The Village Church

Send us a text1 John 2:15 - 25 (Paraphase by Lee Sommitz)15 Make sure that none of you drift from our Father in your affections and fall in love with the world and its tantalations. You cannot love both God and the world at the same time. 16 To sum up, allowing the desire for short lived pleasures to overwhelm good judgement, or dwelling  on (obsession with) things that catch our eyes, or setting our hearts on things we can boast to others about, are not desires that please God but are from the world’s value system. 17 This world and its rewards will not last.  Investing in God’s will, however, pays eternal dividends. 18 Beloved children, I want you to recognize that our time remaining is vanishing rapidly. As you have heard, opposition to God’s Anointed One will continue for now and the fact that we have seen that in many forms is further evidence that little time remains. 19 Some who we thought were part of our fellowship have deserted. Departing in that manner shows that they weren’t ever really part of us. 20 In contrast, you who remain have abiding convictions through the Anointed One’s work in your hearts. 21 It is not because you don’t know the truth that I am writing but because you genuinely embrace pure truth and reject lies. 22 The foundation of lying is a refusal to acknowledge that God appeared in human form as His Son, the Anointed One. A person who denies the Father and the Son like this is an antichrist. 23 Denying the Son keeps people from gaining access to God the Father, but agreeing with God about His Son is the very way we gained our adoption as His children. 24 I implore you to never stop believing the wonderful news you first accepted. If you continue believing as you did to begin with, you will remain in rich communion with the Father and the Son. 25 The promise He makes to each of us is gaining the incomparable prize of the Father’s eternal life!Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Send us a textFirst John Ch 2:1-14 (Lee Sommitz Paraphrase) 1 I am writing this to you as my cherished and dearly beloved children. My desire is that you would never sin again. However, when you do sin, never forget that we have One who acts as a legal counselor before the Judge on our behalf. He IS, that perfect One 2 who took our place, dying not only to pay for our sins, but for those of everyone else who ever has, or ever will live! 3 Our confidence that we know Him will be in keeping with our obedience to Him. 4 Anyone who claims that they know God but refuses to do what He wants is out of touch with the truth. They are lying. 5 The degree to which keeping God’s commands is our priority is proportional to the degree that His love will become perfected in us. This also corresponds to our confidence that we are in Him. 6 People who tell you that they are abiding in God should be in the process of living more and more similarly to the way Jesus lived. 7 Precious ones, the commandment I’m writing to you is one that you’ve heard from the earliest times. 8 Now, however, it has a new dimension. We saw it thoroughly revealed in Jesus Christ and it will become increasingly clear since the light of His truth is dispersing the darkness. 9 People who tell you they are in the light, but choose not to love others are actually still blinded by darkness. 10 Those who choose to love others are the ones actually in the light so they can see (and thus avoid) harmful choices. 11 Quite a stark contrast to those who hate others and remain in spiritual darkness. They are blinded and hence unable to avoid the dangers lurking everywhere. 12 To the youngest of my beloved I write to let you know that your forgiveness by Him is about who He IS, not because of your potential. 13 To you who are older I write because you personally know the One who transcends time. And I write to the young adults who have tasted victory over the evil one. 14 I wrote to the youngest of you also because you have recently started your personal relationship with the Father. I wrote to you older ones because you are established in your knowledge of the One who transcends time. I wrote to you younger adults because you have become strong and victorious over the evil one via His word remaining in you.Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Send us a textFirst John Ch 2 :1-14 (Lee Sommitz Paraphrase)1 I am writing this to you as my cherished and dearly beloved children. My desire is that you would never sin again. However, when you do sin, never forget that we have One who acts as a legal counselor before the Judge on our behalf. He IS, that perfect One 2 who took our place, dying not only to pay for our sins, but for those of everyone else who ever has, or ever will live! 3 Our confidence that we know Him will be in keeping with our obedience to Him. 4 Anyone who claims that they know God but refuses to do what He wants is out of touch with the truth. They are lying. 5 The degree to which keeping God’s commands is our priority is proportional to the degree that His love will become perfected in us. This also corresponds to our confidence that we are in Him. 6 People who tell you that they are abiding in God should be in the process of living more and more similarly to the way Jesus lived. 7 Precious ones, the commandment I’m writing to you is one that you’ve heard from the earliest times. 8 Now, however, it has a new dimension. We saw it thoroughly revealed in Jesus Christ and it will become increasingly clear since the light of His truth is dispersing the darkness. 9 People who tell you they are in the light, but choose not to love others are actually still blinded by darkness. 10 Those who choose to love others are the ones actually in the light so they can see (and thus avoid) harmful choices. 11 Quite a stark contrast to those who hate others and remain in spiritual darkness. They are blinded and hence unable to avoid the dangers lurking everywhere. 12 To the youngest of my beloved I write to let you know that your forgiveness by Him is about who He IS, not because of your potential. 13 To you who are older I write because you personally know the One who transcends time. And I write to the young adults who have tasted victory over the evil one. 14 I wrote to the youngest of you also because you have recently started your personal relationship with the Father. I wrote to you older ones because you are established in your knowledge of the One who transcends time. I wrote to you younger adults because you have become strong and victorious over the evil one via His word remaining in you.Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Send us a text1 John 1:5-10 (Paraphase by Lee Sommitz)5 Thus inspired by God, we write this letter. God is perfectly pure Light. There is no darkness in His Being. 6 If anyone tells you that they have fellowship with God but refuse to walk next to Him in His light, they are liars who speak about, but don’t practice truth. 7 Everyone who walks hand in hand with Him in His light is not only in genuine fellowship with Him, but is getting cleansed from all manner f sin by His blood. 8 If anyone tells you that they don’t have any sin to be cleansed from, they have deceived themselves and lost touch with truth. 9 Everyone who is in agreement with what God says about sin will benefit from His absolute pardon and continue being cleansed from sin as long as they continue agreeing with Him. God is just in conferring that benefit and will never fail to do so. 10 If a person tells you that they have not sinned, they are calling God a liar. These are people whodo not take Him or His word seriously.Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Send us a text1 John 1:1-4 (Paraphase by Lee Sommitz)1 That which existed before time, was revealed to us personally. We heard Him with our ears and were eyewitnesses. We were (living with Him) in very close proximity, beholding the details of His facial expressions and privileged to literally rub shoulders with the Word of Life. 2 We lived with Him and are bursting to tell you all we know about Him, this eternal One who had always been with the Father, and then took on human form. 3 We are relaying to you just what we heard and saw because we want you included in our close-knit group. This fellowship isn’t just a club, it incorporates intimate relationships with people, and also with God the Father and His Son! 4 We are compelled to write this because our exquisite joy in Him increases still more when we share it with others like you.Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

