This sermon from 1 Peter 1:1–12 explores the identity and confidence believers have as elect exiles in a broken world. Pastor Mark Groen unpacks what it means to be born into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message highlights God's sovereign grace, the security of our inheritance, and the refining purpose of trials for those who belong to Christ.

On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in power—not to create chaos, but to launch the church with clarity, order, and bold gospel proclamation. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen walks through Acts 2:1–21 and reminds us that the spark that started in Jerusalem still burns today.The signs and wonders of Pentecost weren’t ends in themselves—they were meant to give authority to the message: that Jesus is Lord, the Spirit has been poured out, and the mission of the church is now in motion. From a fearful denier to a faithful preacher, Peter stands up to declare the gospel boldly. That same Spirit that empowered him empowers us.📖 Scripture: Acts 2:1–21🗓️ Preached: June 8, 2025📍 First Reformed: An Evangelical Presbyterian Church – Edgerton, MN📖 Explore the companion devotions: https://www.edgertonfrc.org/blog/boldness-clarity-gospel-fire-devotions🌐 Visit us: https://edgertonfrc.org

The Ascension isn’t the end of Jesus’ ministry—it’s the beginning of His reign. In this sermon, Pastor Mark unpacks Acts 1 and Psalm 110 to show how Christ’s enthronement empowers the church’s mission and anchors our hope. Jesus is not absent—He’s reigning. The mission has begun.

In this sermon on Revelation 19:1–10, Pastor Mark Groen walks us through a powerful scene of heavenly rejoicing. Instead of mourning the end of the Old Covenant, heaven celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. The imagery of a wedding—not a funeral—takes center stage as the redeemed gather for the marriage supper of the Lamb. This message reminds us that we’ve been invited, we’ve been clothed, and now we’re called to live each day in grateful, joyful worship of Christ alone.

Jerusalem seemed untouchable—adorned with beauty, tradition, and religious power. But in Revelation 18, we witness its catastrophic fall as God's judgment exposes its unfaithfulness. Like the Titanic, what appeared secure was already sinking.This sermon explores the sobering collapse of a city that trusted in rituals and riches instead of the Lamb. Revelation 18 calls God's people to come out, to flee false hopes, and to find lasting security in Christ alone.📖 Passage: Revelation 18🕊️ Theme: Judgment, False Security, God's Justice, Christian Hope📍 Series: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

In this episode, Pastor Mark Groen unpacks Revelation 17, where we see a vivid vision of Jerusalem’s fall—not just as a city, but as a people who placed their trust in outward appearance instead of true faithfulness. The message confronts the dangers of compromise, reveals God's sovereign hand even in judgment, and centers our hope on the victory of Christ, the Lamb who conquers.

Main Points:

• The Seduction of Compromise

• God’s Sovereignty Over Judgment

• The Security of Those Who Belong to Christ

We are a Confessional Presbyterian and Reformed church proclaiming Christ through faithful, biblical preaching.
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How should we respond when we read of God's wrath in Scripture? Revelation 16 confronts us with the sobering reality of divine judgment, but it also reminds us of the matchless grace found in Christ.

In this sermon, Pastor Mark walks us through the seven bowls of wrath in Revelation 16, highlighting their precision, their connections to the Old Testament, and the escalating call to repentance. God's judgment is never random or excessive—it is measured, just, and righteous. And in contrast to the hard-heartedness described in this passage, we are invited to humble ourselves before the Lord and find shelter in the grace of Jesus.

📖 Scripture: Revelation 16

🧭 Sermon Theme: God's just wrath reveals his holiness—and magnifies the grace we receive through Christ.

We are a Confessional Presbyterian and Reformed church committed to Christ-centered preaching and biblical worship.

What does it mean to stand before the holiness of God and live? Revelation 15 offers a powerful glimpse into God’s justice, His unchanging holiness, and His abundant mercy toward His people.

In this message from Revelation 15, we consider the final preparations for God's judgment and the song of the redeemed who proclaim His greatness. We are reminded that while God's holiness demands perfect justice, those who are in Christ are shielded by His sacrifice. The verdict has been rendered, and the people of God are called to live lives of worship, gratitude, and faithful service in response.