CVPC Sermons
Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church
Sermons from our Sunday Worship Services By God's Grace For God's Glory
Episodes
All She Had — Mark 12:41-44
10.18.26 sermon
For Glory and For Beauty — Exodus 25:1-9 & 35:30-36:7
The Big Takeaway: Glory and beauty are ultimately the clothing of the believer. In the design of the tabernacle with all its related priestly garments and sacred furnishings, we see how worship should lift our eyes to recognize God’s beautiful redemptive design. In the endless generosity of the people, that transformation appeared as they prized the presence of God in their midst. Our generosity captures the same personal spiritual transformation and displays for all to see both glory and beauty!
Jesus’ Generosity, and Ours — 2 Corinthians 8:8-15
10.04.26 sermon
Basic Christianity — 1 John 4:7-21
The Big Takeaway: Be relentless every day in loving God and neighbor. John emphasizes this point in verses 7-12 and again in verses 13-21. In short, this is what biblical Christianity looks like. God calls us to be Christians who love others just like God loved us.
He Will Always Take Care of You — Luke 12:22–34
The Big Takeaway: Put aside all your worries, because your heavenly Father will always take care of you. We know this because worrying doesn't change anything (vs. 22-26), seeking the kingdom of God is the main purpose of our lives (vs. 27-31), and trusting God above everything makes an eternal difference (vs. 32-34).
Redeeming Suffering — Romans 5:1-5
The Big Takeaway: Abundant life is not God helping us accomplish our goals and fulfill our dreams, but God working through us to accomplish his own purposes and works. Suffering gives us eyes to see, and ears to hear, the real meaning of our lives.
Freely and Joyously — 1 Chronicles 29:6-22
The Big Takeaway: Jesus explained that a man's heart will be where his treasure is (Luke 12:34). King David and the Chronicler celebrate true worshippers who engage in willing and joyful generosity of praise and resources. The true worship Jesus prescribes as "in spirit and truth" includes nothing less (John 4:23ff.).
The Lord Has Promised — 1 Chronicles 21:1-22:1
The Big Takeaway: Faith as "the conviction of things not seen" shapes our personal story. Protecting yourself from unbelief is essential. Your faith will grow as you mark your challenges and embrace your opportunities. Trust God's unfolding purposes and believe his promises given to David's greater son — the Lord Christ
"The Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, is Israel's God" — 1 Chronicles 17
The Big Takeaway: Community is central to the eternal purposes of our Creator God. It is as a community that the power of his might brings him the greatest glory. You will be numbered among his people or you will miss out on the grand finale of his spectacular design. Allow the Holy Spirit to weave your story with the story of his people as you love one another.
To Change the World — Isaiah 2:1-5
The Big Takeaway: We live in a broken world marred by suffering and evil, but God promises to make all things new. The church joins this mission by demonstrating the beauty of His Kingdom and proclaiming the gospel to every nation.
Community Life Coram Deo — 1 Chronicles 12; 13:5-11; 17:1-15
The Big Takeaway: Spirit-filled worship is always a bond of community united in adoration and praise before a holy, powerful Savior. How does your personal story reflect both the bond of praise and the confidence of God’s promise as we live and love day by day?
Redeeming Peter, Part II — John 21:15-25
08.02.2026 sermon
Practice Heaven - 1 Thessalonians 5
07.26.26 sermon
Redeeming Peter — John 21:1-14
07.19.26 sermon
Paul before Agrippa — Acts 25:23-26:32
The Big Takeaway: Jesus gives us what we most need so that we can share it with others.1. A Living Hope2. A New Purpose3. A Patient Love
Jesus and Thomas — John 20:24-31
The Big Takeaway: Thomas' doubt about Jesus' resurrection wasn't a rejection of him but the sign of an aching faith that was hurting and longing to believe again. And Jesus, ever merciful toward is own, did not scold him for it. He drew near and gently gave Thomas exactly what his weary heart needed. Yet in that same moment of kindness, Jesus also pointed us toward an even deeper joy: that trusting his Word (vs. 29-31; 21:25) is itself a beautiful and sufficient way of knowing him – so much so that Jesus calls it blessed, even more blessed than seeing with our own eyes.
