Oaks Church Cookeville

Sermon: April 20th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | In The Garden - Easter

Bryan's sermon explores the profound significance of gardens throughout the biblical narrative, from the perfect harmony of the Garden of Eden to the redemptive power of the garden tomb and the ultimate restoration promised in the garden of new creation. He reflects on personal experiences with gardens, contrasting the joy of growth with the unexpected mud battles, drawing parallels to humanity's journey with God.
The message highlights the initial harmony between God and humanity in Eden, its disruption through disobedience, and God's continuous pursuit of his creation. Bryan emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise in Genesis 3:15, the one who came to restore that broken harmony. He walks through Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and his crucifixion and resurrection in a garden, marking the defeat of sin and death.
Ultimately, the sermon points to the future garden of new creation in Revelation, a place of eternal life, healing, and renewed reign with God. Bryan challenges listeners to reflect on where they find themselves in this story – whether tending to the brokenness or walking in the new life of resurrection – and encourages them to embrace the "more" they were made for in relationship with God.
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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: April 13th, 2025 | Jimmy Thorpe | The Stories We Tell Ourselves

This week on our podcast, we explore the power of the stories we tell ourselves and live by. Reflecting on his own recent experience, Jimmy helps us delve into biblical narratives like Adam and Eve and the Israelites, showing how easily we can embrace the wrong stories. Together, we'll consider the true narrative God has been weaving. Jimmy highlights Palm Sunday and Jesus's humble arrival, contrasting the Tree of Knowledge to the restored Tree of Life. Let's examine the stories we're hearing and living. Are they aligned with God's truth and love? Let's consider the story God is truly telling us – one of unwavering love and hope. What story are we choosing to embrace?
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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: April 6th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | What Is Shaping Us?

Hey Oaks family! This week, Bryan explores what truly shapes us as individuals, families, and as a church. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Vince Lombardi and the early church in Corinth, we'll examine the beliefs we hold, the values we remember, and the practices we live out every day. Let's take a look in the mirror together: do these things truly reflect the life and mission of Jesus? Join us for a thought-provoking message that challenges us to intentionally cultivate a culture within our lives and our church that honors God and reflects His love.
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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: March 23rd, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | Persecution and the Church's Response

What does it truly mean to follow Jesus in the face of persecution? In this powerful sermon, Bryan explores the reality of persecution as a normal part of the Christian life, drawing from scripture and real-world stories. He delves into passages from Matthew, John, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 2 Timothy, James, and 1 Peter, highlighting the consistent message: those who follow Christ will face opposition. Bryan shares heart-wrenching accounts of modern-day Christians facing extreme persecution in countries like Nigeria, India, and North Korea, emphasizing that this isn't a distant problem but a present reality. He challenges listeners to consider how their faith would hold up under pressure and calls for daily prayer for persecuted believers worldwide. Discover how persecution can be a catalyst for the growth of the kingdom and how to stand firm in your faith, knowing that Christ is worthy of all sacrifices. Are you ready to count the cost of following Jesus? Join us as we explore the call to courageous faith and learn how to pray for our brothers and sisters facing persecution.
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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: March 16th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | People Get Ready

Are you ready for Jesus's return? In this sermon, Bryan dives into the letters of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians, addressing the early church's anxieties about the second coming. Through powerful scripture and historical context, he unpacks the confusion and fear surrounding the 'end times,' urging listeners to focus on faithful living rather than fear-driven speculation. Bryan explores the meaning behind key passages, tackles the concept of the 'rapture,' and confronts the idea of the 'man of lawlessness.' He emphasizes that true readiness isn't about predicting dates but about living a life reflecting Christ's love and kingdom now. Are you living in a way that reflects your readiness? Join us as we explore how to trust Jesus, mend broken relationships, and share God's love, all while living in the hopeful anticipation of Christ's return. Discover how to live faithfully, reject evil, and embrace peace, trusting that God, the victor, is in control.
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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: March 9th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | How Faith Works

Paul vs. James: Faith or Works? It's a debate Christians have had for centuries. Bryan unpacks the letters of Paul (Galatians) and James, showing how they actually complement each other. Discover how Paul's emphasis on grace through faith isn't at odds with James's call to live out that faith. Learn how true faith expresses itself in action and love, and how God's transforming work in us leads to a life that reflects Christ. Are you 'Team Paul' or 'Team James'? Find out how both point to the same truth.
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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
 

Podcast: March 5th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn + Jimmy Thorpe | Lent

In today's podcast, Bryan and Jimmy discuss Lent and the Lenten Season. They walk through some of the history, traditions, and spiritual practices that will define these next few weeks. Hopefully this episode will serve as a helpful resource as you and your family pursue Christ during this season of anticipating Easter!
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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.
 
www.oakscookeville.church

Sermon: February 23rd, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | Church

In this message Bryan reflects on his experiences through diverse church settings, from large congregations to intimate home churches. We'll explore the biblical foundations of the church, emphasizing the importance of Jesus as our head, the power of prayer and fasting in our shared journey, and the role of faithful leadership among us. Discover how these principles shape us and our Oaks Church 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: February 16th, 2025 | Bryan Vaughn | Everybody, Everywhere

Today we are highlighting the early church's reliance on prayer and the Holy Spirit in spreading the gospel. Connecting this to God's promise to Abraham, we learn how Jesus fulfills the blessing to all nations. The sermon then focuses on key figures like Stephen, Philip, and Paul, illustrating their roles in expanding the reach of Christianity. Finally, we discuss Peter's encounter with Cornelius, demonstrating the gospel's inclusivity and the potential for believers to answer others' prayers.
 
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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

Gather25 | Invitation + Details!

Gather 25 is a movement to gather the global church for worship, prayer and commissioning followers of Jesus around the world to take seriously the mission of Jesus to make disciples who make disciples of all nations from all seven continents. We're hosting a livestream gather group for our Church family, the West View Church family and anyone you invite to join us. We will go live with the North America portion of the 25 hours on Friday, February 28 7:00p-11:00p. We would love for you to join us for prayer, worship and teaching in our regular worship space. This is a special opportunity to be a part of something that is unprecedented, as the global church gathers together at the same time. For more information and a longer video to see what all is going on follow this link.
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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