Devotions: Marked by God or Marked for Judgment?
Day 1: God’s Judgment Is Real
Scripture Reading: Romans 1:18-20
Reflection: Revelation 9:1-12 reminds us of the reality and seriousness of God’s judgment. Romans 1 explains that God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness because His existence and righteousness are evident in creation. Ignoring His truth leads to consequences both now and eternally. Let us acknowledge His holiness and live in awe of His justice.
Prayer: Lord, help me to understand the reality of Your judgment and live in reverent awe of Your holiness. Amen.
Marked by God or Marked for Judgment?: Revelation 9:1-12 | Christ-Centered Hope
Are you marked by God’s seal of protection or vulnerable to His judgment? Explore Revelation 9:1-12 in this expository sermon from a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective.
In Revelation 9:1-12, the fifth trumpet reveals a vivid and terrifying image of divine judgment—the abyss opens, smoke rises, and locusts swarm to torment those without God’s seal. This sermon examines three key truths: the reality of divine judgment, the security of those marked by God, and the consequences of sin. Discover how God’s sovereignty and grace provide comfort for His people amidst the chaos of the world.
Walking the Path with Purpose
The start of a new year can be like standing at the beginning of a long and winding hiking path. What lies before you contains multiple opportunities and choices. For most of us, January brings resolutions, goals, and a desire to get different areas of our lives back on track. However, as the weeks pass, we often veer off on paths not on the trail we intended to follow when we set out on January 1. Some deviations are necessary due to our circumstances, but our straying off course often happens due to laziness or a lack of focus.
Devotions: The Weight of Silence
Day 1: The Silence in Heaven
Reading: Revelation 8:1; Habakkuk 2:20
Reflection: In both Revelation and Habakkuk, silence marks the presence of God and the gravity of His judgment. Take time to be still before the Lord today. Reflect on His holiness and prepare your heart for His work in your life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to honor You in the stillness. Help me to pause and recognize Your holiness and sovereign power. Amen.
December 29 Sermon: The Weight of Silence
In Revelation 8, heaven falls silent as the seventh seal is opened, followed by the prayers of the saints and the sounding of the first four trumpets. This profound moment reminds us of the weight of God’s judgment, the power of prayer, and the call to repentance. As we enter a new year, let’s reflect, renew, and focus on our faith in Christ.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this message:
How does the silence in heaven challenge us to pause and reflect on the holiness of God in our own lives?
In what ways do the prayers of the saints inspire us to approach God with confidence and trust?
How does the vision of the trumpets remind us of the seriousness of sin and the urgency of repentance?
The Salvation of Our God: Isaiah 52:7-10 | The Gospel That Changes Everything
What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Perhaps it’s memories of family gatherings, the sparkle of decorations, or the stillness of a holy night. But what about the profound beauty of the gospel message at the heart of Christmas? In this sermon, "Beautiful Feet: Proclaiming the Good News"” Pastor Mark delves into Isaiah 52:7-10 to explore the hope, rejoicing, and salvation Christ’s incarnation brings to the world. This message uncovers the depth of God’s faithfulness and power, highlighting how the good news of Jesus Christ transforms despair into comfort and redemption. From the humble manger in Bethlehem to the ultimate victory over sin and death, we celebrate the glorious salvation made known to the ends of the earth.
📖Scripture Reference :Isaiah 52:7-10
✝️Sermon Points:
📌The Beauty of the Message – The good news of salvation brings hope and peace.
📌The Rejoicing of God’s People – The news of God’s reign calls for praise and celebration.
📌The Power of Salvation – God’s holy arm secures redemption through the humility and suffering of Christ.
The Shepherd Who Brings Peace: Micah 5:2-5a | God’s Light Shines in Our Darkness
In this Advent message, Pastor Mark explores the profound truths of Micah 5:2-5a, reflecting on the humility, hope, and peace brought by the promised Shepherd King born in Bethlehem. Drawing vivid imagery of light breaking into darkness, this message invites us to see how Christ fulfills our deepest longings, bringing clarity and comfort to a world in need of redemption.
Heaven's Gifts for a Broken World | Psalm 85 | Trusting God's Faithfulness in Every Season
In this sermon on Psalm 85, Pastor Mark Groen invites us to reflect deeply on God's covenant faithfulness and our need for revival. As we walk through the Advent season, Psalm 85 leads us to remember God’s past restoration, cry out for present renewal, and rejoice in the peace He brings through Christ. The psalm’s closing vision of love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace coming together reminds us that God’s gifts are not distant ideals—but heaven’s gifts for a broken world.
Repentance That Bears Fruit | Luke 3:1–17 | A Call to Genuine Transformation
John the Baptist didn’t soften his message to win a crowd—he called people to radical repentance and transformation. In this Advent sermon on Luke 3:1–17, Pastor Mark Groen shows how John's words still challenge us today. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we are reminded that God desires hearts that are changed—not just lives that look good on the outside. This message calls us to examine ourselves, turn from sin, and bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Established Hearts | 1 Thessalonians 3:9–13 | A Life Shaped by the Coming King
Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s return, just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to live lives of thanksgiving, prayer, and holiness. In this sermon, "Established Hearts," we explore how God shapes us through His Word and Spirit to be blameless and loving as we await Christ's appearing. Join us in seeking hearts ready for His coming!
