CVPC Sermons

The Big Takeaway: We live in a broken world marred by suffering and evil, but God promises to make all things new. The church joins this mission by demonstrating the beauty of His Kingdom and proclaiming the gospel to every nation.

The Big Takeaway: Spirit-filled worship is always a bond of community united in adoration and praise before a holy, powerful Savior. How does your personal story reflect both the bond of praise and the confidence of God’s promise as we live and love day by day?

08.02.2026 sermon

07.26.26 sermon

07.19.26 sermon

The Big Takeaway: Jesus gives us what we most need so that we can share it with others.1. A Living Hope2. A New Purpose3. A Patient Love

The Big Takeaway: Thomas' doubt about Jesus' resurrection wasn't a rejection of him but the sign of an aching faith that was hurting and longing to believe again. And Jesus, ever merciful toward is own, did not scold him for it. He drew near and gently gave Thomas exactly what his weary heart needed. Yet in that same moment of kindness, Jesus also pointed us toward an even deeper joy: that trusting his Word (vs. 29-31; 21:25) is itself a beautiful and sufficient way of knowing him – so much so that Jesus calls it blessed, even more blessed than seeing with our own eyes.

The Big Takeaway: When our world is deteriorating or declining, we tend to take ownership of the whole problem, or at least carry the anxiety that accompanies the problem. Thankfully, all the Lord asks of us is to be faithful to our calling in him, a calling for which he provides strength. And often, through that modest goal of faithfulness, he accomplishes great things.

The Big Takeaway: Jesus gave us glory, even his own glory (v. 22). Jesus' glory was tied to that "hour," to his death and crucifixion, to his gift of eternal life (17:1 ff.). How does the gift of his glory define you? Your joy is tied to that glory and the conscious embrace of all that it represents. Your joy is tied to the oneness shared in our unity.

The Big Takeaway: Jesus' mission on earth was to consecrate himself (v. 9), meaning that he is preparing to die on the cross, so that we may be sanctified. Stated differently, our sanctification was Jesus' primary mission on earth.

The Big Takeaway: Calvin stated that Jesus' prayer reveals the depths of the Savior's heart. This accurately describes John 17. By praying for his glorification (vs. 1-5), the sanctification of present believers (vs. 6-19), and the unity of future believers (vs. 20-26), Jesus' High Priestly Prayer reveals the heart of the Savior for his covenant people.

The Big Takeaway: The disciple's joy is directly related to both the method and the end that your Master designs. The promise of complete joy is yours! The journey is yours as well. Prize your Lord's wisdom, ways, and wishes!

The Big Takeaway: Discipline, trials, and affliction not only have the power to transform our lives, but they bind us to Christ, who was himself a man acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3), whose work was "made perfect" through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).

The Big Takeaway: Abiding in Jesus is the work of the Spirit that causes us to be united with Christ and receive all the blessings and privileges that come with this union. Believers, as a result of union with Christ, are called to bring glory to God by bearing fruit in season and out of season!

The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (14:26), comforter (15:26), advocate (16:7-11), and guide (16:12-15).

The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), comforter (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John16:12-15).

The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), comforter (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John 16:12-15).

The Big Takeaway: The apostles reveal the Holy Spirit in a beautiful, powerful, and compelling way. He wants us not only to know him intellectually but also to know him experientially by communing with him. As we commune with the Spirit, we will find that he is our helper (John 14:16-17), teacher (John 14:26), friend (John 15:26), advocate (John 16:7-11), and guide (John 16:12-15).

The Big Takeaway: Some have eyes but do not see. You must process what glory actually is if you are going to see Jesus. Jesus is glorious beyond compare! There is no more majestic nor more powerful visage than the sight of Jesus in his glory! See, behold Jesus!

The Big Takeaway: At the heart of this passage is a powerful promise: "I go and prepare a place for you. I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." This promise provides comfort and hope to the believer. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the proof that the one who made the promise has the power and authority to deliver on this promise!

