CVPC Sermons

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?

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?

1. When it came to preaching, why did Paul oppose "plausible (or persuasive) words of wisdom" (v. 4)?2. When Paul makes a distinction in v.5 between faith that rests on the wisdom of men and faith that rests on the power of God, do you feel like you are able to distinguish those two in your own heart? If you are not depending on plausible or persuasive words that have shaped you over the years, can you describe how the power of God has shaped your faith?3. The wisdom of God is "secret and hidden" and also revealed to us through the Spirit. This is a difficult question to answer, but what is that process?

1. What is the connection between all the details about the tabernacle and the presence of God at the end of chapter 40?2. Why did Moses state that he did "as the Lord had commanded" seven times? What is one characteristic of Christian worship that is different from all other forms of worship?3. What principle do we see in vs. 34-38? God chose to live among sinful humanity. What does this communicate about God? In John 1:14, we are told that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Who is the Word and why did the Word dwell among us?

1. In John 10:14-15, Jesus says: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” How does Jesus know you: only sovereignly in that he knows all things, or also personally in that you have welcomed his intimate relationship with you? How have you facilitated that relationship?2. What is the connection between relationship and worship?3. How does redemption shape your relationship?

1. The role of the mediator has two parts: to represent man to God and to represent God to man. How does Moses fulfill both of these roles in chapter 32?2. In vs. 11-13, Moses appeals to Yahweh's character, his reputation, and his promises to save Israel from destruction. What does Moses' prayer teach us about praying for the lost?3. In v. 14, the passage states that God relents (ESV, CSB); other translations say God repented (ASV, KJV) and changed his mind (AMP, ICB). Does this mean that God, who is immutable, changes? In what sense do our prayers and God's providence work to change circumstances?

1. What is an idol, and why is it essential for us to identify them and get rid of them? What was unique about Israel's idol, the golden calf? What kinds of idols exist in our day?2. In Exodus 32:7-8, God described what idols do to us. What was the most striking effect, in your mind, that idolatry has on us?3. NT scholar G.K. Beale states that we are what we worship. In what ways do you see this come out in our passage? If we become what we worship, what do we become when we worship God?

1. What is the connection between God establishing a covenant with his people (ch. 19) and God giving his law (ch. 20)? Why did the people need to prepare themselves to receive the law (19:7-25)?2. How does obedience to the four “vertical” commands (first four) cause a person to obey the six “horizontal” (last six) commands? What are the three ways the law is used to guard us from sin and help us to love God and love others?3. Why does the perfect righteousness incorporated in the Ten Words cause people to lose hope? What restores that hope?

1. Why is this passage significant to the children of Israel and to us as Christians?2. Read Exodus 19:1-6 and 1 Peter 2:9. What are some of the similarities and differences between them? How does this description of the people of God encourage you?3. What does the phrase "I bore you on eagle's wings" mean, and why is it significant in understanding v. 5?

1. Instead of continuing to praise God after their miraculous deliverance (15:1-21), the children of Israel began a pattern of grumbling and complaining against the Lord. What is grumbling and complaining? In what ways is it a sign of faithlessness? How does grumbling differ from crying out to God (e.g., Ex. 2:23-25) or a Psalm of Complaint (e.g., Psalm 42)?2. How does God respond to their grumbling? What does God's response reveal about his gracious character?3. Read Matt. 4:2-4, John 6:25-59, and 1 Cor. 10:1-5 and think through how the events of Ex. 15-17 point forward to Jesus. In light of what Jesus has accomplished for us, how can we move from a joyless, grumbling faith to an excited, praise-filled faith?

1. In reading Scripture, what are three ways, or three areas in which, you consistently find God calling you to sanctification and change?2. Speaking to God's covenant people, Jesus once wondered aloud if he would find faith on the earth at his return. Why is faith so difficult, even for the people of God?3. What steps can you take to live in greater awareness of the presence of God (coram Deo), even in the midst of ordinary people and things?

1. Do you feel set free by Christ from bondage to the things that tend to plague people: anger, anxiety, lust, fear, having to have your own way, lack of self-control, apathy to spiritual things, etc.? If not, you may want to ask him to show you why.2. Try to describe the power in your day-to-day life of the joy of your salvation.3. Looking back on your life, has God become greater or lesser in your relationship with him? Do you feel you are growing in reverence and even fear of God (Mt 10:28), or has he become ordinary and commonplace?

1. What chapters of your Bible do you think are the most significant in your spiritual journey?2. Why do you think Exodus 7 would be significant to anyone? Who do you think will be grateful for this chapter throughout all eternity? Who will bristle because of it forever?3. What attribute of God most clearly evident in Exodus 7 makes you want to worship God?

1. How would you describe God to someone who doesn't know God? Does your description resemble what God has said about himself? 2. Why did Moses ask God for his name? What does the burning bush (v. 2), Moses removing his sandals (v. 5), and "I am who I am" (v. 14) tell us about God?3. How does a correct view of God shape how we worship him?

1. How would you describe God to someone who doesn't know God? Does your Description resemble what God has said about himself?2. Why did Moses ask God for his name? What does the burning bush, Moses removing his sandals, and "I am who I am" tell us about God?3. How does a correct view of God shape how we worship Him?