Glen Allen Church of Christ Sermons

In “Not Far From the Kingdom,” we look at Mark 12:28-34, where Jesus tells a scribe that he is “not far from the kingdom of God.” The message explores an important truth: being close to the kingdom is not the same as being in it. Through Jesus' teaching about loving God and loving others, we are challenged to examine our own relationship with Christ and to help others move from simply being near the kingdom to truly entering it.

In “When It's Okay to Boast,” we continue through 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4 and look at why Paul speaks proudly even though arrogance had been a problem in Corinth. Paul points to his integrity, his relationship with the Corinthians, and above all, Jesus and the gospel. This message challenges us to live with integrity, invest in the spiritual growth of others, and make Christ the foundation of everything we are and have.

In “The God of All Comfort,” we begin our study of 2 Corinthians by looking at Paul's reminder that God does not promise a comfortable life, but He does offer comfort and encouragement in the midst of affliction. Listen in...

What Is Man? explores Job 7:17–21 and Job's searching questions about humanity, our place before God, and why God takes such notice of us.

Why Should I Forgive? continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series by taking a deeper look at one of the hardest parts of following Jesus. Forgiveness can feel unfair, especially when someone has deeply hurt us. So why does God ask us to forgive? Looking at Matthew 18:21–35, this message explores three reasons Scripture gives us: we forgive for God, for the person who hurt us, and for ourselves. Refusing to forgive cannot change the past, but it can keep us bound to it. Forgiveness offers a way forward, reminding us that while forgiving may not feel fair, neither was Jesus going to the cross for us.

The Disciple & Forgiveness continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series with one of the most difficult parts of following Jesus: forgiving others. In Matthew 6:9–15, Jesus makes clear that forgiveness is not optional for His disciples. But what does forgiveness actually mean? This message explores forgiveness as releasing anger and resentment while also clarifying what forgiveness is not. It doesn't mean excusing the wrong, forgetting what happened, automatically reconciling, or restoring trust. Forgiveness can be difficult, complicated, and often a process, but it remains an essential part of becoming more like Jesus.

The Disciple & Compassion continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series with a look at an essential quality of those who follow Jesus. In Matthew 9:35–38, we see that compassion goes beyond simply feeling sympathy for someone in need. True compassion moves us to action. Jesus didn't merely teach compassion; He lived it, ultimately giving Himself for people lost in sin. As His disciples, we're called to follow His example. The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few, so don't just pray for laborers. Be one.

What do we possess in Christ, and how should those blessings shape the way we live? In Our Possessions in Christ, we turn to 2 Corinthians 5:6–15, where Paul writes about walking by faith, living with courage, seeking to please the Lord, and remembering that we will each stand before Christ. Above all, the love of Christ changes the purpose of our lives: because He died for us, we no longer live simply for ourselves, but for Him. Listen in.

The Disciple & Love continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series with one of the clearest marks of a genuine follower of Jesus: love. In John 13:31–35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another as He has loved them. But biblical love is more than an emotion. It means acting in the best interests of others regardless of the circumstances. What does that kind of love look like in everyday life? Through humble service, patience, and even a willingness to receive help from others, disciples show the world what it means to follow Jesus.

The Disciple & Other Disciples continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series by examining how followers of Jesus should respond to other believers who may practice their faith differently. Looking at Mark 9:33-41, Jesus teaches His disciples not to treat others as enemies simply because they are not "following us." This message explores the balance between holding firmly to biblical truth while extending mercy, practicing humility, and recognizing the work God is doing through others. Discover how disciples can pursue both conviction and compassion in a divided world.

Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship-- Prayer was at the heart of Jesus' relationship with the Father. In Luke 11:1-13, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and He responded with both instruction and example. This message explores when Jesus prayed, where He prayed, and why prayer remains an essential practice for every disciple today. Listen in...

The Disciple & the Church continues our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series by exploring why discipleship and the church are inseparable. Looking at Acts 2:36-47, we discover that God's design has always been for believers to grow together, encourage one another, and participate in His work through the church. This message addresses common reasons people distance themselves from the church while highlighting the biblical reasons every disciple needs Christian community. Listen in….

Continuing our Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship series, we examine what Jesus teaches about the disciple's relationship with the world. While Christians are called to love people as God loves them, they are also called to resist the world's values, priorities, and influences. Drawing from John 14, John 15, Romans 12, and 1 John 2, this message explores how faithful disciples live in the world without becoming conformed to it, remaining committed to Christ even when following Him brings opposition.

The Disciple & the Lord begins our new series, Follow Me: The Meaning & Blessings of Discipleship. In Acts 11:19–26, we explore what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple follows Christ's example, obeys His teaching, and carries out His mission in the world. This message also examines one of the greatest obstacles to faithful discipleship: distraction. Discover what it means to live as a true follower of Jesus every day. Listen in...

What does it mean to be a Christian father? In this message from 1 Corinthians 4:14–16, we examine the biblical role of fathers as examples, providers, teachers, and spiritual leaders. God has entrusted children to the care of their parents, and fathers have a unique responsibility to guide, nurture, and influence the next generation. Listen in....

In Mark 15:6-15, Barabbas stands as one of the most unexpected figures in the story of Jesus' crucifixion. Though guilty and condemned, he was set free while Jesus, the innocent one, was led to the cross. This message explores the biblical theme of substitutionary atonement and the grace of God displayed throughout Scripture. Barabbas received what he did not deserve because someone else took his place. The same is true for us. Listen in as we consider what Barabbas teaches us about sin, grace, and the sacrifice of Christ.

In John 18:28–40, Pilate asks one of history's most enduring questions: "What is truth?" In a world where many deny truth altogether or believe it can be personally defined, Jesus points us to something far greater. This message explores why truth matters, how Scripture describes it, and how God's ultimate revelation of truth is found in the person of Jesus Christ. Like Pilate, each of us must decide whether we will believe, love, and obey the truth. Listen in...

In Part 3 of Troubled Waters: Clarifying the Confusion About Baptism, we examine one of the most common questions surrounding baptism and salvation: When does the Holy Spirit come to dwell in a believer? Looking at the conversions of Cornelius and the Ephesian disciples, this message explores the connection between the Holy Spirit, baptism, and obedience to the gospel. While we cannot control the supernatural work of the Spirit, we can respond faithfully to God's Word and trust His promises. Listen in....

In Troubled Waters: Baptism (Part 1), we begin a biblical study of baptism and why it matters in the life of a disciple. Looking at passages from Matthew 28, Acts 2, Acts 8, John 3, Romans 6, and Ephesians 4, this message explores baptism as part of God's plan for salvation, obedience, and union with Christ. What does the Bible actually teach about baptism, and why has there been so much confusion about it? Listen in.....

In Troubled Waters: Baptism (Part 2), we examine several common misconceptions about baptism and salvation. Does baptism contradict salvation by grace through faith? Is baptism considered a “work”? And can one verse of Scripture cancel out another? Looking at passages such as Acts 2:38, John 3:16, and Galatians 3, this message explores how faith, grace, and obedience work together in God's plan of salvation. Listen in.