The Big Takeaway: The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the answer to every terror in this parable. The rich man's suffering is real, his separation from God is real, and the finality of his situation is real. Yet, for those who are in Christ, this parable is not a word of condemnation, but a cause of adulation to the Father for delivering us from death and Hell.

The Big Takeaway: When we are called by the gospel of God's grace, it powerfully changes us from the inside out. Those changes ripple out from us individually and corporately as we increasingly understand and live out the gospel. So our response to God's missional call is not motivated by guilt or panic or duty but by the transforming nature of the gospel.

The Big Takeaway: By washing the feet of his disciples, Jesus serves them as though he were a slave on the night before he dies the death of a slave. John describes the Lord’s service as love (v. 1) and quotes the Lord as saying, “you also should do just as I have done to you” (v. 15). In this way, humility, service, and love are bound together, essential to Christian character, and foundational in the household of faith.

The Big Takeaway: Jesus's pre-burial anointing demonstrates that Christ is supremely worthy — and the elect, transformed by grace, will recognize it. Mary's extravagant worship is not irrational; it is right reason, sanctified by the Spirit. The redeemed heart sees what Judas's corrupt heart could not: that Jesus is worth everything.

The Big Takeaway: Jesus' words to Martha (vv. 25-26) and the subsequent raising of Lazarus demonstrate that "in the person and work of Jesus, life is no longer bound by death and death no longer may willfully intrude on life" (Calvin). He alone is sovereign over physical and spiritual life as well as death. His actions also show Jesus as one who enters into our suffering with compassion, offering comfort and hope to those crushed by the weight of a sinful world.

The Big Takeaway: Jesus' words to Martha (vv. 25-26) and the subsequent raising of Lazarusdemonstrate that "in the person and work of Jesus, life is no longer bound by death and deathno longer may willfully intrude on life" (Calvin). He alone is sovereign over physical and spirituallife as well as death. His actions also show Jesus as one who enters into our suffering withcompassion, offering comfort and hope to those crushed by the weight of a sinful world.

The Takeaway: Many of you learned to sing “Jesus Loves Me” in your earliest years: “Jesus love me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me!” What a good way to affirm and provide security to little fearful children! The greater truth that will remove your anxiety and provide lifelong assurance is Jesus’ affirmation that "The Father loves me…." (v. 17). Allow yourself to stretch and embrace the fullness of the Father’s love as revealed in Jesus’ Good Shepherd sermon.

Big Takeaway: “I am the Door” — This imagery presents Jesus as the exclusive door to salvation. Those who enter through him receive not just forgiveness but an abundant, securelife in union with him. Jesus’ affirmation assures believers that those who truly belong tohim—who hear and follow his voice—have eternal security in his care.

1. What is spiritual blindness, and why is it an even more catastrophic condition than physical blindness?2. In what ways were the disciples (vs. 1-6), the man born blind (vs. 7; 35-39), and the Pharisees (vs. 13-34; 40) spiritually blind?3. How does Jesus' interaction with them in each case demonstrate his ability to help bring them out of darkness and into his light?4. What hope is there for those who are suffering from spiritual blindness?

1. What is spiritual blindness, and why is it an even more catastrophic condition than physical blindness?2. In what ways were the disciples (vs. 1-6), the man born blind (vs. 7; 35-39), and the Pharisees (vs. 13-34; 40) spiritually blind?3. How does Jesus' interaction with them in each case demonstrate his ability to help bring them out of darkness and into his light?4. What hope is there for those who are suffering from spiritual blindness?

1. What is spiritual warfare, and do you feel equipped to engage in spiritual warfare? How do we see spiritual warfare playing out in our passage?2. Jesus talks at length about the spiritual heritage of the children of God and the children of the devil. What are the characteristics of both, and why would these characteristics cause conflict?3. How can you daily prepare yourself for spiritual warfare?

1. How does this teaching by Jesus relate to or explain his actions in forgiving the woman caught in adultery?2. What is the Old Testament background to Jesus' statement, "I am the light of the world" (vs.12)? How would the Jews in Jesus' day understand his statement?3. The Pharisees questioned Jesus' authority to say that he is the light of the world. What are the implications of him saying that he is the light of the world?

