Sermons – Vineland Road

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesOur 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 how living hope is grounded in God's eternal counsel, directed toward our future salvation, and expressed through joyful worship. As we trust the Lord whose plans never fail, we are called to live with confidence, obedience, and praise in anticipation of his coming kingdom.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesPeople 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 by empty rituals or external conformity, but delights in hearts transformed by his saving grace. Through the new covenant in Christ, God's people are freed to offer lives of genuine thankfulness—the sacrifice that truly honors him.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesGod 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 Lord as his greatest good. By delighting in the people of God, following the Lord's counsel, and looking forward to an eternal inheritance, believers learn to live in the security, joy, and hope that are found only in Christ.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhat 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 both superstition and trivialization. Through the bread and the cup, God strengthens our faith by setting the gospel before our senses, drawing us into deeper fellowship with Christ and with one another as we remember, believe, and receive his grace.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by William BurrowsThe 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. The message of the cross exposes the emptiness of human wisdom and offers what we could never provide for ourselves: forgiveness, holiness, and the sure hope of final redemption. From beginning to end, our salvation rests not in what we have done, but in Christ alone. The only fitting response to such grace is to boast, not in ourselves, but in the Lord.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by William BurrowsWhat 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 Corinthians had begun to identify themselves with different leaders, but Paul calls them back to the one thing that truly unites God's people: Jesus Christ and him crucified. When the church fixes its eyes on the cross, divisions lose their power and believers are reminded that they belong to one Savior and one body, and preach one gospel.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhat 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 them to seek a covenant relationship with the Lord. Though their actions raise difficult questions, the heart of the passage is their complete surrender and trust in God's mercy. In response, God delivers them with one of the most dramatic demonstrations of his power in all of Scripture, revealing the kind of God he is to those who come to him in faith.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThe 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 and the choice set before God's people: blessing or curse, life or death. The same pattern continues in the gospel, where God calls sinners to turn from judgment and find life through Jesus Christ. To understand God's salvation rightly, we must understand the context in which it is offered—and hear again his call to choose life.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

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 explores Israel’s defeat at Ai and the hidden sin of Achan. Some losses refine and strengthen the church, but others reveal compromise that must be confronted through repentance and restoration. God’s people are called not merely to endure defeat, but to pursue holiness so that his name is honored and his kingdom advances.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhen 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 well as the danger of a reckless zeal that runs ahead of God’s call. The central question is not whether something appears risky or ambitious, but whether God has truly called his people to it. Where he calls, faith must follow; where he has not called, zeal cannot substitute for obedience.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesExodus 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 exposes Moses’ hesitation to fully identify with God’s covenant people as he returns to Egypt. God will not permit divided loyalties or cautious obedience. Those called to serve him must trust him completely, openly belonging to him no matter the cost. In the end, God’s demand is clear: choose a side.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhy 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 comparison and envy distort our understanding of God’s purposes. Each calling is given by God, shaped by his will, and designed to bring him glory. As we remember what God has done for us in Christ, we are freed from comparison and called to a life of faithful obedience.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThe 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 the growth and success of the Christian faith cannot be explained by human effort. The disciples, left to themselves, accomplish nothing—but when the risen Lord directs them, their work overflows. The church’s life, strength, and endurance are grounded not in us, but in the power of God.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesOn 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 that true doubt is not honest struggle or lack of understanding, but a resistance to surrendering to Christ. At the same time, Thomas’s eventual belief strengthens the church’s foundation, reminding us that our faith rests on the eyewitness testimony of those who saw the risen Lord.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesFollowing 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 Christ’s authority in the church is delegated, spiritual, and bound to his Word. As the gospel is faithfully preached and applied, Christ continues his mission—bringing light into darkness and extending forgiveness to all who believe.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhen 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 ways than we’d like to admit, they are very much our own—and the risen Christ has something to say to all of us.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesAs 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 what it means for us.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Aaron MeadWe 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 purpose of drawing us closer to himself through hardship.—Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhat 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 God for our sin. In his active obedience, he perfectly fulfilled the law and accomplished the mission of the Messiah. Because his work is finished, our debt is paid and our salvation is secure. In response, we rest in his completed work while living faithfully as witnesses to him.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWe 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 age-old question of the relationship between the church and the state, and the way a failure to follow Jesus’ teaching regarding that relationship led to his being sentenced to death.

Sermon by William BurrowsIn 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 that presses us to conform. But James does not call us to manufacture righteousness on our own. He points us to the grace of God that brings us forth by the Word of truth. In Christ—the Word made flesh—we find both our righteousness and the power to walk in faithful obedience.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhen 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 teaches that truth is eternal, unchanging, and objective because it is grounded in the self-existent God. Ultimately, truth is not merely a claim to evaluate, but a reality revealed in Jesus Christ—the One who bore witness to the truth and gave himself for us.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesIn 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 mean to “turn the other cheek”? Join us as we watch Jesus give us a perfect example following his arrest in John chapter 18.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesEven 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.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThrough 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. Listen along as we learn just what Jesus means in the final words of his High Priestly Prayer, and learn what we can do to help cultivate the ongoing energy the church needs for its work of spreading the gospel.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesMany 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 sermon, we are reminded of the power of these two disciple-making activities, and we are called to rededicate ourselves to their faithful use in our own making of disciples.

“The ‘I’ in TULIP”Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWith 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 or a reluctance to face that challenge, Jesus eagerly asks that the Father might join him in those events that they might be glorified together.  Join us as we seek to understand the fullness of what Jesus is saying in these verses and how it lays the foundation for the salvation we share.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesWhile 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 makes his way to the cross in the simple truth that he has overcome the world.

Sermon by William E. Burrows IIWe 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 innovation or performance, but to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These simple, God-ordained practices sustained them, shaped them, and bore lasting fruit. This sermon invites us to resist the urge to build our faith in our own strength and instead embrace ordinary faithfulness, trusting that God gives the increase through the means he has graciously provided.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesHow 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 our thoughts about these things, gaining a greater heart of wisdom to live well in this fleeting time as men and women of God.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThere 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 God’s love. Our sermon text today is one of those Scripture passages. But as we look more closely, we find that it really is the love of God that shines through—a love that simply will not let his people go, no matter how much they desire to wander from him. Listen along us as we consider the love of God as it is revealed to us in this difficult text, which recounts Herod’s killing of the innocent baby boys of Bethlehem.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThe 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 experiences of finding joy in Christ? Join us as we ponder these questions in this Advent sermon from Pastor John DeVries.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThough 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 pressed itself upon the world: does Jesus Christ claim all earthly thrones now? The visit of the wise men and the violent response of Herod reveal that Christ’s kingdom confronts the present order; it exposes both faith and resistance. Herod’s cruelty was no misunderstanding, but a tragic display of what happens when earthly power refuses to yield to heaven’s King. If Jesus is indeed King of kings and Lord of lords, his claim reaches every throne, calling rulers—and all people—to surrender even now. In this Advent sermon, Pastor John DeVries explores these themes from the Gospel according to Matthew, tracing the costly reality of Christ’s reign in a world that resists it.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThroughout 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 something he could embrace with confidence and anticipation. And in Joseph’s story, we find great power for our own story—especially in those moments when it seems all has been lost.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVriesThanksgiving 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 of the kingdom to be thrown into the fire and burned, while the righteous will “shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:41–43). Listen in as Pastor John DeVries engages Jesus’ powerful parable of the wheat and the weeds.