Veterans Parkway church of Christ

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainHow does God's Spirit revive dead situations? This sermon on Ezekiel 37 and the 1857 revival explores the power of prayer.Key Takeaways:God is the Source of Revival: Only the Holy Spirit has the power to breathe life into spiritually dead circumstances and bring true renewal.Prayer Precedes Awakening: The 1857 prayer meeting demonstrates that collective, desperate prayer is a catalyst for God's movement.The Power of the Word: Like Ezekiel speaking to the dry bones, we are called to boldly proclaim God's Word even when situations seem hopeless.Hope for the Hopeless: Whether facing a broken marriage, a wayward child, or a stagnant…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExamine the narrative of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19. Discover the true cost of discipleship, how to gain eternal life, and why we cannot just add Jesus to our lives. Key Takeaways: Radically Reset: Following Jesus is not about adding Him to a busy life but leaving everything behind to put Him first. The Illusion of Goodness: Worldly success and moral behavior are not enough to secure eternal life without full surrender to God. The First Three Commandments: True discipleship requires eliminating modern idols and recognizing Jesus as the only master. Love Speaks the Truth: Jesus did not…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainFind spiritual healing from self-hatred and unconfessed sin through honest confession and biblical repentance based on Psalm 139 and 1 John 1:8.Key Takeaways:Confession brings healing: Hiding our sins only leads to deeper misery, but bringing them to God allows for spiritual recovery.Repentance is a change of direction: True repentance requires getting out of the sinful situation and actively turning toward God's grace.God knows everything: You cannot hide your actions or thoughts from God, making honest confession the only logical choice.Avoid double standards: It is dangerous to justify our own sins while holding others to a completely different moral standard.True confession…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageWhat would Paul write today? A call for self-examination, protecting church unity, becoming a living sacrifice, and pressing on.Key Takeaways:Self-Examination: We must evaluate our own spiritual health instead of focusing on the flaws of others to ensure our hearts are truly in our worship.Church Unity: Maintaining unity in the body requires deep humility and a conscious effort to prioritize God's truth over personal preferences.A Living Sacrifice: Christianity is not a part-time commitment but a daily, total surrender of our entire lives, minds, and priorities to Christ.Spiritual Endurance: Believers are called to press on and remain steadfast even through exhaustion, trusting…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageIf Paul were to write a letter to churches today, what would it say? It would likely encourage them to offer biblical encouragement, avoid worldly conformity, and boldly preach sound doctrine.Key Takeaways:Appreciation of Faithfulness: The church thrives on the unseen work and consistent dedication of its everyday members.Resisting Conformity: Christians must actively avoid the gradual spiritual drift that comes from normalizing worldly behavior.Commitment to Truth: Believers must hunger for the whole counsel of God rather than modernizing the gospel for comfort.Urgency of Obedience: The call to salvation and repentance requires immediate action without delay.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2026/04/19/a-letter-from-paul-transcript

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Ethan JobeWhat can we learn from the thief on the cross in Luke 23? Discover how his salvation reveals Jesus' grace, mercy, and our need for humble repentance.Key Takeaways:Beyond the Debate: The story of the thief on the cross is meant to reveal the character of Jesus rather than serve merely as a stopping point in doctrinal arguments.Recognizing Justice and Injustice: The penitent thief understood that he deserved his punishment while recognizing the complete innocence of the man on the middle cross.The Power to Save: Even in his darkest hour, Jesus possessed the authority to save himself but chose to endure…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainWhat does it mean to truly be a Christian? From Acts to Exodus, discover the call to discipleship and the importance of a direct relationship with God.Key Takeaways:The Origin of the Christian Name: Disciples of Jesus were first called Christians in Antioch as they faithfully spread the gospel.Embracing Christian Suffering: Believers should not be ashamed of facing hardships for their faith but should use them to glorify God.A Direct Relationship with God: Christians are called to draw near to God personally rather than relying on a mediator out of fear.Personal Spiritual Growth: Believers must develop an intimate walk with God…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainA study on Galatians 