Village Green Community Church

The church, as an institution, has been the object of attack, both from the outside world and within its very ranks for centuries. Why should believers care about the way in which “the church” is treated and portrayed?

We all know what happens when we close our minds. we stop growing and the older we get; the bleaker life becomes. The same is true when we close our hearts, we miss out on experiencing the greater blessings God has in store for us.

Personal well-being has become a major cultural focus of late, especially after the fallout of a drawn-out pandemic. But God has always been concerned about our personal overall health, long before it became popular.

Suffering is a reality of being human. It is the plight of many with no end in sight. As believers, our ability to ease the suffering in this world goes far beyond the practical help it extends to those we help.

Justice has become an important social priority, especially since injustice continues to be so prevalent. How do Christians navigate true justice in a world of inequality, racial strife, and economic disparity.

The Resurrection changes everything.

From the dawn of humanity, we have looked to the skies and wondered how it all came together? Even today, theories of how the universe was fromed are legion. Why should Christian's care about this hotly debated topic?

The cross literally stands as a signpost. If you view it from one perspective, Jesus becomes nothing more than a victim, from another, he becomes so much more.

For some, they know just enough to want Jesus on their side. It's a relationship more about the advantage of having Jesus as an ally as opposed to having him as our Lord.

Belief in Jesus upends our entire worldview. It shapes the way we see others and the startling change that hajppens in us.

Forgiveness becomes an important part of our faith expression. It not only conveys what God in Christ has done for us but what he can also do for others.

As difficult as forgiveness is for many, nothing is more challenging than forgiving ourselves. How do we shut down the voice of accusation that echoes in our own heads?

Forgiveness has many layers, and the eeper the hurt the more complicated forgiveness gets. A major stumbling block for many is this: does forgiving mean forgetting?

Why is forgiveness so hard, especially when it is an expected part of what it means to be a believer in God? How do we understand and navigate forgiveness when we’ve been deeply hurt?

Similar to God’s goodness, love is another attribute that when misunderstood, creates a one-dimensional caricature that misrepresents the very heart of God.

The goodness of God in modern culture is either the most embraced or the most rejected. How do we understand God as good in a world where suffering and evil exists?

Is God an abstract concept or is he truly knowable? Many who reject the concept of God reject the idea of a personal relationship with the creator, and in doing so, miss one of God's most important attributes.

The Trinity is a unique formulation for God that is essential to the Christian faith, yet one of the most difficult concepts to understand and comprehend, and the first step in knowing God intimately.

The message of the angels proclaimed a reality we all long for in one way or another. Grasping the heart of their message brings the hope of Christmas alive for everyone.

For one old man, the arrival of Jesus answered many of the missing pieces to the puzzle of God's Messiah.

Reactions to shocking news are often an opportunity to see someoneès true character, In the case of Mary, her reaction to shocking news was to worship.

It is one thing for a prophet to predict an event, it is another matter altogehter to predict details of that event that make the prediction undeniable.

The messiness of our lives can sometimes reflect how we understand God's love for us. If we are not careful, we can view our messiness as god's judgement, and not as a vehicle for redemption.

Sometimes we can become our own worst enemies. We can fixate on the wrong things and set ourselves up for a greater mess of our own making. How do we fill our minds in a way that is healthy and helpful?

Doing the right thing, in a world gone mad, is often the most difficult thing to do. It can not only be hard but can leave you open to attack and portential suffering. How do we not lose heart?

Fear, when allowed to govern our lives, can leave us helpless and hopeless. But fear can also serve as a signpost to something greater which in turn, builds courage, confidence, and hope.

Anxiety and depression have grown to epicemic proportions. OUr ability to cope with the challenges of life is continually being tested. How do we manage when the darkness overwhelms us?

The pain of the past can fuel our present and future in unhealthy ways. How do we learn to use our pain as a means for growth, and not as a means for bitterness or hatred?

The Bible teaches that there are three forces intent on making life messy. The more aware we are of their tactics, the better we can protect ourselves from their attacks. The third warning is against what the Bible calls; the world.