One Needful Thing — Acts 8:1-6
The Big Takeaway: When our world is deteriorating or declining, we tend to take ownership of the whole problem, or at least carry the anxiety that accompanies the problem. Thankfully, all the Lord asks of us is to be faithful to our calling in him, a calling for which he provides strength. And often, through that modest goal of faithfulness, he accomplishes great things.
One Joy — John 17:20-26
The Big Takeaway: Jesus gave us glory, even his own glory (v. 22). Jesus' glory was tied to that "hour," to his death and crucifixion, to his gift of eternal life (17:1 ff.). How does the gift of his glory define you? Your joy is tied to that glory and the conscious embrace of all that it represents. Your joy is tied to the oneness shared in our unity.
Christ's Sanctification, Our Sanctification — John 17:6-19
The Big Takeaway: Jesus' mission on earth was to consecrate himself (v. 9), meaning that he is preparing to die on the cross, so that we may be sanctified. Stated differently, our sanctification was Jesus' primary mission on earth.
The Glory of the Cross! — John 17:1-5
The Big Takeaway: Calvin stated that Jesus' prayer reveals the depths of the Savior's heart. This accurately describes John 17. By praying for his glorification (vs. 1-5), the sanctification of present believers (vs. 6-19), and the unity of future believers (vs. 20-26), Jesus' High Priestly Prayer reveals the heart of the Savior for his covenant people.
The Disciple's Joy — John 16:16-33
The Big Takeaway: The disciple's joy is directly related to both the method and the end that your Master designs. The promise of complete joy is yours! The journey is yours as well. Prize your Lord's wisdom, ways, and wishes!
The Cost of Being Conformed to Christ — John 15:2
The Big Takeaway: Discipline, trials, and affliction not only have the power to transform our lives, but they bind us to Christ, who was himself a man acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3), whose work was "made perfect" through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
Abiding in Jesus — John 15:1-11
The Big Takeaway: Abiding in Jesus is the work of the Spirit that causes us to be united with Christ and receive all the blessings and privileges that come with this union. Believers, as a result of union with Christ, are called to bring glory to God by bearing fruit in season and out of season!
The Unknown God, Part IV — John 16:4-15
The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (14:26), comforter (15:26), advocate (16:7-11), and guide (16:12-15).
The Unknown God, Part III — John 14:15-31
The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), comforter (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John16:12-15).
The Unknown God, Part II — John 14:15-31
The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), comforter (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John 16:12-15).
The Unknown God — John 14:15-31
The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), friend (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John 16:12-15).
We Would See Jesus! — John 12:20-43
The Big Takeaway: Some have eyes but do not see. You must process what glory actually is if you are going to see Jesus. Jesus is glorious beyond compare! There is no more majestic nor more powerful visage than the sight of Jesus in his glory! See, behold Jesus!
The Resurrection Assures Us of Heaven! — John 13:36-14:7
The Big Takeaway: At the heart of this passage is a powerful promise: "I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." This promise provides comfort and hope to the believer. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that the one who made the promise has the power and authority to deliver on this promise!
The Resurrection Delivers Us from Death and Hell — Luke 16:19-31
The Big Takeaway: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the answer to every terror in this parable. The rich man's suffering is real, his separation from God is real, and the finality of his situation is real. Yet, for those who are in Christ, this parable is not a word of condemnation, but a cause of adulation to the Father for delivering us from death and Hell.
The Movement of the Gospel — 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
The Big Takeaway: When we are called by the gospel of God's grace, it powerfully changes us from the inside out. Those changes ripple out from us individually and corporately as we increasingly understand and live out the gospel. So our response to God's missional call is not motivated by guilt or panic or duty but by the transforming nature of the gospel.
