December 1 Sermon: Established Hearts
Mark Groen Mark Groen

December 1 Sermon: Established Hearts

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:

  1. How does Paul’s expression of thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 3:9 challenge your view of gratitude in your spiritual life?

  2. In what ways can you actively encourage and equip others in their faith journey as Paul sought to do for the Thessalonians?

  3. 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?

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Devotions: Sealed for Salvation
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

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.

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November 24 Sermon: Sealed for Salvation
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

November 24 Sermon: Sealed for Salvation

In Revelation 7:1-17, John sees the sealing of God’s people for salvation, a vision of a global multitude worshiping the Lamb, and the eternal comfort of those redeemed by His blood. This passage reminds us of God’s sovereign care, the global reach of His grace, and the joy of salvation that leads us to eternal worship. Be encouraged by the hope this vision offers!

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Devotions: Who Can Stand?
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Who Can Stand?

Day 1: The Sovereignty of God

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Reflection: The shaking earth in Revelation 6 reminds us of the psalmist’s declaration: God is our refuge even when the earth gives way. The Lamb controls the seals; nothing is outside His authority. In our own lives, even chaos is under His sovereign hand.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust in Your sovereignty, knowing You hold the world and my life in Your hands. Amen.

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November 17 Sermon: Who Can Stand?
Mark Groen Mark Groen

November 17 Sermon: Who Can Stand?

In Revelation 6, the seals are opened, revealing powerful images of judgment, the cry of the martyrs, and the inevitable reality of God's wrath. But even as the world shakes, the Lamb offers hope and salvation. Who can stand before the wrath of God? Only those who take refuge in Christ. Trust in Him today!

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Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven

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.

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November 10 Sermon: The Anthem of Heaven
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

November 10 Sermon: The Anthem of Heaven

In this message, we explore Revelation 5, where heaven erupts in worship, proclaiming the Lamb’s worthiness to open God’s redemptive scroll. Jesus, the Lion who conquered as a slain Lamb, unites believers across time and space in one anthem of praise. Join us as we uncover how this eternal song reshapes our hope and devotion.

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Devotions: Before the Throne
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Before the Throne

Day 1: The Sovereign Throne of God

  • Reading: Psalm 93

  • Reflection: This psalm reminds us that God reigns with majesty and power, even when the world seems chaotic. Like the waves that seem relentless, life’s struggles can overwhelm us. But the psalmist’s focus on God’s unshakeable throne reminds us that God’s power is above all. John’s vision in Revelation 4 draws us to the same truth—that God is unmovable and in control.

  • Prayer: Lord, help me find peace in Your eternal rule, knowing that You reign above all. Set my heart on Your majesty and sovereignty. Amen.

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November 3 Sermon: Before the Throne
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

November 3 Sermon: Before the Throne

In Revelation 4, John’s vision shifts from earthly struggles to the throne of heaven, unveiling God’s glory and ultimate control. For believers facing persecution, this reminder of a sovereign, eternal King offered profound hope. Today, we’re called to endure life’s challenges by focusing on the One who reigns over all creation. Discover this unshakable foundation and steadfast hope.

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Devotions: Not By Bread Alone
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Not By Bread Alone

Day 1: The Bread that Sustains

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-3 

Reflection: Just as God provided manna to sustain the Israelites, He provides His Word to sustain us today. It’s not just about physical bread but about the spiritual nourishment that comes from every word from God’s mouth. Consider how you’ve been feeding your soul lately. Are you relying on God’s Word as your daily bread? 

Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your Word as my source of life. Give me a hunger for Your truth each day.

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September 29 Sermon: Not By Bread Alone
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

September 29 Sermon: Not By Bread Alone

Imagine someone conducting a 30-day experiment that for an entire month, they decide to give up on all solid food and survive on nothing but water. At first, they might feel okay. Maybe they would be confident that they can handle this. They just need to get used to it. But as the days pass this person's body would start to weaken. Their energy levels would plummet because they're not only losing their fat stores but their muscles are wasting away. And by the end of the month they would barely be functioning.