6 and biblical accountability. Learn about bearing burdens, Christian fellowship, and our spiritual responsibility to God.Key Takeaways:Spiritual Fruitfulness: Meditating on God's word produces a life that yields fruit and helps others grow.Gentle Restoration: When correcting a fellow Christian, it must be done with humility and gentleness to restore their spiritual walk.Iron Sharpens Iron: Biblical accountability often requires friction, but its ultimate goal is to sharpen and improve our brethren.Bearing Burdens: We have a mutual responsibility to bear the burdens of others while also carrying our own assigned loads in the kingdom.Self-Examination: Before looking at the faults…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainMeditate on the biblical truth of Jesus' resurrection, the impact of 1 Corinthians 15, and why the empty tomb is the foundation of the Christian faith.Key Takeaways:Foundation of Faith: The resurrection is the core substance of Christian belief, and without it, preaching and faith are entirely in vain.Power over Sin: Belief in the risen Christ offers true deliverance from the guilt and permanence of sin.A Living Memorial: The Lord's Supper was established by Jesus as a frequent and consistent remembrance of his sacrifice and victory over death.Duplicating the Resurrection: Baptism mirrors the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, representing a…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--When Life Doesn't Go According to PlanService: 5th Sunday PMType: SermonSpeaker: Luke MetzgerExplore the book of Jonah and discover the high cost of running from God. Learn about God's mercy, second chances, and how to love your modern-day Nineveh.Key Takeaways:Running from God never ends well: Disobedience clouds our judgment and leads us away from God's presence, but He remains in complete control.God gives second chances: Just as the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, God offers us grace and restores us to His service even after we fail.God's will does not change: Our attempts to flee or ignore God's commands do not alter His ultimate plans for our…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--When Life Doesn't Go According to PlanService: 5th Sunday AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Luke MetzgerWhat does it mean to have a truly blessed life? Through Mary, the mother of Jesus, this sermon from Luke 1 explores submitting to God's will and trusting the power of God. Key Takeaways: Interrupted plans: Mary's life teaches us that a blessed life often begins with a divine interruption to our own plans and scripts. Not always easy: Being favored by God does not guarantee a trouble-free life, as Mary faced extreme hardship, poverty, and sorrow. God uses the humble: God purposely chooses unexpected people in unexpected places like Nazareth to bring glory to His name. Christ formed in…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--When Life Doesn't Go According to PlanService: 5th Sunday Bible ClassType: SermonSpeaker: Luke MetzgerToss the script and trust God's plan. Learn how Christian suffering and unexpected trials build faith through adversity using Proverbs 16:9 and James 1:2.Key Takeaways:Toss the Script: We often expect our lives to follow a perfect plan, but we must learn to abandon our worldly scripts for God's will.God is Sympathetic: In the midst of our suffering and deviations from our plans, God remains deeply sympathetic to our pain.Suffering Produces Completeness: Enduring trials and the crucible of pain is necessary to become perfect and complete in faith.God's Glory in Delays: Sometimes God intentionally delays relief, as seen with Lazarus, so…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainDiscover how true obedience stems from a deep love and fellowship with God, transforming our lives and preparing us for eternity in heaven.Key Takeaways:Fellowship is the Goal: God desires a deep connection with us rather than just mindless adherence to rules.Love Drives Obedience: Keeping God's commandments is the natural result of loving Him with all your heart.Sin Breaks Fellowship: Choosing to ignore God's commands leads to a devastating separation from His presence.Transformation Through Connection: Walking closely with God brings peace and joy while transforming our character.Eternity is the Destination: Our current relationship with God prepares us for an everlasting fellowship…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainA sermon from Genesis 3 exposing Satan's deception and the danger of living "your truth" over God's objective truth.Key Takeaways:Satan's primary tactic: He introduces doubt by questioning God's word and motives.The danger of "your truth": Postmodernism encourages us to be our own truth-makers, leading to spiritual death.The illusion of being enough: Society pushes the idea that we are self-sufficient, but scripture reveals our need for a Savior.The reality of objective truth: The gospel of Jesus Christ remains the absolute truth regardless of personal beliefs.Jesus is the ultimate answer: Only through Christ can we find true righteousness, holiness, and life.Read the…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainJesus is a rock of offense. This sermon uses 1 Peter 2, Matthew 15, Mark 6, and John 6 to show how biblical truth challenges unbelief.Key Takeaways:The Cornerstone: Jesus is described in scripture as a chief cornerstone that some will stumble over.Prioritizing Truth Over Tradition: The Pharisees were offended because they valued their man-made traditions more than the commandments of God.Familiarity Breeds Unbelief: Even in His hometown, Jesus offended people because their lack of faith prevented them from accepting His truth.The Hard Sayings of Jesus: When faced with difficult teachings, true disciples recognize that Jesus alone holds the words of…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageOvercome spiritual exhaustion by waiting on the Lord. Learn from Isaiah 40 and the life of Joseph how to find strength in weakness and rest in God.Key Takeaways:God Strengthens the Weak: God's power is perfected when we admit our exhaustion and rely entirely on His sustaining grace rather than our own efforts.Everyone Experiences Weariness: Even the strongest among us will face hardship and fatigue, but God provides an unlimited power source when we feel drained.Waiting is an Act of Faith: Waiting on the Lord is not a passive delay, but an active intertwining of our lives with God's character and…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainA reflection on James 4 to find the root of conflict. Discover how grace, humility, and submitting to God bring true reconciliation.Key Takeaways:Origin of Conflict: Wars and fightings stem from our own internal lusts and desires for self-gratification when they are frustrated or restricted.Spiritual Adultery: Elevating our personal desires and ambitions above God's will is a form of spiritual unfaithfulness that makes us an enemy of God.The Antidote of Grace: God resists the proud but offers abundant grace to the humble, providing a much better path than our self-centered demands.Steps to Peace: Submitting to God, resisting the devil, and drawing…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExplore faith-based parenting based on Moses' words in Deuteronomy 6. Learn how modeling Christian values and spiritual guidance prepares kids to live as godly children.Key Takeaways:Values Drive Behavior: What we assign supreme value to dictates our actions and the legacy we pass on to our children.The Power of Modeling: Children learn more from watching their parents live out their faith than from mere words or lectures.Diligent Instruction is Required: Parents must actively and continuously teach God statutes in everyday situations.Faith-Based Discussions: Engage children in meaningful conversations about the reasons behind our beliefs and moral standards.Prepare Kids for the New Land:…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExplore how the Holy Spirit-produced Word of God is the ultimate source of faith, true life, and spiritual wisdom for salvation. Uncover the Bible's purpose.Key Takeaways:Holy Spirit Produced: The Bible is not merely a collection of human ideas but the perfect, complete, and unalterable revelation given by God.Spiritually Appraised: To truly understand and value the Scriptures, one must approach them with a spiritual mindset rather than a purely physical or worldly one.The Ultimate Source of Faith: Beliefs dictate actions and attitudes, and the Bible eliminates guesswork by providing absolute truth to ground our convictions.Essential for True Life: The words of…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageLearn from Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4 how to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish your spiritual race without regret.Key Takeaways:Overcoming Regret: Like Paul, you can overcome past mistakes and end your life with peace and hope.Fighting Righteous Battles: Focus on defending the truth of the gospel rather than arguing over personal preferences.Enduring to the End: Avoid worldly distractions and run the spiritual race with endurance by keeping your eyes on Jesus.Guarding the Faith: Truth is a valuable treasure that must be protected and never exchanged for temporary worldly approval.Anticipating the Reward: God, the righteous judge,…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn Bain"Read this first!" Discover the inspiration, origins, and transformative power of God's living Word before you open your Bible.Key Takeaways:Divine Inspiration: The Bible was written over 1500 years by 40 writers moved by the Holy Spirit.Accessible Language: Though originally in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, translations allow us to understand God's word.Structured Wisdom: Scripture is organized into major divisions like Law, History, Poetry, and Letters.Honest History: The Bible does not whitewash the sins of its heroes, providing real examples for us to learn from.Transformative Power: God's living word acts as a mirror and a sword, revealing our hearts and calling