Posts with the tag “village-baptist-church”
When Shame Meets Grace: Finding Restoration After Failure
by Nicki Odom on April 21st, 2026
Have you ever had a moment you wish you could undo? A conversation you'd replay differently, a decision you deeply regret, or a time when you knew better but couldn't do better? We all carry moments of failure that echo in our minds, creating a weight of shame that follows us around.This is exactly where we find Simon Peter in John chapter 21 - not the bold preacher of Pentecost, but the broken di... Read More
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When Doubt Meets the Risen Christ: Finding Faith in Our Questions
by Nicki Odom on April 14th, 2026
Type your new text here. We've all been there - surrounded by people celebrating something we can't quite bring ourselves to believe. While others rejoice, we wrestle. While some worship, we hesitate. This was exactly where Thomas found himself in the days following Jesus' resurrection. Thomas wasn't dealing with minor uncertainty or a few small questions. His doubt was deep and settled. Despite b... Read More
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The Reality of the Empty Tomb: How the Resurrection Changes Everything
by Nicki Odom on April 7th, 2026
Easter Sunday at Village wasn’t just a moment—it was a movement. From the first note of worship to the final “He is risen,” we experienced the undeniable power of a living Savior. The room was full, the energy was real, and the message was clear: Jesus didn’t just rise then—He’s still changing lives now.But Easter isn’t meant to stay in a single Sunday. The same hope we celebrated, the same victor... Read More
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The Foundation, Evidence, and Test of Our Faith
by Nicki Odom on March 30th, 2026
As we prepare our hearts for Easter, it's easy to rush through this holy week without truly noticing the profound truths Jesus shared in His final days. Like walking through a door without seeing the wreath hanging there, we can miss the powerful teachings that reveal what genuine faith really looks like. In Jesus's final week before the cross, one truth emerges repeatedly from His teachings: real... Read More
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Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Understanding the Purpose of the Cross
by Nicki Odom on March 23rd, 2026
In the opening message of the new sermon series, The Final Week, Pastor Sandy Marks invites us to slow down and truly see the cross, not just as a moment in history, but as the defining act that reshapes our lives today. As he and Pastor Rod begin walking through the final days leading to the resurrection, we’re reminded that Jesus’ death was not accidental or symbolic—it was deeply intentional. H... Read More
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When Planning Becomes Presumption: Finding God's Will in Our Plans
by Nicki Odom on February 25th, 2026
Life is full of plans. We set goals, make schedules, create to-do lists, and map out our futures down to the smallest details. Some of us even add things to our to-do lists that we've already completed just for the satisfaction of checking them off! While planning itself isn't wrong—it's actually wise stewardship—there's a dangerous line we can cross when our planning turns into presumption. James... Read More
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Off Camera: Putting God First
by Nicki Odom on February 18th, 2026
Pride toward others often reveals misplaced authority within us.
There's one lawgiver and judge - and it's not you or me. Putting God first produces humility toward others, and humility heals community. We relate to people the way God relates to us: with grace and mercy. Read More
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What Kind of Wisdom Shapes Your Worldview?
by Nicki Odom on February 11th, 2026
Unlike our culture, which equates wisdom with intelligence, education, success, or influence, James equates wisdom with fruit. Biblical wisdom is something you can see in action. Read More
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Where's the Evidence? Understanding Real Faith vs. Empty Claims
by Nicki Odom on January 28th, 2026
Real faith moves. Real faith acts. Real faith changes how we live our daily lives. If our faith never produces evidence in our behavior, it may never have been genuine saving faith at all. Read More
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Caught in the Acts of Obedience
by Nicki Odom on January 15th, 2026
James wasn't writing to unbelievers hearing the Gospel for the first time. He was addressing church folks - baptized believers who already knew the truth. These were Christians familiar with salvation by grace and biblical doctrines, but who sometimes forgot that grace doesn't excuse obedience; it empowers it. Read More
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Recent
When Shame Meets Grace: Finding Restoration After Failure
April 21st, 2026
When Doubt Meets the Risen Christ: Finding Faith in Our Questions
April 14th, 2026
The Reality of the Empty Tomb: How the Resurrection Changes Everything
April 7th, 2026
The Foundation, Evidence, and Test of Our Faith
March 30th, 2026
Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Understanding the Purpose of the Cross
March 23rd, 2026
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