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Devotions: A Lamp Unto My Feet
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: A Lamp Unto My Feet

Day 1: God's Word Is Accessible

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Reflection: God's Word is not hidden or out of reach—it is near, knowable, and written for us to understand. Just as Moses reminded Israel that God’s commands were not too difficult to grasp, we are also invited to engage with Scripture, trusting that God wants us to know Him and His will.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making Your Word accessible to us. Help me to engage with it daily and to understand the truths You have for my life. Amen.

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September 22 Sermon: A Lamp Unto My Feet
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

September 22 Sermon: A Lamp Unto My Feet

In this sermon, we explore the clarity of God's Word and how it serves as a light in a noisy, confusing world. Scripture is not distant or vague; it is accessible, illuminating, and guided by the Holy Spirit. We’re reminded that God’s Word provides direction for our lives and calls us to engage with it daily. Join us on this journey of discovery and clarity.

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Devotions: Everything We Need
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: Everything We Need

Day 1: The Sufficiency of Scripture for Salvation

Reading: Romans 10:9-17
Reflection: Paul emphasizes that faith comes from hearing the Word of Christ. Salvation is not something we earn; it is a gift from God, revealed through His Word. We don’t need extra rituals or human philosophies to be saved—God’s Word is sufficient to bring us to faith.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Word. Help me fully trust the gospel and rely on Christ alone for salvation.

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September 15 Sermon: Everything We Need
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

September 15 Sermon: Everything We Need

In this message, we explore the sufficiency of Scripture in three key areas: salvation, holiness, and worship. God’s Word is always enough, regardless of our circumstances. It guides us, transforms us, and reveals how we are to worship Him. Join us as we uncover the power and authority of Scripture in every area of life.

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Devotions: The Final Word
Devotions Mark Groen Devotions Mark Groen

Devotions: The Final Word

Day 1: Scripture’s Authority in Our Lives
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Reflection: The Bible is not just another voice; it is the authoritative word of God. It instructs, corrects, and equips us for every good work. Consider today how you are responding to the authority of scripture in your life. Are you allowing it to direct your thoughts and actions?
Prayer: Lord, help me submit to the authority of Your Word. Shape my life through Your truth and guide me in all that I do. Amen.

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September 8 Sermon: The Final Word
Sermon Mark Groen Sermon Mark Groen

September 8 Sermon: The Final Word

In a world filled with competing voices, only one rises above the noise with true authority—God's Word. This sermon explores the authority of scripture as the inspired, God-breathed truth that shapes, equips, and transforms our lives. Discover how the Bible guides us in teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work.

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Devotions: From Suffering to Salvation
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Devotions: From Suffering to Salvation

Day 1: The Depths of Despair

Scripture Reading: Psalm 22:1-5

Reflection: David’s cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” echoes the anguish we sometimes feel in our darkest moments. Yet, even in his despair, David remembers God’s past faithfulness. When we feel abandoned, we too can look back on God’s faithfulness in our lives and trust that He is near.

Prayer: Lord, when I feel forsaken, help me to remember Your faithfulness and trust in Your presence.

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September 1 Sermon: From Suffering to Salvation
Mark Groen Mark Groen

September 1 Sermon: From Suffering to Salvation

Have you ever imagined the surroundings of the people who wrote different books of the Bible? The letters of Paul, I think, invite us to do this because we have a knowledge of Paul's history from knowing his ministry journeys in the book of Acts and the fact that in some of his letters, he tells us that he is imprisoned. In fact, Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon are commonly known as the prison epistles. The setting in which a writer is penning a letter helps us to understand context. And actually think about the different situations that the authors may have been in as I read through the Psalms. Because there are so many different emotions in the Psalter.

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Devotions: Praising Through the Storm
Mark Groen Mark Groen

Devotions: Praising Through the Storm

Day 1: Trusting God in Trials

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-4

Reflection: James encourages believers to find joy in trials because of the endurance they produce. Consider how this aligns with the assurance of God's sovereignty in Psalm 21.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see trials as opportunities to deepen my trust in You, knowing that You are refining my faith for Your glory.

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