us…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Daniel CurtisFrom the Tabernacle in Exodus to the Church in Ephesians 2, discover how the blood of Jesus tore the veil so we can become God's holy dwelling place.Key Takeaways:God Desires to Dwell With Us: From the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle and now the Church, God has always wanted to be in the midst of His people.Sin Created a Barrier: In the Old Testament, the veils of the Tabernacle demonstrated that a holy God could not be fully accessed by a sinful people without sacrifice.Jesus Tore the Veil: Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus provided total and eternal access to…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainDiscover the true motives for Christian living. This sermon explores Philippians 2, revealing how Jesus' sacrifice empowers us to live selflessly for His sake.Key Takeaways:The Importance of Motive: The true genuine test of any action lies within the underlying motive behind it.Christ's Condescension: Jesus left the riches of heaven to become poor so that we might become spiritually rich.The Shift in Perspective: Because Christ sacrificed Himself for our sake, believers are now called to live entirely for His sake.Expanding the Calling: Living for Christ naturally extends to laboring for the sake of the gospel, the church, and the elect.A Life…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Colton FrameExplore moving from comfort to faith. Overcome fear and delayed obedience by trusting God's direction over certainty, as seen in Hebrews 11.Key Takeaways:Comfort Can Lead to Complacency: Resting in physical or spiritual comfort can prevent us from taking the necessary risks that faith requires.Obedience Without Full Knowledge: Like Abram, we are often called to follow God's direction without seeing the entire plan or final outcome.Faith Despite Unqualification: Gideon's story shows that God calls us to confront false security and obey Him even when we feel unqualified or fear others' opinions.Delayed Obedience is Disobedience: Waiting for the perfect time to serve…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PagePsalm 147 reveals God's sovereignty over winter's cold. Discover how God humbles Job and melts hearts frozen in a "spiritual winter" through the warmth of Jesus and His Word.Key Takeaways:God's Sovereign Control: God commands nature, including snow and ice, reminding us that we are not in control and must depend on Him.The Lesson of Job: Like Job, we cannot demand answers from the Creator but must humbly find shelter under His authority during life's storms.Spiritual Winter: Sin and lawlessness can gradually freeze our affection for God and others, leading to a hardened and brittle heart.The Power of God's Word: Just…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainDiscover your essential role in the Body of Christ. Explore 1 Corinthians 12, the encouraging example of Barnabas, and how to find unity and overcome isolation.Key Takeaways:Value Every Member: Just as the human body needs every part to function, the church relies on every individual's unique gifts, meaning no one is insignificant.Serve Where You Are: Like Barnabas, who acted as a ligament connecting people, you should find a specific way to encourage others and strengthen the church body now.Protect Unity: Division and gossip act like an autoimmune disease that destroys the body from within, so believers must actively guard the…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExplore 1 Timothy 1 to find redemption, memory transformation, and grace. Learn how Paul and Joseph's brothers overcame past sin through the depth of repentance.Key Takeaways:Memory Transformation: Instead of trying to erase or deny the past, Christians should view their history through the lens of God's redemption and purpose.The Depth of Repentance: True recovery from sin requires a godly sorrow that acknowledges the severity of the offense and leads to a complete turning away from it.Exalted Gratitude for Grace: While sin is grievous, the believer must magnify God's abundant grace more than their own failures, recognizing that grace is greater…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExplore the biblical role of church elders in shepherding the flock. Learn why submission and obedience to shepherds protects the flock from spiritual danger.Key Takeaways:Elders as Protectors: Spiritual leaders are not merely administrative decision-makers but guardians appointed to watch over souls and prevent them from entering dangerous spiritual territories.The Pulpit Rock Metaphor: Just as sheep can wander onto precarious cliffs like the Pulpit Rock in Norway without realizing the danger, Christians often drift into perilous situations; listening to our shepherds can help us prevent that from happening.Leading with Joy: The attitude and responsiveness of the congregation determine whether elders perform…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Joel JobeThis lesson is a report from the elders that looks back on 2025 and looks forward to 2026 with a vision of fostering more