1. What does this story teach you about sin and its consequences? What made the problem in this story an impossible situation to solve for Jesus?2. Why were the charges levied against the woman both just and unjust? Why was Jesus' statement, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone," so effective against those who wanted to stone the woman?3. What effect do private sins have on society? What examples can you give to show this?

12.28.2025 sermon.

1. It's Christmas Sunday. We celebrate with gifts. What Christmas gift have you received that has given you the greatest joy? What gift have you given that brought you the greatest joy? How have either the gifts you have given or those you have received brought joy to others?2. As we study the third of the Servant Songs in Isaiah 50:4-11, we can see our Servant Savior celebrate. What is it that he prizes and why?3. Now that we have looked at the other Servant Songs (Is 42:1-9, 49:1-13, & 52:13-53:12), what common themes and what distinguishing emphases do you see in each song?

1. Where in Isaiah are the four Servant Songs?2. What's the difference between the way the world achieves victory and the way the Lord achieves it through his servant? 3. What do you think makes up the sweetness of Christian character?

1. The second Servant Song is unique for several reasons, but in particular for its maternal imagery (vs. 1, 5, 15). What do these metaphors communicate about the Servant and about us?2. Israel thought Yahweh had forgotten his promises toward them (v. 14). In what ways does the second Servant Song remind them that Yahweh has not forgotten them?3. Although Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, people often feel abandoned and lonely.How does this Servant Song provide comfort and hope to us now

1. Who is the servant of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 42, and what evidence does the text give of the servant's identity2. The servant's primary task was to bring justice to the world (vs. 1, 3, 4). In what ways is the servant of the Lord carrying out justice differently from all the other rulers of this world? In what ways does this servant bring joy to the world?3. In what ways do you think God is calling us to follow in the footsteps of his servant this Christmas season?

1. Who is included in the jury pool that judged Jesus in John 7? Can you identify with anyone in this group of skeptics?2. How does Jesus handle the skepticism of his questioners? How does he handle your questions, your skepticism, or your unbelief?3. Does Jesus’ promise of "rivers of living water" ring true to you? Do you believe? Do you have a sense of the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise in your own experience of life?

1. What effect did Jesus ' self-disclosure of "I am the bread of life" have on the crowd of people and his disciples? What effect has it had on the way you live? What effect does God want it to have in our lives?2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship," makes a distinction between cheap grace (that costs you nothing) and costly grace (that costs a man his life). In what ways do you see the crowd wanting cheap grace, and in what ways do you see Jesus calling them to costly grace? 3. Many of Jesus' disciples left him after his bread of life teaching. What do you think was the hardest part of Jesus' teaching? Was Jesus' teaching hard to understand or hard to put into practice? Do you struggle to understand Jesus' teachings and how to faithfully live them out? How does Peter's confession in v. 68 help you persevere in your faith?

1. What effect did Jesus ' self-disclosure of "I am the bread of life" have on the crowd of people and his disciples? What effect has it had on the way you live? What effect does God want it to have in our lives?2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in his book, "The Cost of Discipleship," makes a distinction between cheap grace (that costs you nothing) and costly grace (that costs a man his life). In what ways do you see the crowd wanting cheap grace, and in what ways do you see Jesus calling them to costly grace? 3. Many of Jesus' disciples left him after his bread of life teaching. What do you think was the hardest part of Jesus' teaching? Was Jesus' teaching hard to understand or hard to put into practice? Do you struggle to understand Jesus' teachings and how to faithfully live them out? How does Peter's confession in v. 68 help you persevere in your faith?