The podcast explores the gospel story and the identity we receive from it. It discusses the significance of sacrifice as a response to Christ's sacrifice. The hosts explore the importance of hospitality, sharing examples from aprons to baking. They discuss Jesus washing the disciples' feet and the transformative power of community in the early church. The chapter emphasizes the role of widows and the challenges involved in accepting and offering hospitality.

Explore the concept of the Gospel as identity and the struggle to align one's story with Jesus. Discover the benefits of direct access to God, inheritance, and safety in the Gospel. Learn how aligning our emotions with reality shapes our perception of the day. Understand the role of maturity and priesthood in embracing our identity in Christ. Gain insights from a parenting story about popcorn toppings and discover the transformative power of proclaiming our true identity in Christ.

The podcast explores the story of Jesus and its implications for our lives, emphasizing forgiveness, practical living, and eternal hope. It highlights embracing the gospel, living in alignment with God's kingdom, and finding comfort in the presence of God. The importance of forgiveness, releasing demands, and the significance of community are also discussed.

Send us a textever read Leviticus? Curious about what is actually in Deuteronomy? Job too much for you to handle? Minor and Major prophets? And what is the urim and thummim anyway???Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

Send us a textNever read Leviticus? Curious about what is actually in Deuteronomy? Job too much for you to handle? Minor and Major prophets? And what is the urim and thummim anyway???Support the showThe Village Church’s sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God’s work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God’s kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com