What are we doing here? That’s a question that can be answered in a variety of ways, but to put it broadly...: what are we, Christians, doing here in the world? What is our role in God’s work in our day-to-day lives? And how is God calling you to join him in what the is doing in and through you? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Matthew 5:14–16, answering four questions from this passage: Who are you in Jesus’ story? What role do you play? Where do you play that role? And why do you play it?

God has quite a lot to say about worry and anxiety, and in Matthew 6:24–34 we find one of the most well-known Biblical... passages on the subject. Listen as church elder Todd Doehring teaches through this passage that you cannot serve both God and worry; when we worry, we overlook God’s care for his creation; and only when we put God first can we be sure of anything.

In C.S. Lewis’ beloved classic, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” we find a boy, Edmund,... trapped under the law of the deep magic of the land. A wrong had been committed, a debt was owed. Edmund was a traitor and his blood must be spilled. If Aslan, king of Narnia, refused, Narnia itself would be overturned. In this Good Friday sermon on Matthew 26:39, Pastor Luke Herche delves into the ironclad justice of God, looking at Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane with a focus on four words: “if it be possible.” Since God’s answer to this prayer is in the negative, we must ask what is not possible for God? Why is it not possible? And what difference does it make?

Note: The audio quality improves after the first three and a half minutes.

You were made for God’s glory. You were made to know God’s glory, to taste God’s glory, to behold and be changed by... God’s glory. In the New Testament, the Greek word used for glory, dóxa, connotes light that is shining, and in the context of John 1, it is clear that the light that is shining in darkness, the true light that is coming into the world, is not an abstract principle but a person: Jesus Christ. But what does it mean that Jesus is the true light? And how do we take in God’s glory? Listen as Pastor Ethan Brown preaches on John 1:5, 9, showing that Jesus as the light is the glory of God on full display, and that we are changed by his glory as we look and behold Jesus and find him to be beautiful.

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In John chapter 13, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, demonstrating that Jesus comes as a servant and calls... those who follow him to serve. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this astonishing passage, teaching us to serve, not from a place of insecurity, but of confidence, not just our friends, but our enemies, and not as something optional, but as fundamental to discipleship of the Servant King.

The Gospel of John is the gospel written by a friend. John was someone who walked with Jesus, knew him, ate... with him, saw the miracles. There are details in the gospel of John not seen anywhere else, as well as a more intimate, personal look at Jesus. In John 13:21–38 we see, from his friend, the love of Christ on display, even framed by the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, showing us how Jesus calls his disciples to love others, reflecting Christ, and following him even through failure.

Where do you need comfort right now? Be it political tensions, trouble at work or at home, or even the turmoil of... your own heart—what is going on in your world that is upsetting? In John 14, Jesus begins with the comforting words, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, addressing three questions: Why do we need comfort? Where do we find comfort? And how do we get there?

The night before he was crucified, Jesus told his disciples that, following his ascension, whoever believes... in him will do the works that Jesus did and even “greater works than these.” Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 14:12–14, focusing on the “greater works” and discussing when they will be done, who does them, what they are, how they are done, and why they are done.

How do you relate to Jesus? How do you relate to Jesus when he is not here, physically, when you can’t see his face, hear... his voice, or touch the scars on his hands? That was clearly a question in the early church. From a secular perspective, the church had a PR problem. They said Jesus had risen from the dead, but if so, where was Jesus? We invite people into a relationship with Christ, but where is Christ? We answer, rightly, that he is in Heaven. But what does it look like to have a relationship with someone who is in Heaven? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 14:15–26 showing that in a reciprocal, post-resurrection relationship with Jesus we love him as we keep his commandments, and he loves us by coming to us by his Spirit and speaking to us in his Word. Therefore, we keep his commandments, delight in his presence, and stay in his word.

Where do your fears take you? Fear and worry are part of our daily lives. Everybody has fears. And everybody... responds to fears in different ways. Some sweat, others get quiet or make jokes. But where do your fears drive you to? And how do they play out in your day-to-day? In John 14:27–31, we find Jesus teaching his disciples for the last time before his crucifixion, and here he begins to strike at their fear and anxiety, telling them, “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, showing that in the midst of his counsel to his fearful disciples, Jesus gives them his peace and instills them with confidence because he loves the Father.

Quotation from the ESV.

God wants you to be fruitful. This is no minor theme, but is fundamental to God’s purposes for creation. God wants... his creation to reflect something of his own vitality, his abundance, his fruitfulness. But do you feel fruitful? Or do you feel dry? Parched? Barren? In John 15, we find Jesus teaching on the true vine and the branches, setting up his disciples for a lifetime of fruitfulness. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 15:1–8, addressing three questions: What does it mean to bear fruit? How do we bear fruit? And why should we bear fruit?

Christ invites us into a community of love. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches... on John 15:9–17, teaching us to abide in Christ’s love as we know his love, imitate his love, depend on his love, and delight in his love.

Why is there so much fighting in the world? Why so much animosity? And where did it come from? Listen as... Pastor Luke Herche preaches from John chapter 15, addressing two questions: First, must there be animosity? And second, what should be our response?

Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on John 16:4b–15, showing that Jesus sent the... Holy Spirit for our advantage because the Spirit takes what is of Christ and applies it to us to the glory of God.