1. The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle mentioned in all four gospels. What makes the meaning of this miracle so important? How does it differ from all the other signs that John gives in his gospel? Jesus used this sign as a test; did the disciples understand the spiritual lesson? Do you grasp the lesson Jesus was trying to teach?2. When did the multiplication of the meal happen? Why is this significant to understanding Jesus' redemptive mission? Do you believe that a miracle like this can happen today? What does this miracle fundamentally teach us about the kingdom of God?3. After seeing the miracle, the people wanted to make Jesus a king. What are some things they misunderstood about the miracle of the meal? In what ways are we susceptible to misunderstanding God's kingdom mission and message? What are a few big takeaways you received from your study of John 6?

1. Like any good doctor, Jesus asked a probing question to the paralytic man: "Do you want to be healed?" What was the purpose of this question? How did the paralytic respond? What does the paralytic's response teach us about his emotional and spiritual state?2. What made this miracle a turning point in Jesus' ministry? Why did Jesus only heal this man and not all the others who were present? What does this miracle communicate about Jesus?3. Why was it significant that Jesus healed on the Sabbath?

1. Why didn't Jesus and the Samaritan woman mean the same thing when they used the word "water?" Much more so than food, human beings are dependent on water and live only a matter of days without it. What was Jesus up to when he used water and "thirst" to speak of eternal life?2. What would a woman who has had five men be looking for, and why has she not found it through the worship of God in Shechem on Mount Gerizim?3. Samaritans believed in the five books of Moses only, not including the Prophets and the Writings as Jews did. So for this woman, the Ten Commandments would have been paramount, yet most of her adult life she has perpetually broken the seventh commandment. What was Jesus' response to her ethical character?

1. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus by night? What was he hoping to learn or gain from Jesus? It is evident that Jesus takes the conversation down a path that Nicodemus did not anticipate. What can this entire narrative teach us about how we share the gospel with those who are seeking?2. What does Jesus mean when he tells Nicodemus, "Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (vv. 3 & 7)? How does one know if they have been born again? Why was this so shocking to Nicodemus?3. Jesus uses the story of the bronze serpent (Num. 21) to illustrate God's incredible love for sinners (John 3:16) and his death, burial, and resurrection. This illustration had an incredible impact on Nicodemus (John 7:50-53 & 19:39). In what ways do you find the resurrection an incredible illustration of God's love for sinners?

1. If what they were doing in the temple was lawful and necessary, then why did Jesus cleanse the temple? Why didn't others address this injustice in the past?2. For a Christian, why is spiritual maturity an important prerequisite for social action? In what context is righteous anger needful and important for social change?3. What "tables" need to be flipped in our society today? How should Christians fight to prevent injustice in our time?

1. What makes a wedding such an important celebration for our culture?2. In your experience, what was the focus of the weddings you have attended? What was the focus of your own wedding, if you are married? What is the focus of the wedding in Cana as John records the story?3. What is the best wedding story you can remember?

1. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, and what are the marks of a disciple of Jesus?2. Andrew and Nathaniel factor heavily in this section. What was the difference between how they both initially responded to Jesus? What do their responses teach us about how people vary in their response to Jesus?3. Nathaniel was originally skeptical of Jesus. How did Jesus overcome his skepticism? What can we learn from Jesus' approach to Nathaniel's skepticism?

Questions for Reflection: John 1:19-341. The story of John the Baptist is split into two days. On day one, John proclaims that he is not the Christ. How does John's confession help shape his public ministry (v. 20)?2. On the second day, John proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (v. 29). Some claim that John's proclamation is the gospel in brief. How does this statement proclaim the essence of the gospel?3. John practiced radical self-denial and faithful proclamation of the gospel. Are these traits present in your life? Ponder your walk as a Christian; does it exemplify Jesus' word in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me"?

1. Why did the Apostle John use the Greek word logos to describe Jesus? What was its cultural and theological significance to John's readers? Why is understanding Jesus as the Logos important for us today?2. The purpose statement of John is stated in John 20:31 — "...these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." What does believing in Jesus mean? How does belief in Jesus as the Logos shape the way we live? 3. The Christian life is often described by the word, "walk." How has your walk with Jesus been over the last several days, weeks, or months? Have you stumbled or stopped? Are you walking strong?