Villas Grace Church

These days we find some professional sports teams, have enough money to construct virtual all-star teams. They acquire the best players money can buy. However, this doesn't always guaranty a championship. In fact, some of these juggernaut teams, fall flat on their faces and do not even make the playoffs. How could this be? Almost always, it's the failure of the team, to submit to leadership or each other, or both. It's “every man for themselves”. Join us this Sunday, as we study 1 Peter 3:1-7. Here Peter speaks about the most important team on earth, a husband and wife. We find that in a truly healthy and Biblical marriage, there is submission. Submission to God's design of leadership and each other. Here we truly find “The Power of Submission”.

In Kindergarten, students are taught how to correctly form upper & lower case letters. They are given worksheets where each letter consists of dotted lines for them to trace. As Believers, we too have a guide to follow. Jesus is our guide & by following His example, we're preparing now for eternity later. Join us for our sermon "Follow in His Steps," from 1 Peter 2:21-25 where we'll realize how & why we follow Jesus.

Submitting to Authority - 1 Peter 2;13-20 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

When most Americans think of royalty, we think of the Mountbatten-Windsor Royal Family of Britain. Though this family's responsibilities are primarily ceremonial, they're still required to represent Great Britain's government. As Believers, we are royalty too. In fact, we too have responsibilities in representing the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ! Join us for our sermon "Living Stones pt.2" from 1 Peter 2:8-12, where we'll be encouraged in our royal responsibilities.

In our culture today, pride can come in different forms and can have different meanings. Some may use it to tell their child they are proud of them for an accomplishment. While others may use it to describe their work ethic, as in, “I take great pride in my work”. When the Bible speaks on the subject of pride, it is never seen in a good light. This form of pride causes mankind to place their thoughts and ideas above God's. It actually causes some to become their own god, or worship creation. When this happens, it can come with some grave consequences. Join us this Sunday, as we study Romans 1:18-32. In these vereses, the Apostle Paul describes the terrible consequences of “Pride's Deceit”.

Skyscrapers are able to scrap the skies due to their foundation upon bedrock. In 1 Peter 2:4-8, we're encouraged in our foundation; Jesus Christ who is a living stone. Join us for our sermon "Living Stones," as we find encouragement in Peter's words: "you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house." A spiritual house with eternal implications.

Who remembers the "Got Milk" campaign from the 90's & early 2000's? From celebrity milk mustaches to partnering with other brands, the purpose of the campaign was to sell more dairy. However, critics would argue that adults do not necessarily need milk, as 65% of the world's population is lactose intolerant. Also, studies have found that after a baby is born, they can only digest milk their first six years. Join us for our sermon "Pure Milk" from 1 Peter 2:1-3, where we'll be exhorted to consume God's Word, like babies do Mother's Milk. We might not need more dairy, but we most definitely need as much "Pure Milk" as possible.

This world believes that tolerance & equality equate to love. However, it's tolerance & equality that's at the root of the moral decay of society. The fact of the matter is that this type of love does NOT last. Join us for our sermon "Imperishable Love" from 1 Peter 1:22-25, where we'll find encouragement in how to love according to God's Word.

Some people try and do good things, to earn God's love. Those with faith in Jesus, do good things because of Who He is and all He has done for them. We know we cannot do anything to change our position with God, because we cannot EARN salvation in the first place.However, Peter reminds us that we better remember Who God is and that He deserves the utmost reverence and respect. Join us this Sunday, as we continue our series in 1 Peter 1:17-21. Last week we learned that we should, be Holy as He is Holy. This week will find our motivation to do so. We will find that we are in fact, “Motivated by Reverence”.

Our Precious Faith - 1 Peter 1;6-9 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

Many of us would love to find out, that we had a rich, estranged uncle, who left us a huge inheritance. You are probably already thinking about what you would do with that found fortune.However, no matter how great the fortune, it is temporal for the one who will receives it. Join us this Sunday, as we begin our sermon series in 1 Peter. In our first 5 verses, we find Peter writing a letter to Believers, scattered throughout foreign lands due to growing persecution. He encourages them that because God has saved them, they are His chosen ones. Also, Peter reminds us not to be focused on the current hardships, but to focus on “Our Imperishable Inheritance".

