Vaughn Park Church of Christ (Sermons)

What rips our hearts? What would it take for us to engage in the fight? In Chapter 2 of Exodus, Tim shows us how God uses the improbable and imperfect passion of Moses to confront injustice and rescue His people. What are we being called to change?

Faith is often defiance of the world. As we begin our study of Exodus: Hope Fulfilled, Tim challenges us to consider the defiant outsiders of Chapter 1 and how God is preparing Moses to be a deliverer. Who is God preparing us to deliver?

The New Year is a time to contemplate change. We often profess a desire for change -- until it becomes uncomfortable. In today’s lesson, Tim takes us to Genesis 32 where Jacob wrestles with God and arises a changed man. It’s an opportunity to contemplate change in our own lives and to consider whether we’ll accept the crisis, commitment, confession, and cooperation needed to bring it about.

Are you coming with hope? As we conclude our study of Mark, Tim challenges us to examine our expectations for our Christian walk. Do we come to anoint a dead body, or celebrate a new beginning? Do we merely see where death was, or do we see where life is?

What is our alabaster jar, and are we willing to break it for Jesus? As we continue to walk through the Gospel of Mark with Jesus, Tim pauses in Chapter 14 for us to contemplate the significance and sacrifice of His anointing at Bethany, just two days before His death. It’s a scene prompting us to consider whether we recognize each day as an opportunity to worship Jesus as Lord.

In Mark 13, the disciples ask questions many of us have pondered. When will prophesy be fulfilled? How will we know? What’s going on? Tim leads us through the historical context of the chapter and challenges us to consider weightier questions: What am I building? Where do I place my hope? How do I respond to the urgency of the gospel?

Why do we gather as a church to pray, sing, read scripture, hear preaching and partake in communion? If it’s for any reason other than to grow in our love for God and other people, we may need to reexamine our motives. In today’s lesson, Will asks us to consider the purpose and practice of religion in light of Mark 12:28-34.

Can you picture yourself on the road to Jerusalem — Jesus passing by on a donkey? Can you see it? Can you feel it? In today’s lesson, Tim takes us inside Mark 11 to hear the roar of the crowd; feel the coats and branches underfoot; smell the mixture of dust, sweat and palms; and sense the excitement as we shout, “Hosanna!”

What is the way of the cross? In Mark 10, the disciples struggled to see what it means to follow Jesus. In today’s lesson, Tim points out the Cross requires us to seek Jesus’ help; focus on others; hear His call; and ask — in faith — for the right things.