In the midst of your trouble and confusion, you don’t have to hide. Jesus knows your... questions. In the midst of your trouble and confusion, God is at work. Your sorrow will turn to joy. In the midst of your trouble and confusion, your Father hears your cries. You can go to him. In the midst of your trouble and confusion, don’t think you’ve got it all figured out. Rest in the victory of Jesus. Learn more in this sermon from Pastor Luke Herche on John 16:16–33.

Do you know what glory tastes like? Everything has glory, and all the glory of created things is really a reflection of the glory of... the Creator. Whatever is marvelous in the world comes from the hand of God. When we taste, see, smell, touch, hear something beautiful we taste glory. But what glory are you pursuing? And how is it shaping your life? Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 17:1–5, exhorting us to pursue God’s glory as we see through the text that God pursues his own glory, Jesus displays God’s glory, and life is knowing God’s glory.

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

What is glory in general? How do you think about it? Where do you see it in general?

How do you feel about the phrase, "God pursues his own glory?" What might feel off about it? How do you resolve that in your thinking?

How does it change things to know that the greatest display of God’s glory is the display of his love in the cross?

What are the different things it might mean that life is knowing God’s glory? How have you tasted/do you taste God’s glory? What might you do if you don’t?

“Finding your own place in the world” is something everyone pursues, consciously or unconsciously. But it is really... knowing where you are and whose you are and why you are that gives you the freedom to be who you are in the world. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 17:6–19, helping us to better understand our place in the world by answering four questions:
Where are we? In the world.
Who/se are we? Treasured by God.
How are we? Kept and consecrated.
Why are we? Commissioned by Christ.

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

Describe the relation between the disciples and “the world.” How does that need to be nuanced?

How does it feel to know that you are part of God’s treasured possession (Ex. 19:5–6; 1 Pt. 2:5)? What are some ways that can be misunderstood? What should it engender in us as God’s people?

How is being chosen, kept, and consecrated sometimes pitted against being commissioned? How do they actually go hand in hand?

What are some specific ways that you can be salt and light where you live, study, work, and play? Take some time to pray to that end and for particular people who need to see and know the glory of God’s grace in Jesus.

What does Jesus want for his disciples? Nothing less than for us to share in the divine life of the Trinity: to... know and experience the life and love that God has shared as Father, Son, and Spirit from all eternity, something we can experience if we are in him and he in us. Listen as RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown preaches on John 17:20–26, showing us the union we can have with God, the communion we can have with his people, and the commission given to us as we go out into the world.

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

What role does mystery and wonder play in your understanding of God? What is one way you want to pursue adoring the incomprehensible God this week?

Growing as a Christian means growing in loving what Jesus loves, and Jesus loves God, the Church, and the lost. Which of these loves of Christ do you see strong evidence of in your life? Which of these loves do you want to see grow in the coming weeks?

Jesus prays for you. Spend some time reflecting on this beautiful truth – and then spend some time praying for someone in your life that you want to know the superabundant life of God.

When you face difficult things, how do you respond? Sometimes we run, sometimes we blame others, sometimes... we fight, sometimes we look for distractions. We do these things because we are afraid—afraid of what is to come, of dealing with our guilt, of facing God’s call, of life not working out. In this sermon on John 18:1–11, in which Jesus is betrayed and arrested in the garden of Gethsemane, Pastor Luke Herche shows us that while our own temptation is to hide and blame and save ourselves, Jesus stepped up to protect his people by giving his life, which means we don’t have to be afraid. We can rest secure in Jesus, own our sin, and be bold to face hard things in life.

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

How does Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane compare to Adam in the garden of Eden? What is similar? What is different? What feels ironic?

What do you/people tend to do when faced with hard things? Why do you/people respond in that way?

How does Jesus’ work in the cross and resurrection free us and encourage us to face hard things (whether those hard things have to do with dealing with our own sin, facing trials, or stepping out into God’s call on our lives)?

Who do you know who needs to hear about Jesus’ work in facing the cross for us that we might be able to face the hard things that come our way? Take some time to pray that God would give you an opportunity to speak to that person about Jesus and his work.

The principle of worldly power is, “Destroy your enemies to gain life.” Everyone has their own vision for what “the... good life” is and are often willing to fight over it. But this is because we do not understand God’s Kingdom. In this sermon on John 18:12–27, wherein Jesus is brought to trial before Annas and Caiaphas, the high priest, Pastor Luke Herche shows that Jesus came not to destroy his enemies to gain life, but to die for his enemies to give life. And because of this, we are now free to rest in Jesus to find life and free to love our enemies to give it.

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

In what way were Peter and the religious leaders alike? How did that play out in this story?

What is your vision of the good life? How have you co-opted Jesus to bolster that vision? In what ways do you see Jesus as a threat to it?

What are you willing to “fight” for? In what ways can only Jesus provide the deep things we fight for? How does that free us to stop fighting?

Consider those in your life who are either a disappointment or a threat. What would it look like to love them this week? Take time to pray for opportunities to do just that.

The Bible is full of irony: the appearance of a thing is often contradictory to the reality. In this sermon... on John 18:28–19:16, in which we find Jesus on trial before Pontius Pilate, Pastor Luke Herche brings out three broad ironies found within the passage: the irony of unbelief, the irony of the gospel, and the ironies of faith.

