Covenant of Grace Messages

This Sunday we will be joined by our friend Doug Hayes. Doug is a pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, and he will preach and give an update on the ministry he leads, Covenant Mercies.

In the series of trumpet blasts, John sees visions of God's ongoing judgments against the ungodly. They are both partial judgments and foretastes of the final judgment awaiting those who harden their hearts against the Lamb. Though creation groans and evil torments, God is sovereign, and his people are secure.

Most of us believe God will judge the world someday. We just don't spend much time thinking about it. In Revelation 8:1–5, the Lamb opens the seventh seal—and heaven falls silent. The songs stop. The worship pauses. Every voice is stilled before the justice of God. In this remarkable passage, God silences heaven, receives the prayers of His people, and executes His judgments on the earth.

Who can stand when the judgment of God comes? Revelation 7 answers that pressing question with a breathtaking vision of a people marked by God, protected by Christ, and destined for glory. Between the opening of the sixth and seventh seals, John sees the church from two angles: numbered for battle and gathered in victory. In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, Revelation 7 reminds us that those who belong to the Lamb are secure forever.

The world is not spinning out of control — it only feels that way. In Revelation 6, Christ himself opens the seals that unleash war, famine, persecution, and death on the earth. But the most important thing about every judgment in this chapter is not what is unleashed — it's who unleashes it. Christ rules over every horseman, every martyr's cry, and every trembling king, and he alone is the shelter that no judgment can shake.

In this profound throne room drama, our gaze lifts from this broken world and its injustices. We see Christ—the Conquering Lion, the Sacrificial Lamb, and the only one worthy to accomplish God's redemptive plan. And in beholding this, we are transformed. This glorious reality secures our hope and centers our affections on what is supremely worthy.

Most of us know that God is at the center of everything. But knowing it and living from it are two different things. In Revelation 4, John is escorted into the throne room of heaven and shown what is actually at the center of the universe — not a star, not a nation, not any human power, but a throne. And the living God of the ages sits upon it.

Most of us know God is in control — until the diagnosis comes, the news breaks, or the revelation comes out. In Revelation 4, John is escorted through an open door into the throne room of heaven. What he sees is not a God wringing his hands over a world in chaos. It is a throne — occupied, uncontested, eternal. This is the vision that makes overcoming possible.

Most of us know God is in control — until the diagnosis comes, the news breaks, or the revelation comes out. In Revelation 4, John is escorted through an open door into the throne room of heaven. What he sees is not a God wringing his hands over a world in chaos. It is a throne — occupied, uncontested, eternal. This is the vision that makes overcoming possible.

Most of us think we're doing fine spiritually. Sure, we could do better, but we're doing alright. In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus writes to a church that felt exactly the same way — and tells them they are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. This is the most severe of the seven letters. And the most personal. Because the danger Jesus is diagnosing isn't outright rebellion. It's the comfortable, self-sufficient Christianity that mistakes familiarity with God for intimacy with him.

Most of us feel weaker than we let on. Weaker in faith than we appear on a Sunday morning. Weaker in hope than we'd like to admit on a Wednesday afternoon. In Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus writes to a small, struggling, unimpressive church—and rather than rebuking them, he floods them with promises. Six strong promises for weak and weary Christians. Because the lavish grace of Jesus doesn't run toward the strong. It runs downhill—straight toward the barely-holding-on.

Have you ever thought something was full of life, only to discover it was dead on the inside? That’s exactly the warning Jesus delivers to the church in Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6, confronting a congregation with a great reputation for being alive while holding no real spiritual vitality. This passage calls us to wake up, remember the Gospel, and repent—before Christ comes like a thief—while promising white garments and an unblotted name in the Book of Life to those who overcome.

Most of us have made peace with something we know we shouldn't have. In Revelation 2:18–29, Jesus writes to a church that is genuinely growing — more love, more faith, more service — but he finds, underneath all of it, something they have stopped fighting. This letter is the searching word of the Son of God to people who are increasing in good ways but continue indulging something wrong. He sees it all — and he loves us too much to look away.

