The Village Chapel, Nashville, TN

Psalm 75 is a song of thanksgiving. It opens and closes with exuberant praise to God for the nearness of His presence. How do the people of God experience the presence of God? In what ways does the presence of God satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart? Join Pastor Jim for the study of this expressive and passionate ancient song and the timeless truths it holds for us today.

After His resurrection, Jesus Christ appeared multiple times to diverse individuals and a variety of different groups of people who recognized Him and thereafter, became eyewitnesses to the vindication of the claims of Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of God. How does this fit in with the overall theme of the book we call John's Gospel? What is the significance and impact for those who place their faith in Jesus in our own time? Join Pastor Jim as he looks at the story of the person who has come to be known as “Doubting Thomas,” when the risen Christ appeared to him, along with the other disciples.

Before His crucifixion Jesus endured difficult trials before the religious leaders and Roman government officials of His time. What crime was Jesus accused of? Why did Jesus allow Himself to go through this amount of suffering? What does it all mean to us in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim for a look at what the Bible teaches about the Passion of Christ leading up to His crucifixion and the glorious Gospel of grace that drove Christ to the Cross.

The story of Peter's denial of Christ is recorded in all four gospels. I'm not sure how most of us would feel about having our worst moment documented indelibly in the best selling book of all time for everyone to read. At the same time, this story tells us something very important about someone else. It reveals what kind of a Savior Jesus is and we've got it on pretty good authority that after all the dust had settled, Peter was more than ok with that. Join me for this grace-filled study of the failure of one of Jesus' closest disciples and the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of John was written so that we might believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that in believing we might have life (20:30-31). In John 18 we find Jesus and his disciples in a garden, a garden that will be the setting for betrayal and arrest. However, John is clear that Jesus is the one with power and authority, not his betrayer Judas and not the Roman cohort seeking to arrest him. Christ is in charge and he willingly gives himself up so that he might drink the cup the Father has given him. Join us as we study this extraordinary event that marks a turning point is John's gospel.

Have you ever noticed how you can learn a lot about someone when you hear them pray? In John 17 we have a record of what has been called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. What was important enough to make it into this prayer of Jesus Christ? And as His followers, what does this prayer tell us about what Jesus desires for us as individuals and for all of us as the body of Christ, the church? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the riches of grace found in this prayer of Jesus.

If you could ask Jesus one question, what would it be? Many people would probably ask Him about the role of pain, evil and suffering in this world. Just what did Jesus say about such things? Join Pastor Jim as he explores some of the astonishing things Jesus said about sorrow, perplexity, and tribulation, and some of the reassuring promises Jesus made for those who place their trust in Him.

What does it mean to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ? How do we actually live in union with Christ? Can living as a Christian in this broken world really change anything at all? Join Pastor Jim for this look at what Jesus taught about faithful and true discipleship and how it affects our relationships with God, with others and even the way we view our own identity.

If the Bible never mentions the Trinity, why do Christians believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit? What is the connection between faith, love and obedience in our relationship with God? In what ways does experiencing God's presence affect our growth and progress in the spiritual life? Join Pastor Jim for this inspiring and insightful study of Jesus' teachings from what is typically called the Last Supper, delivered in the Upper Room.

The last half of John 13 is layered with intrigue, betrayal, love, hope and glory. It features the stories of Judas, Peter and John in the context of their relationships with none other than Jesus himself. How are each of us meant to identify with the principle characters in the unfolding drama of redemption in this text? Join Pastor Jim as he helps us see the glorious gospel of God's grace through Christ recorded in the eyewitness account of John 13.

What is the significance of the account of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples? Was this merely an act of hospitality or humility or did it symbolize something more? What did Jesus want His disciples to learn about the Gospel, about how generous God's grace is, how they view their own need for redemption, and how they should treat one another? Join Pastor Jim for this study of one of the most famous acts of Jesus and the timeless truths it conveys.

In the last section of the 12th chapter of The Gospel According to John we find two summaries: one of the various responses to Jesus Christ and the second, a summary of the teachings of Jesus. John's purpose in writing has been explicitly stated and the bold and astonishing claims of Jesus have been illustrated and affirmed in the miraculous signs Jesus performed. Why did some people still not believe? Why were some fearful or timid about believing in Jesus? And what can we learn about belief and following Christ in our own day and time, so riddled with doubt and skepticism?