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

Walk through the story slowly (perhaps read it out loud). What are the most interesting ironies of Jesus’ trial? How does irony confront even as it persuades?

What part of this story feel most tragic to you? Why? What aspect of Jesus’ person and work described here—his being the spotless passover lamb, the God-man accused of blasphemy, or the king of truth rejected as a fraud—feels most triumphant to you? How does the resurrection transform what would otherwise be tragic in this story?

Of the three aspects of walking by faith mentioned—looking to what is unseen, relying on power through weakness, waiting for the kingdom which has come—which do you find most difficult and why? How does Jesus’ work free and motivate you to do these things?

Springtime in the midwest often brings with it storms. If you miss the storm and just see the aftermath, the downed trees, the risen... water, you might find yourself wondering, “What happened here?” Reading the accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus might cause you to ask something similar: What happened here? What’s going on? What do we see? In John’s account we discover many details not found in the other three gospels because John is the gospel written by a friend, by someone who saw these things happen, who stood by the foot of the cross. In this sermon from John 19, Pastor Josué Pernillo helps us investigate what is happening and why, via the details and the facts given to us by the Apostle John, as we behold the power of the cross, the glory of the cross, the love of the cross, and the purpose of the cross.

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

Read through the sermon passage again: What are the things that stick out to you? What are some things you notice after reading it again?

How do we see the power of God in the cross of Christ? How does this compare to the way that our culture regards power?

How do we see the interaction between glory and shame in the passage? What is the significance of this in light of Genesis 3:7–10?

If a neighbor who is unfamiliar with Christianity asked you to summarize the purpose of the cross in your own words, how would you explain it?

By the end of John chapter 19, Jesus has been falsely accused, wrongly condemned, beaten, mocked,... and nailed to a tree. After hours of suffering he finally cried out “It is finished,” bowed his head, and gave up his spirit. This was no cry of resignation, but rather a cry of victory. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this final proclamation of Jesus on the cross, asking three questions: What does it mean? Why does it matter? And how should we respond?

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on the death and resurrection of Jesus from John 19:38–20:18, focusing on... three perspectives:
The Perspective of Death: Resignation
The Perspective from the Empty Tomb: Confusion
The Perspective of Resurrection Life: Hope

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

This is a hard question, but worth contemplating: Where have you experienced death in your own life? In what ways have you or others around you responded to that? Why do we respond the way we do?

How does John begin to show us that Jesus was victorious over death? What things in the story bear witness to that reality?

How does living from the perspective of death shape the way one thinks about the world around them? What would it look like to view life and death from the perspective of the resurrection? How does this text enable you to do that?

Who do you know who needs the hope of the resurrection right now? Spend time praying for them, that God would meet them where they are and perhaps even use you to bring them that hope.

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 20:19–23, John's account of the resurrection... of Jesus, showing that fear keeps us locked up and hidden away...but, Christ is risen from the dead. Because of this we can know his peace, receive his power, and proclaim forgiveness in his name.

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

Reread John 20:19–23. What are some things that you/people are afraid of?

What are some ways people generally respond to fear? What are some ways it hinders us from living the life God calls us to?

How does the resurrection meet us in our fear? How does it undermine the very idea of fear? How does the resurrection enable us to move out in love even when we are afraid?

What can you do with your fear now, in light of the resurrection?

Do you struggle to believe? Whether big or small, everyone has doubts. But what do you do with them? Where do you go with... them? And when you get to the bottom, on what is your faith grounded? In John 20:24–31 we read the account of the apostle often dubbed “doubting Thomas” first disbelieving the resurrection and then personally encountering the risen Christ. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, highlighting the doubts we have, the grace Jesus shows, and the way of true faith.

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

Describe the story of Thomas. Why did Thomas doubt? How was Jesus patient?

What doubts do you have? What makes it hard to believe what the Bible says about these things?

Why do we think seeing is believing? Is that true? How might we qualify that “truism”?

In what ways do we and will we see Jesus according to Scripture? (Consider 2 Corinthians 3:18 in context; Galatians 3:1; 1 John 1:1–3; Acts 1:10–11; and Revelation 1:7.) How is that enough? What can we do if we are struggling with doubts in the meantime?

In this sermon on John 21:1–19, in which Jesus meets his disciples on the shore following his... resurrection, Pastor Josué Pernillo shows us that Jesus meets the disciples where they are and he confronts and restores them directly.

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

What do you notice about the disciples and their interaction with Jesus?

How do you see Jesus meeting the disciples where they are? What do you learn from their reaction? How has God met you where you are in your life?

What do you notice about the way in which Jesus challenges Peter? What do we learn about Jesus from this? Where is a place that you need to be challenged by the word of truth?

Sometimes we want what God does not give. Often we desire, and sometimes demand, an exhaustive, experiential understanding of our... own lives and everybody else’s. But there is a humility in accepting what God has given, in accepting what he has said––which means we first accept God as God. Following Jesus means not demanding what God has not given, but humbly receiving what he has. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on John 21:18–25, the final verses of John’s gospel, calling us to believe the apostolic testimony, stick to what is written, and follow Jesus where you are.

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

What are some things you would like to know that Scripture doesn’t say? Why do you think God doesn’t tell us those things?

How does Scripture not saying those things shape your discipleship?

Why do you think Peter asked about John? What does it look like to have an unhealthy interest in what happens in another believer’s life?

