https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc The newest sermons from Vision Community Church on SermonAudio. Religion & Spirituality Vision Community Church http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification https://vps.sermonaudio.com/resize_image/sources/podcast/1440/1440/vcc-01.jpg https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc en Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:30:04 +0000 30 Benje Graves no The newest sermons from Vision Community Church on SermonAudio. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/22026416198162 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/22026416198162 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:32:46 no Benje Graves - The Atonement https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/219261817236187 The sermon centers on the profound danger and spiritual significance of the tongue, drawing from James 3 to emphasize that speech reveals the condition of the heart and reflects one's spiritual alignment. It warns that the tongue, though small, can ignite widespread destruction, acting as a fire set ablaze by hell and capable of both blessing God and cursing His image-bearers—highlighting the hypocrisy of such contradiction. The message underscores that true transformation comes not through self-effort or moral discipline, but through the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, which renews the heart and produces speech marked by grace, love, and intercession rather than bitterness, condemnation, or pride. The preacher challenges cultural distortions that glorify toughness, boasting, and retribution, calling believers to embody Christ's humility, kindness, and forgiveness—especially in conflict—by aligning their words with the teachings of Matthew 5–7 and the example of Jesus who blessed His persecutors. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, Spirit-led examination of the heart, urging believers to pray that their words and thoughts be acceptable to God, reflecting a life transformed by grace and rooted in self-sacrificial love. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/219261817236187 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:35:08 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1220251757597318 The sermon centers on the importance of proper hermeneutics—contextual, historical, and linguistic interpretation—in understanding 1 Timothy 2, emphasizing that Scripture must be read not through cultural bias or tradition, but with humility and a willingness to let God speak afresh. It highlights the passage's call for prayer for all people, including leaders like Nero, as an act of evangelistic intercession and peace, rooted in God's desire for all to be saved. The discussion then addresses the cultural context of Ephesus, where the worship of Artemis and social unrest shaped the church's challenges, clarifying that Paul's instructions on women's roles are not universal prohibitions but corrective measures against disruptive behavior and false authority in a specific setting. By examining Greek terms like 'hēsychia' (quietly) and 'authentein' (to usurp authority), the sermon demonstrates that Paul's intent was to promote order and godly conduct, not silence women, as evidenced by the clear biblical precedent of women prophesying and teaching in other contexts. Ultimately, the message calls the church to pursue deeper, honest study of Scripture, embrace respectful dialogue, and apply timeless principles with wisdom, humility, and a commitment to truth over tradition. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1220251757597318 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 1:01:49 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12152531391791 Hermeneutics = The methodology of proper Bible study This sermon presents a comprehensive case for the necessity of sound hermeneutics—the disciplined method of interpreting Scripture—emphasizing that true understanding requires humility, historical and cultural awareness, and attention to literary genre, linguistic nuance, and grammatical context. It warns against the twin dangers of closed-minded traditionalism and gullible acceptance of popular or charismatic interpretations, advocating instead for a balanced approach that values scholarly insight while remaining open to correction. The preacher illustrates how misinterpretations often arise from reading modern assumptions into ancient texts, misapplying literalism, or ignoring the poetic nature of Hebrew literature, using examples like the Song of Solomon and prophetic imagery in Isaiah to show how context transforms meaning. Central to the argument is the conviction that Scripture must be interpreted in light of its original setting, genre, and the broader biblical narrative, with the ultimate goal of arriving at humble clarity rather than confident error, ensuring that theology flows from faithful interpretation and leads to healthy doctrine and faithful living. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12152531391791 Religion & Spirituality Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 1:00:53 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1221251950138171 The sermon centers on the importance of cultivating a Berean mindset—actively examining Scripture with humility, eagerness, and openness to correction, rather than passively accepting tradition or authority. Drawing from Acts 17:11, it emphasizes that true faith is not static but involves daily, diligent study to verify truth, even when it challenges long-held beliefs. The preacher underscores that genuine spiritual maturity requires the courage to engage in respectful dialogue, embrace disagreement, and prioritize love and unity over personal victory, warning against the dangers of superficial harmony, online hostility, and doctrinal avoidance. Rooted in Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 13, the message calls believers to speak truth in love, endure differences with grace, and allow Scripture to shape both conviction and character, ultimately reflecting Christ's sacrificial love in all relationships. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1221251950138171 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:36:52 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/112125204986888 The sermon powerfully affirms that faithfulness to God is never futile, drawing from the lives of Daniel and his companions in Babylon to illustrate how steadfast obedience in the midst of pervasive cultural compromise and persecution leads to divine favor and transformative witness. Centered on key passages from Daniel 1–6, it highlights their refusal to compromise—whether in diet, worship, or prayer—despite the threat of death, and emphasizes that God's deliverance was not contingent on their success but on their unwavering trust in Him. The narrative reveals how their integrity, even in the face of exile, imprisonment, and fiery trials, resulted in the exaltation of God's name before pagan kings and the transformation of powerful empires. The preacher contrasts this enduring faith with the futility of compromise and the deceptive allure of worldly success, urging believers to reject the 'pillow prophets' who cater to cultural desires and instead embrace a life of faithful obedience, knowing that God's purposes are fulfilled not through strategy but through steadfast trust. Ultimately, the message is one of hope: even when unseen or unappreciated, faithfulness honors God and advances His kingdom, for His word never returns void and His promises endure forever. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/112125204986888 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:48:57 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/11525220304255 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/11525220304255 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Nov 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:20 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/917251322237070 Christian Nationalism: The church is in trouble https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/917251322237070 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:51:22 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1130242026113351 He came quietly, in humility, born in obscurity, to redeem the lost. He was not the angry revolutionary leader yelling in the streets, to raise up an army to bring phys-ical destruction to the Romans. In fact, not that long after Jesus completed His mission on this earth, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman army. To the surprise of the Jews, Justice was not the bringing of wrath to everyone ex-cept the Jews, but rather to extend the offer of salvation to the whole world, and to bring clear definition to the basis for which all men stood condemned. Jesus was not a rabble-rouser shouting, "do you want a revolution!?" This was much bigger than an earthly conquest. He defeated death and hell on the cross and established the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom not of this world. