RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown preaches on Proverbs 3:13–35 in three points: the search, the... spoils, and the signs.

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on 2 Peter 1, teaching us what we remember, why we remember,... and how we remember.

Pastor Luke Herche continues our sermon series on Worship, preaching on Exodus 13:3–10 and teaching us that we remember God’s redemptive... work as we rehearse it, receive it, and then respond in kind, following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Why do you go to church? What is its importance? Why, for 2,000 years, have Christians gathered on the first day of the week to worship together? In this sermon... on Hebrews 12:18–24, Pastor Josué Pernillo teaches us that we gather as the people of God to be renewed in our relationship to our Father and to be sent out in response to his grace. Listen as Pastor Josué addresses this important topic via three questions: Who is worshiping? What is the purpose of our worship? And how do we worship?

Where are you struggling right now? Where are you weary and beaten down? Where are you tempted and tried? The book of Revelation was written to a suffering... people. People who suffered persecution and temptation. And it’s into this that the book of Revelation comes to give encouragement and hope, and to engender faithful perseverance in witness. The main call of Revelation is this: Don’t give in and don’t give up. Christ has overcome. Our champion and defender is on the throne. And as you cling to him, you will overcome as well. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 5, John’s vision of the scroll and the Lamb who was slain, focusing on God’s purpose, our sorrow, Christ’s worth, and creation’s joy.

Do you have questions about heaven? It is good to be curious—curiosity is a gift of God—and it is good to ask questions. We should learn all that we can, plumbing... the depths of what God has shown us in his world and in his Word. But we must also recognize our limits, that we can’t know everything and that there are “secret things” that “belong to the Lord our God.” The book of Revelation is a place in the Bible where God pulls back the curtain just a little, just enough to give us glimpses that tend to leave us with more questions than answers. In this sermon on Revelation 4, Pastor Luke Herche invites you to bring your questions as he preaches on this glimpse of the heavenly throne room of God, focusing on a heavenly vision, the glorious King, angelic worship, and why even all this is not enough.

The good life is founded in a heart for the Lord, but our hearts are easily distracted—so Jesus gives us a new heart... that we may live in him. Learn more as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Proverbs 3:1–12.

In the first century AD, the church at Laodicea seemed to have it all. They had some measure of acceptance in their city, some influence, some worldly... wealth. Yet they were not pleasing to their Lord. Their Christianity was respectable in the eyes of the world, but it was disgusting to Jesus. Listen as Pastor Ethan Brown preaches on Revelation 3:14–22, calling our attention to three problems (bad worship, bad riches, bad witness) and one answer: the love of Christ.

Because Jesus loves his people, he speaks with them honestly about their sin. As uncomfortable as that can be, some people find it even more difficult to receive... Jesus’ words of encouragement and affirmation. But in Revelation 3, we find that Jesus does not have a word of rebuke for the believers in Philadelphia. Instead, he encourages them, affirms them, and celebrates his love in their lives. Listen as Pastor Ethan Brown preaches on Revelation 3:7–13, the letter to the church in Philadelphia, inviting you to consider the master of the key, the purpose of the door, and the pillars in the temple.

In Revelation 2:18–29, Jesus comes to the church at Thyatira and we see the concern that he has for her and for her leaders. Jesus confronts... the church, not because he’s impatient, not because he doesn’t care, but because he does care and he loves her and he doesn’t want her to hide. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, showing that Jesus can see all, even the things we try to hide, so he calls us to repent that we may live holy lives in him.

Jesus is personally committed to the growth of his churches. That is what the letters to the seven churches in Revelation... are all about. And Jesus begins each letter with the words, “I know.” He knows his own. He knows what they need. And these seven different churches—though each in different situations—all need the same thing: they need to hear the voice of Jesus. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 3:1–6, the letter to the church in Sardis, showing us the loving rebuke, the nominal Christian, the urgent exhortation, and the promised hope.

We are invited on the path of wisdom which is the path of awe and intimacy. So we avoid the wrong paths and enjoy... the path of life. Learn more in this sermon on Proverbs 2 from Pastor Josué Pernillo.