Most of us assume that doubt disqualifies us. But in John 20:24–31, Jesus doesn't rebuke his most skeptical disciple — he pursues him. Through locked doors, with grace before confrontation, the risen Christ meets Thomas at the exact point of his doubt and draws out the greatest confession in the Gospel. This Easter, there is good news for everyone who has struggled to believe.

If we are honest, Evangelical Christianity in the US is not especially healthy - not marked by unity, rather it is riddled with division. It has a weak grasp on the Gospel. Political idolatry on the left and right, error in sexual ethics and biblical anthropology and worldliness all plague churches in the US. The book of Ephesians comes to the rescue. A healthy application of Ephesians 4:1-16 may make all the difference in whether you remain true to Christ or whether you veer off into error or complacency. One to one discipleship is a unique means of grace to transform us into doers of the word and not hearers only.

In a world that promotes acceptance and belonging, where does truth fit in? That was a question the church in Pergamum was confronted with by the risen Christ. This courageous church was tempted to drift from truth and compromise their faith. This week, we'll see the importance of remaining faithful amid outside pressure while guarding against the enemy's internal attacks inside the church.

The church in Smyrna suffered persecution and reproach in a culture hostile to the Gospel. Jesus' words to the Smyrneaens are vital for us today. For all its poverty, suffering and sorrow, and in part due to it, the church in Smyrna is one of just two churches to receive only commendation from Jesus and no rebuke. If we are to remain faithful to the end and receive commendation from Christ, we must learn from them.

What if a church could be strong in truth and still be drifting from Christ? The church in Ephesus was hardworking, discerning, and unwavering in doctrine. Yet Jesus exposes the one thing they had lost: their first love. In this passage, we see both the danger of spiritual drift and the gracious invitation of Christ to return to Him.

What if the greatest need in your life right now isn’t a change in circumstances—but a clearer sight of Christ? In Revelation 1:9-20, the curtain is pulled back, and we are given a breathtaking vision of the risen, reigning Jesus in His present glory. This passage invites us to lift our eyes from lesser things and behold the Glorious Christ who steadies suffering saints and commands our worship.

When the winds rise and the waves begin to crash, what keeps a ship from drifting into disaster? In Revelation 1:4–8, John does not begin with beasts or timelines, but with an anchor—grounding suffering churches in unshakable certainty about who God is and what Christ has done and will do. This passage calls us away from curiosity about the future and into confidence that holds fast in the present.

What if the book of Revelation isn’t meant to spark speculation—but to strengthen your soul? In this opening message from Revelation 1:1-3, we discover that this final book of the Bible was written not to satisfy curiosity about the future, but to fortify Christians for the present. Through vivid imagery and heavenly perspective, God unveils the spiritual battle already underway and calls His people to courageous endurance in light of Christ’s decisive victory. Join us as we begin a series designed to build hope, deepen faithfulness, and anchor our lives in the triumph of the Lamb.

Our culture places a high value on independence and autonomy, but Scripture strikes a different tone: the blessing of finding abundant wisdom in community. This week, we will look at Proverbs' call to wise living—humbling ourselves by pursuing godly, wise counsel that guides and guards our walk with Christ.

As we continue our Multiply Campaign, we’re not just seeking a bigger building—we’re choosing to build a gospel movement that will echo through the generations. In Philippians 4:10-23, Paul shows us how, from the human side of things, the gospel moves with power through the world. The call is now ours—to be a part of this movement, to embrace a vision that extends beyond ourselves, and to build something that endures for eternity.

