What happens when a patient refuses to accept his doctor's diagnosis? In this week's message from 1 John 1:5–10, Pastor Mark Groen uses that image to open up what John teaches about sin, self-deception, and the grace of God. God is light — perfectly holy, with no darkness in him. That truth exposes us. But John doesn't leave us there. He points us to the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from all sin, and to a God who is faithful and just to forgive everyone who confesses. A timely word for anyone tempted to minimize their sin or doubt God's willingness to forgive.

What is Christianity actually about? In this opening message of our series on 1 John, Pastor Mark begins where John begins: with eyewitness testimony. John declares that he and the other apostles heard, saw, and touched the Word of Life — and that claim was not made in a corner. It was a public proclamation of a real Savior who entered history in an actual human body.

Drawing on the historical context of early Gnosticism, which denied the goodness of the physical world and infiltrated the early church like a parasite, this sermon unpacks why the bodily reality of Jesus matters so much. Our deepest problem isn't a lack of enlightenment — it's sin before a holy God. And our only hope is the real, historical, bodily work of Jesus Christ, testified to by eyewitnesses and proclaimed so that our joy may be complete.

The ascension of Jesus is one of Christianity's most overlooked doctrines — we confess it every week in the creeds, but rarely stop to ask what it actually means for us today. In this sermon from Luke 24:44–53 and Hebrews 4:14–5:10, Pastor Mark explores why the disciples responded to Christ's departure with great joy, and what it means that Jesus ascended not simply to wait, but to reign as King and intercede as our great High Priest. If you've ever wondered whether your prayers are truly heard, or felt the weight of a world that seems out of control, the doctrine of the ascension speaks directly to you.

Do you ever feel like the plot of your life is just a pattern of "strange ink" without purpose? This week, we conclude our series "Redeeming Love" by seeing how God brings the messy story of Naomi and Ruth into focus. We discuss the ancient customs of the city gate, the "cost" of being a redeemer, and the genealogy that reveals this local story was always about the coming King. Just as bread returned to Bethlehem, we look to the Bread of Life who was born there to buy us back from sin and death.

Ruth 3 places us in a moment of tension and decision. Naomi makes a plan, Ruth steps out in boldness, and Boaz responds with integrity.

In a culture and circumstances, where the easy path was available, both Ruth and Boaz choose godliness. Their faithfulness points us to Christ, our true Redeemer, who did not take the easy path but gave Himself for us.

What path will we choose when faced with pressure, temptation, and opportunity?

Do you ever feel like your life is governed by "accidents"? This week, we continue our series "Redeeming Love" by examining the "happenstance" of Ruth landing in the field of Boaz. We discuss the biblical provision of gleaning, the character of a "worthy man," and the beautiful imagery of finding safety under God’s wings. Just as Boaz provided Ruth with a "Costco-sized" abundance of grain, Christ provides us with an abundance of mercy that far exceeds our needs.

We live in a world of uncertainty and anxiety, often feeling the tension of how our personal stories will resolve. This week, we continue our "Redeeming Love" series by following Naomi and Ruth on the road back to Bethlehem. We discuss the difference between temporary affection and permanent commitment, the profound connection between land and faith in the ancient world, and why Naomi’s request to be called "Mara" (Bitter) isn't the end of her story. Join us as we reflect on how the Gospel makes even the most bitter waters sweet.

We live in an age of precision GPS, yet people feel more lost than ever. We begin our 5-week series "Redeeming Love," and dive into the opening verses of Ruth. We discuss the irony of a "breadless" Bethlehem, the dangerous allure of seeking provision outside of God’s promises, and how God uses even our missteps to guide us toward redemption in Jesus Christ.