What will it look like for you to follow Jesus even when you don’t have the answers to all your questions?

In the children’s book “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” C.S. Lewis writes of the White Witch... who claims her right to execute a traitor according to the laws of the “deep magic” of the land. The witch was correct about the deep magic and its governance of justice. But Narnia’s good king Aslan knew of a deeper magic: “When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Stone Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward.”

Though the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is just a story, the “deep magic” of justice it portrays is real—and the “deeper magic” is no less real. Though God’s justice must be satisfied, when sinless Jesus died in the stead of sinners, it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Try as it might, death’s power had met its limits. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Acts 2:24, addressing three questions surrounding the resurrection: What is not possible? Why is it not possible? And what difference does it make?

Christians are tempted in every age to compromise. One age might be tempted to self-reliance, another to... complacency, another to immorality, but every age has its temptations. Our day is no exception. As long as you live in this world, temptations and trials are bound to come. When the immorality of the present age and the power of the state combine to oppose Christ and his church, there is a question every Christian must face: What do you do when you must decide between doing something that goes against God’s law or facing the punitive action of the governing authorities? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches from Acts chapter 5, showing that we, like the apostles, “must obey God rather than men,” and answering the what, why, when, and how of what that looks like.

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Think of a person who seems least likely to come to faith in Jesus—perhaps someone from another faith, or someone habitually... lukewarm toward God—and then think of what it would look like for God’s grace to break into their story. In Acts chapter 9 we see God’s grace breaking in to the life of a man who is a religious terrorist. Saul of Tarsus used his power and influence to enact violence against Christians. He hated Jesus and hated his people. So what happens when a man like that encounters Christ?

In this sermon on Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus from Acts 9:1–19, RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown helps us to discover, along with Saul, a Jesus who is bigger and better and stronger and sweeter than we often allow ourselves to hope, and that the answer for our sin and sadness if found in the holiness of Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Ethan shows us three facets of Christ’s holiness: Jesus takes your suffering personally, Jesus takes his mission seriously, and Jesus can change you completely.

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

When you think of the holiness of Christ, what other words, images, or ideas come to mind? In what ways did the sermon help you to think differently about the holiness of Christ?

“There is no one who is so good to be beyond the need of God’s grace; and there is no one so bad to be beyond the reach of God’s grace.” Which part of this statement do you find yourself slower to believe? What difference would it make in your life this week if you lived in light of this truth? Try to be specific.

What are you typically anxious about or focused on when you wake up in the morning or have a quiet moment to yourself? How do you hope Jesus will transform your preoccupations this week? Spend some time asking Jesus to do just that.

Not everyone has a “Damascus Road experience” like Saul did. But can you remember a time when God’s grace broke in and began a new trajectory in your life? Consider sharing about that moment with a family member or friend this week.

What does God have to say about civil government? There are many different types of governing authorities... today: monarchies, democracies, communist dictatorships. Do the same basic Biblical principles apply to each form of government? Do some apply better than others? What is a Christian’s role as a member of a modern civil society?

To answer these questions, it’s important to begin with the understanding that government is God’s idea. When God first created humanity, he gave them dominion. Humanity was to order and rule over creation, and that even includes human life and relationships—not tyrannically, but in a life-giving way. While the execution of this calling has been seriously corrupted by the fall, it is still God’s desire for creation today. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche begins a three-part series on “The Creation, Fall, & Redemption of Civil Government,” preaching on Romans 13:1–7 and answering four questions: Where does it come from? How is it exercised? Why is it exercised? And what do we do now?

In this Easter Sunday sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:12–23, Pastor Luke Herche preaches on the implications of the resurrection... in three points:
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not raised.
If there is no resurrection of Christ, then Christianity is empty.
But in fact Christ has been raised, so we will rise with him.

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

Why do you think it is hard for people to believe in resurrection? Is it harder or easier than 20, 50, or 100 years ago? Why do you think that?

Explain Paul’s chain of logic: If no resurrection, then no resurrection of Christ. And if no resurrection of Christ, then your faith is futile. Why is this so?

How does Christ’s resurrection imply the resurrection of those who belong to him?

Why is our future resurrection so important? How does the weight of the future resurrection give weight to our present, even in this passing age?

What is the relationship between your faith and your imagination? In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 15:35–58, Pastor Luke... Herche encourages us to strengthen our faith by feeding our imagination. Listen as Pastor Luke helps us to consider the future that God has in mind for us—and to see how that helps us to live in the present—via three points: the body will be raised, death will be defeated, and your labor is not in vain.

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

What are some different ways one might imagine a resurrection body? Which of those ideas are grounded in Scripture and where?

What might be the danger of not believing/confessing the resurrection of the body? How might that shape our view of the body and this present life?

What does Paul emphasize about the resurrection body? What questions are not answered by what Paul says? Can you think of other places in Scripture that might speak to that?

When has your work felt vain, fruitless, meaningless? How does our future resurrection give weight to our present labor? If you believe that, how do you think it would change the way you work? What can you do to get to that point?

Do you believe that God can bring change into your life? Christians often struggle with sin... and weakness, wondering if things will ever get better, often tempted to believe they won’t. But the good news for these weary believers is that Christ came (in part) to change us. And he has given us everything we need to that end. But how does it happen? Listen as Pastor Luke preaches on 2 Corinthians 3:18, showing that as we behold Christ in the Scriptures, through the ministry of the word, we become like Christ by the power of the Spirit.

Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on 2 Corinthians 4:1–7, teaching... about the light of the gospel via four questions: How does it shine? Why do some not see it? Who is this light? And through whom does it come?

Every one of us faces troubles of one kind or another. Troubles from without, troubles from within. Bodily illness, mental illness, emotional...turmoil, relationship strife, vocational stress, financial uncertainty, international discord... Parents and children, husbands and wives, employers and employees—everyone’s lives are touched by troubles. But how do we face this suffering? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on 2 Corinthians 5:7, showing us where not to look in suffering, where to look in suffering, how to look in suffering, and how looking shapes life.

The hope of the Christian presented in 2 Corinthians 4:13–18 is not a vague or abstract hope—it’s real. And... because it’s real it meets us in our very real needs. Our sin curves us inward on ourselves and makes us selfish and idolatrous, seeking satisfaction everywhere but in Christ. But the good news is that through the gospel God has provided for us a hope that meets us in these needs. Our isolation from sin can be turned into integration, our selfish hearts can be turned into hearts of love toward God and others, and our false worship and idolatry can be turned into praise. Listen as RUF campus minister Ethan Brown preaches on this passage, showing that our hope is corporate, our hope is current, and our hope is concrete.

Repentance is the secret, often forgotten power of the Christian life. It is one of the primary tools... the Holy Spirit uses in our lives to bring about spiritual growth and change. It is not something you do once and then put it aside, but it’s a daily part of Christian life and a secret power of daily growth in grace. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on 2 Corinthians 7:5–13a, breaking down this secret power of change into five parts:

    • The Simple Act of Repentance
    • The Instrumental Cause of Repentance
    • The Internal Source of Repentance
    • The Ultimate Result of Repentance
    • The External Fruit of Repentance

Church elder Daniel Thies preaches on Ephesians 5:8–14, focusing on two points: You... are light in Christ; so walk as children of the light.

C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race... can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” Whether you are skeptical or superstitious, both are errors. So what does Scripture have to say about standing against the schemes of the devil? In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13, Pastor Luke Herche looks at the spiritual battle we are facing, showing that the battle is real, the battle is spiritual, the battle is won, the battle is mundane—and exhorting us to be strong and stand firm!

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Ephesians 6:16, showing that the Lord is our Shield, therefore... we can turn to him in all circumstances, knowing he is enough.

Where does confidence come from? So many of us live with doubts, fears, and hesitations, constantly second... guessing and unsure of the next best move. The devil wants us to live in this state of doubt, discouragement, and despair...but that clearly isn't where God wants us to live, as Scripture frequently reminds us. But where does courage and boldness come from? What stops us from running away when the battle rages most fiercely? And how do we stand in the evil day—the day of tragedy or temptation—with confidence? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche expounds on the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit from Ephesians 6:17, explaining what they are, how to take them up, and why they are so important.

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Ephesians 6:18–20, teaching that... we fight through prayer, in the Spirit, for the progress of the gospel.

Listen as Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 1:1–11, focusing on... gospel thanksgiving, gospel love, and gospel hope.

Listen as Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 1:12–18, focusing on... the external pressures (vv. 12–14) and internal tensions (vv. 15–18) that believers face.

In the book of Philippians, Paul writes not only as a person who is facing difficulties, but to a church that... is struggling. A caring pastor and apostle, seeing his friends struggling with the same struggles he himself had, Paul shares with the Philippians the confidence he has in his future joy—the coming joy that we share—and the rooted hope that he has that he will be delivered. In this sermon on Philippians 1:18–20, Josué Pernillo shows how Paul explains this through three points: God’s means of deliverance, deliverance and shame, and deliverance and glory.

In this sermon on Philippians 1:21–26, Pastoral Intern Josué Pernillo teaches that we... can live with purpose because Christ is our source of life, our goal in life, and our way of life.

In this sermon on Philippians 1:27–30, Pastoral Intern Josué Pernillo shows that in the... gospel we can be united in adversity and that in the gospel we can have courage in adversity.

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In this sermon on Philippians 2:1–4, Pastoral Intern Josué Pernillo teaches us about the gospel... source of our unity, the gospel experience of unity, and the gospel reaction to unity.

In Philippians 2:5–11 we engage with some of the most intricate and beautiful themes of... Christology found anywhere in the New Testament. Listen as Pastoral Intern Josué Pernillo helps us to reflect on this passage, thinking about who Jesus is, what he has done, and what that means for his people.

In chapter two of his letter to the Philippians, Paul reminds the believers in Philippi of who they are and how their identity... impacts their actions. Like the Philippians, believers today can know that because we have been saved by God, we can now live as those that are saved, with new identities in Christ that overflow into our actions. Listen as Josué Pernillo continues his series on the book of Philippians, expounding on this passage in three points: The Source, The Direction, and The End.

The first two chapters of Philippians are filled with beautiful and lofty truths about who Jesus is and how he impacts the... world. But at the end of Philippians chapter 2, Paul comes down to some real and practical implications of these truths, seen through the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus. Listen as Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 2:19–30, helping us to see that the gospel allows us to grow in our concern for others, to grow in our service of others, and ultimately to have deep gospel friendships.

