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 Provides | Exodus 20:15 | Contentment That Frees the Heart
What does it truly mean to obey "You shall not steal"? In this sermon on Exodus 20:15, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the Eighth Commandment, showing how theft is not only an outward action but a heart issue rooted in discontentment and distrust of God's provision. From obvious sins like robbery to subtle ones like manipulation and envy, we are challenged to pursue godliness with contentment and to live generous and honest lives that glorify Christ.
Join us in reflecting on how God's abundant provision in Christ calls us to trust, to be content, and to seek heavenly treasures above earthly possessions.
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.
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.
Sent For This Purpose: Luke 4:31-44 | Power, Purpose, and the Kingdom of God
Why did Jesus come? In Luke 4, Jesus not only teaches with divine authority, but His power is displayed as He commands unclean spirits, heals the sick, and proclaims the kingdom of God. The people marvel at His authority, but Jesus makes it clear—He did not come just to perform miracles, but to preach the good news of God's reign.
This passage challenges us: Do we recognize Jesus' authority in our own lives? Do we submit to His Word, trusting that He alone has the power to save? As the demons tremble and the sick are healed, we see that Christ’s ultimate mission was to proclaim salvation, bringing the dead to life and breaking the chains of sin.
In Your Hearing: Luke 4:16-30 | The Messiah We Want vs. The Messiah We Need
Why did Jesus' own people reject Him? In Luke 4, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and proclaims the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. At first, the crowd marvels at His words—until He challenges their assumptions about God’s grace. When Jesus declares that salvation extends beyond Israel to the Gentiles, their admiration turns to fury.
This passage forces us to examine our own hearts. Do we accept God’s Word even when it challenges us? Do we trust in His sovereign grace, even when it reaches those we might least expect? Jesus’ message is clear—the gospel is for all people. But will we hear and believe, or will we resist like the people of Nazareth?
Him Only: Luke 4:1-15 | Victory in the Wilderness, Hope for Us
Have you ever felt the weight of temptation pressing in? In Luke 4, we witness the moment when Jesus, led by the Spirit, faces the full force of the enemy’s temptations. Yet, where Adam failed and Israel fell short, Jesus stands firm. His victory in the wilderness isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s our hope, our assurance, and the foundation of our salvation.
Glory to God: Luke 2:1-21 | God’s Faithfulness in Real Time and History
Have you ever noticed how seasons and events set the world in motion? Whether it’s the rush of holiday travel or the gathering of crowds before a big game, movement points to something greater at work. In Luke 2, we see that God has set the entire world in motion to fulfill His sovereign purpose—bringing the Savior into the world. Through a Roman census, a humble manger, and an announcement to lowly shepherds, the eternal King arrives exactly as God ordained. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus’ birth was not just a sentimental story but a fulfillment of God’s covenant promises. From the prophetic necessity of Bethlehem to the angelic declaration of a Savior, this passage reminds us that God is at work in real history, bringing salvation to His people. The birth of Christ calls us to worship, just as it did the shepherds, and to proclaim the good news of God’s faithfulness to a watching world. At First Reformed, we are a Confessional Presbyterian and Reformed church committed to Christ-centered preaching and scriptural fidelity. We believe in the power of the gospel to transform lives and invite you to explore the riches of God’s Word with us.
My Soul Magnifies the Lord: Luke 1:39-56 | Rejoicing in God's Mercy
How do you respond to the good news of the gospel? Joy is a natural reaction when we realize what God has done for us in Christ. In Luke 1:39-56, we witness two remarkable women—Elizabeth and Mary—overflowing with joy at the coming of the promised Messiah. Their response is one of praise, gratitude, and faith, reminding us that God’s mercy extends to those who trust in Him. In this sermon, we explore the beautiful encounter between Mary and Elizabeth, the leaping of John the Baptist in the womb, and Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat. Through these events, we see God’s covenant faithfulness, His grace to the humble, and the fulfillment of His redemptive promises in Jesus Christ.
Then You Shall Know | Ezekiel 37:1–14 | The Spirit Brings Life Through the Word
On Pentecost Sunday, we often turn to Acts 2—but this sermon takes us deeper into the prophetic background of Pentecost in Ezekiel 37:1–14. In the Valley of Dry Bones, we see a vivid picture of what God does through His Word and Spirit: He brings the dead to life. Pastor Mark Groen shows how this passage points forward to Pentecost, where the Spirit of God empowered gospel proclamation to awaken hearts and build the church. This sermon reminds us that real spiritual renewal is not about emotional hype—it’s about the powerful, certain work of God through His Word.
