What if baptism is about more than simply taking the “next step” in our faith?

Bryan traces the story of baptism all the way back to the beginning of Scripture. From the waters of creation, Noah and the flood, Israel crossing the Red Sea, and the Jordan River, we see a repeated picture of God bringing order from chaos, deliverance from slavery, and His people into promise.

That story ultimately leads us to Jesus, who enters the waters Himself and invites us to follow Him. In baptism, we identify with His death and resurrection, publicly declaring our repentance, faith, and allegiance to Christ.

Whether we’ve been baptized for years, have questions about our own baptism, or have never taken that step, this message invites us to see baptism as part of the much bigger story God has been writing from the beginning.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

What does it look like for the kingdom of God to come near through us?

Bryan begins by looking at the Bible not simply as a book, but as a library—a collection of human and divinely inspired writings that together tell one unified story pointing to Jesus. From Genesis through the prophets, including the hopeful words of Zephaniah 3, we see God working to restore His blessing and bring His kingdom near.

Jesus announces that this long-awaited kingdom has arrived, and He invites us to join His mission. As we follow Jesus—being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did—we become an expression of God’s kingdom to the world around us.

We also hear from Savannah and Hayes about Young Life’s ministry throughout the Upper Cumberland and the relationships they’re building with students. Listen and consider: how might God use us to bring His kingdom near this week?

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus—not just believe in Him, but become His disciple?

In this message, Bryan takes us from the story of Susanna Wesley to Jesus’ invitation in Mark 1: “Come, follow me.” Looking at the relationship between a rabbi and disciple, we’re reminded that following Jesus means more than adopting a label or joining a program. It means being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did.

Along the way, Bryan shares honestly about anxiety, control, and the temptation to rely on ourselves instead of resting in God’s presence. We’re invited to remember that there are no accidental saints: becoming more like Jesus requires a daily choice to follow Him.

This week, choose one simple way to be with Jesus each day—and see what He begins to form in you.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

What does it look like to keep saying yes to God when the path looks nothing like we expected?

This week, we welcome special guests Robert and Robin Vickers of Way Truth Life Church in Murfreesboro. Together, they share the winding road God used to lead them into church planting—from disappointment and loss to unexpected opportunities, a growing family, and a community built around loving people well.

Their story reminds us that God wastes nothing. He can use our pain, our waiting, our setbacks, and even the seasons that seem disconnected from our calling to prepare us for what comes next. Through Way Truth Life, Robert and Robin are creating a place where people can encounter Jesus, experience genuine community, and know that they are seen and loved.

Join us as we celebrate what God is doing through their family and church and consider how we can become the church, not simply attend a church.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

Special Guest: Robert + Robin Vickers | Way Truth Life Church | https://www.wtlchurch.org/

What are we making provision for in our lives?

In Romans 13, Paul calls us to wake from spiritual slumber, put aside the works of darkness, and clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Bryan challenges us to consider how our daily attention, habits, and seemingly small decisions are shaping the direction of our lives.

Are we arranging our lives around comfort, distraction, jealousy, or our own desires? Or are we making room for prayer, Scripture, worship, service, and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit?

Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. He sought the lost, laid down His life, and made provision for us. Because of His grace, we can say no to the things that pull us away from Him and yes to a life of love, light, humility, and Christlike purpose.

Listen and consider what your choices are preparing you to become.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

What does it look like to truly see the people around us?

This week, Bryan is joined by special guest Becky Davidson, co-founder and president of Rising Above Ministries, for a powerful conversation centered on Mark 10:46–52, where Jesus stops to see and respond to blind Bartimaeus. Together, they explore what this story teaches us about being seen by God, serving others with compassion, and creating spaces where every person is welcomed and valued.

Becky shares the story behind Rising Above Ministries, the unique challenges faced by families living with disabilities, and how the Church has the opportunity to reflect the heart of Jesus by noticing practical needs and responding with love. As Oaks continues highlighting ministry partners, this conversation reminds us that following Jesus often begins by simply seeing the people others overlook.

Join us as we discover how small acts of compassion can point people to the hope of Christ.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

Special Guest: Becky Davidson

What does it really mean to be pro-life? This week, Bryan is joined by Lisa Reeves and Meredith Vaughn from the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic for an honest conversation about compassion, grace, and caring for vulnerable people. Beginning with Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery in John 8, they explore how the heart of Christ shapes the way we respond to unplanned pregnancies, abortion, healing, and practical support for families. You'll hear about the ministry happening every day through the Cookeville Pregnancy Clinic, common misconceptions they encounter, and the many ways the local church can come alongside women, men, and families with truth, hope, and tangible care. Whether you're familiar with this ministry or hearing about it for the first time, this conversation is an invitation to reflect the compassion of Jesus in a broken world.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

Guests: Lisa Reeves and Meredith Vaughn

What kind of impact can one faithful life make?

As Oaks Church celebrates three years together, Bryan reflects on the power of small acts of obedience and the ripple effects of God's kingdom. Drawing from Psalm 130, we're reminded that God is not a record-keeper of our failures but a God of forgiveness, mercy, and full redemption.

This message also highlights one of the church plants Oaks Church supports: Refuge Community Church in Clarkrange, Tennessee. Bryan sits down with Jackson and Paige White to hear how God is working through their growing church family, restoring lives, reaching the unchurched, and creating new opportunities for people to encounter Jesus.

Whether you're feeling hopeful, weary, or wondering how your life fits into God's story, this message offers a fresh invitation to trust God's grace and join His work in the world. Listen in and consider what it means to be the expression of God's kingdom as we follow Jesus together.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

This month, as Oaks Church gathers around the Lord’s Table, Bryan reflects on a powerful conversation in John 6 where Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” After sharing stories from Oaks' recent trip to Oregon and the ways God worked through simple acts of service, the message turns to a deeper question: What are we feeding our souls?

In a world full of things that promise satisfaction but leave us hungry, Jesus invites us to find true life in Him. Through His words about bread, blood, belief, and eternal life, we discover that knowing God is not about religious performance—it’s about trusting and feasting on Christ Himself.

What we consume shapes what we crave. Join us as we reflect on the invitation of Jesus to find lasting life, hope, and satisfaction in Him alone.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn

What does real obedience look like—and how do we avoid deceiving ourselves into thinking we're following Jesus when we're really just listening?

Guest speaker Craig Conner reflects on the book of James and Jesus' teaching about building our lives on a firm foundation. Through stories from Scripture, including King Saul's partial obedience and Jesus' words in Matthew 7, Craig challenges us to move beyond simply hearing God's Word and begin putting it into practice. True obedience isn't driven by obligation or fear, but by a growing love for Jesus that transforms us from the inside out.

As we spend time with Jesus, we become more like Him—and eventually begin doing what He did. Join us as we explore what it means to build a life rooted in truth, shaped by grace, and marked by joyful obedience.

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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

oakscookeville.church

Speaker: Bryan Vaughn