Nothing is Beneath Our Dignity — John 13:1-20
The Big Takeaway: By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus serves them as though he were a slave on the night before he dies the death of a slave. John describes the Lord’s service as love (v. 1) and quotes the Lord as saying, “you also should do just as I have done to you” (v. 15). In this way, humility, service, and love are bound together, essential to Christian character, and foundational in the household of faith.
The Anointed One — John 12:1-8
The Big Takeaway: Jesus's pre-burial anointing demonstrates that Christ is supremely worthy — and the elect, transformed by grace, will recognize it. Mary's extravagant worship is not irrational; it is right reason, sanctified by the Spirit. The redeemed heart sees what Judas's corrupt heart could not: that Jesus is worth everything.
Do You Believe This? Part II — John 11:28-44
The Big Takeaway: Jesus' words to Martha (vv. 25-26) and the subsequent raising of Lazarus demonstrate that "in the person and work of Jesus, life is no longer bound by death and death no longer may willfully intrude on life" (Calvin). He alone is sovereign over physical and spiritual life as well as death. His actions also show Jesus as one who enters into our suffering with compassion, offering comfort and hope to those crushed by the weight of a sinful world.
Do You Believe This? — John 11:1-27
The Big Takeaway: Jesus' words to Martha (vv. 25-26) and the subsequent raising of Lazarusdemonstrate that "in the person and work of Jesus, life is no longer bound by death and deathno longer may willfully intrude on life" (Calvin). He alone is sovereign over physical and spirituallife as well as death. His actions also show Jesus as one who enters into our suffering withcompassion, offering comfort and hope to those crushed by the weight of a sinful world.
The Father Loves Jesus — John 10:17-18
The Takeaway: Many of you learned to sing “Jesus Loves Me” in your earliest years: “Jesus love me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me!” What a good way to affirm and provide security to little fearful children! The greater truth that will remove your anxiety and provide lifelong assurance is Jesus’ affirmation that "The Father loves me…." (v. 17). Allow yourself to stretch and embrace the fullness of the Father’s love as revealed in Jesus’ Good Shepherd sermon.
"I am the Door" — John 10:1-10
Big Takeaway: “I am the Door” — This imagery presents Jesus as the exclusive door to salvation. Those who enter through him receive not just forgiveness but an abundant, securelife in union with him. Jesus’ affirmation assures believers that those who truly belong tohim—who hear and follow his voice—have eternal security in his care.
Spiritual Blindness, Part II — John 9:1-41
1. What is spiritual blindness, and why is it an even more catastrophic condition than physical blindness?2. In what ways were the disciples (vs. 1-6), the man born blind (vs. 7; 35-39), and the Pharisees (vs. 13-34; 40) spiritually blind?3. How does Jesus' interaction with them in each case demonstrate his ability to help bring them out of darkness and into his light?4. What hope is there for those who are suffering from spiritual blindness?
Spiritual Blindness — John 9:1-41
1. What is spiritual blindness, and why is it an even more catastrophic condition than physical blindness?2. In what ways were the disciples (vs. 1-6), the man born blind (vs. 7; 35-39), and the Pharisees (vs. 13-34; 40) spiritually blind?3. How does Jesus' interaction with them in each case demonstrate his ability to help bring them out of darkness and into his light?4. What hope is there for those who are suffering from spiritual blindness?
Spiritual Warfare — John 8:39-47
1. What is spiritual warfare, and do you feel equipped to engage in spiritual warfare? How do we see spiritual warfare playing out in our passage?2. Jesus talks at length about the spiritual heritage of the children of God and the children of the devil. What are the characteristics of both, and why would these characteristics cause conflict?3. How can you daily prepare yourself for spiritual warfare?
"I am the Light of the World" —John 8:12-20
1. How does this teaching by Jesus relate to or explain his actions in forgiving the woman caught in adultery?2. What is the Old Testament background to Jesus' statement, "I am the light of the world" (vs.12)? How would the Jews in Jesus' day understand his statement?3. The Pharisees questioned Jesus' authority to say that he is the light of the world. What are the implications of him saying that he is the light of the world?
