In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas explores Ephesians 2:19–22, where Paul paints a beautiful picture of the Church as God’s dwelling place. Once strangers and outsiders, we’ve now been brought near, made fellow citizens and members of God’s household. In Christ, we are being built together—across all differences—into a spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit.

In This Episode:

Discover what it means to belong to God’s household and be part of His spiritual family. Reflect on the Church as a temple where God’s presence resides. Learn how Jesus, the cornerstone, brings unity and purpose to a diverse people. Hear insights from John Stott and Tim Keller on community, belonging, and Gospel-centered identity.

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• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
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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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas explores Ephesians 2:11–18, where the Apostle Paul presents a sweeping picture of reconciliation—both vertical and horizontal. Once separated, excluded, and without hope, we have now been brought near by the blood of Christ. Jesus is our peace, breaking down dividing walls and creating one new people united in Him. This passage offers a powerful vision for personal identity, healing, and unity in a divided world.

In This Episode:

Reflect on the “before and after” of life apart from and in Christ. Learn how Jesus brings us near, becomes our peace, and breaks down barriers. Understand how the Gospel unites people across cultural, ethnic, and social divides. Hear insights from John Stott and D.A. Carson on the power of Gospel reconciliation.

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• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas unpacks three of the most powerful verses in the book of Ephesians. Ephesians 2:8–10 clearly answers the question, What is salvation? We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works, but by God’s free gift. And yet, this salvation leads to transformation. As God’s workmanship, we are created in Christ for good works that reflect His glory and grace in the world.

In This Episode:

Examine what it means to be saved by grace through faith, not by works, but for good works. Consider how salvation impacts your past, present, and future. Reflect on how God recreates, redirects, and reorients our lives in Christ. Hear insights from Rico Tice, Fleming Rutledge, and Peter Jensen on grace, transformation, and the mission of God.

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• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas continues through Ephesians 2 by focusing on verses 4–7, some of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture. After laying out the bad news of our spiritual condition, Paul bursts forth with a glorious turn: “But God...” These verses describe God's mercy, love, grace, and kindness toward us in Christ, and what it means to be made alive, raised, and seated with Him. The Gospel isn’t just about what we’re saved from, but also what we’re saved for.

In This Episode:

Revisit the contrast between life before and after Christ. Discover what it means to be made alive, raised, and seated with Christ. Reflect on God’s mercy, love, and kindness as the foundation of your identity. Hear insights from Robert Tannell, Lewis Smedes, and Klein Snodgrass on union with Christ and the awe of grace.

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Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas opens Ephesians 2 by walking through the first three verses—Paul’s honest diagnosis of the human condition before Christ. Spiritually dead, enslaved to sin, and under condemnation, Paul sets the stage for the “But God...” moment of grace that follows. This episode reminds us that understanding the bad news deepens our appreciation of the good news.

In This Episode:

Explore what it means to be spiritually dead before Christ. Understand the depth of our need for redemption and rescue. Reflect on how the Gospel confronts the illusion of autonomy. Hear insights from John Stott, G.K. Chesterton, and Christopher Watkin on sin, pride, and human nature.

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Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode, Pastor Jim Thomas walks us through one of Paul’s most powerful prayers in the book of Ephesians. Rather than praying for health, success, or circumstances to change, Paul prays that believers receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation, to know God more deeply, walk in hope, and grasp the fullness of Christ’s authority and power.

In This Episode:

Discover what it means to have the eyes of your heart enlightened. Reflect on the hope, inheritance, and power we have in Christ. Learn how Paul’s prayer can shape your own spiritual priorities. See how the resurrection power of God is at work in believers today. Celebrate Christ as the head of the Church, filling all in all.

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Facebook: facebook.com/tvcnashville
Twitter/X: @tvcnashville

Support the show

Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas turns to the role of the Holy Spirit in our salvation. After exploring the Father’s plan and the Son’s redemptive work, we now celebrate how the Spirit applies that salvation—sealing, indwelling, empowering, and transforming us.

In This Episode: 

Understand what it means to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Discover the Spirit’s role as the pledge of our inheritance and future hope. Reflect on the personal and present ministry of the Spirit in daily life. Explore how the Spirit comforts, convicts, empowers, connects, and conforms us to Christ.

Support the show

Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas turns our attention to the redemptive work of Jesus. Building on the Trinitarian structure of Ephesians 1, we now reflect on how Christ accomplishes our salvation through His blood, bringing redemption, forgiveness, and a secured inheritance to those who are in Him. Our salvation is not based on effort or merit, but entirely on the finished work of Christ.

“Where else can you turn to be redeemed? If you want real redemption accomplished in space-time history, look to the cross of Christ.”
- Pastor Jim Thomas

In This Episode:
Learn what it means that Jesus accomplished your salvation in real space and time. Discover the depths of God's grace—lavished, not measured—according to the riches of His will. Explore what it means to be part of God's redemptive plan: chosen, forgiven, and included in His eternal purpose. Be reminded that your salvation rests not on your effort, but on Christ’s finished work.

Support the show

Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim Thomas unpacks Ephesians 1:3–6, a soaring celebration of spiritual blessings in Christ. We’re invited to reflect on what it means to be chosen, blessed, and adopted by God the Father, not by our merit, but by His love and the kind intention of His will.

In This Episode:

Discover the life-changing truth that you were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. Reflect on God as Father—the One who blesses us with every spiritual blessing. Gain clarity on the doctrines of election and adoption—not as causes for confusion, but as calls to humility, holiness, and gratitude. Explore how your identity in Christ shapes how you live, love, and serve today.

Support the show

Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.

Welcome to Timeless Truth with Pastor Jim Thomas, a weekly Bible study from The Village Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee. Pastor Jim sets the foundation for our journey through this powerful letter from the Apostle Paul in this first episode of our Ephesians series.

In This Episode:

Learn what it means to be “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”, how being “in Christ” shapes your identity and purpose, why grace precedes peace, and how both are gifts, not achievements, the cultural and historical background of Ephesus, and its relevance today.

Support the show

Find today's show notes.

Connect With Us:

• Biblical Resources: Browse our 25-year study archive of sermons, podcasts, studies, worship resources and more: thevillagechapel.com/resources
• Visit Us: Join us in person in Nashville: thevillagechapel.com/visit
• Request Prayer: We would love to pray for you: thevillagechapel.com/prayer
• Support The Mission: Your support enables us to share the Gospel in Nashville and beyond: thevillagechapel.com/give

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.