Ready to Give a Reason | 1 Peter 3:8–22 | 5 Devotions on Hope, Suffering, and Witness
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Ready to Give a Reason | 1 Peter 3:8–22 | 5 Devotions on Hope, Suffering, and Witness

How do we respond to suffering, hostility, or even injustice with steadfast hope? In 1 Peter 3:8–22, the apostle challenges believers to endure trials with humility, to bless rather than retaliate, and to always be ready to share the reason for our hope in Christ. These five devotions build on the message of “Ready to Give a Reason”, helping you reflect more deeply on what it means to live as those who are united with Christ in both his suffering and his victory.

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To All Generations | Psalm 146 | 2025 Dutch Festival Community Worship
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

To All Generations | Psalm 146 | 2025 Dutch Festival Community Worship

In a world obsessed with the temporary, Scripture calls us to think generationally. Psalm 146 reminds us that true legacy isn’t found in wealth, politics, or human power—it’s found in the unshakable reign of the Lord, who is faithful to all generations. This sermon explores the contrast between earthly rulers who perish and the eternal God who feeds the hungry, lifts the lowly, and reigns forever. Our hope, and the legacy we pass on, is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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Heirs Together | 1 Peter 3:1-7 | 5 Devotions on Faithful Witness in Our Relationships
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Heirs Together | 1 Peter 3:1-7 | 5 Devotions on Faithful Witness in Our Relationships

When we think about sharing our faith, we often imagine quick results—powerful moments, instant transformation, visible fruit. But in 1 Peter 3, we’re reminded that one of the most powerful witnesses we can offer is a life marked by quiet faithfulness, gentle strength, and patient trust in God.

This five-day devotional series flows out of our study of 1 Peter 3:1–7 and explores how godliness in our relationships—especially in marriage and family—can become a testimony to Christ. Each day includes a Scripture reading, a reflection, and a prayer to guide you in living out a witness that endures.

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Heirs Together | 1 Peter 3:1-7 | Living Out the Gospel in Marriage and Family
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

Heirs Together | 1 Peter 3:1-7 | Living Out the Gospel in Marriage and Family

What does faithful witness look like behind closed doors?

In 1 Peter 3:1–7, Peter turns our attention to the home—not the public square or the church gathering, but the everyday relationships that often test our patience, love, and endurance the most. In a world that celebrates instant results and self-promotion, God calls His people to a different kind of witness: one shaped by quiet strength, gentle respect, sacrificial love, and long-term faithfulness.

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For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | 5 Devotions on Following Jesus When It’s Hard
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | 5 Devotions on Following Jesus When It’s Hard

What does it mean to follow in the steps of Jesus when life is unfair, authority is imperfect, and submission feels costly? In 1 Peter 2:13–25, we’re given a vision of Christian living that’s deeply counter-cultural—one marked by respect, endurance, and trust in God’s sovereign care. These five short devotions are meant to help you reflect on what it means to live as a gospel-shaped person in a watching world. Each day includes a Scripture passage, a brief reflection, and a prayer to guide you as you seek to follow Christ—the One who suffered for you, and the One who walks with you.

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For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | Strength to Endure in a Watching World
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

For the Lord’s Sake | 1 Peter 2:13-25 | Strength to Endure in a Watching World

In this week’s sermon from Living Hope, Pastor Mark explores 1 Peter 2:13–25 and what it means to live as gospel-shaped people in relationship to authority, injustice, and suffering. Peter calls Christians to honor those in authority—not because they are perfect, but because God is sovereign. Even more, he calls us to endure unjust treatment by looking to Jesus, who suffered for us and left us an example. This message challenges us to respond to hardship not with complaint, but with grace, and to trust in the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

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Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1–12 | 5 Devotions on Identity, Holiness, and Witness
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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Living Stones, Lasting Glory | 1 Peter 2:1-12 | Together Proclaiming His Marvelous Light
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13–25 | 5 Devotions on Living as God’s Holy People
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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Set Apart | 1 Peter 1:13-25 | Called to Be Holy, United in Love
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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Born Into Hope | 1 Peter 1:1-12 | 5 Devotions on Identity and Inheritance
Mark Groen Mark Groen

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.

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Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1-21 | 5 Devotions on Boldness, Clarity, and Gospel Fire
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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Last Days & Living Hope | Acts 2:1–21 | The Fire That Launched the Church
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Ascension and Our Calling
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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Lifted to Reign | Psalm 110 & Acts 1 | The Mission of the Risen King
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | The Wedding Feast and the Worthy Lamb
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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From Ruins to Rejoicing | Revelation 19:1–10 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Victory and Our Hope
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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From Prosperity to Ashes | Revelation 18 | Why Only Christ Can Hold
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

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.

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