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.
A Better Covenant | Hebrews 8:1-13 | Once for All
We all have an inherent desire for the "next big improvement," but in the spiritual life, there is nothing that can supersede the work of Jesus Christ. In this study of Hebrews 8:1–13, we explore why the New Covenant is described as "much more excellent" than the old.
The author of Hebrews makes a compelling case that while the earthly tabernacle and its sacrifices were important, they were merely shadows of the heavenly reality where Jesus now ministers as our High Priest. By looking at the prophecy of Jeremiah, we see how God has moved from a law written on stone to a covenant written on our hearts, ensuring that we can truly know Him and experience total forgiveness.
To the Uttermost | Hebrews 7:11-28 | Once for All
Does the good news of the Gospel ever seem "too good to be true"? In our study of Hebrews 7:11–28, we confront the doubts we often have about our own salvation by looking to the indestructible life of Jesus Christ.
This passage details how the arrival of Jesus brought a new priesthood and a new Law, fulfilling the temporary "types and shadows" of the Old Testament. We explore why the earthly priests could never perfect God's people and why Jesus, our sinless and eternal High Priest, is able to save us to the uttermost.
A Higher Priest | Hebrews 7:1-10 | Once for All
One of the easiest ways to explain the value of something is to make a comparison. We do this with food, with celebrities, and even with historical figures. In Hebrews 7:1–10, the author uses a comparison with the mysterious Old Testament figure Melchizedek to explain why we must remain faithful to Christ.
Early believers were tempted to return to the tangible "check-the-box" rituals of the temple sacrifices. This sermon explores why that would be a step backward. By looking at Melchizedek—a priest-king who had no recorded genealogy and who received a tithe from Abraham himself—we see a foreshadowing of a priesthood that does not rely on earthly markers, but on eternal appointment.
God’s Promise is Sure | Hebrews 6:13-20 | Once for All
Is your life anchored to something that holds, or are you drifting with the winds of the world? In this study of Hebrews 6:13–20, we discover the "overarching theme" of Scripture: the covenant faithfulness of God. Using the story of Abraham, we examine how God ratified His promise with an oath, swearing by Himself because there is no one greater.
This "covenant of grace" ensures that our salvation does not rest on our own efforts, but on the unchangeable character of a God who cannot lie. Whether you are facing life's storms or struggling with failure, find peace in the anchor that is firmly set in the presence of God through Jesus Christ, our great high priest who has gone behind the curtain as our forerunner.
Solid Food for the Mature | Hebrews 5:11-6:12 | Once for All
Are you surviving on a spiritual diet of "Pop Rocks and Mountain Dew"? In this study of Hebrews 5:11–6:12, we examine why spiritual nourishment is essential for every believer to stand firm in their faith. The author of Hebrews issues a sharp warning to those who have become "dull of hearing," urging them to move past the basics and feast on the solid food of God's Word.
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.