As a peninsula, Florida is an amazing state! We are fortunate to have both majestic sunrises & sunsets. As we observe the majesty of each sunrise, we should be reminded that Jesus is coming, again! Join us for our sermon "The Rising Sun" from Malachi 4:1-6, where the prophet foretells, "the sun of righteousness will rise" which is associated with Christ's second coming. We find hope in this future event, as God will heal this sin cursed land.

Have you ever made an introduction, only to forget the persons name before the introduction is even over? Yeah, our memories are pretty unreliable. In fact, even manmade artificial memory, like computer RAM & Storage Disks have their limitations. Fortunately, the Lord's memory is like none other. He remembers those whom He deems righteous for ALL of eternity. Join us for our sermon "The Lord Remembers" from Malachi 3:16-18, where we'll be encouraged in Him remembering His faithful.

Unfortunately, most believe that giving comes from what's left over. This attitude neglects the fact that God is the sole source of what's given to begin with. Israel was to give a tenth of their crops & animals to the Temple. However, when their crops didn't produce a profitable yield, they withheld their tenth from God. In Malachi 3:8-15, the Lord calls on Israel to test Him. He promised blessings, if they continued in their obedience to sacrifice a tenth. Join us for our sermon "Tithing the Storehouse," where we'll hear Malachi prophesy over Israel about the current state & future of their tithes & offerings. Even if Israel gave a tenth, despite an unprofitable yield, through Malachi the Lord said: "I will...pour out for you a blessing until it overflows."

The Upholder of Covenants - Malachi 3:1-7 - Jared Novak by Villas Grace Church

As the One who organized marriage, the Lord takes the covenant of marriage seriously. Though He told Israel NOT to marry-foreign women. Though He told Israel NOT to divorce the bride of their youth. Israel still defied His commands & married foreign woman & divorced the brides of their youth. Join us for our sermon "When Family Ties Sever," from Malachi 2:10-17, where we'll hear the prophet Malachi prophesy God's covenant with His people.

When a patient is admitted to the hospital, one of the first things the medical staff will do is hook the patient up to a Vital Signs Monitor (VSM). A VSM provides important data on the overall health of the patient. In Malachi 2:1-9, the Lord has hooked Israel's priests up to a spiritual VSM, with Malachi being the monitor. Join us for our sermon "Israel's Vital Signs," where we'll observe the spiritual health of those who DO NOT honor the name of the Lord.

We've all heard the expression, "Any job worth doing, is worth doing right". Or maybe, "Put your best foot forward". The same is true when we worship. See, when we worship the Lord, we should offer Him nothing but our best. Unfortunately, this is something Israel's priests of Malachi's day did not understand, as they did anything but. Join us for our sermon "Worthless Worship" from Malachi 1:6-14, where we'll observe how God views half-hearted worship.

Twenty Four Seven Prayer - Ephesians 6;18-24 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

We've all heard the saying “The devil made me do it”. The fact is, the devil can't MAKE you do anything. However, we do have an adversary, who studies us and does everything he can, to separate us from the love and protection of God. Much like a great hunter or fisherman, he knows the where, when and how to tempt us to take the bait. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in Ephesians 6:10-17. Here Paul tells us exactly how to defeat the schemes of the devil, by putting on “The Armor of God”.

The Roles of Husbands & Wives - Ephesians 5:22-33 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

God's divine Light exposes the darkness. In fact, we ALL began in darkness, until God's Light exposed our sin. As Believers, we are called to walk as children of light. When we do, God's divine Light is reflected off us & onto those still asleep in darkness to His grace. Join us for our sermon "The Illuminated Walk" from Ephesians 5:7-14, where we'll find encouragement as children of light.

There is a lot of current discussion about living a healthy life and what contributes to that or conversely what causes health problems. Come Sunday and discuss what Paul has to say about building a healthy Body in our sermon "Building Up the Body of Christ" from Ephesians 4:8-16.

The Mystery Revealed pt.2 - Ephesians 3:7-12 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

The Mystery Revealed pt.1 - Ephesians 3:1-6 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

What makes church buildings so special? Is it a special place where God dwells? Is it a place where the Holy Spirit meets believers every Sunday? The answer is, the church is just a building. There is nothing particularly special about it. However, when believers get together to worship, we transform the church building into a special place. Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series in the book of Ephesians. As we wrap up chapter 2, Paul is explaining how Old and New Testament saints are united through Christ. Also, because of our faith in Christ, “We are the Temple” of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout history, brokered peace treaties never seem to last. In fact, most historians believe that between 1500 BC & 850 AD, there were an estimated 1,500 peace agreements between nations. On average, each lasted no more than 2 years. As Believers, we know that there is only one peace agreement that has & will continue to withstand the test of time. Join us for our sermon "Barriers Broken Through Peace" form Ephesians 2:11-18, where the Apostle Paul reveals God's eternal covenant with man.

