Contentment | Exodus 20:17 | The Cure for a Restless Heart
In a world that constantly tells us we need more to be satisfied, God's Word calls us to something better: contentment. In this sermon on the Tenth Commandment, we explore the heart of coveting, the deep dissatisfaction that often takes root unnoticed, and the joy that comes from trusting in God's provision. Discover how contentment leads us to a life of holiness and reflects the heart of the God who satisfies every need.
Speaking the Truth | Exodus 20:16 Living as Reflections of God's Character
We live in a world where falsehood seems rampant and truth is often questioned. In this sermon on the Ninth Commandment from Exodus 20:16, Pastor Mark Groen explores how speaking the truth is deeply rooted in the very character of God. Discover why truth matters not just for personal integrity, but for glorifying God in a world of deception. Learn how living as people of truth reflects the nature of the One who saved us.
God is Pure: Exodus 20:14 | Guarding the Covenant of Marriage
This sermon on the Seventh Commandment challenges us to think beyond physical adultery and consider purity of heart. Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount confront us with the depth of our need for grace while calling us to glorify God with our bodies. Pastor Mark unpacks how lust is not just a private sin—it damages our relationship with God, others, and even our own sense of identity.
God is Life: Exodus 20:13 | Honoring Life in Heart and Action
In this message on Exodus 20:13, Pastor Mark reveals how the sixth commandment extends beyond physical acts to the hidden anger and resentment in our hearts. Grounded in Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount, this sermon calls us to honor the image of God in others and to live lives marked by love, prayer, and gospel grace.
Honor: Exodus 20:1-12 | Authority, Obedience, and the Glory of God
We often think of the fifth commandment—“Honor your father and your mother”—as one meant for children. But in this sermon from Exodus 20:12, Pastor Mark shows us that this command reaches further and deeper than we may realize. It’s not just for kids, and it’s not just about our behavior—it’s about the posture of our hearts.
This commandment bridges our duty to God with our duty to others. In a culture that often disregards respect and elevates self over all, we are reminded that honoring authority—whether parents, elders, employers, or civic leaders—is a reflection of our submission to God’s ultimate authority. And as always, the law points us to our need for grace. Every one of us has failed to honor others perfectly, but Christ has perfectly obeyed and poured out mercy on those who trust in Him.
How We Talk About God: Exodus 20:7 | God Has Spoken—How Should We Speak of Him?
How seriously do we take the way we speak about God? The Third Commandment is about far more than avoiding a few specific words—it's about revering the holy name of the One who has spoken to us and called us His own.
In this sermon, Pastor Mark unpacks Exodus 20:1-7, showing us the depth of the Third Commandment. It’s not just about avoiding misuse of God’s name but also about how we live, speak, and teach in a way that reflects His truth and glory. Our speech matters because God’s name is holy, and He has spoken to us with power and grace.
How We Worship: Exodus 20:1–6 | The Golden Calf and the Human Heart
What does it mean to worship God in the way He desires?
In this sermon on the Second Commandment, Pastor Mark helps us understand the difference between who we worship and how we worship. Drawing from Exodus 20:1–6 and the story of the golden calf, he challenges us to consider the seriousness of approaching God on His terms, not our own. Whether we’re tempted to craft physical images or subtle mental ones, we’re reminded that God has revealed Himself in His Word—not in anything we create. Join us as we explore why biblical worship matters and how God graciously shows us the way.
Who We Worship: Exodus 20:1–3 | Worshiping the God Who Saves
The first commandment — You shall have no other gods before Me — often seems like the easiest to keep. But a closer look reveals just how central and convicting it really is.
In this sermon on Exodus 20:1–3, Pastor Mark unpacks the depth of this command by tracing its connection to the Exodus story, our modern struggle with identity and purpose, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism's call to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. We're reminded that the human heart is a “perpetual idol factory,” and that every other sin is, at its core, a failure to worship the one true God.
God Spoke: Exodus 20:1-2 | Hearing the Heart of God's Commands
When we think of the Ten Commandments, we often jump straight to the “do this, don’t do that” language. But before any command is given, God speaks as the Redeemer. In this sermon on Exodus 20:1–2, Pastor Mark helps us slow down and reflect on the foundational truth that God’s law is always given to a people He has already rescued.
February 7 Sermon: Astonished at the Majesty of God
Our God is a God of covenants. He comes to his people and makes a way for them to know who he is and to have access to him and his glory. These promises made by God show us His desire to be in communion with his people. In both our lessons this morning we see how God delivers his covenant to his people.
As we start out in our Old Testament lesson this morning it is important that we do a little background work. I don't believe I've mentioned the three most important rules for Biblical interpretation from the pulpit here yet, but I am certain you will hear them from me on multiple occasions.