What does the word “glory” mean? How is it that the Bible describes God's glory and what does it teach us about our relationship with God and His glory? Join Pastor Jim for this study and find out why The Gospel According to John is often referred to as the Gospel of Glory!

After Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, the tension escalated sharply between Jesus and the religious leaders of that time. If Jesus could raise the dead then His bold claims to be one with God started to become plausible, even probable. As the religious leaders scrambled to figure out what they could do to stop Jesus, we learn much about humanity's conflicting deep need for God and yet our resistance toward God. Join Pastor Jim for this look at one of the final confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders of the 1st century and how the things we fear often reveal what we are truly worshiping.

Sermon synopsis for Tony Giles' 10AM sermon... “All of us will at some time suffer the experience of a season of disappointment, loss, confusion or pain. As people of faith, how are we supposed to navigate these difficult seasons? What do we do when God's timetable seems to be so very different from our own? Join TVC's Ministries Staffing Advisor, Tony Giles, for this hope-filled study of the account of Jesus recalling Lazarus from the dead.”

Was the Resurrection of Jesus Christ a hoax or is it a real event in history? What does it say about the God of the Bible and why is it central to the Christian Gospel? What is the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to us so many years later? Join Pastor Jim for this Resurrection Day study from the Gospel According to Mark.

The day Christians commemorate as Palm Sunday reflects upon the approach of Jesus Christ as He traveled into Jerusalem to lay down His life on the cross in atonement for our sin. This is the beginning of what many churches call Passion Week or Holy Week. What happened that first Palm Sunday? What do we learn about God, about ourselves and the Gospel? And what significance can Palm Sunday have for us today? Join Pastor Jim for this insightful look at a well established tradition and the timeless biblical truths behind it.

Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd. Just what did He mean by that? How would the people of His time have understood what Jesus was claiming? And what does it mean for us in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim as he explores the metaphor and helps us see who we belong to and how a faithful God has committed Himself to taking care of His own.

In John 8:32 Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Precisely what did Jesus mean by saying we will know the truth? Is that really possible? And what is it that truth will set us free from? Join Pastor Jim for this look at the mysterious but liberating teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a genuine disciple of His!

John's Gospel records at least 7 of the astonishing “I AM” statements of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. What can these statements tell us about Jesus' own self-understanding, His mission and purpose? How can they lead us to a greater understanding of the riches of glory for those who put their faith in Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he leads us through this inspiring and up-close look at Jesus, our Savior, Redeemer and King!

In John 8 a group of self-righteous religious folks attempted to put Jesus on the horns of a dilemma. What was their method and means? How did Jesus respond to their test? What can we learn about Jesus and the disposition of His heart toward our own sin? Join Pastor Jim for this gospel-rich story commonly known as The Woman Caught in the Act of Adultery.

Biblical faith displayed in both the Old Testament and New Testament is rich with symbolism. What do the feasts, the ceremonies, the rituals, the symbols all mean? How are we to interpret and engage with them? How do they point to Christ and the Gospel of grace through faith in Jesus? Join Pastor Jim for a look at what Jesus said in John 7 and how it relates to Christian belief in our own time.

John 6 started off with a record of two of the miracle signs of Jesus. These miraculous signs do more than offer up a bit of supernatural entertainment by Jesus; they display His power and authority, reveal His compassion and confirm His identity. The last half of chapter 6 is a record revealing more of the astonishing claims of Jesus of Nazareth about Himself. Join Pastor Jim as he shows us how the works of Jesus affirm the words and teachings of Jesus.

One of the most astonishing sign miracles of Jesus is when John tells us Jesus came walking out on the water in a stormy Sea of Galilee. Were the disciples hallucinating or did this actually happen? If this really did happen, what is the significance of such an event? What does it tell us about Jesus Christ? And what does it mean for us, so many years later? Join Pastor Jim for this encouraging and inspiring study from John 6:16-21.

Join TVC guest speaker Tony Giles as he leads us through a study of one of the best known miracles of Jesus Christ, the Feeding of the Five Thousand. How does this New Testament miracle relate to the Old Testament prophecies about God's promised Messiah? What really happened on that day and what did it reveal about Jesus Himself? What significance do the miracles of Jesus have for us 2,000 years later as we consider faith in Christ? How did the people of that time respond to Jesus after this miracle and how should we respond in our own day and time?