Great Joy | Luke 24:44–53 | The Disciples Understood at Last
What caused the disciples to rejoice after Jesus left them? In this Ascension Sunday sermon from Luke 24:44–53, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the joy-filled response of Jesus’ followers—not because of His absence, but because of His exaltation. The ascension is not a departure story, but an arrival story. It reveals that Jesus has taken His throne and now reigns as our risen and ascended King. This message explores how the Old Testament pointed to this moment, how the disciples became bold witnesses of the truth, and how we are called to do the same today. Let the joy of the ascension fill your heart with confidence, purpose, and praise.
The Holy Place | Hebrews 9:1–10 | Why We No Longer Need a Temple
In this sermon on Hebrews 9:1–10, Pastor Mark unpacks the Old Testament's Holy Place—what it was, why it mattered, and how it ultimately pointed beyond itself to Jesus Christ. The tabernacle wasn't just an ancient structure; it was a living symbol of God's holiness and the need for a true mediator. As the sermon explores the limitations of the old covenant and the fearful reverence of the high priest’s once-a-year entry, it leads us to the awe-inspiring truth that in Christ, we now have confident, daily access to the living God.
Strive to Enter His Rest | Hebrews 4:1–13 | The Word That Cuts Through Unbelief
In Strive to Enter His Rest, Pastor Mark Groen preaches from Hebrews 4:1–13, urging us to examine whether we are truly trusting in the promises of God or merely going through the motions. The sermon draws a sharp line between disobedience and belief, between a hollow religious life and the living hope offered in Christ. With pastoral clarity and biblical depth, we are reminded that Scripture is not just to be read—it is to be lived, as it exposes our hearts and equips us to persevere in faith. This is a timely and urgent call to let the Word of God shape your thoughts, loves, and actions as you await the final rest only Jesus can provide.
Worthy of More Glory | Hebrews 3:1–6 | Holding Fast to the One Who Built the House
Who’s the greatest? We love to debate that question in nearly every category of life. But in Hebrews 3:1–6, the author settles the debate when it comes to salvation: Jesus is greater. Greater than Moses. Greater than the law. Greater than any hope this world offers. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks three key truths—Christ’s faithfulness, His divine identity, and our call to hold fast to Him. The message urges us to persevere in faith, root our confidence in the One who built the house, and reflect on what it means to truly consider Jesus in the real moments of our lives.
He Has Himself Suffered | Hebrews 2:5–18 | The Perfect Savior for a Real and Fallen World
In this sermon on Hebrews 2:5–18, Pastor Mark Groen explores the profound reality that Christ’s perfection came through suffering. The Son of God took on human flesh—not just to identify with us, but to save us. This is not abstract theology; it’s the real, embodied truth of our salvation. Jesus suffered for sinners, was crowned with glory through death, and now reigns as our merciful and faithful high priest. This message challenges us to reflect on the practical reality of the gospel: we are valued, we are redeemed, and we are called to live as those who belong to Christ.
How Shall We Escape? | Hebrews 2:1–4 | The Danger of Drifting and the Hope of Salvation
What does it mean to drift from the faith—and how can we escape the consequences? In this sermon on Hebrews 2:1–14, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks the urgency of the question, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” Hebrews reminds us that God has spoken in His Son, and that this salvation is our only hope. Through the law, we are convicted of our sin. Through the gospel, we find our rescue in Christ. This message calls us to pay close attention to the truth, to walk in repentance, and to rest in the finished work of Jesus.
I Will Pour Out My Spirit | Acts 2:1–21 | Good News for Troubled Times
In a week marked by fear, division, and unrest, this Pentecost sermon on Acts 2:1–21 reminds us of the power and clarity of the gospel. Pastor Mark Groen preaches about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit—not as a display of emotional excess, but as a purposeful act of God to spread the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth. At Pentecost, the curse of Babel is reversed, and a new unity in Christ is formed. This sermon invites weary believers to find peace and confidence in the sure promise that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
He Was Lifted Up | Acts 1:1–11 | The Ascension and the Mission of the Church
In this Ascension Day sermon on Acts 1:1–11, Pastor Mark Groen calls us to remember a powerful and often overlooked truth: Jesus was lifted up in glory—not as an afterthought, but as part of God's eternal plan. The Ascension is a historical reality, a heavenly enthronement, and a future promise that Jesus will return in the same way He ascended. This message explores what the Ascension means for our confidence, our calling, and our mission as the church today.
The Supremacy of Christ | Hebrews 1:1–14 | The One Who Sits Above All
In this sermon from Hebrews 1:1–14, Pastor Mark Groen opens our study through the book of Hebrews with a clear declaration: Jesus is the one who completes the picture of redemption. Like the final missing piece of a puzzle, Jesus brings everything into focus—He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature. The author of Hebrews makes it clear: Jesus is greater than the prophets, higher than the angels, and worthy of all our worship. This message challenges us to elevate Christ to His rightful place in our lives and to rest in the peace that comes from His finished work. If you're struggling to find clarity or peace in life, this sermon points you to the one who brings both.