• April 28 Sermon: An Open Door
    Apr 28 2024

    This week, we explore Revelation 3:7-13 and delve into the story of the Philadelphia church—a community with little power but immense faithfulness. Discover how Jesus’ sovereign authority, the church’s steadfast spirit, and the promise of an eternal reward inspire us to persevere through trials with the assurance that God’s promises stand firm, even in the most challenging times. Join us to learn how to endure with hope and conviction.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from Revelation 3:7-13:

    1. How does recognizing Jesus as the holder of the "key of David" affect our understanding of his sovereignty in our daily struggles and spiritual battles?

    2. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate faithfulness to God’s word in times when we feel weak or overwhelmed by life’s circumstances?

    3. How does the promise of being made "a pillar in the temple of God" influence our perspective on earthly challenges and spiritual endurance?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    29 mins
  • April 21 Sermon: Wake Up
    Apr 21 2024

    This week, we look at Revelation 3:1-6 and explore the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of maintaining a genuine faith. In this passage see how external appearances can be deceiving, emphasizing the need for believers to wake up, remember foundational teachings, and pursue continual spiritual growth.

    Consider these questions as we look at Revelation 3:1-6:

    1. How does the admonition to the church in Sardis to "wake up" and strengthen what remains apply to our personal spiritual lives today?

    2. What does it mean to remember and keep what we have received and heard, and how can this help prevent spiritual decay in our community?

    3. In Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus promises that the faithful will not have their names blotted out of the book of life. How does this assurance impact our daily walk and commitment to Christ?

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    26 mins
  • April 14 Sermon: Hold Fast
    Apr 14 2024

    This week, we look into the message to Thyatira in Revelation 2:18-29. Delve into themes of holiness, the dangers of compromising faith, and the rewards of faithful endurance. Understand the call of Jesus against false teachings and the profound importance of remaining steadfast in our spiritual commitments. Tune in as we contemplate how these ancient lessons apply to our modern faith journeys.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from Revelation 2:18-29: 1. How does the image of Jesus with eyes like flames of fire and feet like burnished bronze enhance our understanding of His role as judge?2. In what ways does the figure of "Jezebel" in Thyatira challenge us to examine contemporary issues within the church today?3. What are the implications of Jesus's promise to the faithful in Thyatira regarding authority over nations and receiving the morning star? How can these promises motivate us in our current spiritual practices?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    32 mins
  • April 7 Sermon: Repent
    Apr 7 2024

    This week, we delve into Revelation 2:12-17, focusing on the church in Pergamum's call to maintain a faithful witness amidst persecution. We explore the dangers of tolerating false teachings and the consequences of failing to stand firm in faith. Finally, we are reassured of God's divine protection and the eternal rewards for those who overcome, highlighting the importance of repentance and steadfastness in our spiritual journey. Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from Revelation 2:12-17:

    1. How does the example of Antipas's martyrdom challenge and inspire us to stand firm in our faith today, even in the face of societal pressures or persecution?

    2. How can the church today guard against the subtle influences of false teachings, comparable to the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, that might lead to compromise or sin?

    3. Reflecting on the promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name, what does this imagery tell us about God's rewards for those who overcome and remain faithful to Him?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    27 mins
  • Resurrection Sunday 2024: From Mourning to Mission
    Apr 1 2024

    Join us as we examine John’s account of the resurrection and consider the significance of the empty tomb and the pivotal change it brings for the people of God.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from John 20:1-18:

    1. How do the emotions and actions of Mary Magdalene and the disciples before recognizing Jesus’ resurrection illustrate the depth of transformation experienced upon realizing the truth of the resurrection?

    2. Considering John’s belief but lack of understanding upon seeing the empty tomb, how does this reflect the journey of faith and understanding in the Christian life?

    3. What significance does Jesus' command to Mary Magdalene not to cling to Him but to go and share the news of His resurrection hold for the mission and witness of believers today?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    23 mins
  • Maundy Thursday 2024: He Gave, They Drank
    Mar 29 2024

    This Maundy Thursday, we look at the institution of the Lord’s Supper from the Gospel of Mark. This passage shows Jesus' sovereignty, our need for forgiveness, and the covenant that Jesus established with his people.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from Mark 14:12-26:

    1. How does Jesus' prediction of His betrayal during the Passover meal contrast with traditional Passover celebrations, and what does this reveal about the new covenant He was instituting?

    2. In what ways does the preparation and observance of the Passover by Jesus and His disciples, as described in Mark 14:12-16, illustrate Jesus' sovereignty and foreknowledge of events, including His betrayal and crucifixion?

    3. Reflecting on the significance of Jesus' words "This is my body" and "This is my blood of the covenant" during the Last Supper, how does this moment redefine the disciples' understanding of sacrifice and covenant in their Jewish faith?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    29 mins
  • Palm Sunday 2024: Your King Is Coming
    Mar 24 2024

    This week, we reflect on Palm Sunday, emphasizing Jesus' triumphal entry as a fulfillment of prophecy, the crowd's response, and Jesus' path to the cross, highlighting the contrast between earthly expectations and His true mission of salvation.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from John 12:12-19:

    1. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus' triumphal entry deepen our understanding of His messianic mission?

    2. In what ways did the crowd's expectations of Jesus as a political Messiah differ from His actual purpose of bringing spiritual salvation?

    3. How does the story of Lazarus' resurrection influence the crowd's perception of Jesus and contribute to the events of Palm Sunday?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    Sermon Podcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    Weekly Virtual Bulletin: ⁠http://updates.efrc.me⁠

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠.

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    28 mins
  • March 17 Sermon: Faithful Unto Death
    Mar 17 2024

    This week, we look at Revelation 2:8-11 and explore the resilience of early Christians who embraced persecution, drawing strength from their faith and the promise of eternal life, as exemplified by martyrs like Stephen and Polycarp. Join us as we delve into the spiritual riches and the eternal crown that await those united to Christ.

    Consider these questions as you listen to this week’s message from Revelation 2:8-11:

    1. How do the church's story in Smyrna and figures like Polycarp exemplify the triumph of faith over worldly suffering?

    2. What is the role of daily preparation in a Christian's life to face spiritual challenges and potential persecution?

    3. How does the concept of an "eternal crown" in Christ contrast with the fleeting crowns of the world?

    Edgerton First Reformed: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org⁠

    Pastor Mark Groen: ⁠http://markgroen.me⁠

    Dwell in the Word Podcast Feed: ⁠http://dwellpodcast.efrc.me⁠

    SermonPodcast Feed: ⁠http://sermons.efrc.me⁠

    Instagram: ⁠http://efrc.me/insta⁠

    Facebook: ⁠http://efrc.me/facebook⁠

    YouTube: ⁠http://efrc.me/youtube⁠

    WeeklyVirtual Bulletin: ⁠http://edgertonfrc.org/virtual-bulletin

    First Reformed is a congregation in the ⁠Evangelical Presbyterian Church⁠

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    34 mins