Episodes
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That My House May Be Filled – Luke 14:15–24
Sermon by William Burrows What could possibly keep us from accepting an invitation to a feast prepared by God himself? In Jesus’ Parable of the Great Banquet, the invitation is gracious, the feast is ready, and yet those who were invited begin to make excuses. Everything has been prepared, yet…
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Those Were the Days, Part 2: A Little “Kindness” Goes a Long Way – Genesis – Genesis 1:1–2:3
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries The phrase “according to their kind” (or “according to its kind”) is repeated ten times in Genesis 1. Have you ever wondered why? The answer points us toward the remarkable order and variety God built into his creation. God establishes boundaries between kinds while...
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Those Were the Days, Part 1: A Fundamentally Week Argument – Genesis – Genesis 1:1–2:3
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Have you ever wondered why God created everything in six days? He certainly didn't need six days to accomplish his creative work. The structure of Genesis 1 is intentional, establishing the seven-day week and leading all of creation toward the seventh day of rest.…
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Right from the Start – Genesis – Genesis 1:1
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What does Genesis have to do with the gospel? As we open the first book of the Bible, we begin a journey through Scripture with the gospel as our guiding context. The God who created the heavens and the earth is the God whose redemptive purposes in Christ stand at…
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Courageous Thanksgiving – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 138
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Have you ever considered how thanksgiving can be an act of courage? David’s praise in Psalm 138 is not quiet or private. It is wholehearted and public, offered in the presence of the powerful and influential, and even offered in the midst of trouble. David’s…
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Words to Live By – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 127
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries We spend much of our lives building something—houses, careers, families, and legacies. But how do we build in a way that brings delight rather than regret? Psalm 127 offers a wisdom for both our work and our homes. Solomon calls us to a life of dependence upon God,...
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A Psalm for Our Season – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 94
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Augustine said the rest of Scripture speaks to us, but the Psalms speak for us. But what happens when the Psalms put words in our mouths that we would rather avoid? Psalm 94 is pointed, passionate, personal, prophetic, pastoral, and even political, confronting us…
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How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 84
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What does it mean to find our home in God? Psalm 84 uses the beautiful imagery of dwelling places, courts, and even birds making their nests to describe the blessedness of taking refuge in the Lord. The Psalmist longs for the place where God dwells, where even those...
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Bucket List – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 71
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What would be on your bucket list if you knew you had one thing left to accomplish? Psalm 71 gives us the remarkable answer of a man whose greatest desire is to proclaim God's might to the next generation. The Psalmist's priorities did not arise simply from…
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The Bounty of God – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 65
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries We live in a world shaped by scarcity, where peace often seems just out of reach. Psalm 65 reminds us that true peace is found only in the inexhaustible bounty of God. In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries examines God's abundant provision for his people. Whether...
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Purpose and Promise – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 43
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries The longing to be vindicated is often dismissed as pride—but can it ever be righteous? Psalm 43 reveals that there are times when God's people rightly cry out for justice while continuing to trust in his goodness. In this sermon, John DeVries explores how believers...
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Living Hope – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 33
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Our hope in Christ is certain—but it is also alive. Rather than leaving us passive or disconnected from daily life, biblical hope transforms the way we live in the present as we await God's promised future. In this sermon, John DeVries examines Psalm 33 and explains...
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True Religion – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 50
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries People have always asked the same question: What must I do to please God? Psalm 50 reveals that the answer is far deeper than religious activity or outward obedience. In this sermon, John DeVries examines God's definition of true religion. The Lord is not impressed…
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Eternal Life Refuge – Psalms of Summer – Psalm 16
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries God is often described as our refuge—but what if that means more than simply running to him in moments of crisis? Psalm 16 presents a richer picture: God is the refuge in whom his people are meant to live. In this sermon, John DeVries shows how David embraces the…
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Nourished at the Table – 1 Corinthians 10:1–22; 11:17–34
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What does it really mean to commune with Christ in the Lord's Supper? Is Communion merely a memorial, or does God truly nourish his people through this sacred meal? In this sermon, John DeVries explores the biblical meaning of the Lord's Supper and the dangers of…
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Christ the Power and Wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:18–31
Sermon by William Burrows The message of the cross has always seemed foolish to the world. Yet what appears to be weakness to them is, in reality, the very power and wisdom of God. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to behold Christ as our wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption....