The Bible teaches that there are three forces intent on making life messy. The more aware we are of their tactics, the better we can protect ourselves from their attacks. The second warning is against what the Bible calls; the flesh.

The Bible teaches that there are three forces intent on making life messy. the more aware we are of their tactics, the better we can protect ourselves from their attacks. the first warning is against our greatest enemy; the devil.

Whenever life gets messy, our reaction is to think something is wrong with us, with life, or with God. What if the times when things are falling apart are the times when things are actually falling into place?

This message focuses on freedom as taught in Galatian 5 and delivered by our missionary partner, Jacob Paul, who along with his wife Leidy, serve in Colombia.

In a world of fake news and the constant barrage of opinions and beliefs, wisdom becomes a tool to filter out what’s good and what needs to be ignored.

Life is full of decisions and in reality, our lives are nothing more than the sum total of our decisions to date. For the wise, each decision is either a future blessing or a future regret.

We’ve all heard it, “Sticks and stones….” Words do matter and knowing the power of words is another tool for those who are wise.

Numbers 33 is a list of the 40 places that the Israelites camped at during their 40 years in the Sinai Desert after fleeing Egyptian slavery. But why did Moses write it? Why did God want it in the Bible? Why should we read it, and how can it help us?

The art of listening well is a discipline of wisdom, even though we often think it just comes naturally.

Generosity can appear to be at odds with the wise use of time and resources, when in fact it’s a factor for wise living.

For the writer of Proverbs, there are essentially two types of people who walk two different paths.

Part of growing in wisdom is learning from the experiences and insights of others.

How does fear contribute to wisdom? Isn’t fear the opposite of faith?

Brent Paul leads in preparation for Communion Sunday.

Our decisions in life determine the pathways we traverse. Though we treat life as having many pathways, the Bible only sees two, the right one and the wrong one.

It is one of Jesus’ most memorable miracles, yet, despite its evidence of divine power, it also reveals an important truth about Jesus himself.

Does forgiveness come with a price, and does it come with certain expectations? In this story, Jesus connects the act of forgiveness with the capacity of a person’s love.

The law is clear, especially when guilt is obvious. In an attempt to back Jesus into a corner, accusers are caught in a trap of their own making.

An officer goes to great lengths to seek out Jesus to get help for someone he cares about. What transpires is a moment that even surprises Jesus

The persistence of a mother when faced with a parental nightmare, demonstrates a love that is sacrificial and longsuffering.

To be healed physically is a miracle of incredible worth. For Jesus, the real miracle lies elsewhere.

A paralyzed man is touched by the healing power of Jesus. It is a moment one would think would be cause for celebration, but for some, it becomes an opportunity to challenge Jesus.

There are choices that we make that affect the entirety of our lives. Some can have negative consequences while others are for the better. Only one choice offers us the best of everything.

Crowd mentality can sometimes overpower our better judgment. In the heat of such moments, choices can become misguided.

Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the moment that we choose to neglect the larger picture. As Jesus entered Jerusalem to much fanfare and celebration, something was not quite right.en Something is Missing

The dilemma that brought an edict to destroy the Jews is still in play. What could have been a picture of disaster becomes a story of rescue and victory.

In these chapters, the tension comes to a head. The die has been cast and the fate of the Jews hangs in the balance. If there was ever a time for God to show up, now would be the time.

Ethnic hatred and discrimination have plagued humanity for centuries. In these chapters the Jews are targeted for destruction, and the wieght of the matter falls on Esther.

As the first two chapters set the scene, the events that unfold imply a greater hand is orchestrating the pieces coming into place. At a time when power played to selfish ends, the hand of true power was setting the stage for a showdown.

The secularization hypothesis stated that the more educated, more advanced, and more scientific a culture, the more religious belief would wane. Why has science become the enemy of God?

Critics of religion see it as hypocritical, narrow-minded, and bigoted. Because they see religion as a breeding ground for discrimination, they also see it as detrimental to the well-being of society as a whole.

The challenge against the value of religion continues to escalate. From secular claims about the harm religion creates, to the high-profile believers who have either damaged the faith or have walked away altogether.

