Avenue T Church of Christ Sermon & Bible Class Podcast

Ask And You Shall Recieve

In this lesson from the "Jesus in Context" sermon series, Cole Tuck addresses the often-misunderstood promise in Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you", within the broader context of the Sermon on the Mount. Far from portraying God as a cosmic vending machine or supporting prosperity gospel ideas, Jesus teaches persistent, relational prayer modeled on a loving father-child dynamic. Cole highlights how people misuse this verse to demand instant gratification, justify selfish desires, or even abandon faith when prayers seem unanswered. Instead, the passage (Matthew 7:7-11) emphasizes ongoing action: keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking in humble dependence on God.

Jesus illustrates this with a father who gives good gifts to his children, not harmful or frivolous ones, showing that our perfect heavenly Father knows what is truly good for us, even when it means saying "no" to requests that could hurt us spiritually. The sermon draws on wider Scripture (e.g., James 4:3 on wrong motives, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 on praying without ceasing, and Jesus' own prayer in Luke 22:42, "not my will, but yours") to stress that effective prayer involves submission to God's will, repentance from sin, gratitude, persistence, and a genuine relationship rather than transaction. Ultimately, trusting God like a child trusts a loving parent leads to confident, transformative prayer aligned with His perfect plan.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

In his February 1, 2026, sermon titled "The Truth Shall Set You Free," Cole Tuck masterfully unpacks John 8:31-32, challenging the cultural misuse of Jesus' words as a call to embrace subjective "personal truth" for self-fulfillment. Instead, Cole reveals it as a profound process: true disciples devote themselves to God's objective Word, discover divine truth therein, and experience genuine freedom, not from life's hardships, but from the enslaving power of sin through Christ's sacrifice. Drawing on everyday analogies like gravity, house fires, and neglected relationships, Cole warns against twisting Scripture for personal agendas, urging listeners to seek truth externally in God's revelation rather than inwardly in deceitful hearts. This message serves as a timely rebuke to self-centered ideologies, calling for authentic discipleship that leads to eternal liberation and a transformed life.

Bible Class - Romans Party 19

Sunday Febru

The Bible class led by Cole Tuck on Sunday, February 1, 2026, focused on Romans chapter 9, a dense and theologically weighty passage often cited in discussions of Calvinism. The lesson emphasized a non-Calvinist interpretation, arguing that the chapter addresses God's sovereign choices regarding nations (particularly Israel vs. other nations/Gentiles) and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's promises through faith, rather than individual predestination to salvation or damnation.

 In Romans 9, Paul expresses deep sorrow over many fellow Israelites rejecting Jesus as Messiah, despite their privileged heritage (vv. 1–5). He defends God's faithfulness: His word has not failed, because true "Israel" is not defined by physical descent but by God's promise and faith (vv. 6–9). Using examples like Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, Paul shows God's choices are sovereign and not based on human works, merit, or ethnicity—but these examples refer to national roles in God's plan (e.g., through which line the Messiah would come), not individual eternal destinies.

Paul quotes Malachi 1 ("Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated") to illustrate God's preference for Israel (Jacob's nation) over Edom (Esau's nation), not personal hatred or damnation of individuals. The chapter counters Jewish objections to Gentiles' inclusion in God's people: God's mercy and hardening (e.g., Pharaoh) serve His purposes, and no one can question the Creator's rights (potter and clay analogy, vv. 19–24). Ultimately, salvation comes through faith in Christ, not lineage or works. Gentiles attained righteousness by faith, while many Israelites stumbled by pursuing it through law/works (vv. 30–33). Paul highlights a remnant saved by faith, affirming that God's plan includes all who believe, Jew or Gentile.

The lesson challenged Calvinist readings (TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints) by showing the chapter's context is national election and covenant promises, not arbitrary individual salvation/damnation. It underscores God's love for all (seen in Paul's grief and desire for Israel's salvation) and the universal offer of salvation through faith.

 

Voices of Reason

Sunday January 18, 2026 Cole Tuck presented a wonderful sermon titled "Voices of Reason".

Bible Class - Romans Part 18

Sunday January 18, 2026, Cole Tuck led our morning bible class in Romans.

No One Can Snatch Them From My Hand

Sunday, January 11, 2026, Cole Tuck continued his sermon series with a wonderful sermon titled "No One Can Snatch Them From My Hand."

Bible Class - Romans Part 17

Sunday, January 11, 2026, Cole Tuck led our morning bible class in Romans.

Whoever Believes Will Not Perish

Sunday, January 4, 2025, Cole Tuck continued his Jesus in Context with a powerful sermon titled Whoever Believes Will Not Perish.