Joy is one of the main themes of Paul’s letter to the Philippians—and one of the main themes in all... of Scripture. As we examine the first verse of Philippians chapter 3, in which Paul exhorts his brothers and sisters at Philippi to “rejoice in the Lord,” we begin to understand that Christians are a people of joy in Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo expands on this theme in three movements: the obstacles and opponents, the command of joy, and the source of joy.

We live in a confusing time. Deception is rampant. It is hard to discern truth from error. And this is not just... true in our time. Deception is an enemy as old as the Garden. In the book of Philippians Paul ties joy and truth and salvation together, helping us to clearly see through the lens of the gospel and of scripture who we are and how we should understand the world. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 3:1–3, focusing on the fruit of joy, the enemy of joy, and the power of joy.

Where does your confidence lie? You have to put your confidence in something. Everybody does. We put our confidence... in things that make us feel worthwhile, important, right, blameless, because in our hearts and in the heart of every person there is a longing for righteousness. In Philippians 3:4–7 Paul shows this pattern working out in his own life through one of the most interesting self-disclosures in Scripture. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, showing how we are tempted to put confidence in who we are and in what we do—but what we need is an external confidence found only in Christ.

The book of Philippians is perhaps the Apostle Paul’s most personal letter. It is a beautiful epistle... filled with beautiful verses, and in chapter 3 we find a beautiful, succinct summary of the Gospel. In just five verses Paul both explains how sinners are reconciled to God and illuminates the promises that are theirs in Christ Jesus. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 3:7–11, helping us to see Christ Jesus more clearly by showing the treasure of the gospel (the worth of Christ), the heart of the gospel (faith in Christ), and the promise of the gospel (resurrection and life).

The Apostle Paul depicts the Christian life as a long, hard race. It’s a marathon. And to run any marathon well,... the runners need encouragement along the way. The good news for Christians is that we have a wise and caring God who has provided for us to have strength for the journey. Listen as RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown preaches from Philippians 3:12–16, showing us how God equips us with what we need to finish the race that we’ve begun by making us secure, steadfast, and self-aware.

What does it look like to walk as a Christian? Whose example should we imitate? The book of Philippians... was written by the Apostle Paul to his friends at Philippi. Theirs was a church established by Paul and nurtured by his ministry, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the love and affection between Paul and the believers at Philippi is evident throughout the letter. In chapter three Paul, as a caring older brother, calls these believers to imitate him, encouraging them to keep on the right path. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 3:17–21, drawing out Paul’s exhortations to be aware of who you imitate (v 17), to beware of who you imitate (vv 18–19), and to remember the one we imitate is the Savior (v 20–21).

Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Philippians 4:1–3, in which the Apostle Paul... summarizes the major themes of the letter, calling the Philippians to stand firm in the midst of external pressures, to remain united in the midst of internal tensions, and to do this all side by side.

There was once a young man who was persecuting the church. He was so efficient at it that he was sent... to another city, and on the way Jesus appeared to him, saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” When Saul was persecuting the church, Jesus took it personally: “Why are you persecuting me.” Jesus loves his people.

After his encounter with Jesus, this same young man, Saul, went on to become a leader in the church, the apostle Paul. Paul loved the church. Paul loved God’s people, with the affections of Christ Jesus. In his letter to the Philippians Paul continually expresses his love and concern for the believers at Philippi in the midst of external pressures and internal tensions. Now at end of the letter, we find Paul beginning to summarize the themes of the whole letter, encouraging the believers at Philippi to stand firm in the midst of eternal pressures and to remain united in the midst of internal tensions. But in what context does this happen? Listen as Pastor Josué preaches on on Philippians 4:4–9, showing that the context of all of this is gospel-built community, and describing both the characteristics of community and the practice of the community.

The Apostle Paul ends his letter to the Philippians by sharing the secret of contentment: to be dependent... on Christ regardless of the circumstances. His focus was on Christ, and through this passage we learn what it means to see Christ clearly in all of life’s situations. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo concludes his series on Philippians with this sermon on Philippians 4:10–20, showing what contentment is, what it means to be content in want, what it means to be content in plenty, and that ultimately, whether in plenty or in want, we can be content in Christ who strengthens us.

In the spring, it is amazing to see the world teeming with new life. There is something about fruitfulness and beauty and growth that... draws out a human heart. Paul has this focus in the book of Colossians. In his introductory verses, Paul overflows with thanksgiving and prayer. We see his joy at the fruit of the gospel evident in the lives of the Colossians—the fruit of faith in Christ Jesus and of love for all the saints. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Colossians 1:1–8, showing us that because of our hope in the truth we can bear the fruit of faith and love.

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

Read through the book of Colossians aloud (this will likely take 15–20 minutes). Take note as you read: How do you see faith, love, and hope appear in the epistle?

What would you say is the content of the hope for the Christian? How have you seen the truth of the gospel impact your growth in faith and love for others?

What are things that challenge our faith here in Champaign-Urbana, and how does the truth help us to stand firm in the midst of them?

How does the truth of the gospel help inform our relationships? Who is one person at church that you can get to know better and care for?

Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Colossians 1:9–14, addressing three questions:... How can you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord? What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord? And who can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?

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

How is prayer used in the passage? What is Paul praying for?