To our modern sensibilities, the thought of a bloody and barbaric God is appalling. How do we make any sense from passages that call into question God’s goodness?

Few topics can raise conflict and arguments like the subject of truth. Is truth recognizable or is it simply a matter of what feels right for me?

It is a common rebuttal for arguments claiming the authority of the Bible. Though the rebuttal is partially true, it doesn't tell the whole story.

As a new year begins there is a time for reflecting but also a time of looking ahead to new challenges and opportunities. In this message, we introduce you to one powerful question that can serve as a filter for every decision you make in this new year - a question that will shape your life for the better.

Gifts are given for many different reasons, but when given in love, it transforms the value of the gift. The greater the love, the greater the value of the gift.

Few emotions can lift us like joy. It has a way of transforming us to see the world anew and experience it with new eyes and new expectations.

Peace is often considered the byproduct of external forces. In that definition, peace can quickly evaporate when circumstances change. What if peace comes from somewhere else?

Few seasons generate a spirit of hope and anticipation of better things to come like Christmas.

Though not always evident, the power of belief lies in the hope that is rooted in the promises of God.

With belief comes challenges and seasons of attacks. These trials can come in many forms but when experienced through the lens of faith, they produce more than we can possibly imagine.

Belief is not meant to be lived out in secrecy or in silence. It is meant to be a light that points to somewhere and to someone.

There is no one like you. You are unique and one of a kind. Belief ignites a recognition of how you have been shaped for this life.

Belief gives us a new standing and status, and with it a whole new understanding of the priorities and purposes for our life.

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When we believe, we become a part of something that is much larger than ourselves, and much greater than we imagine.

What is the heart of the message we call the Gospel?

Is there a grand scheme or plan that serves as a template for dealing with our great problem, or are we just passengers on a cosmic accident?

We see it everywhere but struggle to acknowledge it. It's been said that the first step to solving a problem is to first admit that you have one.

It's been a constant barrage of media reports, conflicting opinions and warring factions. Like a migraine that never goes away, we are sapped to the core.

It's been a season where many have experienced loss in one form or another.

We are physically and emotionally spent, and we really can't understand why?

Two men, whose earthly life could not have been more different, are bound by one common reality.

In one of the most difficult of all of Jesus' parables, the lessons of a shrewd manager illustrate an important truth for every believer.

Is just getting by enough when it comes to the important issues of life, or are greater consequences ahead?

If religion is a matter of the heart, then what shape should our heart take?

When is enough, enough? Are there some things in life that we should never give up on, things that matter not only to us, but to God.

Status and privilege not only come with cultural expectations; they can also pull us away from matters of eternal importance.

It's great when it works in our favour, but it has a way of making us feel it's "unfair" when it works against us.

Invitations come with an expectation. That those invited would come. Especially when the invitation has eternal significance.

A tragic crime and a victim left to die as others pass by. All seems lost until one person, someone we would never expect, shows up and does the right thing.

It's likely the most popular parable Jesus told. Few stories grip us like this one about a wayward son, and a loving father.

Prayer is connection. Not only to our heavenly Father, but to the promises and hopes that He has for us.

One of David’s great gifts, beyond his legacy as shepherd and King of Israel, is the words he has given us in talking to God in the darkest moments of our lives.

One of the biblical metrics of a healthy spiritual relationship with God is found in our expression of gratitude.

What will Heaven be like?  What can we expect about our eternal home? Can Heaven live up to the hype, or is there a better reality from the pages of the Bible?

Beyond modern depictions of baby cherubs and fluffy clouds, Heaven is home to every promise God has ever made.

Something happens when we serve others. It not only benefits those being served, but God does something in us too.

Teachers are one of life's most valuable resources. We all have been impacted by a biblical teacher who passionately poured into our lives and helped us to grow.

We never drift in a good direction. To get to a place we need to go takes discipline.

God’s plans can never be thwarted. We may resist or even put up roadblocks, but God has a way of bringing about his purpose for our lives.

God often takes the simplest and most common things that we have available and uses them for his purposes.

The cross, a vehicle for executing criminals and a symbol for the finality of death, becomes transformed by Jesus' crucifixion. what appears as an end, becomes the beginning of an eternal journey for all who believe.

