:10Church: Vestavia Primitive Baptist ChurchService Date: January 4, 2026

In this New Year’s Eve service, Pastor Chris McCool (Zion PBC) shares a message of hope and encouragement from Mark chapter 5. Focusing on the account of Jairus and his dying daughter, Brother Chris discusses "the difficulty of the delay"—the space we live in between the trials of this world and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Whether you are facing personal loss, sickness, or the general frustrations of life, this sermon reminds us of Jesus' comforting words: "Be not afraid, only believe."

This sermon explores Paul's final exhortations to the church, teaching us how to maintain Christian unity, overcome worry, and experience the profound peace of God that passes all understanding. Learn how to stand firm in your faith and find true joy and satisfaction through a committed prayer life.Scripture: Philippians 4:1-9

Be Not Overcome Of Evil - Josh Coker - 9.14.2025

Save Yourselves/Acts 2 (3.30.2025) - Josh Coker

Salvation By Grace/Ephesians 2:8-9 (3.23.2025) - Josh Coker

Doing Good - 3.16.2025

Ephesians: Accepted - Redeemed - Forgiven (2.16.2025)

Ephesians: Election and Predestination (2.9.2025)

Ephesians: Blessed Be The God (2.2.2025)

Grace and Peace (Ephesians 1:1-2) - 1.26.2025

Ephesians: Paul An Apostle

Moses Is Dead - 1.12.2025

Moses and Commitment to the Cause Part 3 - 1.5.2025

Moses and Commitment to the Cause Part 2 - 12.29.2024

He Shall Save His People

Moses and Commitment to the Cause

A Message for the Spiritually Anxious

Boiling Goats in their Mother's Milk (Josh Coker)

Thanksgiving Service Sunday Morning (Ronald Lawrence)

Thanksgiving Service Saturday Night (Ronald Lawrence)

Thanksgiving Service Saturday Afternoon (Ronald Lawrence)

Jesus Wins (Josh Coker) - 11.17.2024

Jesus Wept (Josh Coker) - 11.10.2024

Jonah 3 Repentance (Josh Coker)

Jonah 3:1-5 (Josh Coker)

Jonah 2 (Josh Coker)

Jonah 1 (Josh Coker) - 10.6.2024

God's Design For Marriage and Gender - Josh Coker (8.18.2024)

Repentance and the word of God - Josh Coker

Rebaptism - Josh Coker

The Lord is Good - Josh Coker

Thanksgiving - Josh Coker

The Kingdom of God - Josh Coker

Examine Yourselves - Luke Hagler

Paul and Ephesus: Apollos - Spirit, Truth, and the Grace to Believe (Josh Coker)