fellowship at Veterans Parkway church of Christ in the new year.Key Takeaways:Intentional Fellowship: True Christian connection goes beyond casual conversation and requires effort, commitment, and sacrifice to truly know and love the brethren.Shared Spiritual Life: As defined by Koinonia, fellowship is a partnership and deep spiritual connection to Christ that involves shared burdens, joys, and a unified mission.The Necessity of Assembly: Gathering together is not just about attendance but is a divine command designed to encourage…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainRemove doubt by embracing biblical authority and personal responsibility. Discover how God's standards of judgment and mercy overcome cultural shifts.Key Takeaways:Authority Removes Doubt: Recognizing the divine origin of scripture provides a firm foundation that replaces uncertainty with conviction.Personal Responsibility: Every individual is accountable to God for their own choices and cannot use the sins of others or difficult circumstances as an excuse.The Standard of Truth: God holds all people to the same biblical standards regardless of cultural shifts or personal situational challenges.Character and Dependability: A life defined by doubt and a lack of standards leads to an unreliable character that…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainExplore how to navigate doubt and build unshakable faith. This sermon examines biblical examples like Thomas and Peter to reveal how searching for truth and prayer can transform uncertainty into conviction.Key Takeaways:Reality of Doubt: Every person experiences uncertainty at some point in their spiritual journey.Power of Truth: Faith is built by hearing the word of God and seeking answers from reliable sources.Danger of Stagnation: Doubt becomes harmful when a person refuses to learn or follow a subjective heart.Role of Prayer: Asking God for wisdom without wavering is a critical step to conquering double-mindedness.Necessity of Evidence: God provides enough information in…

Series: ReverenceService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainDiscover the power of personal reverence, private devotion, and prayer through Psalm 121 and Jesus' example in Luke 6 for spiritual growth and renewal.Key Takeaways:Personal Reverence Strengthens Public Worship: Private devotion is the fuel that enhances corporate worship and daily Christian living, preventing hypocrisy and spiritual burnout.Jesus Modeled Solitude: Christ frequently sought isolation for prayer, such as in Luke 6, demonstrating that if the Son of God needed time alone with the Father, believers need it even more.Spiritual Neglect Leads to Hardness: Failing to allot time for religious exercises like meditation and scripture reading can leave a believer feeling lean,…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageDiscover the power of God-breathed Scripture from 2 Timothy 3:16. Learn how the Bible offers reproof, correction, and training to equip you for every good work.Key Takeaways:Divine Origin of Scripture: The Bible is not merely human literature but is God-breathed, meaning every word originates from the breath of God using human writers as instruments.The Authority of the Word: Because Scripture is inspired by God, it serves as the final authority that judges us, requiring our obedience rather than just being a suggestion.Fourfold Profit of Scripture: The Bible is profitable in four specific ways by teaching doctrine (what is right), offering…

Series: ReverenceService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainA sermon on illustrating reverence through the lives of Joseph, David, and the Apostles. Explore Hebrews 11 faith, being salt and light, and suffering for Jesus.Key Takeaways:The Accusation of Arrogance: When the world claims Christians think they are superior, it is often a reaction to a reverent life that sets a different moral standard.Reverence in Isolation: Joseph illustrated reverence by maintaining his integrity in Egypt despite isolation, temptation, and the absence of accountability partners.Imperfection and Repentance: David shows that reverence is not about perfection but about a heart that quickly seeks repentance and restoration after sin.The Value of Visible Faith:…

Series: ReverenceService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainThis sermon explores biblical reverence for God, warning against the idolatry of people and material wealth while urging believers to seek His Kingdom first.Key Takeaways:Reverence Defined: Reverence is holding God in the highest and holiest esteem, acknowledging His supreme authority and nature as the Creator who deserves exclusive honor.The Danger of Exalting Man: Believers must avoid idolizing human leaders, relationships, or themselves, as humans are created beings and all glory should be directed solely to God.The Trap of Materialism: Accumulating and revering material possessions often leads to anxiety and spiritual darkness, whereas seeking God first provides true peace and satisfaction.Submission…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainDiscover how to handle spiritual pressure using 4 powerful illustrations: The Balloon (pride), Play-Doh (conformity), Dodgeball (resilience), & Pressure-Treated Wood (durability).Key Takeaways:Self-Inflicted Pressure: Like a balloon we inflate ourselves, much of our stress comes from pride and the desire to impress others rather than God.Resisting Conformity: The world constantly tries to mold us like Play-Doh, but we must remain soft to God's hands while resisting the shape of culture.Spiritual Resilience: Just as a dodgeball returns to form after being squeezed, a Christian should bounce back from affliction through reliance on God.Pressure-Treated Faith: We must be "pressure-treated" by God's Word and…

