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.
Noah Found Favor | Genesis 6:1–8 | Grace in the Midst of Judgment
Genesis 6:1–8 is a passage that often stirs questions—about giants, judgment, and God's grief. But at its heart, it’s a deeply theological and gospel-rich portion of Scripture. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen helps us see how the lines of Seth and Cain intertwine, why the earth was ripe for judgment, and how Noah stands as a signpost of God’s mercy in a world gone mad. This is not a tale of random destruction—it’s a story of covenant faithfulness, of righteous grief, and of grace that saves.
Devoted to Good Works | Titus 3:1–15 | Living the Gospel in Ordinary Faithfulness
In this final message from Titus 3:1–15, Pastor Mark reminds us that good works aren’t grand gestures done to earn God’s favor—but everyday faithfulness that flows from being justified by grace. The Christian life isn’t shaped by a smorgasbord of ideas but by the consistent truth of God’s Word and the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. Whether it's standing for truth, serving quietly, or resisting cultural confusion, believers are called to live lives of gospel-shaped obedience that glorify God in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Be Sound in the Faith | Titus 1:1-16 | Guarding the Gospel and Living It Out
What we believe shapes how we live—and the book of Titus makes that connection unmistakably clear. In this sermon on Titus 1:1–16, Pastor Mark begins a short series through this pastoral epistle by focusing on the link between doctrine and discipleship. We are reminded that faithful preaching, godly leadership, and spiritual discernment are essential to the health of the church. Whether we’re elders, parents, teachers, or simply followers of Jesus, we’re called to guard the gospel and live it out with faithfulness and love.
He Makes Me Dwell in Safety | Psalm 4 | Confidence in the God Who Guards Us
Where do you find your peace? Psalm 4 invites us to ask deep questions about safety and trust. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen reflects on David’s bold confidence in the righteousness and refuge of God. Whether you’re facing hardship, wrestling with anxiety, or navigating spiritual weariness, this message reminds us of the sufficiency of the gospel, the strength of God’s promises, and the security of resting in Christ. God alone makes us dwell in safety—and that’s where our confidence begins.
Mercy: Jonah 4 | A Prophet’s Pity, God’s Compassion
Jonah ends not with triumph, but with tension. The final chapter reveals a prophet angry about mercy, a God abounding in compassion, and a question that confronts us all: do we share God’s heart?
As we conclude our series in Jonah, this sermon challenges us to examine our own responses to God's grace. Do we rejoice when the lost are found? Or do we, like Jonah, resist the wideness of God's mercy?
God Relented: Jonah 3 | When Repentance Meets Mercy
Jonah delivers God’s warning to the people of Nineveh—and what happens next is nothing short of astonishing. From the king to the commoner, the people respond with heartfelt repentance. Sackcloth and ashes cover the city, even the animals, as the people urgently call out to God. This sermon unpacks how genuine repentance, even from the most unlikely people, moves the heart of a merciful God.
I Remembered the Lord: Jonah 2 | Salvation in the Darkest Depths
In Jonah 2, we witness a man at his lowest point. Jonah calls out from the belly of Sheol—and God answers. This sermon explores the deep mercy of the Lord and the hope that remains even in the darkest places. No matter how far down you’ve gone, God hears your cry and brings salvation.
The Wrong Direction: Jonah 1 | When God Pursues the Runaway
Jonah didn’t just hesitate when God called — he ran the opposite way. But God pursued him through a storm, a ship, and even the sea. In this sermon on Jonah 1, Pastor Mark invites us to consider not only Jonah’s flight but our own.
What does it mean to serve a God who pursues disobedient people with grace? And how does Jonah’s story point us to the gospel? Join us as we begin our journey through the book of Jonah and discover the mercy of a God who refuses to let go.