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One Cross, One Christ, One Body – 1 Corinthians 1:10–18
Sermon by William Burrows What can divide a church that is otherwise healthy and growing? In 1 Corinthians 1:10–18, Paul confronts a congregation fractured by rivalries, personalities, and competing loyalties. Paul holds out the message of the cross as God's answer to a divided church. The...
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Unconditional Surrender – Elder's Choice 2026 – Joshua 9:1–10:15
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What does true faith look like? The unlikely answer in Joshua 9–10 comes from a people marked for destruction who risk everything to find refuge under the wings of the God of Israel. Pastor John DeVries explores the story of the Gibeonites and the holy fear that led...
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Choosing Life – Elder's Choice 2026 – Joshua 8
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries The conquest of Canaan raises difficult questions about sin, judgment, and the character of God. Joshua 8 helps us understand these events by placing them within the broader story of redemption. In this sermon, John DeVries explores Israel's covenant renewal ceremony...
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Processing Defeat, Purifying Devotion – Elder's Choice 2026 – Joshua 7
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries “You can’t win ’em all” may be true in many areas of life—but is it true for the people of God? Joshua 7 forces us to consider the difference between faithful suffering and defeat brought about by sin within the covenant community. In this sermon, John DeVries…
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Faithless Discretion and Foolish Faith – Elder's Choice 2026 – Numbers 13–14
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries When does caution become unbelief—and when does zeal become presumption? Numbers 13–14 presents both dangers as Israel stands on the edge of the Promised Land. In this sermon, John DeVries examines the difference between faithful prudence and faithless discretion, as...
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Choosing a Side – Elder's Choice 2026 – Exodus 3–4
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Exodus 4:24–26 is one of the most difficult and mysterious passages in the Old Testament. Why does God seem to suddenly move against Moses, and why does Zipporah’s action cause God’s anger to relent? On today’s episode, Pastor John DeVries explains how this passage...
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What About Him? – The Gospel of John – John 21:15-25
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Why do we so often compare ourselves to others—and what does that reveal about our hearts? In John 21:15–25, Jesus confronts Peter with a simple but searching call: follow me, without worrying about anyone else. In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries shows how…
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No Other Explanation – The Gospel of John – John 21:1–14
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries The last chapter of John begins with what seems to be a quiet and unfinished account of Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples following his resurrection. What message does this moment hold for the church? As we’ll hear in today’s sermon, this passage reveals that...
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No Doubt – The Gospel of John – John 20:24–31
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries On today’s episode, Pastor John DeVries reexamines the familiar label “Doubting Thomas.” Rather than a man caught in uncertainty, Thomas is shown to be in settled disbelief—highlighting the Bible’s sharp distinction between doubt and faith. This message clarifies…
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Apostolic Authority – The Gospel of John – John 20:19–23
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Following his resurrection, Jesus gave to his disciples a surprising authority. How should we understand the giving of the Spirit here, and what does it mean that they are entrusted with the ministry of forgiveness? In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries shows that...
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The Word Made Flesh, the Flesh Made Family– Easter Sunday 2026 – John 20:1–18
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries When Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene had no family to return to, no home to go back to, which is why she stayed at the tomb weeping while everyone else left. In this Easter Sunday sermon, we look at the resurrection through Mary’s eyes and discover that, in more...
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That We May Not Shrink – Palm Sunday 2026 – Luke 19:11–27
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries As Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem, and his disciples believed that he was about to usher in the kingdom of God, he told them a parable, the parable of Ten Minas. Listen in as Pastor John DeVries examines what this parable meant for Jesus’ disciples on that day—and...
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Don’t Take it Lightly– Hebrews 12:1–11
Sermon by Aaron Mead We know that God disciplines us for our good, but we often fail to recognize God's loving correction for what it is—or we shrink from it. In this sermon, Aaron Mead points us to Hebrews chapter 12 to show how we can avoid these temptations and embrace our heavenly Father’s...