What is encouraging about Paul praying for the Colossians to be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding? How is that an encouragement to you in your Christian life?

What do you think Paul means when he says “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord”?

How does the work of Christ and the redemption we have in him help empower and guide our Christian life?

Many people have a small view of Christ. Some are skeptical of his existence, while others believe he was merely a good... person, a religious leader, or a prophet. Even some Christians who believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, but go no deeper, have a conception of Jesus that is too small. In Colossians 1:15–20 the apostle Paul calls us to meditate on the deep things of God, on the deep structure of reality—to meditate on Christ. In a passage where every phrase is bursting with significance, Pastor Luke Herche summarizes what we see under three declarations about the glory of God:

He is the image of God, over all creation.
He is the fullness of God, the reconciler of all creation.
He is the head of the church, the beginning of the new creation.

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

What are various views of Jesus...that are too small? What are they missing?

What is Jesus in relation to creation, redemption, and the church?

Why do you think it is important to have a big understanding of the bigness of Jesus? What happens when we have a small view? How can we remedy that?

What do others need to know about the bigness of Jesus, and how can we show them that in the way we live our lives?

Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Colossians 1:21–23, showing us that the hope of the gospel... enables us to persevere in faith because it changes our identity, not just the rules; it gives us confidence in Christ, not our circumstances; and it calls us to holiness, not complacency.

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

How do we understand the work of Christ from the passage? How does that work inform our Christian walk?

What is a challenge that you are facing in your life at the moment? How do you see the truth of the gospel help you in the midst of that?

How does Paul encourage the Colossians to persevere? How does that encourage you as well?

How do you see the fruit of reconciliation in your life? What is the fruit, and how have you seen it grow?

Pastor Luke Herche gives an introduction to the book of Colossians, focusing on Colossians... 1:24–28, 2:2–3, 6 and addressing three questions: What is spiritual maturity? How do we (wrongly) pursue it? And where is it found?

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

Read through the book of Colossians aloud (this will likely take 15–20 minutes). Take note as you read: What themes do you notice? What questions do you have?

Some pursue spiritual maturity through ritual and rule-keeping, others through emotion and experience. How do you see people around you pursuing personal maturity or wholeness? Where does this succeed? Where does it fall short?

Read again Colossians 1:24–2:3, 6–7. Where does Paul suggest spiritual maturity is found? Why do you think that is so?

What do you think spiritual maturity looks like? What steps might you take this week to pursue spiritual maturity as Paul describes it?

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Colossians 1:24–2:5, showing us that Christ is the heart of the Christian... message, Christ is the heart of Christian maturity, Christ is the heart of the Christian manner, so therefore, don’t let anyone lead you from Christ.

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

What are some of the ways that Christ is central to (the Christian) life?

What are the kinds of things that would distract us from the centrality of Christ, things in and outside the church?

What happens when Christ is not central to life? Spend some time and tease this out. What else becomes central? How does that subtly change the meaning of life? What is the result?

What are some things that you and I can do to help us remember the centrality of Jesus to the Christian life?

In this sermon on Colossians 2:6–15, Pastor Luke Herche teaches us how to avoid a Christ-less... philosophy of life, exhorting us to walk in Christ with three points: don’t get taken in, remember Christ, and build your life upon him.

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

How do Paul’s command (vv. 6–7), warning (v. 8), and teaching (vv. 9–15) relate to one another?

What are the life-philosophies that are “in the air” in our culture? What are some of the dominant ways of life or philosophies of life that we meet in music, media, movies, in our workplaces and neighborhoods, politics and classrooms?

What of that is tempting for you? Where might you have blind spots to the philosophy-not-according-to-Christ of this age? Perhaps ask others to delicately help you with this question!

What will it look like to allow your life to be shaped by a life-philosophy that is according to Christ? Meaning both: 1.) How will that happen? 2.) What will that look like in your circumstances?

Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Colossians 2:16–23, showing us that in Christ we can have confidence because... Christ is the substance, Christ is the head, and we are in Christ.

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

What do we learn about Jesus and who we are from the text? What are the commands of this text, and why are they important?

How does what we learn about these two things help us understand the freedom that we have as Christians? In what ways do the gospel and the truth of Christ help you interpret your life and the world around you?

How does Paul describe the life that we now have in Christ? How does that help us understand reality? Where is an area that you feel like the truth of Christ helps you to be more confident as you face various challenges?

In this sermon on Colossians 3:1–4, Reformed University Fellowship intern Tim Sandridge addressed four... questions: Why do we need life? What life do we need? What does this life look like? And where is this life going?

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

What theological realities does Paul use to ground his exhortation to “seek the things above”? How do those realities enable and encourage you to do that?

In what ways do you set your mind on things that are on earth? How can you begin to set your mind on things that are above?

How does your union with Christ shape the way you understand the world? How does it bring purpose and glory to your life’s goals?

From our vantage point within a culture steeped in pessimism and cynicism, we may be surprised to find... that Colossians 3:5–11, a passage containing a list of sins, is not ultimately about our sin—but rather our renewal and new identity in Christ. Listen as RUF at Illinois campus minister Ethan Brown preaches on this passage, showing us that to live as people of hope we need to be honest about sin and honest about grace. Pastor Ethan looks at this text in two sections: The Old Morality and The New Humanity.