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1130242026113351 Religion & Spirituality Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:43:44 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1120241648363311 "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when re-proved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Hebrews 12:5-6 ESV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1120241648363311 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:42:43 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1119242136163309 In an earthquake, all the buildings get shaken the same. It reveals the foundation. This is very true of our faith. It's when we get shaken that we see what we are standing on. There's a whole lotta shaking going on folks. And the foundations are being revealed in the Body of Christ. This culture of shallowness. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1119242136163309 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 10 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:38:26 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/11424162344485 "Go not with the multitude to do evil." Exodus 23:2 The sermon centers on the moral and spiritual imperative for believers to reject the 'lesser of two evils' mentality, especially in political and cultural decisions, by grounding choices in divine obedience rather than pragmatic compromise. Drawing from Isaiah's warnings to Israel for trusting in Egypt instead of God, and the faithful stand of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it emphasizes that true faithfulness involves refusing to align with evil—even when both options are corrupt—because God honors those whose hearts are blameless. The preacher argues that engaging culture does not require endorsing evil, and that repentance, humility, and unwavering trust in God are more vital than strategic calculations. Ultimately, the message calls for discernment rooted in Scripture, urging believers to ask not which option is less harmful, but whether God would approve it, and to live as a light in a dark world, trusting that God's purposes prevail even when the faithful suffer or are not immediately delivered. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/11424162344485 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 04 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:32:37 no Benje Graves - Abolish Abortion https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/912241514471313 What do you think the tree of life represents? We are not cut off from the tree of life anymore. The dividing wall has been removed. He has torn apart the veil that once separated the Holy of Holies in the temple from us. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.' Revelation 2:7 ESV We see in the first book of scripture in the account of the tree of life in the garden, and we see reference to the tree of life here in the last book of scripture showing the greater fulfillment in the paradise of God. Eternity. Do you think God had a plan? There is now access to that tree! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/912241514471313 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Sep 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:39:50 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/912241444227086 We are more than conquerors, So what are we conquering? Trial, hardship, spir-itual battles. the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (1 Cor 4:20) Our weapons are mighty for tearing down strongholds. So, are we warriors? Conquerors of worlds? Superheroes? And Ephesians 6 tells us of the armor of God that is available to us…. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/912241444227086 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:36:21 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/93241752372323 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/93241752372323 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Derrick Farrell 1:00:53 no Derrick Farrell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72324119355057 Legalism is not safe, it is sin. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72324119355057 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:52:18 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72124012491617 We are the light of the world? He is the light of the world. His Body, the true church, is His light in the world. How is that light shining? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72124012491617 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:34:23 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/618242255335067 The sermon centers on the urgent call to decisively choose allegiance to Christ amid a world of moral compromise, drawing from Matthew 11:12's image of the kingdom of heaven being taken by force through determined pursuit. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires a clear, unwavering commitment—like John the Baptist's radical separation from worldly comforts and his fearless stand against Herod—rather than a diluted, culturally accommodating faith. The message warns against the subtle dangers of spiritual neutrality, urging believers to reject the world's values, even when it costs personal relationships or social approval, because the Christian life is not about comfort but about sharing in Christ's sufferings. It affirms that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live with purpose and courage, not through worldly strategies, but through faithful obedience, and encourages the church to stand firm in truth, knowing that judgment begins with God's own people. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a wholehearted, daily surrender to Christ, where conviction is not a burden but a privilege, and where choosing God's side—even when it's unpopular—is the mark of authentic discipleship. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/618242255335067 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:43:19 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/65241426435162 It would be all too easy to lose heart in this world. Even the church seems to be largely, morally corrupt. As we spoke about in the recent messages on the abolition of abortion, "At Least, Do No Harm" and "Methods Matter," there should not be a conversation among church people, or politicians who claim to be Christians, about when and under what circumstances it is okay to kill a baby, and yet, those conversations are plentiful, in the church! Man, I could lose heart. Not because of the evil of those in the world, but because of the evil and blindness of those in the church in our time. It would be so nice if we could just be standing against evil in the world, from those who do not claim to be believers. It would be easy to lose heart. Easy to compromise! That's how the bar gets lowered for the Christian in a culture. Slowly, and in group think. Corporate acceptance. Where does God set the bar? That is the question we are supposed to be asking. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/65241426435162 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Jun 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:42:47 no Benje Graves - Abolish Abortion https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/520241217474463 The sermon centers on the imperative that methods must align with moral and spiritual integrity, emphasizing that the means by which Christians pursue good—whether in politics, ministry, or personal life—must glorify God, for no end can justify unrighteous means. Drawing from Scripture, particularly 1 Timothy 1:18–20 and Romans 12:21, it warns against compromising faith for perceived strategic gains, exposing the hypocrisy of 'pro-life' politicians who support legislation allowing abortion under exceptions, thereby making shipwreck of their conscience. The message calls for faithful obedience in small things, rejecting worldly pragmatism in favor of godly pragmatism rooted in trust, and insists that true victory is not measured by results but by faithfulness to God's will. It challenges believers to pursue justice, repent of compromise, and embody the gospel through honorable conduct, knowing that God sees and honors those who do good, while rejecting prayers and actions tainted by evil. Ultimately, the call is to wage the good warfare by turning from sin and toward Jesus, trusting that God's kingdom advances not through manipulation, but through faithful, holy living. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/520241217474463 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:39:47 no Benje Graves - Abolish Abortion https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/5132422758714 Please download PDF document What about Republicans who vote to support, and even put into Idaho code, the legalization of the murder of the preborn, and protections for those who commit these evil acts? I'm only going to mention one example this morning, but there are many "pro-life" bills that do exactly that. put into Idaho code, the legalization of the murder of the preborn, and provide legal protections for those who commit these evil acts. The words "pro-life" have become a massive smoke screen to preserve political capital for those who will not truly stand for life. At this point, the term really means, "pro-some lives." It is not equal protection under the law for all human beings. It is the ultimate form of discrimination. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/5132422758714 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:34 no Benje Graves - Abolish Abortion https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/44242359424968 Recently we have been studying the atonement, and this is all part of that. The cross was not the end. It isn't just, "Jesus died for our sins," although that is huge. He did not stay dead, and for that reason, we can know life as well. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/44242359424968 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 31 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:40 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/32724220423932 When given two evil choices, choose neither. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/32724220423932 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:35:12 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/328241628557508 The sermon unfolds the profound theological significance of Christ's atonement, extending beyond the cross to encompass the full scope of His priestly work, as revealed through the Old Testament Day of Atonement. It highlights how the ceremonial system—centered on the high priest, sacrificial animals, and the cleansing of the sanctuary—was a divinely designed shadow pointing to Christ's ultimate fulfillment as both the perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest. Through His death outside the camp, His burial, and His resurrection, Jesus not only bore the sins of humanity like the scapegoat but also conquered death, breaking the power of the devil and liberating believers from lifelong fear of death. The sermon emphasizes that Christ's work is not merely past but ongoing: He now intercedes for believers in heaven, permanently seated at God's right hand, enabling them to approach the throne of grace with confidence. This eternal priesthood, rooted in His divine nature and perfect sacrifice, secures salvation to the uttermost, transforming covenant maintenance from ritual obligation into intimate, living communion with God through the continual intercession of Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/328241628557508 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:49:53 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/10172308366272 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/10172308366272 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Derrick Farrell 0:59:01 no Derrick Farrell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1015232312476749 Repentance is not being sorry. Miserable people are often really sorry. People who hurt others by their actions are often vary sorry. Just not sorry enough to change. Not sorry enough to humble themselves and throw themselves before the Father. Even brokenness is not enough. It is a good condition for God to work in your life, but we need to get to repentance and surrender. A true giving up of self before God. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:17-18 KJV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1015232312476749 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:44:45 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82623255276817 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is will-ing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41 ESV This doesn't mean the flesh is weak in the sense that it doesn't exert much influ-ence. The flesh is quite strong in that regard. It means it is morally weak. Walk IN the Spirit. What does it mean? IN IN IN. Abide IN the vine. IN Christ Jesus. It's about intimacy. It's about connection. It is about walking together and trusting in Him. It is not just for salvation that we trust in Jesus, it is also for living victori-ously in Him. Paul said, "I want to know Christ" in Philippians chapter 3, and that really sums up the heart we need to have. I want to know Christ! Not simply know about Him. Not just read about Him. Not just go to church services and talk about Him. I want to Know Him! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82623255276817 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:50:45 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8162303865439 What must I do? Then they said to him, "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." John 6:28-29 ESV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8162303865439 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:35:04 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82232023313917 This is prodigal land folks! It's not about going to a different physical location. You can step out from under the blessing and protection of the Father and never leave home! It's just about us deciding we know better than He does and doing things our way. When we live for this world instead of for the Lord and with our eyes on our eternal home in heaven, We end up squandering His blessing in a foreign land. That always leads to eating with swine. Now the good part. The son comes to his senses. Down and out and miserable he realizes that the servants back home have it better than he does. Heading home he has no idea what kind of reception he is going to get. The Father, is watching. He is watching all the time. If you have wandered, the Lord is watching for you today. How does the father receive the son? Not just willingly, but running down the road! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82232023313917 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:32:13 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/724231654311831 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV Too often we are using carnal weapons. We even do battle in unforgiveness and outside of God's love. We use our intellect and resources rather than the grace and power of our Lord. Our enemy the devil, is constantly working to subvert, to divert, to pervert. If he can get God's people to think their war is against others, or even those who are brethren, he has won a powerful battle. There might be A battle with a person, but it is not THE battle. This is how the world will know we are His disciples…... https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/724231654311831 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:37:51 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72023185456832 God wants you to take on the nature of Christ so that you would act as He would act. As you grow in the Lord you take on the nature of Christ in greater measure. Nothing could be more important than that, as He changes your very character. But you must grow in the Lord, you must walk in the Spirit. And that means letting go of what you think is the life preserver, the rulebook, and grabbing hold of Jesus with everything you are. There are many situations in life and ministry where there is no specific set of actions in a rule book. If you are truly led by the Spirit you have to realize that everyone matters. Even the abusers, murderers, deceivers. We have a responsibility to seek the Lord and act according to His direction and His biblical principles. People around us are not always going to agree with that. Some people will be angry with you because you care about the people they don't like. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/72023185456832 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:42:57 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/742305718560 Joseph not only acknowledged God's plan in it all, he obviously accepted that the plan of God required his sacrifice. Those years, unjustly in prison, separated from his father and his family were not fun. He realized that God's will was more important than his personal comfort, convenience, or even his happiness https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/742305718560 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:25:51 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7723183732459 The way that seems right to a man is the way of human rules and regulations. To try to manage sin, not defeat it. That is what was happening with the church at Galatia, leading to this very firm rebuke from the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:1-4, O foolish Galatians! Who has be-witched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? ESV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7723183732459 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:50:21 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/66231720232863 The carnal nature was powerful and controlled you before being born again in Christ. Now it, like Satan, is a defeated foe. That doesn't mean he does not still fight though. We have a choice to make. That's why Paul considered himself dead to himself and alive in Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/66231720232863 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:39:13 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/66231544254865 Lets be honest, there are a lot of crazy, doctrinally unsound, hyper-charismatic groups out there who talk about the Holy Spirit a lot as if He is a magical force that we just need the spell or formula to tap into. Then He will kind of serve us, like a genie. Listen folks, for every true miraculous act of God there is a counterfeit from the enemy. The enemy's plan is not just to get people chasing after the counterfeit. It's also to get God's people to react to the counterfeit, thereby missing out on what God has for them. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/66231544254865 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 May 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 1:03:48 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/32323131513277 That we were under the wrath of God and yet we who were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. He made peace. He broke down the dividing wall of hostility. Why can we be washed clean by the blood of Christ? Because God declared it so. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/32323131513277 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:43:34 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/2212332353566 The book of Ecclesiastes is the quintessential expression of life without Jesus. Worthless toil, an unsatisfied life, culminating in the reality of the judgement of God. Paul makes this point in 1 Corinthians 15:32-33, What do I gain if, humanly speak-ing, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." ESV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/2212332353566 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:37:37 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/26232311397623 Are we seeking the approval of men? Or of God? That is often the motivation. Are you willing to confront those in your life who are following lies? Does it occur to you that you might be "loving" them straight to hell? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/26232311397623 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:53:01 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/24231657495208 So Samson, along with his mother and father, go down to Timnah, and find him a wife. He throws a big feast and tells a bunch of the Philistines a riddle, with the idea being that if they could solve it he would give them a bunch of clothing and such, and if they could not, they would give him these things. They agreed, and set his wife against him. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/24231657495208 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:46 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1923233936888 God inputs His righteousness to us. He does not apply our sin to us, but rather His righteousness. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1923233936888 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:52:41 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1212221739425694 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 NKJV So in the end He is going to deliver this Kingdom to His Father. Who is in this Kingdom? (us) "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 NKJV The Kingdom of Heaven was part and parcel with the message of salvation. but He said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent." And He was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee. Luke 4:43-44 NKJV Now let's look at this….Luke 12:31 But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. NKJV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1212221739425694 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Dec 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:30:49 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121222191325244 "bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ". This might be the greatest spiritual battle we face. The battle of the mind. Unbelief. That may be the Goliath in your life. A stronghold. Unbelief, also known as a lack of faith, is sin. Whatever is not of faith is sin. But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must be-lieve that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121222191325244 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:51:00 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/111722211456806 The sermon presents a biblically grounded call to abolish abortion as a moral and spiritual imperative, rooted in the sanctity of human life created in God's image and the commandment 'You shall not murder.' It emphasizes that abortion is not a matter of personal opinion or political compromise but a clear moral evil requiring the church to act with unwavering conviction, repenting of apathy and embracing a five-part model of biblical abolitionism: being grounded in Scripture, trusting in God's providence, centering on the gospel, driven by love for the unborn as neighbors, and committed to immediate, uncompromising action. The preacher challenges believers to reject relativism, confront the sin of abortion as murder, and reject pro-life movements that excuse the murder of unborn children by shielding mothers from accountability, while calling for personal and corporate repentance, spiritual warfare, and practical witness through evangelism and cultural seeding. The ultimate goal is the complete eradication of legalized abortion through faithful, gospel-centered, and courageous action by the body of Christ. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/111722211456806 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Rick Small 1:01:58 no Rick Small https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1110221615365417 The Supreme Court should rule for equal protection of all human beings. That is the bottom line. We don't have to make a bunch of new laws. Once the baby is seen, from fertilization, as a human being, all the current murder laws apply. No longer could babies be murdered under cover of law. "Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have pre-scribed to rob the needy of justice. Isaiah 10:1-2 NKJV The babies are needy, and they are being robbed of justice because of the unrighteous decrees currently in place, put there largely by "Pro-Life" Republicans, that make it legal to murder them. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1110221615365417 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:44:47 no Benje Graves - Abolish Abortion https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1010221841142200 True wisdom comes from God and is given to us as we seek Him. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." ‭‭James‬ ‭1:22-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬ https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1010221841142200 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Roy Williams 0:43:20 no Roy Williams https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/92922142163001 Understanding Rewards vs Inheritance https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/92922142163001 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:44:05 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/816221923408081 The sermon centers on the danger of adding human works to the gospel of Christ, using the historical example of the Judaizers in Galatia to illustrate how even sincere believers can distort salvation by insisting on legalistic requirements like circumcision or observance of Jewish laws. It emphasizes that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, not by faith plus works, and warns that any addition to Christ's finished work nullifies the gospel and renders one's spiritual labor in vain. The preacher underscores the seriousness of legalism—not as a minor issue, but as a fundamental rejection of grace, equating it with a 'different gospel' that merits eternal condemnation. Drawing from Galatians, Romans, and personal testimony, the message calls for vigilance against subtle forms of legalism today, whether in religious traditions, self-imposed rules, or fear-based motivation, and affirms that true Christian living flows from grace, not performance. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to stand fast in the liberty of Christ's freedom and to give all glory to God alone, recognizing that salvation is entirely His work, not ours. Who Were The Judaizers? That word is from a Greek word in Galatians 2:14 which is often translated, "to live as the Jews". To be judaized. "Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between what is right and wrong; rather, it is the difference between right and almost right" (Spurgeon) Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain — if indeed it was in vain? Galatians 3:1-4 NKJV "in vain" means "worthless, or worthlessly." "For no purpose" https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/816221923408081 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:50 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/81122165014123 Our God expects expectancy. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/81122165014123 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:33:50 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7422200284286 A Vision ~ William Boothe 1829-1912 The transformation of the individual is the key to the transformation of society and the moral environment. "But mark this word, – the true reforming of the drunkard lies in giving him a new heart; the true reclaiming of the harlot is to be found in a renewed nature.... I see certain of my brethren fiddling away at the branches of the tree of vice with their wooden saws, but, as for the gos-pel, it lays the axe at the roots of the whole forest of evil, and if it be fairly re-ceived into the heart it fells all the bad trees at once, and instead of them there spring up the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box tree together, to beauti-fy the house of our Master's glory." (Spurgeon) https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7422200284286 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:32:44 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/613221758441143 The guilt that comes from the world has no hope, only despair. It is a burden you are not meant to carry. Jesus took our shame, our worldly burdens upon Himself on the cross Adam and Eve traded intimacy for knowledge. The burden of sin fell upon them. The yoke of the world. Early in our walk we are often much like them. Simply walking in the garden with the Lord. Then at some point did we exchange intimacy for knowledge? Maybe your faith is not strong enough to believe in the power of God to deliver you from the burdens of shame and regret. Maybe you stop short of all that God has https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/613221758441143 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:47:41 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/5282204183453 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/5282204183453 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:47:35 no Benje Graves - Hard Questions https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/59221854435556 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/59221854435556 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:50 no Benje Graves - Hard Questions https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/42722152442216 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/42722152442216 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:30:47 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/41822161783212 The aspects of Christ's life can be proven historically. The facts of His death can also be proven historically. The issue of faith lies in who He was, who He is, and that He is risen. That He lives even now. Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross, cancelling the penalty of sin and death. He overcame once and for all when He defeated death by rising from the grave. Faith in Christ is not only believing He is the Son of God and that He died for us. It is believing that He rose again and lives for us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/41822161783212 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:33 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/22822225512043 God wants His will to be done His way https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/22822225512043 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:43:11 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1242216526472 Before the blood of Jesus was shed for the remission of our sins the devils' accu-sations had a lot of weight. His accusations still have weight for those who are not in Christ. He can still accuse them in regard to the law. God put every physical law into place. Every natural law. The principle of requiring a blood sacrifice is no different. The sun rises and sets, gravity pulls things downward, the reality of light and darkness. All spoken into existence by God. The same God who spoke all things into existence also said that without the shedding of blood there is no remission, or forgiveness, of sins. That law is as real as gravity. Spoken in Leviticus and repeated here. He is speaking to the Hebrews and he assumes it is common knowledge. Jesus was the perfect sacrifice and shed His blood for our redemption. It was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness" and once and for all purchase us. Purchased with the pre-cious blood of the Lamb. This https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1242216526472 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:29:43 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1226211435332903 Reconciliation to what? To the purpose we were created for in the first place. Fellowship with our creator. He has broken down the dividing wall of hostility. At the right time, while we were yet sinners… Christ died FOR us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1226211435332903 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:33:13 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1210212013554286 You cannot do anything to earn salvation. Nothing, Nada. Not a thing. The price has been paid in full, so what exactly do you have to contribute to paying that price? Where is boasting? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1210212013554286 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 05 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:56 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121321184912865 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus……….. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121321184912865 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:47:59 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1112211913285314 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 NKJV It doesn't say, "you will receive power when you get your college degree" Or, "you will receive power when you find the right church" Or, "You will receive power when you find the right YouTube video" Or, "You will receive power when you get it all figured out" Or, "you will receive power when you clean up your life enough" You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1112211913285314 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Nov 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:59 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/9212115955663 Interestingly, Google gets things right sometimes. The google definition for a "reprobate mind" is this: Signs of a reprobate mind. • The Scriptures of God no longer convicts you. • Your own conscience no longer convicts you when you do wrong. ... • Starts losing the ability to discern from right and wrong. The sermon centers on the urgent need for God's people to recognize they are not of this world but are strangers and pilgrims in a fallen, spiritually hostile culture—what the preacher calls 'Babylon.' Drawing from Hebrews 11 and the examples of Daniel and the three Hebrews, it emphasizes that true faith is not found in political or national allegiance, but in abiding in God's presence, trusting in Christ alone, and living righteously despite cultural pressures. The message warns against the illusion of a 'Christian nation,' exposes the danger of misplaced hope in earthly leaders or systems, and calls believers to reject the reprobate mind by resisting cultural conformity, rejecting fear-driven reactions, and instead walking in the Spirit, seeking divine direction, and standing firm in truth. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to the Holy of Holies—not to fix the world, but to be transformed by God's presence, knowing that the believer's true home is heaven, and that victory is already secured in Christ, even amid suffering and persecution. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/9212115955663 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 19 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:47:39 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/824212354161789 God's ways do not need to make sense to us. He did unusual things all the time. It was to mock man's wis-dom. So, if you want to hear the voice of the Lord, you need to be open to hearing some strange commands. Preconceived ideas are killing us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/824212354161789 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 22 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:42:25 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8921331532224 "It is far more important to minister to Jesus in the inner court than to minister for Him in the outer court." https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8921331532224 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:53:21 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7142113206275 become a big picture thinker. believe that the enemy's favorite game is getting people to focus on the small picture. (look at the deceptiveness of drugs, it starts out you only need a little to get high, then you need more and more, by the time you realize they are destroying your life they own you.) That's the obvious. Selfish ambition is the same way. Greed is the same way. Lust is the same way. Lies are the same way (they build on each other). Ungodly relationships are the same way. Dating someone who is not a Christian, flirting with someone, Letting your relationship with the Lord grow cold is the same way. It starts out small and gets a hold of you. All of these things can feel real good in the moment. Where does this road lead? "But didn't God tell us to live in the moment?" No, He said to focus on one day at a time., and keep the big picture in focus. What you do in each of those "days" matters in light of the big picture. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/7142113206275 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 11 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:44:35 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/61021165987142 Do we just give God the leftovers? Do you just pray when maybe you have a little spare time? Or do you turn off the TV to spend time in prayer? Do you think about something you really need to do, and yet put it off so you have time to pray? Maybe there is something here in regard to believers living below the level of vic-tory God would like to offer them. Keeping that in mind, let's talk about Samson for a bit. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/61021165987142 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:49:52 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/610211713531615 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/610211713531615 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:52:06 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/53121142524167 The Bible is replete with references to those who believe in Jesus as being the Bride of Christ. It is a central theme of salvation. He has chosen His bride, He is preparing His bride, and His Bride is supposed to be preparing herself. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/53121142524167 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:43:35 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/51721163352776 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/51721163352776 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:50:04 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/517211623525649 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/517211623525649 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 09 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Derrick Farrell 0:52:33 no Derrick Farrell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/513211653421146 Really, what is a blessing? What is a curse? Do we always know? Someone gets turned down on financing on that car or house they really wanted. Is it a blessing or a curse? You get a flat tire on a trip. How do you know it did not protect you from an accident just down the road? Ultimately, it's back to the same old question, Do we trust the Lord? Who can know the future? Who can know the mind of the Lord? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/513211653421146 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 May 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:38:52 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/419211818376526 This section of scripture is applied to many things theologically, the Jews and their relationship to the father, or our own individual relationship to the Father. Also, it's applied both to the son as an unbeliever and to the son as a believer. I think we can get messed up in some of these because I believe the story of the prodigal Son is written primarily to reveal the heart of God toward His children. Remember, big picture Bible interpretation. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/419211818376526 Religion & Spirituality Mon, 19 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:47 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/49212139277756 So here we are once again, with one of those stories that can easily just become a story. I don't think the ultimate threat to the message of the Resurrection of Christ consists of bunnies and eggs. I think it lies in how easy it is for us as believers to just not really care. To not really care enough to dig into scripture and see what we have in a risen Savior. To not really sense the impact of the reality that the same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead now raises us to new life as well. To be more excited that we got a day off of work or a few weeks off from school than we are that Jesus is alive,…. And that He has given us new life. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/49212139277756 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:31:12 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/49212128183973 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/49212128183973 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:56:21 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/323211858105962 We often think in terms of somehow manipulating God to do what we want, instead of trusting that if we walk in obedience, He will bless according to His will. Too often people just do their own thing and then try to pray the magic prayer of faith. If you are not doing what God wants you to do why should He use your life? Big picture faith. Faith is not simply determined in moments. It is determined by our daily life. There is no magic faith formula for getting God to bless the disobedient. Eph. 6—God does reward faithfulness. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/323211858105962 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:36:49 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/3122144035318 The sermon uses the metaphor of a sled dog team to illustrate that the church's unity is not achieved through forced agreement or rigid doctrinal conformity, but through a shared, God-given mission that keeps believers moving forward in faith. Drawing from the story of Israel's spies and the subsequent rebellion in the wilderness, it emphasizes that stagnation—like dogs tied up in camp—leads to division, petty conflicts, and spiritual complacency, while forward motion, grounded in a clear vision and committed leadership, fosters genuine unity. The preacher argues that true unity emerges not from avoiding disagreement, but from a common focus on Christ's mission, where differences are discussed biblically and humbly, with a willingness to be corrected by Scripture. The message calls believers to reject the comfort of spiritual inactivity, embrace bold faith in God's impossible purposes, and press forward with courage, knowing that God's power is most glorified in endeavors that cannot succeed apart from His intervention. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/3122144035318 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 07 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:49:43 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/312123651576 The influence of culture is powerful. So powerful that even something like abortion becomes accepted, or at least tolerated. People say that it's a political thing. Pastors shouldn't bring it up because it is uncomfortable. It ought to be more uncomfortable than it is! It should not surprise us that the world chases after the wrong things. But what about God's people? Do we get sucked into the flood. It's peer pressure, the desire to fit in, the desire to be accepted, to be "normal." What exactly is normal? Being like most of the crowd. Is that what we want? (talk about the two "eras" of my life. I don't think of what I've gained, only of what I have lost) We cannot change until we admit that the system is wrong and we don't want to be a part of it. You do not have to be like everyone else. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/312123651576 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 28 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:48:19 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/224212359215089 In our day people are pretty happy with milk. That is at the root of many issues. People say they left a church because they were not being fed. I guess nobody was forcing them to grow. A lot of people blame a church group, or a pastor, or some Christian friend for why they aren't growing. The Lord has given us access to His Word, and to His Holy Spirit. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/224212359215089 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 21 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:51:51 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/215211957545248 I want to say that taking up the cross is hard, but living for self is much harder, and it is an empty existence with no real purpose. Jesus wants to set us free from that dead weight. That is why He says……. Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and you will find rest for your souls….. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/215211957545248 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 14 Feb 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:52:24 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12921137523032 How many of God's people are wandering, given to the hand of their enemy, in misery because they do not walk in faith? They walk in disobedience. Blaming all of their issues on others, or their circumstances, not believing that God is bigger than all of those things. How do you react in time of crisis? Now Gideon's first reaction was not one of instant faith. It is how we react as a whole that matters most. It's not too late to be faithful. If you have been wandering in the wilderness it is not too late. Not while you are still breathing. Rise up, mighty man of valor https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12921137523032 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 24 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:50:41 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1292113053480 Often we are crippled as a whole today because we have settled on the wrong side of the river. On the side of the road. There was a time when we had a passion for Jesus, we had a great vision and a great dream but somewhere we came to a river. There were giants on the other side. We started rationalizing why God can't, instead of believing that He can. There are a lot of giants out there. Sometimes you can feel like a grasshopper. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1292113053480 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 17 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:41:47 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/15211753484312 We can be led by the Holy Spirit. That doesn't mean He will give us things that contradict scripture, or that scripture is somehow less important. Rather, it helps us to see the intent, or spirit, of scripture. Beyond the letter. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/15211753484312 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 03 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:34 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/15211910495468 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/15211910495468 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:30:22 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1214201811133600 Matthew 7:21-23 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1214201811133600 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 13 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Derrick Farrell 1:01:11 no Derrick Farrell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12132044064000 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/12132044064000 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:58 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121320242223118 These are evil days. If you dwell in the world you will see light after light go off around you til' you can no longer see the light. So many things compete for the place that Christ should rightfully have in our hearts. 1. You didn't even notice until we got down to the last ones. Lights were going off all over but you either didn't notice or you didn't care. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/121320242223118 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 29 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:27:31 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1115202138183310 So much of today's gospel is based around us, not around what it means to be a part of the Kingdom. How does the kingdom differ from the world? We proclaim the Kingdom of God, not the Kingdom of man. Would you sell all that you have to gain that which is worth so much more? Are you willing to pay the price? The price is self. The price is your life. Trading your life for the life He gives is history's greatest bargain. We proclaim the Kingdom. And we tell them that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father but by Him. But He gains us entrance into a Kingdom of light. A kingdom of truth. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1115202138183310 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 15 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:33:59 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1115203587844 Detox From the World https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1115203587844 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 08 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:16:55 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1122013573165 God can show you the steps you should take. The sacrifices you should make. The callings in your life. There are countless ways the Lord can use your life. It is not the same for everyone. One person's righteous passion could be another's righteous distraction. We should all love one another all the time. We can pray without ceasing. Those are constants. By the way, "pray without ceasing" simply means we are in regular communication with the Lord. It doesn't mean you are on your knees 24/7. That is another set of paradigms. People often say, "I don't know how to pray." That is because the church has often portrayed it as some kind of formula you have to master. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1122013573165 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 01 Nov 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:30 no Benje Graves - Walking in the Spirit https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1027201613433998 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1027201613433998 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 25 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:55:05 no Benje Graves - Walking in the Spirit https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1024202044244176 The church of our time needs to wake up. There are many hearers of the Word and few doers. Lots of agreement on what we should do, not so much action to follow it up. What sort of thing do I mean? It would be easy to come away and just realize we should be telling people about Jesus, which is certainly true, but there is more to it than that. The foundational issue is that many professing believers simply do not think they are called to be "super committed." They don't wake up in the morning and seek the Lord. They don't see all their resources as something that should be available to the Lord for Kingdom purposes. They hire other people for that. Thus the clergy/laity chasm. The idea that some are called to be more committed than others. Performers and spectators. We rightly criticize the prosperity gospel, but we need to realize that prosperity preachers wouldn't get anywhere if there weren't a multitude of professing believers who just don't understand the call to sacrifice. I don't have my work life, my financial life, my family life, my recreational life… It is all His life. It's all His stuff. The work, the finances, my family, it all belongs to Him. These are all simply things He has entrusted to us. What do we do with them? https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1024202044244176 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 18 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:50:10 no Benje Graves - Walking in the Spirit https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1052002351558 Are you converted or merely convinced? Born-again or just trying to keep your toe in the water? Along for the ride unless the water gets rough, or are you all in come hell or high water? I am concerned that our modern, western interpretation of the Gospel teaches people to think they are believers when they are not. I think it teaches people how to think they are converted when they are merely interested. They want to join the club with the knowledge they can leave if they decide they don't like it. That is not Christian conversion. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1052002351558 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 04 Oct 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:42 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1032022833461 Holiness mistake. It was preached that you should reach a level of perfection was supposed to be absolute and instantaneous. Therefore it left people with two options: be perfect or pretend to be perfect. There was a lot of teaching on how a Christian should act, which is not always bad, but if it is done as if acting correctly is the end goal then it misses the point. It should be about heart change. About having the faith to believe God changes hearts. A bad tree cannot produce good fruit, but it can pretend to. We need to be careful not to simply convince people they just need to try harder to act right. Christians should exhibit a certain behavior, most notably loving God and others, but they should not simply be acting. God can change us. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/1032022833461 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 27 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:52:18 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/92120350402428 The question of who the antichrist will be has been a strong point of conversation, and controversy, since the subject first came up with scripture. I think the more important issue right now, this day, is that the spirit of antichrist is already here, and is at work. They did not receive the love of the truth,…… For this reason, God will send them a strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. It is because they would not believe the truth, and they would not love the truth, that the Lord let them go deep in their own blindness. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/92120350402428 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 20 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:38 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/9920161121371 So many have heard a plastic version of the gospel for so long that when they read a scripture about giving up your life they explain it away. When hard times hit, they wonder how God could fail them. He does not fail. We often just fail to understand who He has called us to be. These folks will not stand firm when trouble comes. The foundation is not there. The foundation is based on this cultural American gospel, not the one that speaks of suffering and sacrifice. The one that is shown in scripture. Does that sound depressing? If it does, then once again we might be too worldly minded. I know I have been. What do we cling to? What are we really afraid of losing? That might tell us where our treasure is. What about the Kingdom of God? Is that our priority? God has done some pretty dramatic things in the advancement of His Kingdom. Some of the greatest advancements of the Gospel have come through times of great suffering among the church. I'm not saying we should long to suffer or be abused. I am saying we need to be will- ing. We need to desire the Kingdom first. Whatever is best for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. That can be hard. God's ways are not our ways. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/9920161121371 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 06 Sep 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:13 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/91201647502634 What was the joy set before Him that was worth the cross? It was you. You are the joy that was set before Him. His joy was the knowledge that by suffering through this world and by suffering death on a cross that He could save you from this world and from death itself. He's made the way. All that is left is for you to surrender and put your trust in Him. To believe to eternal life. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/91201647502634 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 30 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:53:52 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82920223444965 You guys know how easy it is to just let the weeks go by. Go to church every Sunday, go through the motions all week. Pretty soon another year has gone by. the question here is whether we will put action to our faith. True conviction leads to action. True conviction causes us to be willing to risk anything and everything for the cause of Christ. The problem with treading water is not just that you don't get anywhere, it's that eventually you will get tired and sink. God does not want you to simply tread water in life. Jesus did not hedge His bets. He did say "if there is any other way" But even so, not my will be done, but yours oh Lord. He was all in…. … We serve the God who makes us greater than we are. Not so that we can say, "look at the wonderful church we have", but so that we can reach people." That's the goal my friends. A lot of churches haven't really reached out or won anyone to the Lord in years. They say, "but we're growing spiritually". They're just growing spiritually fat. And spiritually lazy. But the real question is to each of us individually today. Where does our loyalty lie? Has it been divided by your self and the world, or is it united with our King? Are you all in….. Are we hedging our bets? There are so many things that can tempt us to hedge our bets. It might be the fear of failure. It might be the fear of the opinion of others, It might be our fear of losing creature comforts. it might be our fear of our limitations. Notice I used the word fear in all of those. Fear is not faith. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/82920223444965 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 23 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:46:45 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8182041501840 John was not a prosperity preacher. He was preparing the way of the Lord. He was proclaiming the coming Kingdom of God. He was preparing people. He was focused. And yes, he ate bugs. Those in king's houses sought comfort. John sought to share the truth of the King-dom of God. He had separated himself from the world's kingdoms. He was willing to forego worldly pleasures for the sake of God's Kingdom. So, Jesus said, "there has not risen a greater man than John, but he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he." It is not about value that Jesus is speaking of here. It is about the power of the ministry. Once Jesus was crucified and rose again those who were serving Him in the power of the Spirit and with the Gospel on their lips would have a more powerful ministry than John. John said, "repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near." We can say, "repent and believe, for the Kingdom of heaven is here!" https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8182041501840 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 16 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:40:38 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8720198447329 https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/8720198447329 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 02 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Derrick Farrell 0:55:13 no Derrick Farrell https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/87201636391630 It has always been critical to make a choice in where you have placed your trust, but in this day and age, it should be all the more evident. This message examines the hymn Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus and looks at what it means to truly trust in the Lord. https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/87201636391630 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 26 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:45:37 no Benje Graves https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/725201631407835 The thief on the cross was saved because he realized who Jesus really is! In that moment he reached a level of spiritual maturity that some people with years of bible college and years in the ministry may never attain. He placed his entire well being in the hands of the savior. He realized that there was no hope apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ! https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/vcc/sermons/725201631407835 Religion & Spirituality Sun, 12 Jul 2020 12:00:00 +0000 Benje Graves 0:48:34 no Benje Graves