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“It Is Finished” – The Gospel of John – John 19:23–47
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries What did Jesus mean when he declared the words, “It is finished”? Far more than the end of suffering, these words announced the completion of the work the Father gave him to do. In his passive obedience, Christ endured the full weight of suffering and the wrath of…
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Giving to Caesar – The Gospel of John – John 19:1–22
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries We are all familiar with Jesus’ teaching that we should “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” But what does it mean? And, what role does it play in Jesus being handed over to be crucified by the religious leaders? Join us as we examine the…
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Spiritual Wholeness – James 1:19–27
Sermon by William Burrows In James 1:19–27, God calls his people to a faith that is whole: a faith that not only hears the Word but does what it says. True religion receives the implanted Word with humility, puts away sin, bridles the tongue, cares for the needy, and seeks holiness in a world…
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What Is Truth? – The Gospel of John – John 18:28–40
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries When Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” he voiced a question that continues to define our age. Is truth something we construct, or something that stands over us?In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries examines Pilate’s question and the Bible’s answer. Scripture...
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Turning the Other Cheek – The Gospel of John – John 18:15–27
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries In his sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” What does it really…
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“I Am He” – The Gospel of John – John 18:1–14
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Even before Jesus is arrested, he confesses. He confesses to everything with the simple words, “I am he.” Join us as we look deeper into this powerful statement and how it can change our lives forever.
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The High Priestly Prayer, Part 3 – The Gospel of John – John 17:20–26
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Through the years, many have wondered, “Why isn’t the church more effective in its evangelistic outreach to the unbelieving world?” Maybe you’ve wondered about that question yourself. Well, in our passage today, Jesus gives us the answer—and it may surprise you.…
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The High Priestly Prayer, Part 2 – The Gospel of John – John 17:6–19
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Many years have passed since the days of Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer” in John chapter 17. But as he explains in that prayer, the process of making disciples is still the same for us now as it was for him then, namely the ministry of the Word and prayer. In today’s...
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The High Priestly Prayer, Part 1 – The Gospel of John – John 17:1–5
“The ‘I’ in TULIP” Sermon by Pastor John DeVries With the close of John chapter 16, the formal part of Jesus’ earthly ministry has come to a close. Now, with the opening of chapter 17, Jesus sets his sights firmly on his approaching passion and death. But, rather than demonstrating a hesitation…
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Take Heart – The Gospel of John – John 16:16–33
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries While delayed gratification is an important concept for us to employ in many things in life, it is critical for the life of faith. Join us as we look at how Jesus seeks to strengthen his disciples for the period of difficulty that they are about to experience as he...
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Ordinary Faithfulness – Acts 2:36–42
Sermon by William E. Burrows II We often long for extraordinary growth—in our faith, our families, our church—but Scripture reminds us that in his divine wisdom, God has chosen to work those extraordinary things through ordinary means. In Acts 2:36–42, we see the newborn church devoted not to...
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The Prayer of the Man of God – Psalm 90
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries How should God’s people think about time—the speed with which it passes, the burdens we encounter along the way in this all-too-brief life that God gives us? These are things that lie at the heart of this powerful prayer of Moses. Listen along us as we recalibrate…
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Advent 2025: Love – Matthew 2:13–23
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries There are certain Scriptures that come immediately to mind when we think of the love of God, John 3:16 for example. But there are also certain passages that definitely do not—passages that are challenging for us to understand or to square with what we are told about...
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Advent 2025: Joy – Matthew 2:7–12
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries The wise men experienced great joy when they saw the star of Christ leading them to him, even before they saw Christ himself. What are we to make of this? Were they focused on the wrong things, or does their example point us to something important in our own...
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Advent 2025: Peace – Matthew 2:1–6
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Though our life in Christ grants us a deep and settled peace now—having been reconciled to God—that peace rests on the greater peace still to come when Christ returns in glory. But the reign of Christ is not merely a future hope. From his birth, this question has...
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Advent 2025: Hope – Matthew 1:18–25
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Throughout biblical history, God has given his people hope in difficult circumstances by assuring them of one salient point: that he is with them. Join us as we consider how Joseph received this message and how it transformed the seeming mess before him into…
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Longing for the Harvest – Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43
Sermon by Pastor John DeVries Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating the harvest and all of God's other blessings. But the harvest is also a time to remember the great harvest that God has planned for the end of this age, the time when “all causes of sin and all law-breakers” will be gathered out...
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Faithfully and clearly proclaiming the truth of God's Word and the hope of the gospel. Vineland Road is the resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. Learn more about us at crcstjoseph.com.
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