Long before His triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, Jesus used the cross as an illustration of what it would mean to follow him.

It is now a year into this pandemic that has affected the lives of many. In this message, we give an update on the state of our church as well as our strategic plans for the future. 

For all that Elijah accomplished, nothing strengthened his legacy more than the passing on of his gift to a new prophet, one who would hold the torch that Elijah so faithfully carried.

Great victories are often followed by dark valleys. Elijah, the great prophet, is struck down by a common enemy. What God does in this valley is a lesson for us all.

Even in the life of a prophet, small things matter, especially when they are entrusted to a big God.

In one of the most epic scenes in all the Bible, Elijah single-handedly challenges the priests and the pagan gods they serve.

The raising of Elijah as a prophet is intimately connected with his own spiritual journey. 

To become what you want doesn't mean jettisoning everything to get there. the very best there is will always be there because it can never be lost.

Time can often appear as an enemy. For the writers of the Wisdom books of the Bible, time was merely a tool. One when properly understood, yielded valuable lessons for life.

As part of our Future Me series, Pastor Jon sat down with Ashley Zietsma, who opened up about how God is working in her life over a tumultuous 14 months. 

Sometimes the path ahead is daunting and the challenges too great. In this message, we find in the words of a prophet, the way forward when the path ahead has us paralyzed.

To get a copy of the study notes: go to villagegreenchurch.com, click messages and search for this message.

Change is challenging. It forces us to either face some hard truths or face our fears headlong. Beyond those challenges lies a deeper potential, one when embraced, allows us to live as God intended.

Being stuck rarely feels good. In order to move forward, even if its one step at a time, means leaving some things behind, especially when they hurt your relationship with God.

As Christians, we have a rich heritage and a promising future. The book of Hebrews tells us why. God has spoken and we have his word: Christ alone is our salvation. The question now is, what are we going to do about it?

The drama of a census and an Inn that was full creates the backdrop for the most significant birth.

Wise men from the east following a star, one that was predicted long ago and foretold of a newborn king.

Promises kept are a beautiful thing, especially when it has been an anticipated promise from God.

The past faithfulness of God is a wonderful thing to celebrate, it is also a source of continual trust in Him for the future!

Hope can sometimes feel like a long wait in a dark alley. with God, though, his promises are an affirmation of His faithfulness that brings true hope to our lives.

When we experience the unconditional and sacrificial love that God has for us, there is nothing that can come between us.

God's word has been a source of comfort and a reminder of His faithfulness throughout the centuries.

Faithful God - Faithful People: Village green - 50 Years of Proclaiming Good News and Counting... One of the most reassuring truths about God is that He has a plan, one that is Good News for all.

Life is precious, and for John, its value is clearly seen in what God has done in sending His Son, Jesus. It's a message, a truth, and a transformation you cannot ignore.

One builds wall while the other tears them down. Few emotions have the power to control us like this duo. When fear reigns, our lives become small, dark, and anxiety-ridden, but when we allow love to reign, fear doesn't stand a chance.

Knowledge is power and nothing is more powerful than truth. It helps you navigate life with wisdom while exposing what's really lurking behind the shadows.

Just as our weather apps give alerts of oncoming storms, the Bible alerts us to a different kind of storm. One that does more than just threaten our physical well-being but targets our faith and spiritual health.

It is said that love is blind, but what if the opposite is true? What if a lack of love is what makes us truly blind? And because we are blind, our world spirals into a never-ending cycle of darkness and enmity.

We are often a reflection of the experiences that have impacted us the most. In this message, a beloved disciple makes a proclamation from a heart that has been forever changed.

There's no doubt that disruptions make us feel helpless and out of control. What once felt reliable and safe is now questionable. As the ground shifts under out feet, out ability to recover and feel balance returning is to lean into a strength that never waivers.

It is only normal to feel us bracing for the worse when major disruptions come. It activates our fears, making us lose any sense of equilibrium. It's in moments of uncertainty where we are driven to rely on the only thing that matters.