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this week’s message:
How does Paul’s expression of thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 3:9 challenge your view of gratitude in your spiritual life?
In what ways can you actively encourage and equip others in their faith journey as Paul sought to do for the Thessalonians?
How does the work of God in establishing blameless hearts through His Word and Spirit transform how you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
Grateful Hearts, Generous Hands | 1 Chronicles 29:10-22 | Thanksgiving
In this Thanksgiving sermon on 1 Chronicles 29:10–22, Pastor Mark Groen takes us into King David’s powerful expression of gratitude as Israel prepares for the building of the temple. David’s prayer highlights God’s unmatched sovereignty, the reality that all blessings flow from Him, and the call to respond with worship and generosity. As we reflect on God's provision, David reminds us that even our offerings are only returning what already belongs to the Lord. Whether you're gathered around the table or navigating a season of difficulty, this message will re-center your heart on the faithfulness of God and the joy of living as a thankful people.
Devotions: Sealed for Salvation
Day 1: God’s Sovereign Care
Reading: Psalm 91:1-6
Reflection: Just as God seals His people in Revelation 7, He promises His protection throughout Scripture. Psalm 91 reminds us that God is our refuge and fortress, sheltering us under His wings. This assurance helps us face life’s uncertainties with confidence in His care.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and protector. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty in every season of life. Amen.
Sealed for Salvation | Revelation 7 | A Vision of Eternal Hope
Revelation 7 gives us a stunning picture of the sealed people of God—a vision full of comfort and assurance for every believer. In this sermon, Pastor Mark unpacks how the pause in judgment reveals the care, salvation, and eternal joy prepared for God’s people through Christ. We see that our salvation is not speculative—it is sealed by the Lamb who was slain. This message invites us to live with confidence, worship with joy, and rest in the sure promise that every tear will one day be wiped away.
Who Can Stand? | Revelation 6 | 5 Devotions on Judgment and Refuge in Christ
Revelation 6 paints a sobering picture of divine judgment—conquest, conflict, scarcity, death, and the cry of the martyrs all lead to the piercing question: Who can stand? These five short devotions are designed to help you reflect more deeply on the themes of justice, refuge, and gospel hope found in this powerful chapter.
Start by watching or reading the full sermon here: Who Can Stand? | Revelation 6
Who Can Stand? | Revelation 6 | Judgment, Justice, and the Lamb’s Mercy
When Revelation 6 unfolds the breaking of the six seals, the imagery is stark—conquest, bloodshed, famine, death, the cry of martyrs, and the unshakable judgment of God. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen walks us through the escalating intensity of God's wrath and the deep comfort that only the Lamb can provide.
The Anthem of Heaven | Revelation 5 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Victory and Our Praise
Day 1: The Search for One Who is Worthy
Reading: Revelation 5:1-4
Reflection: In Revelation 5, a search unfolds for someone worthy to open God’s scroll. John's sorrow reminds us of humanity's helplessness apart from Christ—no one in heaven or earth can unlock God’s plan. Our worth doesn’t depend on our power or achievements but on the Lamb’s sacrifice and victory.
Prayer: Lord, I am unworthy on my own. Thank You for Jesus, the only one worthy of my hope and trust. Draw me closer to Your strength and mercy. Amen.
The Anthem of Heaven | Revelation 5 | Worthy Is the Lamb Who Was Slain
What happens when no one is found worthy to open God’s scroll of redemption? In Revelation 5, the tension is broken by the appearance of the Lamb who was slain—Jesus Christ, the only one worthy to open the scroll and fulfill God’s perfect plan of salvation.
Before the Throne | Revelation 4 | 5 Devotions on Seeing God in the Midst of Struggle
Revelation 4 lifts our eyes from the struggles of earth to the majesty of heaven, where God reigns in glory. These five devotions will help you reflect more deeply on the vision of the throne room and what it means for your worship, hope, and perseverance. If you missed the sermon that accompanies these devotions, you can watch it here.
Before the Throne | Revelation 4 | A Vision of God’s Sovereignty and Glory
In Revelation 4, John receives a breathtaking vision of the throne of God—a reality that transcends the visible world and reorients our fears, hopes, and loyalties. Pastor Mark Groen walks us through the layers of imagery, Old Testament allusions, and worship language to show how this heavenly scene provided comfort for persecuted first-century Christians and how it can do the same for us today. This passage lifts our eyes from earthly chaos to the holiness and sovereignty of the One who reigns forever.
Not By Bread Alone | Matthew 4:1-11 | 5 Devotions on The Necessity of God’s Word
In a world where we constantly seek physical nourishment, the Bible reminds us that spiritual sustenance is just as vital. This week, as we journey through these devotions, we reflect on how God's Word sustains, guards, transforms, delights, and grounds us in faith. From Jesus' use of Scripture in His temptation to the psalmist's joy in God's commands, we are invited to experience the power of God's Word as the foundation of our lives. May these devotions deepen your relationship with Scripture and remind you of the daily strength found in God’s truth.
📢 These devotions are based on the sermon from September 29, 2024. Watch the full message here: Not By Bread Alone