Endurance and Reward: Revelation 14:1-13 | Hope in Christ Amidst a World That’s Falling Apart
🔎 What happens when everything the world trusts in collapses? Revelation 14 presents a striking contrast between those who stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion and those who cling to Babylon, the city of rebellion destined for destruction. This passage reminds us that the world’s power and security are fleeting, but the victory of Christ is eternal.
In this sermon, we explore:
✅ The victorious people of God who endure in faith
✅ The certain fall of the wicked and the judgment to come
✅ The blessed rest promised to those who remain faithful
The Beast and His Deceptions | 5 Devotions on Endurance and Faithfulness to Christ
The world is filled with counterfeits—false kings, deceptive powers, and idols that seek our allegiance. Revelation 13 warns us of the beast’s influence, but it also calls us to endurance and faithfulness in Christ. These five devotions will help you discern truth from deception, stand firm in your faith, and trust in the unshakable kingdom of God.
The Beast and His Deceptions: Revelation 13:1-18 | The Mark of the Beast: What Really Matters
In a world filled with counterfeits, how can we discern what is true? Revelation 13 gives us a sobering vision of a beast that demands worship, representing the idolatrous power of worldly empires. But behind it all is Satan, the deceiver, working through false authority to lead people astray. The early church faced the temptation to bow to Rome, just as we face pressures today to conform to the world’s standards. This sermon challenges us to stand firm in Christ, refusing to worship the counterfeit king and instead remaining faithful to the true King, Jesus Christ.
🔹 Sermon Points:
1️⃣ The Beastly Power of Idolatrous Empire – How earthly powers seek worship and demand allegiance.
2️⃣ False Prophets and Deceptive Allegiance – How false religion legitimizes worldly authority and deceives people.
3️⃣ The Mark of the Beast vs. The Seal of God – Understanding what it truly means to be marked by Christ.
War in Heaven, Hope on Earth | 5 Devotions on Standing Firm in Faith
Revelation 12 gives us a powerful picture of the battle between Christ and Satan, reminding us that while the enemy still rages, his defeat is already certain. As believers, we are called to stand firm in faith, trusting in God's protection and the victory secured by the blood of the Lamb. These five devotions will help you reflect on Christ’s triumph and equip you to remain steadfast in the face of spiritual battles.
War in Heaven, Hope on Earth: Revelation 12:1-17 | God’s People Will Stand Firm
Revelation 12 paints a dramatic picture of a cosmic battle—the war between the forces of darkness and the triumphant reign of Christ. Satan, the great accuser, has been defeated by the blood of the Lamb and the word of the saints' testimony. Yet, though his ultimate fate is sealed, he rages against the church, seeking to deceive and destroy.
This sermon explores three key truths from Revelation 12:
✅ God’s sovereign protection of His people
✅ The victory of Christ and His kingdom
✅ The faithful endurance of the saints
Heaven Rejoices, Earth Trembles | 5 Devotions on God’s Sovereignty and Victory
In Revelation 11, the seventh trumpet sounds, proclaiming the eternal reign of Christ. This moment brings both rejoicing in heaven and trembling on earth as God’s sovereign purposes unfold. These devotions invite you to reflect on the preservation of God’s people, His victory over death, and the assurance of His unshakable kingdom. Through these truths, may you find hope, strength, and confidence in the reign of our victorious King.
Heaven Rejoices, Earth Trembles: Revelation 11:1-19 | Assurance Through Judgment and Grace
How do we respond to the proclamation of Christ’s eternal kingdom? In this powerful sermon from Revelation 11:1-19, we explore how the seventh trumpet declares the ultimate victory of Jesus. We’ll see how God preserves His people, demonstrates His power over death, and proclaims His eternal reign. This message offers assurance for believers, calling us to worship the victorious King and live as faithful witnesses in a broken world.
📖 Scripture Reference: Revelation 11:1-19
✝️ Sermon Points:
📌 God’s Preservation of His People
📌 God’s Victory Over Death
📌 The Triumph of God’s Eternal Kingdom
The Story Retold | Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible | Bible Study Video
The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient writings—it’s one continuous, unified story. In this first session of The Story Retold series, Pastor Mark helps us step back and see the big picture of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, we explore how God’s plan unfolds across four key movements: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration.
Bittersweet Truth | 5 Devotions on the Authority, Certainty, and Challenge of God’s Word
God’s Word is a source of sweetness and joy, but it also brings challenges that can be hard to face. In Revelation 10, we are reminded of the authority of God’s Word, the certainty of His sovereign plan, and the bittersweet reality of proclaiming His truth to the world. These five devotions will help you reflect on these themes, deepen your trust in God’s promises, and strengthen your resolve to live as a faithful witness to His Word.
Bittersweet Truth: Revelation: 10:1-11 | When God’s Word is Hard to Swallow
Have you ever experienced something both sweet and bitter at the same time? Revelation 10 vividly illustrates the sweetness and bitterness of God’s Word. In this sermon, we explore the authority of God’s Word, the certainty of His unfolding plan, and the challenge of proclaiming His truth—even when it’s hard to swallow.
We are reminded that God’s Word brings comfort and joy, yet it carries a weight of responsibility and conviction. Join us as we unpack this powerful passage and consider how to live as faithful witnesses to His truth in a world that desperately needs His Word.
📖 Scripture Reference: Revelation 10:1-11
Unrepentant Hearts | 5 Devotions on God’s Sovereignty, Sin, and Redemption
This week’s devotions expand on the themes explored in Sunday’s sermon, “Marked by God or Marked for Judgment,” drawing from Revelation 9. Each day, we’ll reflect on key truths about God’s sovereignty, the destructiveness of sin, His call to repentance, and the redeeming blood of Christ. Through these daily readings and prayers, may we deepen our trust in God’s perfect plan and grow in the assurance of His grace.
Unrepentant Hearts: Revelation 9:13-21 | The Tragic Consequences of Hardened Hearts
Have you ever seen stubbornness lead to destruction? In Revelation 9:13-21, we encounter a vivid portrayal of humanity’s unrepentant hearts, even in the face of God’s terrifying judgment. This sobering passage reveals three profound truths: the precision of God’s judgment, the devastating power of sin, and the tragedy of hardened hearts. Join us as we explore how this passage calls us to humility, repentance, and faith in the Lamb who was slain. Be encouraged to reflect on your own heart and the mercy God offers to those who turn to Him.
📖Scripture Reference: Revelation 9:13-21
✝️Sermon Points:
📌The Precision of God’s Judgment
📌The Destructive Power of Sin
📌The Tragic Stubbornness of the Human Heart
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.