First Reformed Church (FRC)

What happens when God's people forget who He really is? In week four of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred examines the story of Jephthah from Judges 10:6-12:7. As Israel's rebellion deepens into a spiritual spiral, Jephthah's tragic story shows how badly they've blurred the lines between God and the gods of the Canaanites. Even the “rescue” is flawed, pointing us to our deep need for a better Rescuer. Thank God, His mercy still prevails.

What does real trust in God look like when you're feeling weak and unsure? In week three of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred shares the story of Gideon from Judges 6–7. Though reluctant and hesitant, Gideon is used by God to challenge our trust and reveal where our confidence truly lies. This message reminds us that spiritual awakening begins with seeking God and fully surrendering to His way.

When fear rises, will you respond with hesitation or with faith? In week two of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred unpacks the story of Deborah from Judges 4–5, where Israel's spiritual drift deepens. Through Deborah, Barak, and Jael, we see the contrast between those who shrink back and those who step up with courage. This message challenges us to examine our own readiness to respond to God's call, especially in times of pressure and uncertainty.

What happens when God's people fall asleep spiritually? In the first message of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred explores the story of Ehud from Judges 3:12-30, contrasting Israel's passionate commitment under Joshua with their rapid descent into rebellion. This sermon reminds us that God often uses the most unlikely people, like Ehud, to bring about His rescue and renewal.

Have you ever wondered how to hear God's voice? In Hearing God's Call, Pastor Mark walks us through 1 Samuel 3 and the story of young Samuel, reminding us that God still speaks, and His call, though sometimes quiet, always leads us to something greater.

Every life leaves a trail—what kind of example are you setting? In his message Mentors and Imitators from 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10, Pastor Fred challenges us to embrace the privilege and responsibility of spiritual mentoring by living a Christ-like example. This message also celebrates moms and encourages them to step boldly into their God-given influence.

As we reflect on where we've been and where God is leading us next, Pastor Fred brings a powerful message called Wrap Up, Roll On. Rooted in Romans 15:14-22, we'll celebrate God's faithfulness and look forward with purpose and hope.

What happens when the next generation says yes to God? This Youth Sunday, our students are taking the lead—sharing real stories of faith, growth, and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Inspired by Acts 1:8, we're celebrating the power of the Holy Spirit at work in them and through them. From learning to wait on God to stepping out in boldness, they're showing us what it means to be ready to witness.

The resurrection unhinges our expectations of death and introduces a new way to live. In this Easter message, Resurrection Life, Pastor Fred shows how fear, freedom, faith, and hope find new meaning through the power and victory of Christ. Text: Mark 16:1–8.

Before the cross, there was a table. Our Maundy Thursday service is a quiet, sacred time to reflect on the love that led Jesus to the cross. Our self-interest led Jesus to the cross. His self-sacrifice kept Him there.

When our expectations are disappointed, we turn quickly—just like the crowds did from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. In this message from Mark 11, Pastor Fred unpacks how Jesus doesn't manage our expectations but exposes them, calling us to follow Him as King on His terms, not ours

We all long for a happy ending, but "Happily Ever After?" reminds us Jesus invites us to something deeper. Pastor Fred unpacks Mark 13 and what it means to live alert and ready—anchored in the cross, not this world.

Are you trying hard enough? Many live with a faith built on rules, effort, and religious compliance, but Jesus calls us to something greater—a love that is radical, grace-driven, and transformational. In this message, Pastor Fred unpacks Mark 12:28-34 and explores what it means to move from effort-based faith to the freedom of radical love.

What does it mean to be truly great? In a world that equates greatness with power and status, Jesus offers a radical redefinition. In Mark 10:35-45, He turns worldly ambition upside down, teaching that servanthood is at the heart of true greatness.Pastor Fred explores how redirecting our desires, imitating Christ, and battling self-centeredness lead us to the kind of greatness God desires. Jesus calls us to be different—to give ourselves away for the sake of others. Are we living by His definition of greatness?

Our Lent series continues with "First/Last, Last/First," reminding us that true success isn't about what we achieve but who we trust. In Mark 10:17-31, Pastor Mark explores how Jesus calls a rich ruler to let go of earthly attachments and fully surrender to Him.

The world is full of obstacles to right living. In this message, Pastor Fred calls us to remove what causes us to stumble and ensure we don't lead others astray. Message Title: Stumbling Around. Message Text: Mark 9:42-50.

Faith falters when we rely on ourselves, but Jesus calls us to surrender our unbelief. Join Pastor Fred as he unpacks Mark 9:14-29 in his message, "Living the New Way: Belief," and challenges us to trust in Jesus' power and willingness to move in our lives.

God blesses the person with a heart to do right and the willingness to suffer for it. In this concluding message of our series on the Beatitudes, Pastor Fred shares that this new way to live involves our whole heart. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10

When we pursue meaningful harmony, we “make” peace. Pastor Fred guides us through the Beatitudes with Matthew 5:9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

Our walk through the Beatitudes continues with the "pure in heart." In today's message, Pastor Mark will share how to get and keep a pure heart and the blessing that follows. Message text: Matthew 5:8

Mercy is God's kind restraint so we don't get what we deserve. Today, Pastor Fred discusses the fifth statement in the Beatitudes, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." —Matthew 5:7 .

We experience God's favor when we develop the appetite to do right and act on that desire. In today's message, Pastor Fred discusses Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Gentleness requires great strength of character. In today's message, Pastor Fred covers the third Beatitude, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." Message text: Matthew 5:5

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) As we look at the second Beatitude, Pastor Mark shares that even though we go through times of mourning, we are not without hope.

