First Reformed Church (FRC) - Messages

When life feels like it’s falling apart, what holds you together? In "Held" from Colossians 1:15-20, Pastor Mark shows how God is at work even in the darkest and most painful seasons. No matter what you face, He is with you and He will never let you go.

How can people tell you’ve been with Jesus without you even saying a word? In Acts 4, the religious leaders are stunned by the boldness of two “ordinary” men, Peter and John. This week, Pastor Tim Breen explores how time with Jesus transforms us.

What does it take to wake up from a spiritual drift? In the final message of the Judges: Spiritual Siestas series, Pastor Fred explores the story of Samson from Judges 13-16. Samson’s life reveals the moral collapse of Israel, yet also highlights God’s relentless pursuit to redeem. This message calls us to examine our hearts, shake off spiritual complacency, and live with alertness that honors Chr...

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 f...

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 surrenderin...

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 respo...

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 re...

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.

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...

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