Series: ReverenceService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainRediscover the fear of God and true reverence. A sermon on 2 Timothy 3, Habakkuk 2, and obeying the Exalted Lord who sees all.Key Takeaways:Reverence is Missing: Modern culture often loves pleasure more than God, holding a "form of godliness" while denying its power. We must identify where we have lost our sense of awe and respect for the Creator.God is Exalted: God is not merely a "buddy" or on our level; He is the Most High, dwelling in the high and holy place. Recognizing His exalted position is the first step toward true worship.God Sees Everything: Just as God…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--Things Jesus Said and DidService: 5th Sunday PMType: SermonSpeaker: Wiley DeasonIn this sermon from Mark 5, discover how Jesus heals the demon-possessed man Legion with compassion and power, commissioning us to share our story.Key Takeaways:Jesus Prioritizes Compassion: Rather than running away from the broken, the outcast, or the frightening, Jesus runs toward them with mercy and understanding.The Authority of Christ is Absolute: Even a "Legion" of demons recognizes the supremacy of Jesus, bowing before Him and obeying His command to leave.Spiritual Problems Require Spiritual Solutions: Just as no chain could bind Legion, human efforts often fail to cure deep internal struggles like addiction or bitterness; only Jesus provides true freedom.Grace…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--Things Jesus Said and DidService: 5th Sunday AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Wiley DeasonJesus, the Great Physician, calls sinners in Matthew 9. He models compassion over sacrifice, befriending tax collectors and redefining the church's mission.Key Takeaways:Jesus Seeks the Outcasts: Jesus intentionally sought the company of tax collectors and societal rejects because He valued their souls over their social reputation.The Great Physician: Christ came to heal the spiritually sick, emphasizing that He desires compassion for the lost rather than empty religious sacrifice.Spiritual Equality: Regardless of social status, job title, or past sins, every person is equally a sinner who needs to be rescued by Jesus.The Church as a Hospital: The church should be a…

Series: 5th Sunday Series--Things Jesus Said and DidService: 5th Sunday Bible ClassType: SermonSpeaker: Wiley DeasonIn John 6, Jesus challenges the crowd with the "Bread of Life" sermon. This hard saying on eating His flesh confronts consumer Christianity and tests true faith.Key Takeaways:Seek Jesus for the Right Reasons: Jesus discerns our hearts and knows if we are following Him for material benefits or genuine spiritual truth.Quality Over Quantity: Jesus was not interested in maintaining a large crowd for the sake of numbers; He prioritized genuine, committed discipleship over popularity.Truth Over Comfort: The Gospel contains "hard sayings" that may be offensive or difficult to accept, but we must prioritize the words of eternal life over cultural…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainWe are called to possess the mind of Christ. Explore Philippians 2 to learn how Jesus' mindset of obedience and sacrificial service creates true spiritual unity.In this lesson, we examine the profound instruction found in Philippians 2, where the Apostle Paul urges the church to be of the same mind and love. This "mind of Christ" is not merely an intellectual state but a heavenly and spiritually focused way of living. Even when Jesus took on flesh and experienced the world through human senses—seeing corruption, hearing false teachings, and feeling pain—His mind remained steadfastly focused on the Father's will.We delve…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainListen to a journey of faith and connection, exploring opportunities to spread the gospel and support Christians in a beautiful, yet historically complex, land.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/11/16/the-value-of-the-gospel-connecting-with-christians-in-romania-transcript.Key TakeawaysThe gospel is needed globally, just as much in Romania as it is in the United States.Supporting and edifying Christians in Romania, particularly through children's classes, is a vital mission.Opportunities arose following Romania's liberation from communist rule in 1989, enabling the spread of the gospel.