As a Christian, you have a new identity in Christ—therefore, act like Christ, depending... on Christ, in the name of Christ and to the glory of the Father. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche explains, preaching on Colossians 3:12–17 and answering four questions: Who are we? What are we to do? How are we to do it? And why?

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

Who are you? Tease out some of the many things that make you you. How do each of those shape how you live? What is the relationship between our new identity in Christ and the way we are called to live?

Think of some areas of life in which you find it hard to bear with and forgive. How do our identity in Christ, the peace of Christ, and the Word of Christ help enable us to “put on Christ”?

What motives tend to sway your heart in everyday life? What can we do so that the glory of God in Christ becomes the great motive of our lives?

What is one area of life in which you hope to show greater Christ-likeness? Take some time to meditate on Christ’s grace to you in this very area and then pray to that end.

Most people don’t understand authority. It is seen either as an opportunity or a travesty, a means of personal power... or a tool for the subjugation of the weak by the strong. Both of these views share the same misunderstanding of authority—and it is into this misunderstanding that the gospel speaks. When we understand authority rightly we can live as citizens of Christ’s kingdom in a way that manifests his lordship, blesses our neighbor, and glorifies our Father in Heaven. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Colossians 3:18–4:1, sharing four truths about authority found in the text: Christ as Lord radically redefines authority; before Christ all are equal; by Christ submission is qualified; and in Christ authority is submission.

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

How does Paul anchor authority and submission in the Lordship of Christ?

How are our understandings of authority and submission distorted by culture and experience? How are they distorted by the disordered loves of our hearts?

How do Jesus’ cross, resurrection, and ascension to the Father's right hand each reshape the way we understand authority and submission?

What will it look like for you to exercise authority this week as an act of Christ-like service? What will it look like for you to submit to imperfect leaders, remembering Christ and honoring him as Lord?

If we have believed in Christ, and been united to Christ, and died with Christ, and been raised with Christ, what... does it look to walk with Christ in a world that does not know him? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Colossians 4:2–6, teaching us to prayerfully cling to the gospel, pray for the work of the gospel, and make the most of every opportunity that you have.

At the start of each year people commonly make New Year's resolutions with hopes, dreams, and goals... for self improvement in the coming year. It is nearly as common to find that these resolutions never come to fruition. But should this make Christians skeptical of the possibility of growth in the Christian life? Listen as Pastor Luke Herche shows from 1 Timothy 4:7 the necessity of discipline, the program of discipline, the goal of discipline, and the power of discipline.

In the book of 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes to Timothy to encourage the young pastor in his... pastoral work. By this time, Paul had been living—and suffering—for the gospel for thirty years, and with his impending death looming he wants to pass the baton on to his protégé. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches from 2 Timothy 4:1–8 on the occasion of the ordination and installation of Josué Pernillo, echoing Paul’s exhortation to “preach the word,” and drawing our attention to the challenge of gospel ministry (“people with itching ears”), the call of gospel ministry (“preach the word”), and the hope of gospel ministry (“the crown of righteousness”).

Pastor Josué Pernillo introduces us to our new study on 1 Peter, focusing... on 1 Peter 1:1–2 and covering four main points:

• Who are we? God’s people.
• How are we the people of God? By the power of God.
• Where are we? In the world and not of it.
• What is our strength? The people of God are blessed.

Why is it that long trips are so tiring? Even with the advances and efficiency of modern travel, there is still a basic weariness... that can come from a long journey, a long drive, a long flight. Similarly, there is a weariness that can come from facing weeks, months, or even years of troubles and difficulties in life. How can we endure? In the book of 1 Peter, the apostle Peter offers help for pilgrims who are weary on their journey by addressing the hope they have in the future, the strength they have in the present, and the story, throughout history, in which they are included. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on 1 Peter 1:3–12, showing that as Christians we are empowered for our journey because Jesus has finished the journey. Christ empowers us on our journey through the assurance of hope, the perseverance of strength, and the Scriptures as truth.

Ruling Elder David Thies continues our 1 Peter series with a sermon on 1 Peter 1:13–25, addressing... three questions: “What action?”, “Why the action?”, and “How the action?”

What happens if you think you know where you’re going, but then you discover that you don’t know how to get there? That’s hard enough when traveling... on the road, but what happens when it occurs in life? What do you do when deep sorrows or unexpected circumstances overwhelm you, and you thought you were going the right direction but suddenly find yourself on a back trail that you didn’t expect? Where do we find our direction? In the book of 1 Peter, Peter writes to pilgrims, to sojourners, to people on a journey. To those who would face various trials and difficulties and challenges along the way, Peter reminds them of their need for wisdom and direction and he points them to the word of God. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on 1 Peter 2:1–3, showing that we, too, are pilgrims on a journey, but because of the gospel and because of the word of God we have everything that we need for the journey in life and godliness. God has provided for our journey by providing his Word: the Word that cleanses and the Word that matures.

Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 21:1–8, discussing hope:...

• When do we need it? Our present distress & unbelief.
• What does it look like? The beauty of what is to come.
• Why is it sure? The certainty of what is to come.
• How do we get there? Setting your hope on what is to come.

Despite present darkness, God’s glory-presence will fill the earth. Listen as Pastor... Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 21:22–27, exhorting us to open our eyes, walk in the light of Christ, and rejoice in the hope of his coming.