Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1–12 | 5 Devotions on Identity, Holiness, and Witness
What does it mean to be built together in Christ? In 1 Peter 2:1–12, we’re given a powerful picture of what God is doing through His people—shaping us like living stones into a spiritual house, rooted in Christ, and called to proclaim His marvelous light.
These five short devotions will help you reflect on your identity in Christ, the holiness we’re called to pursue, and the witness our lives offer in a watching world. Whether used individually or with others, may they encourage you to stand firm on the cornerstone and live for His glory.
Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1-12 | Together Proclaiming His Marvelous Light
In this sermon from 1 Peter 2:1–12, Pastor Mark Groen walks through the powerful imagery of living stones, a spiritual house, and a chosen people. We see how the gospel not only brings us out of darkness but also builds us together on Christ, the cornerstone, for a life of worship and witness. This message calls us to grow in holiness, embrace our identity in Christ, and live visibly faithful lives in a watching world.
Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13–25 | 5 Devotions on Living as God’s Holy People
These five devotions are drawn from our sermon on 1 Peter 1:13–25 in the Living Hope series. In this passage, Peter calls believers to a life marked by holiness, reverent fear, and sincere love—grounded in the unshakable hope we have in Christ. Each day’s reflection includes a short Scripture reading, a brief meditation, and a prayer to help you live as one of God’s set-apart people. Use these devotions personally or with your family as you walk in the hope of the gospel.
Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13-25 | Called to Be Holy, United in Love
In this sermon on 1 Peter 1:13–25, Pastor Mark continues the Living Hope series by showing how the gospel shapes our identity, our conduct, and our relationships. Peter calls believers to live holy lives, walk in reverent fear, and love one another earnestly—all grounded in the imperishable Word of God. This message invites us to remember who we belong to, and what story truly defines our lives.
Born Into Hope | 1 Peter 1:1-12 | 5 Devotions on Identity and Inheritance
In the opening verses of 1 Peter, we’re reminded that this world is not our home—and that’s good news. Peter writes to weary believers scattered across the Roman Empire, calling them “elect exiles” and urging them to find strength in a living hope that cannot fade.
These five short devotions are drawn from that message. Each one explores a different aspect of the passage—from our identity in Christ to the security of our inheritance, from the fire of trials to the joy that comes through faith. Whether you’re reading them during a quiet morning or reflecting at the end of the day, may these words help anchor you in the unshakable hope we’ve been born into through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Born Into Hope | 1 Peter 1:1-12 | Confidence for Exiles
In the opening verses of 1 Peter, the apostle writes to believers who feel the tension of not belonging. He calls them “elect exiles”—chosen by God but scattered in a world that often opposes their faith. In this sermon, Born Into Hope, Pastor Mark Groen explores what it means to live with gospel confidence in a world that feels like exile.
Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1-21 | 5 Devotions on Boldness, Clarity, and Gospel Fire
The fire of Pentecost wasn’t just a moment in history—it was the launch of a mission that continues today. In Acts 2:1–21, we see the Holy Spirit come in power to equip ordinary people with extraordinary boldness, clarity, and purpose. This five-day devotional series invites you to reflect on what that means for your life right now. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of the Spirit’s work or simply need renewed courage to live and speak for Christ, these devotions will help fan the flame of gospel fire in your heart.
Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1–21 | The Fire That Launched the Church
On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out just as Jesus had promised. The wind blew, the fire fell, and the church was launched—not with confusion, but with conviction. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen preaches from Acts 2:1–21 to show how the Spirit’s coming brought boldness, clarity, and mission to the early church—and how that fire still burns today.
This message challenges modern assumptions about Pentecost and calls believers to remember that the same Spirit who empowered Peter now empowers us to proclaim Christ in a world that desperately needs to hear.
Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Ascension and Our Calling
The Ascension of Jesus is often treated as a footnote to the resurrection, but Scripture presents it as a powerful turning point in redemptive history. Jesus wasn’t just lifted from the earth—He was enthroned in heaven, reigning at the right hand of the Father. From His exalted position, He sends His Spirit, empowers His people, and advances His kingdom to the ends of the earth.
These five short devotions are designed to help you reflect on the ongoing significance of the Ascension. Each day will draw from a different passage of Scripture to explore what it means to live under the reign of Christ and to step boldly into the mission He has given us.
Let your heart be lifted as you remember: Christ is not absent—He is reigning.
Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | The Mission of the Risen King
Too often, we treat the Ascension of Jesus as a quiet conclusion to His earthly ministry. But Scripture paints a different picture. In this message, Pastor Mark walks through Acts 1:1–11 and Psalm 110 to show that the Ascension is the launch pad of Christ’s reign and the beginning of the church’s Spirit-empowered mission. The risen Christ is not distant—He is reigning now, calling us to worship, witness, and work until He returns.