As we kick off our annual Multiply campaign, we turn to Luke 10:1-12 to refocus on our mission and the urgent need for laborers. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, and Jesus calls us to pray earnestly for more. This sermon will challenge us to step up in evangelism, support the mission, and prepare for the next chapter as we seek to raise funds for a new building that will serve as our mission base. Let’s rise to the call and labor for the Kingdom.

n our passage, Paul urges the most important thing 1st if all. If we hope to have a healthy church, we cannot, we must not ignore what he says in these six verses. If you hope to have a healthy family and a healthy life with God, you cannot, you must not ignore what we are about to study. If you hope to grow in your personal relationship with God through Christ, practice of what this passage teaches is non negotiable.

Prayer is one of those great mysteries that very few people seem to be good at. How can we be better at it? In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul's instruction to pray also offers a vision for how to grow in prayer. Here is help for those struggling to pray!

The first to hear the greatest announcement in history were humble shepherds, not royalty or the religious elite. In Luke 2:8-20, the angelic proclamation of the Savior's birth reveals God’s grace in reaching the lowly. The shepherds’ immediate faith and joyful proclamation challenge us to respond to the gospel with urgency and boldness. As we reflect on this extraordinary birth announcement, may we, too, proclaim the good news of Jesus with joy and haste.

Part of the wonder of Christmas is the stunning paradox of Christ’s birth—Majesty laid in a manger, the Almighty cradled as a child. In Luke 2:1–7, we behold the Lord of glory who, for love’s sake, stepped down from the throne to the straw, choosing poverty that sinners might be made rich. In this message, we’ll trace the profound contrasts of the incarnation—divine glory in lowly places, kingly honor in common circumstances—and see what they unveil about the depth of God’s redeeming love.

Every Christian knows what it feels like to be alive on the outside but dull on the inside—and how desperately we long for a faith that truly lives to God. This Sunday, we’ll turn to Ephesians 3:14–21 to see how Paul prays for believers not merely to understand the gospel but to be strengthened, awakened, and animated by the very life of Christ.

As we will see in our passage in Colossians, your only hope for victory in life with Christ comes from knowing you are already dead. And we will see that life in Christ is continual mortal combat. Our main warfare as Christians is not against other religions; it’s not against cultural trends, it’s not against a political party, it’s not against our spouses or children or other members of the church – no, our primary, daily warfare is against the enemy within – our own sinful desires and practices.

God’s grace doesn’t just save—it changes. Titus 2:11–14 shows us that the same grace that rescues us from sin also trains us in godliness. This week, we’ll explore how salvation sparks transformation, how mercy reshapes our hearts, and how grace produces lives that increasingly reflect Christ.

Jesus said his disciples are to seek first his kingdom. Yet how easy it is for us to get entangled in this world—to allow personal pursuits and perpetual busyness to shape our priorities and agendas. The brief story of the rebuilding of the temple in Haggai 1 is instructive for us. We will study how God's people considered their selfish ways and reoriented themselves to seek God's priorities first.

Many Christians feel the tension between the radical life Jesus describes and the ordinary life we often settle for. In Luke 9:18–25, Jesus cuts through our confusion with a breathtakingly clear call to follow Him—one that exposes our comfort, awakens our courage, and resets our expectations for discipleship. This passage helps us see what true devotion looks like, what it costs, and why it’s worth everything.

The Holy Spirit is not an optional part of the Christian life--He is its very center. But sadly, many Christians don't know Him well. This study (re)introduces us to the Spirit and to a life in relationship with Him.

All the gifts the church experiences flow from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The same Gospel that saves us from our sins gifts us to show mercy, to serve, to teach, to give, to lead, to have supernatural knowledge, to pray for healings, to prophesy and to speak in tongues. All the gifts described in the New Testament are necessary expressions of the active presence of God in our midst through the power of the Holy Spirit. Two gifts uniquely stand out - one for its power to edify the whole church and the other for its power to edify the individual Christian. Let's dive into these two gifts to which Jesus dedicated an entire chapter of the Bible.

In studying 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, we see a glimpse of who the Spirit is, what he does, and how he continues to empower believers for ministry and witness.

