Oaks Church Cookeville

What if Jesus’ family tree was more than a list of hard-to-pronounce names, but a window into God’s heart and plan? In this week’s message, we step into Matthew 1 and discover how the genealogy and birth of Jesus are the opening chapter of a much bigger story—stretching from Abraham and David, through exile in Babylon, all the way to a carpenter named Joseph and a young woman named Mary. We see ho...

What if the end of the Bible isn’t really an ending—but a new beginning? This week, we close Revelation and trace the presence of God through the story of Scripture: the Garden, the Temple, Jesus, the Cross, the Spirit, and finally New Creation. From Genesis to Revelation, God has been moving toward us—refusing to stay distant, making a way for His presence to dwell with His people. In Revelation...

What do we do when the world around us feels like Babylon—loud, overwhelming, and full of competing allegiances? This week, Bryan guides us through Revelation 17–19 and the sweeping biblical story behind the idea of Babylon, tracing it from Genesis to the prophets, to Jesus, and finally into John’s vision. With clarity and compassion, he shows how Babylon isn’t just an ancient empire but a recurri...

When life feels chaotic and confusing, what mark are we living from—the beast or the Lamb? In this week’s message, we step into Revelation 12–14, where a cosmic drama unfolds: the dragon rages, counterfeit powers mimic the Trinity, and the faithful are called to endure. Bryan shows how apocalyptic imagery doesn’t predict headlines—it unveils Jesus’ victory and invites our allegiance today. We trac...

What if worship isn’t just songs, but the center that steadies our whole lives? Today we step into Revelation 4–5, where the veil is pulled back and we glimpse the throne, the living creatures crying “Holy, holy, holy,” and the Lamb who was slain—and we discover why true worship reorders everything. Bryan shows how apocalyptic writing isn’t doom-talk but unveiling: like Isaiah and Ezekiel, John se...

What comes to mind when we hear “apocalypse”? In this week’s message, we rediscover the biblical meaning of *apokalypsis*—not devastation, but revelation: an unveiling of Jesus and God’s kingdom breaking into our present. Bryan walks us through Revelation 1 and shows how the book functions as letter, prophecy, and apocalyptic vision—written to real churches under pressure, and still speaking to us...

This week at Oaks Church, we’re honored to welcome Dr. Jimmie Simpson, pastor of Westview Baptist Church, the congregation that so generously hosts Oaks each week. Preaching from Ephesians 2:1–10, Dr. Jimmie shares his own powerful testimony of transformation—from brokenness and addiction to freedom and faith in Christ. His message centers on two life-changing words: “But God.” Through raw honesty...

Every day, we’re surrounded by competing messages—some loud, some subtle. From “do what makes you happy” to “turn or burn,” the noise can distort the truth. In this week’s message, Bryan leads us through 1 John to remind us of the message that truly matters: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. When we walk in His light, we find fellowship, forgiveness, and freedom from sin. And b...

In this message, Bryan reminds us that “it’s always darkest before the dawn,” exploring how this truth plays out both in Scripture and in our own lives. Walking through John 13–19, he shows how Jesus prepared His disciples to face the unknown through three simple but powerful practices: abide, pray, and remember. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, we are called to remain connected to Chris...

In this sermon, Bryan takes us through the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus to highlight the importance of our posture before Jesus. From Mary sitting at His feet as a disciple, to pouring out costly perfume in worship, and finally to Jesus Himself washing His disciples’ feet, we see examples of discipleship, devotion, and servanthood. Bryan challenges us to examine our own posture—are we comi...

In this message, Bryan walks us through John 8 and 9, contrasting two powerful encounters with Jesus—the Pharisees who rejected Him and the man born blind who believed and worshiped. Along the way, Bryan reminds us that what we believe about Jesus shapes how we respond to life’s challenges—whether with pride, fear, or humble faith. Through these stories, we are confronted with the same choice: wil...

Bryan unpacks the reality of suffering and the hope we have in Christ. Joined by Michael and Misty Heitman and Becky Davidson, they share powerful stories of loss, faith, and healing—reminding us that God’s presence is often revealed through the simple gift of showing up for one another. - - - Oaks Church is a multi-generational gathering of believers who are following Jesus together, becoming the...