How do you know that you're saved? Is salvation based on a scoresheet? Are good deeds tallied against bad deeds? Or, is salvation based on an entirely different method? Join us for our sermon "Gift Given Salvation" from Ephesians 2:8-10. In these verses we'll be encouraged in God's mercy & grace, as well as our faith in the work of Jesus.

From Dead To Alive - Ephesians 2:1-7 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church

If our faith in Jesus only brought eternal salvation, that would be enough. However, our faith also brings about much more. Join us this Sunday, as we continue our series in Ephesians, covering 1:15-23. Here Paul is grateful for the Ephesian believers, and prays they understand their calling and inheritance that comes by faith. Paul wants them to understand and receive these riches, as he is “Praying for God's Power”.

Nothing in this life is guaranteed, except death. After death, there are only two guarantees. One guarantee is eternal condemnation & the other is eternal fellowship with our Lord & Savior. Join us for our sermon "Sealed in Him" from Ephesians 1:14-17, where we'll be comforted by the guarantee of our eternal inheritance, in Christ.

Unfortunately, this world seeks unity with incorrect motives & methods. Unification according to this world's terms & conditions will always be a vain pursuit. The reason for this failure is due to mitigated bias. The Bible is crystal clear as to how unity will be achieved. Though we are yet to experience unity's maturity, the necessary actions by Jesus' work on the cross has secured this future event. Join us for our sermon, "Together in Christ" from Ephesians 1:4-10, as we find encouragement in the promise that the entire universe will be brought together through the blood of Jesus!

Love is a powerful motivator. It can cause one to save or even sacrifice life. However, in everyday life, it causes us to meet the needs of those we love. Join us Sunday, as we wrap up the Gospel of John. In our final verses, we find Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him. At this time, Peter has paused his ministry and has gone back to fishing. Jesus uses “The Power of Love”, to motivate and empower him back into service.

According to God's Word, it's from the dust that were created & to the dust we shall return. However, those who receive God's grace, which leads to faith in the resurrection of Jesus, too will be resurrected. Believers will receive glorified bodies that are on par with Jesus' glory. Join us, on Resurrection Sunday, as we examine Philippians 3:20-21. We will be encouraged in the future resurrection of the Believer, through faith in the resurrection of our Savior, in our sermon "From Obscurity to His Glory".

Are modern day miracles really miracles, or just God working through the supernatural? What's the one thing that must happen in order for a miracle to be considered a miracle? Join us for our sermon, "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," from John 20:30-31 as we answer these questions, as John summarizes his entire Gospel account.

There have been many ideas and theories surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. Many scholars, even secular ones, agree to the basics of Jesus' life. They believe He lived, died on the cross, and then something happened to His body, as the tomb was empty. We as believers, believe He IS the risen Christ! One key piece of evidence that this is true, has to do with what happened to the disciples, after the resurrection. Join us this Sunday, as we continue in John Chapter 20:19-29. What exactly turned the disciples around? They start out scared, confused, and in hiding, to becoming fearless preachers, willing to give their lives for the truth of the Gospel. We will see this is key in understanding, the “Evidence of a Risen Christ”

As humans, we have an uncanny ability to recognize another human's voice. We can recognize an individual simply by hearing their tone, inflection, modulation & pitch. Such was the case for Mary Magdalene, when she initially mistook the resurrected Jesus' visual appearance for a gardener. It wasn't until she heard His voice, that she identified Him as the Messiah. Join us for our sermon, "The First Witness," from John 20:11-18. In this sermon we will observe God's grace, love & faithfulness, as He identifies Himself in an auditory fashion to Mary, the first witness of His resurrection.

What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to you? What path did the first century disciples take as they grew in the knowledge of Christ? Have you ever found yourself doubting what it is you believe?