Jesus set the tone early in His ministry with The Beatitudes, recorded in Matthew. In this new sermon series, we will spend 8 weeks looking at each Beatitude. Today's message is "Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit."Message text: Matthew 4:23-5:12

In Him, we find a refuge that enables us to face life and enter a New Year with confidence. In today's message, Pastor Fred explores Psalm 91 with a message titled "Under His Wings."

Merry Christmas Eve! Jesus' coming fulfills the promise of a Shepherd who provides peace. Pastor Fred shares how Jesus fulfills the Promise of Peace in our Christmas Eve message. Message Text: Luke 2:8-14; Micah 5:2-5; Colossians 1:15-17

Jesus' coming addresses the heart's longing for God's presence in the circumstances of daily life. He is God WITH us! In today's message, Pastor Fred continues our Fulfilled sermon series with The Promise of Immanuel.Message Text: Isaiah 7:10-17; Matthew 1:20-23

Jesus came to the cradle with the cross in view. Pastor Fred shows us how Jesus fulfills the Promise of Redemption in today's message. Message text: Genesis 3:14-15; Luke 1:67-75

Israel looked forward to the fulfillment of a King who would rule justly. Jesus' coming fulfilled that promise, though not in the way they were expecting. In today's message, Ross Enger will share how Jesus fulfilled the Promise of Justice.Message Text: Job 19:23-27

We serve a promise-keeping God! In this first message of our Advent sermon series, Fulfilled, Pastor Mark explains how Jesus fulfilled God's promise of providing an intercessor.Message text: John 11:49-52; Hebrews 4:14-16

In prayer, we declare our dependence on God for daily necessities, and more. Our Thanksgiving Eve service allows us to thank God for meeting our needs in the deepest way possible.Bible Text: Matthew 6:11; Deuteronomy 8:2,3; Psalm 104:27-30; James 2:15-17

In prayer, we implore God's help to fight temptation, and we worship God for His rule and reign. Pastor Fred explores temptation as we continue our "Good Morning, God" sermon series on the Lord's Prayer.Message text: Matthew 6:13; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 2:18; 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

In prayer, we declare our reliance on God to meet our need for spiritual freedom through forgiveness, and forgiving. As we continue our series on the Lord's Prayer, Pastor Fred dives into forgiveness and our need to forgive and be forgiven. Message Text: Matthew 6:12,14,15; Psalm 51:1-3; Matthew 18:21-35

In prayer, we admit that God's will and way are best and learn to surrender worry to His authority. In today's message, Pastor Fred will examine the second line of the Lord's Prayer, "... your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."Message Text: Matthew 6:10, 25-34; 21:28-32

In prayer, we adore our Father and learn the depth of His ability and willingness to answer us. Pastor Fred begins our "Good Morning, God" sermon series with the first line of the Lord's Prayer. Message title: Adore. Message text: Matthew 6:5-13; Luke 11:5-13.

Mutual submission governs all the important relationships in our lives: marriage, family, work, and, ultimately, our relationship with God. Pastor Greg Alderman concludes his time as our transition pastor with this timely message from Ephesians 5:21-6:9.

It matters how we treat one another. In today's message, Pastor Greg Alderman continues our series in Ephesians with a message titled "Our Code of Conduct." Message text: Ephesians 4:32-5:13.

We have been placed in a family – God's very own family. In today's message, Pastor Greg will share "God's Organizational Plan for the Church" as explained in Ephesians 4:1-16.

God's plan for redemption was revealed in Jesus. In today's message, Pastor Mark discusses "The Mystery of God's Plan" as revealed in Ephesians 2:11-3:13.

God longs to redeem, reconcile, and restore us. Today, we will explore Ephesians 2:1-10 with a message titled "The Gospel Explained."

We can securely rest in God's plan for our lives. Today, we will explore the first chapter of Ephesians and how God takes an active role in reconciling and uniting a people for Himself.Message Title: Chosen for a ReasonMessage Text: Ephesians 1:3-14

Prayer is essential in uncovering God's plan. Today's message begins the sermon series, God Has a Plan. We will explore Ephesians in this sermon series and discover God's plan for His church. This first message starts with the Prayers of Ephesians. Scripture text: Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 6:10-18

We are not born knowing or understanding how to please God, and therefore, what would be offensive to God. In today's message, Pastor Greg explores Proverbs 6:16-19, "7 Things that God Hates and Detests."

What do you put your trust in? In today's message, Pastor Mark helps us see how trusting in God is "The Best Way."Message Title: The Best WayMessage Text: Proverbs 3:5-6

God has a clear vision for His people. In today's message, Pastor Greg shares "9 Marks of a Healthy Church." Teaching text: Proverbs 29:18

Handling conflict is never easy, but Proverbs shows us how to do it by putting God first. In today's message, Pastor Greg shows us the dangers of Triangling in conflict. Message title: How to Handle Triangling Message text: Proverbs 18:17

Pastor Mark continues our Proverbs sermon series with a message titled, Living With the End in Mind. Message text: Proverbs 22:6, 16; Proverbs 6:20-22; Psalm 1:1-3.

The Bible and in particular the Book of Proverbs have much to say about time, especially how it relates to work. In today's message, Pastor Greg expounds on Proverbs 6:6-11 and how God uses the Ant to teach us how to use our time.

Wisdom is hard work. As we continue our discussion of Proverbs, we discover how to reject folly and choose wisdom. Message title: The Wise Choice. Message text: Proverbs 9

People have a God-sized hole, and we are all on a quest to fill that hole. As we begin our Proverbs sermon series, Pastor Greg talks about how the wisdom in Proverbs helps us experience "The Good Life." Message text: Proverbs 1:1-7.