Join Pastor Jim as he finishes up our study of John 5 with Part 2 of a look at "The Incomparable Christ”. What evidence did the apostle John offer that the astonishing claims of Jesus Christ were actually true? How convincing are these testimonies about Jesus? If Jesus claimed to be able to bring the salvation of God into the world and offer it as a free gift to all who will simply repent and believe, in what ways is Jesus uniquely qualified to do this?

What is the timeless, global, and historic significance of the Incarnation in the birth of Jesus Christ? How does it elevate every Advent season ever celebrated by Christians around the globe? Given the brokenness, conflict and chaos in our world, what difference can Advent Hope make in our own hearts and minds? Join Pastor Jim for this look at what we can learn from the story of an older couple named Zacharias and Elizabeth.

What is it about the human person that makes us so curious? Why are we magnetically drawn to mystery and transcendence? What is the curious connection between the wonder of Advent and the meaning of life as God intended it to be? Join Pastor Jim as he explores the story of the magi or wisemen from the East who came in search of the baby king born in Bethlehem.

The Annunciation story in Luke 1:26-38 where the angel Gabriel tells young Mary that she will give birth to the Son of God offers us a beautiful opportunity to discuss humility before the Lord. When we are aware of who God is, and who we are in relationship to him, our position of humility is a more natural stance. Our response to the tasks and circumstances of our lives takes a similar trajectory - “be it done to me according to your word.”. 33 years later, her son and our Savior would go to the cross in similar humility, with a similar prayer.

Into a world of spiritual darkness, uncertainty and insecurity there came the voice of an 8th century BC prophet named Isaiah. One of the most amazing prophecies given by Isaiah was that God was planning to send a Messiah or, in New Testament language, the Christ.Who would this Messiah be? What would Messiah be like? And what was Messiah's purpose in coming? The Bible makes it clear that Messiah was God's Anointed One come to rescue us from our spiritual darkness, to reconcile us to God, to satisfy our deepest longing, to renew our joy and restore us to peace. Join Pastor Jim as he connects the dots between the ancient prophecies of Isaiah and Jesus of Nazareth, the very one Isaiah predicted would become our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace!

We've all heard the phrase "God helps those who help themselves.” But in John 5:1-18 Pastor Jim shows us how the great news of the Gospel is that God helps those who cannot help themselves. In the passage, Jesus came upon a man who had been sick for 38 years. Frustrated by his circumstance and failed by everyone who claimed to love him, this man had run out of options. His condition was actually far more hopeless than he actually realized. But on the day Jesus called him out, everything would be different.

It was midday when Jesus came to the ancient site of Jacob's Well in the village of Sychar of Samaria. There Jesus encountered a woman whose life had been a sad series of failed relationships, self-loathing and public shame. But on that day everything would be forever changed as she encountered the mysterious man who was willing to hear her story and then offer her a drink of living water. Join Pastor Jim as he unfolds this story of God's initiating love and amazing grace.

John the Baptist and the apostle John both agreed that Jesus Christ was the most unique individual who ever lived. What did they see in and know about Jesus? What difference does it make to us in our own day and time? What's so special about Jesus Christ that makes Him the most talked about person in human history? Why does it make so much sense to consider placing your faith in Jesus? Join Pastor Jim for this fascinating look at the preeminence of Christ in all things.

The Gospel of John includes several one-on-one conversations between Jesus and a wide variety of individuals. What did Jesus mean when He talked with the religious leader, Nicodemus, about being “born again?” What does one of the most well known Bible references, John 3:16, have to say and why do so many people write it on signs and then hold them up at football games? Join Pastor Jim for this interesting study of the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from John 3:1-21.

Have you ever wondered what makes God mad? In this study from John's Gospel, Pastor Jim leads us through a passage that is typically entitled “The Cleansing of the Temple.” Jesus was swinging a whip and turning over tables, people were scattering, sheep bleating, goats running, doves flapping their wings to escape, and an avalanche of coins were rolling across the floor. What ever happened to “Gentle Jesus meek and mild look upon this little child?” Exactly what was it that stirred up the anger of Christ? More importantly, what good news does the Christian Gospel have to offer those of us who realize we too are sinners in the hands of an angry God?