Through out human history, mankind has pursued the quest to find longevity. Cyronics is a technology that exemplifies this pursuit through the freezing of the human body, only to be awaken in the future. Unfortunately, most do not know that it's not about longevity, as much as it's about eternity. The pursuit of living a life eternal is only achieveable by God's grace & our faith in Jesus. Our Savior secured our eternal future, because only He has absolute control over death, even including His own. Join us for our sermon, "Control Over His Death & Burial" from John 19:31-42, as we observe Jesus' complete & out right control.

Every story ever told that's worth its weight has a climax. The climax of a story is when a conflict & or problem is solved, like a hero who saves the day, or a character who solves a seemingly unsolvable problem. Join us for our sermon "Climax of the Gospel," from John 19:16-30, where John records the crucifixion of Jesus as the climax of God's redemptive love story!

If you are on social media at all, you've run into an internet know-it-all before. Some, will pretend to be an expert in almost anything. Very few speak from actual experience or first hand knowledge of an event or subject. Join us this Sunday, as we hear from the Apostle John. At this point, he's a seasoned Apostle and has actually walked and talked with Jesus Himself. Therefore, he has first hand knowledge to combat false teachings going on in and around the church. We discover in the first chapter of 1 John, John giving “An Eyewitness Account” about the truth of the Gospel and Jesus Christ.

Citizens of the United States have been inundated with stories of insurrection since January of 2021. For most of us, words like insurrectionist & sedition were potentially heard for the first time. However, accusations of insurrection have been made for thousands of years. In fact, the Jewish leaders accused Jesus of insurrection against the Romans. Join us as we dive into the account of Jesus standing before Pontius Pilate accused of sedition & insurrection in our sermon "Jesus Before Pilate pt.1" from John 18:28-38.

Meekness is often mistaken for weakness. This could not be further from the truth. One definition of meek is “Power under control”. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in The Gospel of John. We observe in chapter 18, Jesus being betrayed and arrested. He knows His time has come, but goes along with it willingly. He did not have to allow this to happen. He truly shows us that “Meek is not weak”.

Christian's are like Russian Matryoshka dolls. What's a Matryoshka doll? It's one doll, comprised of various sizes, where each individual doll fits into the size larger. In our sermon "Extraordinary Prayer pt.3" we'll witness Jesus pray for us to be in Him, like He is the Father. We'll also witness, Jesus pray for our unity in Him, which reveals God's love to the unbelieving world.

Before Jesus departed the Upper Room, He prayed over His disciples. Just before He subjected Himself to a Roman crucifixion via the Jews, He had three specific prayer requests, as found in John 17:11-19. First, He prayed for their unity. Secondly, he prayed for their spiritual security. Finally, He prayed for their sanctification. Join us for our sermon, "Extraordinary Prayer pt.2," where we'll be encouraged in His prayer for those who follow Him!

In these verses from John 17:1-10, Jesus prayers for His return to glory, the Believer's grace & divine protection.

Often in athletic training, you'll hear the expression: "Pain is temporary, but glory is forever". According to the Word of God, the same is true with regards to grief & joy. Grief is temporary, but joy is forever. The only caveat would be one's definition of joy. There are many blessings that we mistake for joy, which is why it's important to correctly distinguish between the two. Blessings come & go, whereas the joy found in Jesus lasts forever. Join us for our sermon, "Grief, Turned Joy" from John 16:16-22, where Jesus comforts His disciples prior to His crucifixion.

Authenticator of Scripture - John 16:12-15 - Jared Novak by Villas Grace Church

Over 360 million Christians are currently being persecuted world wide. That's 1 out of every 7 Christ followers walking this globe. Persecution is nothing new. In fact, Jesus faced intense persecution, & warned His disciples that they'd endure the same. Join us for our sermon "Help Is On the Way," from John 16:1-11, where we'll hear about His remedy for the incoming persecution of Believers.

Turnstiles are effective at controlling the flow of a crowd. Typically, they consist of 3 arm bars, that rotate to allow one individual to proceed at a time. Jesus refers to a narrow gate as the entry point that leads to life. Like a turnstile, the narrow gate only allows one individual to proceed at a time. Thus, salvation is based on a personal, individual relationship with Jesus. Join us for our sermon "The Narrow Way," from Matthew 7:13-14, as well as Threefold Communion, which pertains to the past, present & future aspects of eternal salvation.

The Church's Testimony - John 15:26-27 - Matthew Niemier by Villas Grace Church