Disruptions can make us feel like things will never be as good as they once were. We can feel defeated and deflated with very little fight left. Moving forward can seem like it will take more energy than we can muster.

Of all the disciples, no one stands out like this one when it comes to expressing doubt and pessimism. But in the end, he makes one of the grandest proclamations on the person of Jesus in all of Scripture.

Of the 12 disciples, there are 2 who remain silent in the pages of Scripture. though we have nothing recorded, their lives nevertheless are not a total mystery.

For questions posed by a disciple, it sometimes meant a moment of clarification from Jesus. Here, to the surprise of this disciple, Jesus answers with a promise filled with hope.

First reactions are not always the
most positive. In the case of this
disciple, his initial response turned
into a welcomed mistake.
(A look at Nathanael/Bartholomew)

There were times when the disciples struggled with what they were learning from Jesus. It prompted questions and, in this instance, became an opportunity for Jesus to teach a deeper truth.

Judas, a name once associated with greatness, suddenly becomes synonymous with traitor. How one persons personal failure became a tragedy for the ages.

A man who shares an important discovery with his brother and because of it, neither are ever the same again.

What parent doesn't want the best for their children? In this message we are introduced to two brothers whose mom made an appeal to Jesus. the lesson from her request became one of the foundational lessons for all the disciples.

What if we saw others through their potential and not their history or resume? In an amazing encounter, Jesus enlists a most unexpected follower.

Healthy spirituality gives us the ability to withstand the difficulties and trials that are part of life. Many have been left in tatters by believing in a faith with shallow roots and hollow trunks. In this concluding message we find the source for spiritual health that withstands the storms of life.

Being spiritually healthy demands the ability to assess reality. It’s not to say that it is always easy, but part of seeing the world as it truly is, is understanding what contributes to derailing us.

 It is one of the most important functions of a church, even though it can sometimes be difficult to define or even recognize. Still, it is one of the hallmarks of a vibrant community of faith. 

1 Corinthians 9:19-27 In times of uncertainty, there is one principle that can make the difference between hope and despair. It not only applies on an individual level, but also to the church as a whole

 It is suppose to be part of our Christian experience but it can leave us confused and frustrated. We think it should be straightforward and work in a particular way but often find that it works in ways that we can rarely predict. Regardless, it is vital to our spiritual health. 

There is no denying the importance of reading and understanding the Bible. It’s centrality to the Christian faith cannot be underestimated. But why is it important and why do I need to know what it teaches?

How would you end this sentence? We are better_________! In this message we look at one word that seems so out of place, especially in this present season, but serves as a well-timed reminder.

To the casual observer, these are most often the characteristics that catch the attention and admiration of others.

In the ongoing struggle for self-improvement, the first three Fruits of the Spirit can prove to be the most difficult to maintain. 

Victory comes in many forms, but few as dramatic as a resurrection.

A suffering Messiah was difficult for most to comprehend. It became the biggest stumbling block even though it was an important aspect of the Messiah's mission.

Jesus' favourite title for Himself was carefully taken from prophetic passages in the Old Testament. To His audience, just hearing it would mean that Jesus was claiming something extraordinary.

 A difficult season is upon us and in the midst of closures, social distancing and being told what we cannot do, the days ahead look bleak and without promise. It's in these moments where we need to be reminded of what God says we can do and why it makes all the difference, even in a season such as this.

Advice is everywhere. Gurus and self-help icons are the new priests heralding a new world. One where the pursuit of happiness is the only value worth pursuing.

 We live in unprecedented times that few of us could have foreseen even a mere month ago. In the midst of the uncertainty and questions we need to be reminded of where our hope and courage lies and why it's so important to embrace our faith now more than ever. 

 It's the new mantra of the age; being busy. It conveys an air of self-importance and a life of purpose and intent. It's no surprise then, to find out that burn-out and stress is also at an all-time high. 

We are more polarized than ever, It's not acceptable to just disagree any more, now you have to attack anyone who doesn't hold to every condition of your worldview. In turn, it's virtually impossible for any of us to get along.

In a culture of more, the ones who appear to have more also appear to have it all. In a contest rooted in envy, the constant race to accumulate creates a false reality built with false hopes.