First Free Rockford Sermons

Jesus' final words on the cross tell us much about who he is, what he did and how our lives and relationships changed forever as a result.

In John 18, Jesus walks into betrayal and denial—not as a victim, but as the sovereign Savior. Even in our failure, he remains in control, offering grace, restoration and hope.

Jesus is about to leave his disciples. This was unthinkable for them. But in the culmination of the conversation in that Upper Room, he explains how everything that's about to happen is for their benefit—and ours.

A fruitful life starts with a faithful connection. This week, we dive further into Jesus' words to his disciples in that upper room. He calls them, and us, to remain in him and bear lasting fruit. What does this look like?

Jesus knows his disciples' world is about to fall apart. Rather than give them a plan of action, he gives them (and us) something better to hold onto: assurance of who he is, and that he will be with them always.

Jesus' entry to Jerusalem was indeed triumphal, but not in the political way the crowds wanted or expected. His actions over the coming days would reveal what true greatness looks like—and they set several patterns for us to follow today.

Jesus' entry to Jerusalem was indeed triumphal, but not in the political way the crowds wanted or expected. His actions over the coming days would reveal what true greatness looks like—and they set several patterns for us to follow today.

Where is God when life falls apart? It's the literal question Mary and Martha are asking when their brother, Lazarus, dies. Jesus' response—and the timing of his response—has much to teach us about faith, hope and the character of God.

Where is God when life falls apart? It's the literal question Mary and Martha are asking when their brother, Lazarus, dies. Jesus' response—and the timing of his response—has much to teach us about faith, hope and the character of God.

Jesus describes an image the Jewish people knew well: wandering sheep, and the shepherd who gathers and cares for them. We can be wanderers, too—often by choice. Do we hear and recognize his voice?

Jesus describes an image the Jewish people knew well: wandering sheep, and the shepherd who gathers and cares for them. We can be wanderers, too—often by choice. Do we hear and recognize his voice?

In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.

In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.

Jesus follows one of his most famous miracles—the feeding of the 5,000—with a bold proclamation about his identity … and then some jarring statements about his flesh and blood. For the “fans” looking for miracles and free food, this was too much. They were done. But we can learn a lot from the true followers who stayed.

Jesus follows one of his most famous miracles—the feeding of the 5,000—with a bold proclamation about his identity … and then some jarring statements about his flesh and blood. For the “fans” looking for miracles and free food, this was too much. They were done. But we can learn a lot from the true followers who stayed.

A hungry crowd. A deadly storm. When things feel out of control—then and right now—Jesus is greater than it all. When we realize who he really is, and we trust him enough to do what he says, incredible things can happen.

A hungry crowd. A deadly storm. When things feel out of control—then and right now—Jesus is greater than it all. When we realize who he really is, and we trust him enough to do what he says, incredible things can happen.

“Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” For a man who had lost all hope, Jesus steps in. This powerful story also shows us the way Jesus heals and restores far more than just our physical bodies.

“Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” For a man who had lost all hope, Jesus steps in. This powerful story also shows us the way Jesus heals and restores far more than just our physical bodies.