Vaughn Park Church of Christ (Sermons)

As Vaughn Park joins the nation in celebrating Mother's Day, Tim turns to 1 Samuel for lessons from the life of Hannah.

Disciple or Jewish leader? Courageous or afraid? Rich or generous? In today's lesson, Tim asks us to consider the diverse descriptions of a central figure in Jesus' burial. In doing so, we are reminded of our own dual nature and how God can use us despite our failings.

Have you experienced the power of the resurrection? Do you know Jesus' power to cancel your past, conquer your problems, and change your future? As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday, Tim reminds us we don't have to stay in the tomb.

No! This may be our least favorite two-letter word — especially when it's God's answer to our prayers. In today's lesson, Tim turns to familiar stories in the Old and New Testaments to provide insight into why God sometimes says "no" or "not right now."

You know who never tires of hearing your voice? God! In today's lesson, Tim turns to Luke 18 and the parable of the persistent widow to remind us our Father in heaven wants to hear our pleas.

What's on your to-do list? In Luke Chapter 10, we are invited into the home of Martha and Mary where Jesus shares a lesson about priorities and distractions. Are we ready to set aside our list and focus on the ONE thing?

As Vaughn Park Church adds three new shepherds, Tim challenges the congregation to examine our mission to Live, Serve and Speak as we abide in Christ and are led by the Spirit.

We retrace our steps to Luke 21, where Tim shares two lessons. The first is the widow's simple example of total trust and heartfelt giving. The second is a reminder of how challenges can present opportunities for us to bear witness to God's goodness.

As Vaughn Park Church considers adding three additional shepherds, Tim's lesson focuses on the descriptions of elders in scripture and how we all should exhibit caring for our church family.

Have you experienced the full, abundant life Jesus offers, or are you still in the tomb? Today's lesson uses the Emmaus walk of Luke 24 to challenge us to open our hearts, minds and eyes to the promise of new life.

Luke 23 tells the powerful story of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, death and burial. In today's lesson, Tim focuses on verse 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” As we contemplate what the executioner saw, heard and experienced, we are challenged to look more deeply at the cross and Jesus' sacrifice for our sins.

At Vaughn Park Church, we practice SOAP — Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. As we continue our study of Luke, Tim shares his observations from Luke's account of the Last Supper and Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22 and challenges us to apply these lessons to our lives.

In Matthew 27, there's an unlikely story of freedom. A notorious criminal named Barabbas is released. But why? As Jesus makes His way to the Cross to redeem us from sin, why include Barabbas. In today's lesson, John Mark shows us how Barabbas' story reflects our own.

In Luke 20:9-18, the vineyard owner does unexpected things. Why is he patient with the rebellious tenants? Why not punish them immediately? Why send his son? In today's lesson, Tim challenges us to ponder these questions — and then consider them again in light that WE are the rebellious tenants.

Are you ready to worship Jesus? In Luke 19, the triumphal entry is a beautiful picture of praise, but when you looker closer, there are also those who refuse to see or simply don't understand. It's for these that Jesus wept.

Are you about Kingdom business? Are you sure? In today's lesson, Tim turns to Luke 18:35-43 where we meet a blind beggar who won't be deterred from crying out to the Messiah for mercy.

Do you have an attitude of gratitude? In today's lesson, Tim drills down on Luke 17:11-19 where we witness faith and gratitude on display in the healing of an unlikely recipient.

The first nine verses of Luke 16 can be challenging because Jesus uses a parable about dishonest management to confront the Pharisees' attitude toward possessions. As we embark on 2025, Tim calls us to apply the text to our stewardship.

When the challenges of life are bearing down, we can find shelter in God's presence, in our faith, and in His Word. But in today's lesson, John Mark reminds us there's also shelter in the community of the Church. It's where we can seek refuge or be a fortress for our brothers and sisters in need.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas week, Donovan calls us to fully appreciate the Gift That Keeps on Giving. Long after that necktie or sweater goes out of style, Jesus keeps on giving hope, peace, joy, community, purpose and abundant life.

As Vaughn Park Church dedicates a renovated auditorium, Tim uses lessons from Luke 15 to remind us the building and everything we do should be to reach the lost.

Do you have an invitation to the Lord's table? Do you appreciate its value? Are you inviting others? As we continue our study of Luke, Tim turns to Chapter 14 for lessons from Jesus about the banquet He has prepared for those who'll come.

Want to bear more fruit? Try adding manure! In today's lesson, Tim turns to Luke 13:6-9, where the parable of the fig tree demonstrates God's desire for us to be fruitful but also His patience with those of us who are late bloomers.

In Luke 12, a man's greedy request for settlement of an estate prompted Jesus to share a parable. The story demonstrates how the desire for more can obscure our vision for others and the One who is Lord of all.