Who is Without Sin? — John 8:1-11
1. What does this story teach you about sin and its consequences? What made the problem in this story an impossible situation to solve for Jesus?2. Why were the charges levied against the woman both just and unjust? Why was Jesus' statement, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," so effective against those who wanted to stone the woman?3. What effect do private sins have on society? What examples can you give to show this?
Creating a Space for God — Mark 1:35
12.28.2025 sermon.
The Servant Songs of Isaiah — The Servant Savior's Gift — Isaiah 50:4-11
1. It's Christmas Sunday. We celebrate with gifts. What Christmas gift have you received that has given you the greatest joy? What gift have you given that brought you the greatest joy? How have either the gifts you have given or those you have received brought joy to others?2. As we study the third of the Servant Songs in Isaiah 50:4-11, we can see our Servant Savior celebrate. What is it that he prizes and why?3. Now that we have looked at the other Servant Songs (Is 42:1-9, 49:1-13, & 52:13-53:12), what common themes and what distinguishing emphases do you see in each song?
The Servant Songs of Isaiah — The Victory of Suffering — Isaiah 52:13-53:12
1. Where in Isaiah are the four Servant Songs?2. What's the difference between the way the world achieves victory and the way the Lord achieves it through his servant? 3. What do you think makes up the sweetness of Christian character?
The Servant Songs of Isaiah — The Servant Unleashed — Isaiah 49:1-14
1. The second Servant Song is unique for several reasons, but in particular for its maternal imagery (vs. 1, 5, 15). What do these metaphors communicate about the Servant and about us?2. Israel thought Yahweh had forgotten his promises toward them (v. 14). In what ways does the second Servant Song remind them that Yahweh has not forgotten them?3. Although Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, people often feel abandoned and lonely.How does this Servant Song provide comfort and hope to us now
The Servant Songs of Isaiah — The Servant Unveiled — Isaiah 42:1-4
1. Who is the servant of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 42, and what evidence does the text give of the servant's identity2. The servant's primary task was to bring justice to the world (vs. 1, 3, 4). In what ways is the servant of the Lord carrying out justice differently from all the other rulers of this world? In what ways does this servant bring joy to the world?3. In what ways do you think God is calling us to follow in the footsteps of his servant this Christmas season?
Judging Jesus —John 7:1-52
1. Who is included in the jury pool that judged Jesus in John 7? Can you identify with anyone in this group of skeptics?2. How does Jesus handle the skepticism of his questioners? How does he handle your questions, your skepticism, or your unbelief?3. Does Jesus’ promise of "rivers of living water" ring true to you? Do you believe? Do you have a sense of the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in your own experience of life?
Bread of Life, Part III — John 6:22-71
1. What effect did Jesus ' self-disclosure of "I am the bread of life" have on the crowd of people and his disciples? What effect has it had on the way you live? What effect does God want it to have in our lives?2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship," makes a distinction between cheap grace (that costs you nothing) and costly grace (that costs a man his life). In what ways do you see the crowd wanting cheap grace, and in what ways do you see Jesus calling them to costly grace? 3. Many of Jesus' disciples left him after his bread of life teaching. What do you think was the hardest part of Jesus' teaching? Was Jesus' teaching hard to understand or hard to put into practice? Do you struggle to understand Jesus' teachings and how to faithfully live them out? How does Peter's confession in v. 68 help you persevere in your faith?
Bread of Life, Part II — John 6:22-71
1. What effect did Jesus ' self-disclosure of "I am the bread of life" have on the crowd of people and his disciples? What effect has it had on the way you live? What effect does God want it to have in our lives?2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship," makes a distinction between cheap grace (that costs you nothing) and costly grace (that costs a man his life). In what ways do you see the crowd wanting cheap grace, and in what ways do you see Jesus calling them to costly grace? 3. Many of Jesus' disciples left him after his bread of life teaching. What do you think was the hardest part of Jesus' teaching? Was Jesus' teaching hard to understand or hard to put into practice? Do you struggle to understand Jesus' teachings and how to faithfully live them out? How does Peter's confession in v. 68 help you persevere in your faith?