Do you think it’s hard to be a good person? There are many factors, many influences, for each individual: family of origin..., biology, social context, peer pressure, cultural issues, nature and nurture. But of course, what is missing from that list is the individual, the person, their heart, their soul. At the end of the day, we each make our own choices. But that doesn’t make context irrelevant. Jesus begins his letter to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12–17, “I know where you dwell.” Context is not irrelevant. The “where” matters. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, looking at the place of compromise, the faithful witness, and the blessings of God’s house.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

We are unlikely to eat the food of literal idols. However, in what areas of life do you feel pressure to compromise your values to get ahead or ensure financial security? What is going on in your heart that tempts you to compromise in this way?

Jesus tells the church that he knows exactly where they dwell. How does it change your perspective to know that Jesus deeply understands the specific pressures of the environment you live in every day?

In what ways does remembering Jesus as the Faithful Witness who faced the sword for us empower you to stand firm when you feel the reality of dwelling where Satan’s throne is?

How does the promise of hidden manna and a white stone with a new name offer a better kind of security and identity than the things we are tempted to chase in our careers or social circles?

Everyone wants to be seen as valuable. We have a desire to be right, to justify our existence. Whether through our attempts... to forge our own glory or to borrow glory from another, deep down we are longing for acceptance and validation. But what if rather than having to prove and perform and promote yourself you could simply rest in the security of the resurrected and vindicated Jesus? In this Easter sermon on Romans 4:25, Pastor Luke Herche explains what it means that Jesus was raised for our justification in four points: the resurrection is Jesus’ acceptance; the problems with our performance; the source of true acceptance; and the fruits of freedom and love.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

We often find ourselves in “staring contests” with life—trying to prove we are valuable or right or worthy. Which of those “contests” in your own life (at work, at home, or even in your own head) feels the most exhausting right now?

Because Jesus was delivered over for our sins and raised specifically for our acceptance, how does his vindication in the resurrection serve as a better defense for you than any excuse or success you could manufacture for yourself?

What would tomorrow morning look like if you woke up fully convinced that you no longer had to “justify your existence” because Jesus was already raised for your acceptance?

Since you are now free from the need to condemn or compare yourself to others for self-justification, who is one person in your life you can move toward with self-sacrificial love this week, simply because you are already secure in Christ?

Death is the last great taboo in American culture. It’s hard to talk about, it’s scary, it’s overwhelming, it’s all around us. We... try to avoid dealing with it, but we can’t escape the fact that the final enemy we face in this life… is death. And this is the enemy that Jesus faced on Good Friday. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Romans 4:25, looking at three questions: Who delivered up Jesus to this death? Why was Jesus delivered to this death? And what does this death mean for us?

We live in a world that is consumed with appearances. We measure our lives by our stuff, our entertainment, our purchasing power..., our sexual freedom, and when hardships come our immediate instinct is to escape it by any means as quickly as possible. In Revelation 2:8–11 we find that the church in Smyrna is experiencing social rejection, poverty, and pressures, but into this moment Christ speaks a message that turns everything on its head. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, showing us that real life is not as it appears; life in the present is a life of fear; Jesus faced death to find life; and resting in Jesus’ life frees us to face death and find true life.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Jesus tells a church facing poverty that they are actually rich. How does this challenge the way we usually measure success or security? Why is our being rich not a fiction and mere sentiment?

When you feel the poverty of your circumstances (social rejection, financial stress, or personal loss), what earthly comforts are you most tempted to scramble after to find a sense of security?

How does Jesus’ victory over the second death free you from having to earn a life of comfort or approval today and offer you a sense of fearless hope when you think about your future or your greatest fears?

If we truly believed that things are often not as they appear—that our spiritual reality in Christ is more solid than our physical circumstances—how might that change the way we face a specific anxiety or fiery trial this week?

In Revelation 2:1–7 we learn from Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus that this once thriving church had one major problem: they... had abandoned their first love. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, addressing three questions: What is the diagnosis? What is the prescription? And what is the encouragement?

In Revelation 1:9–20 the apostle John sees a glorious vision of Christ in heaven. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage..., helping us to better understand the glory of Jesus, the fear of Jesus, the grace of Jesus, and our service to Jesus.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

When you imagine the scene John describes, which specific image feels the most overwhelming or weighty to you?