In this message, Bryan invites us to reflect on what we’re truly waiting for and how we live in the in-between. Drawing from Titus 2–3, he unpacks Paul’s encouragement to Titus and the church in Crete, framing life through the lens of past, present, and not yet: Jesus’ first appearing, the Spirit’s work in us now, and the hope of His return. We’re reminded that the good we do today is a response t...

Have you ever questioned your purpose or wondered if what you’re doing really matters? In this message, Bryan shares a personal moment of wrestling with those very questions and how God spoke through Scripture to bring clarity and encouragement. Drawing from Colossians 1 and 2 Timothy, we’re reminded that our ultimate calling is to grow fully mature in Christ and live out the gifts God has placed...

In this message, Bryan invites us to wrestle with the powerful question: Who am I becoming? Drawing from his own marathon training story and Paul’s words to Timothy, he reminds us that just as physical training shapes a runner, spiritual formation shapes us into the image of Christ. Together we explore what it means to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did—living as intentional appren...

In this heartfelt and practical message, Bryan invites us to see ourselves in the story of a hurt chicken that stays outside the coop—longing for connection but hesitant to rejoin. Together, we explore Hebrews 10 and Acts 2, discovering that God designed us to live, grow, and serve in community, not in isolation. Bryan introduces our new Oaks Community Groups, where we can devote ourselves to God’...

In this powerful message, Bryan explores the short yet profound New Testament letter to Philemon, drawing parallels between Paul’s appeal for reconciliation and our own call to forgive and restore broken relationships. Reflecting on a moving letter written by Abraham Lincoln, Bryan unpacks the deeply personal tone of Paul’s words to Philemon, urging him to receive back his runaway servant Onesimus...

Bryan welcomes longtime friends and global workers Heath and Lisa to share their story of living missionally in Central Asia for the past 15 years. With honesty, humor, and deep conviction, they discuss what it means to live out the gospel in places where Jesus is virtually unknown—places where 0.01% of the population identifies as believers. From late-night conversations over tea to witnessing th...

In this heartfelt and challenging message, Bryan reflects on a recent family trip to Glacier National Park to explore how beauty, simplicity, and awe can realign our hearts with God’s design. Drawing from Ephesians 5, he unpacks the call to live not in darkness but as dearly loved children of light. With humor, honesty, and scriptural depth, Bryan invites us to evaluate our thoughts, behaviors, an...

In this message, Jimmy invites us to consider what it means to live a reconstructed life in Christ. Drawing from Colossians, he explores how Paul encourages the church in Colossae to let go of hollow traditions, cultural distractions, and painful pasts in order to root themselves firmly in the supremacy of Christ. With humor, vulnerability, and relatable storytelling, Jimmy speaks to the heart of...

In this message, Bryan explores the gift of prophecy through the lens of 1 Corinthians 14 and the broader biblical narrative. He begins with a simple but profound question: When was the last time you heard God speak? From Genesis to the early church in Acts, Bryan traces how God's Spirit has always been present and active—speaking, guiding, and empowering His people. He unpacks what New Testament...

In this message, Bryan unpacks Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–14 to explore the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He challenges listeners to move beyond a self-focused mindset and embrace the Spirit's gifts—what he calls "the Spirit stuff"—not as personal badges of honor, but as tools for building up the body of Christ. Through spiritual gifts, unique personalities, and even mir...

In this special Father’s Day message, Bryan calls men to live with purpose and intentionality, drawing from Romans 12 and the transforming power of a renewed mind. He challenges men to reject passivity, embrace spiritual leadership, and become image-bearers of God who love, serve, and lead like Jesus. The message concludes with heartfelt encouragement and blessing from Jimmy Thorpe and Tim Brown—t...

In this convicting and timely message, Bryan explores the ancient cry of Israel—“We want a king”—and how it echoes in our modern hearts. From 1 Samuel to Romans 1, he walks us through the consequences of rejecting God’s reign in favor of earthly rulers, lesser loves, and self-made identities. Bryan unpacks what happens when we exchange the glory of God for created things, and how this leads to fut...

In this powerful and thought-provoking message, Pastor Bryan unpacks a recurring theme in Mark chapters 8–10—Jesus predicting His death and the disciples' repeated misunderstanding. Bryan reveals how each moment of confusion becomes a teaching opportunity from Jesus, redefining greatness as servanthood, leadership as humility, and discipleship as surrender. At the heart of this sermon is a bold ch...