Village Baptist Church

Spiritual warfare is real—but God has not left His people defenseless. In Ephesians 6:17–20, Paul introduces the sword of the Spirit, the one offensive weapon in the armor of God. But having a Bible nearby is not the same thing as being ready to use it. In this message, “Armed and Ready,” we look at what it means to know God’s Word well enough to use it in the moment, why reading, meditating on, and memorizing Scripture matters, and why prayer is essential to standing firm when the battle comes.

You have an enemy you cannot see—and you cannot face a supernatural enemy with natural strength. In Ephesians 6:14–17, Paul tells believers to put on the full armor of God: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. But these aren't disconnected pieces of spiritual equipment. They bring together everything Paul has been teaching throughout Ephesians about who we are in Christ and how we are called to live. In this message, “Dressed for Battle,” we look at what each piece of armor means, how it protects us, and why God never intended Christians to stand in the battle alone.

What if being a Christian changes not only what you believe on Sunday, but how you work on Monday? In Ephesians 6:5–9, Paul speaks directly to slaves and masters in the Roman world. The passage raises difficult questions about slavery, but it also reveals something powerful about work, leadership, integrity, and who ultimately has authority over us. In this message, Pastor Shola Akognon explores the historical context of slavery in the Bible and then asks three practical questions: How does a Christian employee serve? How does a Christian employer lead? And who are they both really serving? Whether you manage people, work for someone else, run a business, stay home with children, teach, drive, repair, serve, or lead—your work matters to God. Because ultimately, Christ is the Boss.

There is a battle happening that you cannot see. In Ephesians 6:10–13, Paul reminds us that our struggle is not ultimately against flesh and blood. We face a supernatural enemy—and a supernatural enemy requires supernatural strength and supernatural protection. But spiritual warfare isn't about being afraid of the devil or seeing a demon behind every problem. It's about recognizing the enemy's schemes, standing in the strength God provides, and refusing to be moved. In this message, “Stand Firm,” we look at what spiritual warfare really is, how Satan works through schemes and deception, and what it means to stand when the battle comes.

Marriage can look great in public while struggling behind closed doors. But what does the “kitchen” of our homes actually look like? In Ephesians 5:21–33, Paul gives husbands and wives a picture of marriage that is radically shaped by Jesus Christ. Biblical submission is not inferiority, and biblical leadership is not domination. The wife is called to willingly respect and submit to her husband, while the husband is called to love his wife with the sacrificial love Christ demonstrated for His church. In this message, Cross-Shaped Marriage, we look at what it means for a husband to die for, disciple, and cherish his wife, why both husbands and wives need the filling of the Holy Spirit, and how Christian marriage is ultimately meant to put the gospel on display. The question isn't simply, “What does our marriage look like at church?” The question is: What does the kitchen look like?

What do you do when worry starts taking over? In Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus speaks directly to people facing real uncertainty and tells them, “Do not worry.” But that doesn't mean Christians never experience concern. The question is: What do we do with it? In this message, we look at what worry reveals about our trust, the difference between carrying our worries and casting them on God, and Jesus' command to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

In “I Wanna Be Like God,” Pastor Shola Akognon teaches from Ephesians 5:1–21, where Paul calls believers to imitate God as dearly loved children. What does that actually look like in everyday life? Paul gives us three practical instructions: walk in love, walk in light, and walk in wisdom. Through the love of Christ, the transforming power of living as children of light, and the wisdom that recognizes our opportunities are limited, we learn that becoming more like God isn’t simply about trying harder. God has given us His Holy Spirit—and a community of believers—to help us live the life He has called us to live.

Village Baptist Church exists to win people to Christ and develop them into active disciples: equipping them to serve as ministers in the church, community, and around the world, leading them to worship God in spirit and truth.

Pastor answers questions submitted by the congregation

In this sermon, “Walking and Talking with Jesus Everyday,” Pastor Emmanuel Akognon reminds us that Jesus calls His people to be both salt and light in the world. From Matthew 5:13–16, we are challenged to see that Christian witness is not only about what we say, and it is not only about how we live. It is both. Our walking with Jesus gives power to our talking for Jesus. Pastor Emmanuel teaches that working with Jesus is better than merely working for Jesus. When we walk closely with Christ, our witness, service, evangelism, and discipleship begin to flow from a real relationship with Him.