How's your heart? As we look at Luke 11:1-13, this is the question John Mark used to challenge us. When we pray, does our heart find the Father, a friend and one who is eager to give?

As we continue our study of Luke, Tim turns to the parable of the Good Samaritan and asks us who are we — the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan or the innkeeper?

What's your superpower? Leaping tall buildings? X-ray vision? Spontaneous Dad jokes! In today's lesson from Luke 9, Tim challenges us to tap into the power we have through Christ living in us. Power to share what God has done in our lives and to bring healing.

Don't be afraid; just believe. These were the words Jesus spoke to a man in Luke 8 who had just lost his only daughter. Today's lesson reminds us our fear and faith are not based on our circumstances, understanding or how close we feel to God during tough times. Don't be afraid; just believe.

In Luke 7:44, Jesus asks Simon the Pharisee a simple but profound question, "Do you see this woman?" Tim uses this verse as a launch point for a lesson challenging our perceptions of "sinful" people as well as our approach to worship.

As we continue our study of Luke, Tim walks us through how he uses Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer to dive deeper into God's Word. In Luke Chapter 6, Tim challenges us to consider this week who we are condemning wrongly, what we are praying for, and who we have conflict with that we need to love better.

Are we still amazed by Jesus? Does His presence bring an awareness of our sin and His power? Does it give us a vision of something greater? Today's lesson from Luke 5:1-11 begs us to get out of the shallows and explore deeper waters.

Satan can attack when we least expect it. In today's lesson, Tim uses the temptation of Jesus to highlight how Satan can challenge us after a spiritual victory; when we're alone; when we're physically drained; when we're waiting on God; when we're starting something great for God; and even when we are in church.

Are you prepared? In today's lesson, Tim focuses on John the Baptist's call for repentance in Luke 3. In preparing the people to follow Jesus, the forerunner rebukes the crowd and encourages them to demonstrate the fruit of their faith with urgency and specificity. How about us? Are we prepared to go where Jesus leads?

Have you ever lost a child in a store? Have you ever lost Jesus? Today's lesson from Luke 2 focuses on a time when Mary and Joseph "misplaced" and misunderstood Jesus.

What are you praying? What are you hearing? What are you speaking? As we dive into the Gospel of Luke, Tim uses Zechariah's reaction to the angel's message as an invitation for us to examine our expectation for answered prayers.

Tim invites you to join Jesus on a journey through Luke. This introduction to the 24-week series is a challenge to dive in and discover what the Holy Spirit will reveal through Luke's purposeful and orderly account of Jesus' life and ministry.

On this Agape Sunday, Steve Duer and Baron Goins talk about foster care, adoption and respite care with the Burbage and Scott families.

As Vaughn Park begins the process of replanting small groups, John Mark turns to Ephesians 6 for a lesson on spiritual warfare and how our defensive armor is designed to to be used in combination with that of our Christian brothers and sisters.

What causes quarrels? If we're honest, we'd probably say "the other guy." In today's lesson, James (and Tim) teach us it's really our pride and selfish desires.

Are you wise? James says true wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. In contrast, he says bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are earthly, unspiritual and demonic. In today's lesson, Tim provides practical ways to apply the wisdom discussed in James Chapter 3.

Where's your mouth taking you this week? Will it start a fire or heal a hurt? In today's lesson, Tim tackles one of the most challenging passages in scripture: James 3:1-12.

Does your faith prompt action? In today's lesson, Tim turns to James 2 where we are challenged to assess the authenticity and impact of our faith.

James describes loving your neighbor as the royal law of Scripture. In today's lesson, Tim challenges us to examine how we accept others and how we sometimes make it more challenging for others to love us.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? In today's lesson, Donovan continues our series in James by looking at Chapter 1, verses 19-27, where we are challenged to be changed by the Gospel and become doers of the word.

Do you fight temptation? Do you realize you can win? In today's lesson, Tim uses James 1:12-18 to remind us we can resist and refocus when tempted.

Want to complete the mission — or win the race? Keep your focus on God. As we begin Vacation Bible School, Tim turns to Numbers 13 for a lesson about 10 men who had everything necessary to be winners, but they failed to see God's power in their circumstances.

Do you need help in applying knowledge to practical situations? Try asking! In today's lesson, Tim explores James 1:5-8 and the power of a prayer offered in faith.

We may not rejoice for our problems, but we can rejoice in our problems — because they help us develop patience, faith and character. As we begin a series on the book of James, Tim challenges us to reflect on the pressures in our lives and how we are responding in faith.

How are you holding up against the winds of our fallen world? In today's lesson, John Mark takes us to James 5 to rediscover the power of prayer and the role confession plays in helping us heal.

Why do we pray? In today's lesson, Tim turns to scripture to remind us prayer changes things — from circumstances, to others and especially the one doing the praying.

On Senior Sunday, Donovan challenges our graduates and the church to Be Connected and Be Connectors.