We often prefer a “plastic Jesus” who is manageable and safe. How does John’s encounter with the cosmic Christ challenge the version of Jesus we typically carry around in our day-to-day lives?

The One who holds the stars in his hand is the same One who reaches out to touch a terrified man. What does this reveal to you about how Jesus uses his immense power toward those who are broken or afraid?

In what ways does beholding the majestic, cosmic glory of Christ actually provide more stability for your soul than a “safer,” smaller version of him?

What would change in your Monday morning routine—your stress, your interactions, or your inner monologue—if you truly believed the cosmic King was standing right there with his right hand on your shoulder?

Wisdom warns us of the coming disaster, but we refuse to listen. Jesus faces the disaster, so we can dwell... secure. Learn more in this sermon on Proverbs 1:20–33 from Pastor Josué Pernillo.

Whether we know it or not, all people long for the coming of the Kingdom. For a world rightly ordered under God. A world of justice..., righteousness, and peace. The good news is that God is the King. He comes bringing justice. He comes to fight for his people. And every cry for justice, every longing to be filled is ultimately answered by the coming of God’s Kingdom. In this sermon on Revelation 1:9–20, in which the apostle John sees a glorious vision of Christ in heaven, Pastor Luke Herche helps us rest in Jesus’ present reign and hope in his coming return as he talks about the people of the kingdom, the presence of the kingdom, and the glory of the King.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

How do you experience the tension between the kingdom and tribulation today? How does this shape the way you view the accounts of injustice we see in the news?

When you look at the brokenness of the world or your own heart, are you more tempted to give in to despair (expecting too little of the kingdom) or to demand that heaven appear fully right now (expecting too much of the “overlap of the ages”)? How does the already and not-yet of the kingdom shape what you mean when you pray “your kingdom come”?

If you began tomorrow morning truly believing that you are part of a kingdom where the old divisions no longer matter, how might that change the way you interact with those who are different from you in your workplace or community or world?

What can you do to proclaim and manifest the coming of the kingdom in its present form today (i.e. to proclaim Jesus and be his hands and feet in the world)?

Christianity is not merely a philosophy. It is fundamentally a story, the true story of what God has done, is doing, and will do in the world. A philosophy... can give you a perspective, or even some direction in life, but only God’s story can give you what you need the most: a savior. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 1:7, examining this one verse with four points: the coming of Christ is the great hope of the Christian. The coming of Christ is a great terror to the guilty conscience. Christ came to bear our guilt, that he might come again to save the guilty. Set your mind on the coming of Christ to face the trials of this age.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Why is it hard to believe that Christ is reigning right now and will return bodily one day as our king? What are some ways we dismiss, forget, or explain away that reality? Why do we do that?

How does the truth that Jesus was “pierced” for our transgressions provide you with the freedom to be honest about your own failures this week and hope in his return on the last day?

What would shift in your perspective tomorrow morning if you viewed your current trials in light of the fact that a just and loving Judge is on his way to make all things new?

If you were explaining the “True Story” of Christianity to someone who viewed it only as a philosophy or a set of rules, how would this passage help you describe what God is actually doing in the world?

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 1:4–8, addressing three questions: Where do you live? How big is... your God? And why does that matter?

“Groundbreaking,” “the foot of a mountain,” and “flying off the handle” are all dead metaphors, once vivid and fresh, but now... separated from their original imagery and impact. According to Pastor Luke Herche, much of Biblical language has become like dead metaphors to us. We have become dull to the power and punch of Scriptural language. In this sermon on 2 Samuel 7:12–13, 2 Chronicles 36:22–23, and Matthew 28:16–20, Pastor Luke revitalizes some of our dead metaphors for the mission of the church as he tells the story of God’s house, beginning with creation and ending in Revelation.

– – – – – – – –

Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

How do you understand your role in God’s temple-building mission?

What most hinders you from filling that role?

How does Christ model our role as well as free, empower, and motivate us to fulfill our role in God’s work?

What is the next step you can take to fulfill God’s call in your life? Take some time to pray for wisdom and strength to move forward and be faithful in God’s temple-building work.