From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | The Wedding Feast and the Worthy Lamb
In Revelation 19:1–10, we encounter not sorrow, but celebration. Pastor Mark Groen explores the heavenly rejoicing that follows the judgment of Jerusalem and the arrival of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Far from a funeral, this vision is filled with joy and anticipation. The church, the faithful bride, is clothed in righteousness—not her own, but granted by the Lamb. This message is a powerful reminder that we are not merely observers of prophecy—we are the redeemed. We've been invited, clothed, and called to worship. Join us as we move from ruins to rejoicing.
From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Victory and Our Hope
These five devotions flow from Pastor Mark Groen’s sermon on Revelation 19:1–10, From Ruins to Rejoicing. In this powerful vision, heaven celebrates the justice of God, the victory of Christ, and the joy of the redeemed Bride. Each day’s devotion invites you to reflect on a different aspect of this passage—from God’s righteous judgment to the beauty of our invitation to the Lamb’s eternal feast. Whether used for personal reflection or family worship, these brief readings will help you live in joyful anticipation of what Christ has already secured for you.
From Prosperity to Ashes | Revelation 18 | Why Only Christ Can Hold
Jerusalem looked secure—rich with history, spiritual legacy, and splendor. But in Revelation 18, we hear the crash of false security giving way to divine judgment. Like a millstone sinking to the depths, the city’s fall is final. This sermon invites us to examine where we’ve placed our hope, to come out from what cannot save, and to cling to the only one who can hold: Jesus Christ.
From Prosperity to Ashes | Revelation 18 | 5 Devotions on God’s Justice and Our Hope
When we read Revelation 18, we encounter a sobering picture of judgment, loss, and divine justice. Jerusalem—once proud, adorned, and spiritually privileged—becomes Babylon in her unfaithfulness. Her fall is sudden, total, and irreversible. But in this heavy chapter, God speaks a word not just of judgment, but of invitation: “Come out of her, my people.”
The Fall of the Unfaithful City | Revelation 17 | A Warning Against False Security
Where do we turn when what looks secure begins to fall apart? In this sermon from Revelation 17, Pastor Mark Groen explores a powerful vision of judgment and betrayal—Jerusalem clothed in beauty yet spiritually bankrupt, riding the beast of worldly power. Through vivid imagery and pastoral clarity, we are reminded of the danger of compromise, the certainty of God’s justice, and the hope we have in the Lamb who conquers.
The Fall of the Unfaithful City | Revelation 17 | 5 Devotions on False Security and Faithful Trust
Where do we place our trust? That’s the haunting question behind Revelation 17. In this chapter, we’re shown a vivid and unsettling picture of Jerusalem’s fall—not just as a city, but as a people who exchanged covenant faithfulness for worldly power. What looked secure from the outside was, in reality, collapsing from within.
These five devotional readings will help us reflect more deeply on the themes of false security, compromise, God’s sovereignty, and the sure victory of the Lamb. Each day points us away from self-reliance and toward the one place our hope is truly secure: Jesus Christ, the Lamb who conquers.
Wrath Poured Out | Revelation 16 | 5 Devotions on Justice, Grace, and the Gospel
Revelation 16 is a hard passage—but a necessary one. In these five devotions, we reflect on the righteous justice of God, the call to repentance, and the stunning grace we receive through Jesus Christ. These readings will help you process the message of Revelation 16 with fresh eyes and a softened heart.
Wrath Poured Out | Revelation 16 | The Justice We Deserve, the Grace We Receive
Revelation 16 is one of the most sobering passages in the New Testament—and one of the most revealing. In this sermon, Pastor Mark unpacks the seven bowls of wrath, showing that God's judgment is never reckless or arbitrary. Instead, it is just, precise, and righteous.
This message reminds us that without the grace of Christ, we too would face what we deserve. Yet in the gospel, we are given what we don’t deserve—mercy, forgiveness, and life.
Heaven Sings, Judgment Falls | Revelation 15:1-8 | 5 Devotions on Living in Light of God’s Justice
Revelation 15 gives us a glimpse into the heavenly courtroom where justice, mercy, and holiness meet. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded that God’s justice is sure, His mercy is rich, and His people are called to respond with grateful worship.
These five devotionals will help you meditate on the justice of God, the mercy of Christ, and how we are called to live lives of gratitude and praise.
Heaven Sings, Judgment Falls | Revelation 15:1-8 | The Verdict Has Been Rendered
What does it mean to stand before the holiness of God and live? Revelation 15 gives us a stunning glimpse of heaven’s courtroom, where justice, holiness, and mercy are revealed in full.
This sermon walks through the final preparations of God's judgment and the bold song of the redeemed who worship Him. The message reminds us that while the holiness of God demands justice, Christ’s blood shields His people from wrath, leading us to lives of worship and gratitude.