The first miracle of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John takes place at the celebration of a wedding. But something had gone wrong as the caterers ran out of wine before the celebration had ended. And so the last recorded words spoken by Mary, the mother of Jesus, are “Do whatever he tells you to do.” Jesus' instructions are followed but only a few present actually notice that water had become wine. What can we learn from this supernatural intrusion of God's power into a seemingly everyday event? How does it apply to each of us as it relates to our faith in Christ? Join Pastor Jim as he points us to the glory of God and the life transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Who was John the Baptist and what role did he play in the New Testament story of redemption? Who were the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him? Why did Jesus choose and call them? And just what does it mean to “follow" Jesus these days? Join Pastor Jim for this practical and helpful study from John's Gospel.

“In the beginning…” Those three words open the entire Bible in Genesis 1 and they also open the first chapter of the Gospel of John. It's as if John wanted us all to sit up straight and get ready because with the arrival of Jesus there comes the opportunity to begin life anew. What else does John have to say about Jesus Christ and the mysteries of who He was, His miracles, what He taught, His death and Resurrection? Join us as we begin this new verse by verse study of one of the most beautiful books of all time, the Gospel of John.

Guest speaker Pastor Tony Giles walks us through Psalm 77, another of the Bible's ancient songs overflowing with both honest desperation and bold confidence in our loving God. Here we find God's grace enabling us to face anxieties, ask tough questions, and trust God's steadfast love and faithfulness.

After hearing the Teacher's deep and sometimes despairing assessment of life under the sun, how should we respond to a book like Ecclesiastes? Are there timeless truths and practical wisdom that apply to us in our own day and time? Join Pastor Jim as he wraps up our study of this fascinating ancient book that overflows with honesty, humility, and hope!

In another bricolage of pithy proverbs Ecclesiastes 10 shows the sharp contrast between those who are given to wisdom and those who are given to folly. Many years after the time of Qoheleth, Jesus drew the same kind of contrast in the closing part of the most famous sermon ever preached, the Sermon on the Mount. Join Pastor Jim as he draws our attention toward the characteristics of godly and practical wisdom that can be found in both Ecclesiastes 10 and Matthew 7.

The Irish rock singer Bono calls Ecclesiastes one of his favorite books of the Bible and describes it like this: “It's a book about a character who wants to find out why he's alive, why he was created.” In Ecclesiastes 9 Qoheleth talks about the unavoidable certainty of death, the frustrating unpredictability of life and the unique fullness of joy found in a right relationship with God. Join Pastor Jim as he walks us through these timeless truths from the ancient sage known as Ecclesiastes.

The 17th century French philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal once said “Reason's last step is the recognition that there are an infinite number of things which are beyond it.” Since Pascal was himself a Christian believer, it is quite probable he had read Ecclesiastes 8 in which Qoheleth said something quite similar. Join Pastor Jim as he helps us draw from the well of the wisdom of God preserved for us in Ecclesiastes 8.

Ecclesiastes 7 contrasts the biblical views of wisdom and folly. With a landslide of pithy and provocative proverbs, some honest reflection on the brokenness of the human condition, and a reminder of the awesome faithfulness of God, Ecclesiastes continues to challenge, inform and inspire. Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks the ancient wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 7.

Written by one of the wisest and wealthiest persons who ever lived, what does the ancient wisdom book of Ecclesiastes have to teach to us about wealth? In what ways has the human condition changed or stayed the same when it comes to the accumulation and management of wealth in our own time? Join Pastor Jim as we explore the riches of God's wisdom found in Ecclesiastes!

Ecclesiastes has taught us that God has placed eternity in our hearts. This means we will always have a deep longing for God. Now, in chapter 5, Qoheleth gives us some instruction on the ways we should go about approaching God to worship Him. Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks this short passage, shows us how it connects to New Testament teaching and ultimately, finds its completion in the Gospel of grace through Jesus Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16 serves up another patchwork quilt of wisdom from above. What's the difference between human beings and animals? What's the difference between human beings and God? Why do the powerful so often take advantage of the weak and vulnerable? What are the benefits of faithful companionship and friendship? Join Pastor Jim as he unpacks some practical and timeless truths from this ancient wisdom book.

Ecclesiastes 3 begins with a simple but profound statement: “There is an appointed time for everything.” Then follows an amazing ancient poem which may be the most well known passage from Ecclesiastes, made popular in 1965 by a band called the Byrds. The author continues to give voice to our deepest questions and to point forward to his grand conclusion in chapter 12. What does it mean when he says God has put eternity in our hearts? What does it mean when he says God has worked it so that we should fear Him? Join Pastor Jim for this insightful and encouraging study from Ecclesiastes 3.