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn Bain Renew your mind according to Ephesians 4:22-24. Discover how to break free from the patterns of the old self and embrace the transformation offered through the renewing of your mind. Explore practical steps to align your thoughts with God's will.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/11/16/renewing-your-mind-ephesians-422-24-transcript. Key TakeawaysThe Problem of the Old Mind: Ephesians 4:22-24 describes the "old man" – a mind corrupted by deceit, vanity, and a lack of understanding of God's ways.Renewal Through the Spirit: The core message is the need to "renew your mind" through the power of the Holy Spirit, aligning your thoughts with God's truth.Contrast with the…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainThis sermon explores the spiritual battle for the mind from 2 Corinthians 10 and Ephesians 6. Learn how to cast down strongholds and guard your mind from garbage.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/11/09/the-battle-for-your-mind-winning-against-spiritual-strongholds-transcript.Key TakeawaysThe spiritual battle described in Ephesians 6:12 is real, constant, and takes place within our minds.We are commanded to actively fight this battle by "casting down imaginations" and "strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Passivity is not an option.We must learn to not believe everything we think. Unexamined thoughts, when allowed to remain, can become beliefs that harden our hearts against God (Romans 2).Guard your mind from "garbage." What…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageIn a world of constant change, Jesus calls us to "abide" in Him. This sermon explores John 15, teaching how staying connected to Christ, the Vine, leads to transformation and true joy.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/11/02/abide-how-to-stay-connected-to-christ-transcript.Key TakeawaysAbiding means staying constantly connected to Christ (the Vine), just as a branch must stay connected to bear fruit (John 15:4-5).We must be "rooted" in Jesus (Colossians 2:6-7) to draw spiritual nourishment and remain stable during life's storms.Abiding in Christ leads to transformation; His words reshape our hearts and minds, conforming us to Him rather than the world (Romans 12:2).True, complete joy is…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageDo you find yourself saying "but first" when it comes to discipleship? This sermon on Luke 9:57-62 explores the true cost of following Jesus and why we can't let comfort, delay, or a divided heart stop us. Learn how to move from making excuses to putting the Lord first.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/11/02/no-more-excuses-the-cost-of-following-jesus-transcript.Key TakeawaysFollowing Jesus requires sacrifice and is not always comfortable; we cannot prioritize "but first comfort".The call to follow Christ is urgent ("today"); delayed obedience can become disobedience.A divided heart, one that keeps "looking back" at the world like Lot's wife, is not fit for the kingdom.Jesus…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageWhen life doesn't make sense, trusting God feels impossible. Learn from the Israelites' journey in Exodus how to trust God's plan, even when the way is hard.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/10/26/trusting-god-in-the-wilderness-transcript.Key TakeawaysTrust God even when the way seems impossible.Trust God even when the journey feels dry.Trust God because His plans are always better than ours.Trust God even when the wait seems long.

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jason PageIn a culture rejecting authority, this sermon examines the true King, Jesus. We explore His rule as the crowned, conquering, compassionate, and coming King.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/10/19/king-jesus-transcript.Key TakeawaysWhile our culture may reject earthly kings, this often reflects a deeper spiritual rejection of the one true King, Jesus.The Crowned King: Jesus was exalted by God because He first humbled Himself, demonstrating that in God's kingdom, the path to the crown is through the cross.The Conquering King: Jesus holds all authority. He has decisively defeated sin, Satan, and death through His obedient life and resurrection.The Compassionate King: Unlike earthly rulers,…

Series: N/AService: Sun AM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Shawn BainWe are in an invisible spiritual war (Ephesians 6:12). This battle is for our minds. Learn how to tear down spiritual strongholds and take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10).Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/10/19/the-battle-for-your-mind-transcript.Key TakeawaysWe are in a constant, invisible spiritual war, not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of wickedness.This battle primarily takes place in our minds and is influenced by what we allow in through our five senses.We must actively destroy spiritual "strongholds"—which are arguments, reasonings, and proud beliefs that oppose the knowledge of God.The solution is to take every…

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Jordan FinleyWhat does genuine, Christ-like love look like in practice? This sermon explores Romans 12:9-21 as a guide for how our love for one another can become a powerful sign to the world that we are truly Jesus' disciples.Read the full transcript at https://vpchurchofchrist.org/media/articles/2025/10/12/genuine-love-the-mark-of-a-true-disciple-transcript.Key TakeawaysGod invites us to forsake our own ways and adopt His transformative love, which will make us a glorious sign to the world.Jesus commanded His followers to love one another as He loved them; this unique love is the primary mark of His disciples.Romans 12:9-21 offers a practical checklist for genuine love, calling us to abhor evil,…