Oaks Church Cookeville

Sermon: August 18th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | We Become What We Do

In this sermon, Bryan reflects on how habits shape our lives, using his experience as a high school football player as an analogy. Just as certain behaviors became ingrained in him through repetition, he argues that our spiritual practices and habits also deeply influence who we become. The key takeaway is that "our habits shape us, and we become what we do." Bryan emphasizes the importance of spiritual formation—being transformed into the image of Jesus for the glory of God and the good of others. He encourages listeners to examine their motives in spiritual practices like prayer, charity, and fasting, urging them to focus on genuine transformation rather than outward appearances. Bryan invites everyone to join the journey of following Jesus together, recognizing that spiritual growth is a communal effort that benefits both individuals and the broader community.
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: August 11th, 2024 | Jimmy Thorpe | Hypocrisy vs Sincerity

In this episode, Jimmy takes us through the beginning of Matthew 6, diving into Jesus' teachings on the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of sincere faith. He reflects on how we often put on a show to gain approval, comparing it to actors on a stage. Through personal anecdotes and biblical insights, Jimmy explores the difference between performing righteous acts for public praise versus doing them out of a genuine relationship with God. Join us as we unpack the true meaning of righteousness, humility, and living a life of sincere love and generosity.
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: August 4th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | Matthew 5: 33-43

In this sermon from Matthew chapter 5, Bryan dives into the Beatitudes and the counter-cultural vision of God's Kingdom that Jesus presents. He talks about true righteousness, which means doing right by others as well as by God, and critiques superficial religious practices, stressing the need for internal transformation and genuine obedience to God's commands. Bryan touches on themes like honesty, integrity, non-retaliation, and loving your enemies, encouraging believers to live out these Kingdom values every day. Through examples and practical advice, he shows how Kingdom people are called to respond to challenges with strong character, extend grace beyond what society expects, and love even those who oppose them, just as God loves unconditionally.
 
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: July 14th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "Guarding Your Heart"

In this sermon we are reminded that Jesus' teachings go beyond physical acts to the intentions of our hearts, emphasizing that lustful thoughts are equally damaging. Drawing parallels between Jesus' words and the creation story in Genesis, we need to see others as full persons created in God's image rather than objects of desire. The message calls for us, as believers, to cultivate a kingdom heart through reordered desires, restraint, respect, and walking in the Spirit, thus embodying the kingdom of God in our lives.
 
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: July 7th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "I Stand Amazed"

In this short message, we look at the majesty and omnipotence of God through a series of rhetorical questions that echo God's words to Job, highlighting His creation and control over the universe. We learn to recognize God's presence and power in our lives, to seek His glory and guidance, and to approach worship with genuine expectation rather than mere routine.
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: June 30th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "Kingdom Hearts"

 
Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: June 23rd, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "The Word Of God"

In this sermon we explore the diverse ways people relate to the Bible, acknowledging feelings ranging from excitement and reverence to guilt and condemnation. Jesus addresses the continuity of his mission with the Hebrew scriptures, emphasizing that he came not to abolish the law and prophets but to fulfill them, embodying God's ongoing covenant with humanity. The sermon also highlights the importance of internalizing the teachings of Jesus, advocating for a righteousness that goes beyond mere external observance and stems from the heart. This deeper engagement with the word, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, is crucial for true spiritual transformation and living out one's faith authentically.
 
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church

Sermon: June 9th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "The Good Life"

*reposted after accidental deletion*

Sermon: June 16th, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | "Salt + Light"

Salt is presented not just as a flavoring but as a symbol of enduring covenant relationships, while light is a metaphor for visibility and guidance in a dark world. Bryan ties these concepts to the larger biblical narrative, highlighting the Israelites' covenant with God to be a holy nation and a light to all nations, as seen in passages from Exodus and Isaiah. This message emphasizes the responsibility of believers to live out these roles, shining brightly through their good deeds to glorify God, and practicing gratitude as a reflection of their kingdom values.
Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church
 

Sermon: June 2nd, 2024 | Bryan Vaughn | the Kingdom of God

Focusing on the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes the blessings bestowed upon those who embody qualities such as being poor in spirit, meek, and merciful, Bryan reflects on personal moments of silence and solitude, leading to a deeper understanding of these teachings. Emphasizing the concept of the "kingdom of heaven," the we explore Jesus' frequent mention of the kingdom in the Gospels, observing that it represents God's rule and reign on earth, a reality shaped by God's will and pleasure. We trace humanity's journey from creation, through its fall, and into God's covenant with Israel, highlighting the contrast between earthly kingdoms and God's kingdom.
 
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Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the expression of the Kingdom of God to our world, and encouraging one another to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.
oakscookeville.church