John 14:25-31 - Peace, I Leave With You

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 14:25-31. Jesus’ farewell to the disciples continues in these verses as he tells them that the Holy Spirit, the Helper, will be left with them. The procession of the Spirit from the Father and the Son is the peace, the shalom, that this world can never give. Rest from anxiety and fear comes not in power plays of strength or might, but in the death and resurrection of Christ. It is there we have true shalom.



Read Online: John 14:25-31

John 14:15-24 - The Promised Helper

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard continues in John 14 where Jesus again is speaking to his fearful disciples and again his words offer us great hope. In John 14:15-24, Jesus promises the coming of the Helper, the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit who Himself provides Trinitarian presence, lavishes Trinitarian love, and offers commandment obedience. The Holy Spirit through his presence, love, and obedience ignites hope in the disciples, as it should us today.



Read Online: John 14:15-24

John 14:1-7 - The Path and Place of Hope

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues in the book of John. Jesus' words to the fearful disciples provide the hope we need today. In John 14:1-7, Jesus provides a place for our hope to rest that is secure, expansive and waiting for you. The natural question is how do we obtain this kind of hope? Jesus instructs us that the path to this hope is personal, certain and living; it is through Him.



Read Online: John 14:1-7

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 - Secured by the Resurrection

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at 1 Corinthians, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are reminded that we are secured by His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15, Paul’s great chapter on the resurrection, applies this great event to our lives as we see how the resurrection secures our life, our victory and our wholeness in verses 20-28.



Read Online: 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

John 12:12-19 - Behold Your King

In this sermon, Rev. Ben Sinnard looks at John 12:12-19 where we see the triumphal approach and entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This opens the passion week, which will culminate with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. In this passage, there is a blind enthusiasm present among the people as they celebrate this one “who comes in the name of the Lord.” But do they know who this One is? Do they know the One before them riding on a donkey? The triumphal entry, much more of a humble entry, lacks the marks of a regal, kingly entrance, but so is the case with Christ. He came to rescue the people, and you and I, not simply from political oppression but from spiritual bondage.



Read Online: John 12:12-19

John 13:1-30 - A Picture of Sacrifice

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel begins the second half of John's Gospel as the Twelve gather with Jesus to celebrate the Passover (John 13:1-30). In preparation for the Last Supper, Jesus assumes the role of a servant and washes His disciples feet. What Jesus does is both a picture of the saving cleansing that would be accomplished in a few short hours as well as a model of Christian conduct.



Read Online: John 13:1-30

John 12:44-50 - The Final Notice

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:44-50 where Jesus continues to summarize his public ministry, returning to the themes of the first half of the gospel. Jesus, as the representative of the Father, speaks on His behalf, reminding us to both hear and obey what we are told, for the command that Jesus offers is eternal life.



Read Online: John 12:44-50

John 12:37-43 - Hidden in Plain Sight

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues in the book of John. Jesus summarizes his public ministry in John 12:36-43 with the words of Isaiah 53 and 6, that the disbelief comes as God hardened hearts. John then explains that some did believe, yet it was the fear of the religious leaders that kept them from confessing their faith in Jesus. Both God’s sovereign dealings with people and their unbelief remind us to examine our own hearts as we respond to the Gospel.


Read: John 12:37-43

John 12:27-36 - The Divine Purpose

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 12:27-36 where Jesus calls out to the Father that God would be glorified. The confirming words of the Father gives another evidence that Christ will be glorified by His being lifted up. The victory over Satan and the good news for the world are found in the suffering that Jesus endured for us.


Read Online: John 12:27-36

John 12:20-26 - Seeing Jesus

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel continues our series in John. We skip the Triumphal Entry, leaving for Palm Sunday, to look at John 12:20-26. At the Passover, some Greeks ask to see Jesus, resulting in His proclamation that just as without burying a seed in the ground there is no crop, so also without the death of Christ no worldwide gathering. Athanasius, a leader of orthodoxy in the 4th Century, said of this truth:
For it is only on the cross that a man dies with his hands spread out. And so it was fitting for the Lord to bear this also and to spread out his hands, that with the one he might draw the ancient people and with the other those from the Gentiles and unite both in himself. (On the Incarnation 25:3-4).



Read Online: John 12:20-26

John 12:1-11 - Extravagant Devotion

In this sermon, Chris Vogel looks at John 12:1-11 where we see the extravagant devotion expressed by Mary, Lazarus’ sister, as she pours perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her actions speak clearly to those reading the Gospel who know what will happen in just a few short days. In contrast to Mary, Judas’ objection illustrates the selfish desires expressed with pious words.



Read Online: John 12:1-11

John 11:45-57 - The Great Exchange

In this sermon, Rev. Chris Vogel looks at John 11:45-57 where the powers that be in Jerusalem conspire to arrest Jesus. As many believe Jesus is the Son of God, the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin fret over losing the Temple and their nation. Caiaphas, the High Priest has a simple plan. It is better for one man to die than the whole nation should perish. He spoke better than he knew, as Jesus in a matter of days would die a substitutionary death to gather not just the nation, but to gather into one the children of God.



Read Online: John 11:45-57