Village Baptist Church exists to win people to Christ and develop them into active disciples: equipping them to serve as ministers in the church, community, and around the world, leading them to worship God in spirit and truth.

What does it mean to experience God? In Ephesians 3:14–21, the Apostle Paul prays one of the most powerful prayers in Scripture. He does not simply pray that the church would know more information about God. He prays that they would be strengthened in their inner being, that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith, that they would grasp the love of Christ, and that they would be filled with all the fullness of God. This sermon explores the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. Christianity is not less than truth, doctrine, study, and theology, but it is more than information. God wants His people to experience the reality of His presence, His love, and His power.

What do you do when your convictions collide with people you love? Do you stand firm… or show support? This message tackles real, uncomfortable questions Christians face today. Summary: In this powerful Q&A message, we explore: Should Christians attend a same-sex wedding? What is love according to the Bible? Who created God? How do we stand on truth without losing relationships? This message challenges us to live by God’s Word—not culture, not feelings, not pressure.

Village Baptist Church exists to win people to Christ and develop them into active disciples: equipping them to serve as ministers in the church, community, and around the world, leading them to worship God in spirit and truth.

In this message from Acts 17, we explore one of the most important distinctions in the Christian faith: Christianity is not a religion — it is a relationship. When the Apostle Paul arrived in Athens, he encountered a city full of religion, philosophy, and idols. Yet despite all their spirituality, the people still did not truly know God. Paul used their altar “to the unknown god” to point them to the one true God revealed in Jesus Christ. Many people today identify with a religion, a tradition, or a church—but that does not necessarily mean they have a real relationship with Christ. In this sermon we explore: • The difference between religion and true faith • Why a little religion can actually prevent real Christianity • How Paul approached a culture full of spiritual confusion • The essential doctrines of the Christian faith • Why the resurrection of Jesus changes everything As Paul declares in Athens, God now commands all people everywhere to repent and turn to Him through Jesus Christ. If you’ve ever wondered whether Christianity is just another religion—or something more—this message will challenge you to consider the difference between religious identity and genuine salvation.

Village Baptist Church exists to win people to Christ and develop them into active disciples: equipping them to serve as ministers in the church, community, and around the world, leading them to worship God in spirit and truth.

In Ephesians 2:11–22, the apostle Paul reveals one of the most radical truths of the gospel: Jesus didn’t merely reconcile individuals to God — He demolished the wall of hostility between people and formed one new family. Jew and Gentile. Far and near. Outsiders and insiders. Now one. In this message, “The Third Race,” we explore how the cross brings peace, identity, belonging, and purpose — and why the church is meant to be the world’s greatest example of unity across every barrier

In this Question & Answer Sunday, submitted questions from the congregation are answered directly from Scripture. Topics include spiritual growth, forgiveness, discipleship, interpreting the book of Acts, and how to live out the Christian life in real situations. Rather than a traditional sermon, this interactive teaching tackles honest struggles believers face — from encouraging stagnant faith to loving those who have hurt us. Each response is grounded in biblical truth and practical wisdom for everyday life. Questions addressed include: • How should we encourage believers who seem content not to grow? • How should the historical book of Acts shape the church today? • How can we love people who have deeply hurt us? • What does true forgiveness actually look like? This is a message for anyone seeking clarity, encouragement, and deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ faithfully.

Village Baptist Church exists to win people to Christ and develop them into active disciples: equipping them to serve as ministers in the church, community, and around the world, leading them to worship God in spirit and truth.

Discover the three key principles that made the early church thrive: a clear standard of membership, a deep commitment to biblical teaching, and a radical love for one another. Pastor passionately unpacks how accepting the gospel message, staying rooted in the Word, and living in true fellowship can transform our churches today. Don’t miss this inspiring call to be the church God intended!