We live in a world running in every direction except toward what truly matters. In Philippians 3:12-21, Paul shows us what it looks like to run the only race worth running — one that forgets what’s behind, strains forward to what lies ahead, and follows after those who run for the same prize. The Christian life is not a casual stroll; it’s a wholehearted pursuit of Christ Himself.

Everyone wants power, but few want suffering. Yet Paul shows us that you cannot have one without the other if you truly want to know Christ. In Philippians 3:7–11, he reveals that the Christian life is marked by both resurrection power and suffering for Jesus. This Sunday we’ll see how knowing Christ means living in His power, walking in His sufferings, and pressing on toward the hope of resurrection glory.

We all keep a kind of scorecard—whether it’s being a good parent, working hard at our job, having a solid reputation, or even just trying to be a “good Christian.” Paul had the best scorecard you could imagine, and yet he says it was all worthless compared to knowing Christ. In this passage, Paul shows us the emptiness of trusting in what we’ve done and the freedom of resting in what Christ has already done for us.

What is truly worth pursuing? Paul shows us that all else pales in comparison to knowing Jesus. In this message, we’ll see the serious danger of losing sight of Christ—and the surpassing treasure that makes Him worth more than anything else in life.

Where is God when the wicked strike? In the face of shocking violence and rising wickedness, Psalm 10 gives us a mirror to see our world with biblical clarity. It names evil for what it is, teaches us to cry out for God’s justice, and anchors us in the assurance that the Lord is King forever.

Paul’s life and ministry exemplify a single, unwavering focus: Christ. Even in chains, he rejoices that Christ is proclaimed. In this passage, we see the tension between life and death, and Paul’s unshakable commitment to the advance of the gospel over personal comfort. This sermon will explore what it means to live with a passion so consuming that Christ becomes the center of every choice, every struggle, and every ambition.

It’s easy to resent trials and wish they would go away—but James 1:2–4 shows us that God can use them to shape our character and strengthen our faith. When we face difficulties, we have a choice: grumble or grow. In this message, we learn how to not waste our trials, instead letting God refine us and produce perseverance that leads to maturity and hope.

Few Psalms have such strikingly powerful declarations of aspects of God's nature, God's attributes. David did not come to know God's attributes through some dusty book of theology. Here in Psalm 139, David is arrested in full flight from God by deeply personal revelations of the Omniscient God, the Omnipresent God, the Omnipotent Creator God, the Ruling God and the Shepherd God. David sees God's very nature and is transformed. And by God's mercies, so shall we be as we study Psalm 139 together.

Christians live between the already and not yet. The gospel has triumphed, and final salvation is guaranteed! That comes with an urgent call—to put off slumber and to remain spiritually awake. To live alert in light of the coming day of our Lord's return.

In the last chapter of Leviticus we encounter the topic of paying for one’s vows. We see a God who accommodates for vow breakers. We are called to a high standard of keeping to our promises, and yet we are pointed to God as the great vow keeper as our example and substitute.

What kind of blessing does God promise His people? Leviticus 26 gives a clear and compelling answer. God lays before Israel two paths—one of obedience leading to flourishing, and one of rebellion leading to ruin. This isn’t about earning individual rewards but receiving covenantal favor as a people who walk with Him. Ultimately, the chapter points us to Christ, the true Israelite, whose obedience secures every spiritual blessing for those in Him.

What kind of freedom does God want for His people? Leviticus 25 gives a surprising answer. Through the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee, God builds rhythms of rest, release, and restoration into the life of Israel. These laws aren't just ancient economics—they are a picture of the gospel. In Christ, we find the true Jubilee: debts forgiven, slaves set free, and broken things made whole.

God orchestrated every aspect of the tabernacle to display the gift of his presence to his people. In Leviticus 24, we see how God invites his people to fellowship with him regularly and reverently and to sanctify the name that is above all names.