Free Grace Vernon

What does the command, “You shall not steal,” reveal about God, our possessions, and the way we live? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:15 and the eighth commandment. Stealing is about far more than taking what belongs to someone else. This commandment challenges our attitudes toward work, generosity, honesty, and contentment. It reminds us that everything we have ultimately bel...

What does God’s command against adultery reveal about marriage, sexuality, and the human heart? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:14 alongside Genesis 2:18–24 and Matthew 5:27–32. Far from being a restrictive rule, the seventh commandment points us to God’s beautiful design for marriage as a lifelong covenant between a husband and wife. This sermon examines the goodness of God's...

Why does God command, “You shall not murder”? In The Sanctity of Life , Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:13 and the profound value God places on every human life. Far from being a simple prohibition against taking life, this commandment reveals the dignity, worth, and sacredness of every person as one made in the image of God. This sermon examines God’s heart for human life, the deeper attitud...

Why the Law? | Galatians 3:19–26  If salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, what purpose does God's law serve? In this message from Galatians 3:19–26, we explore Paul's question: "Why then the law?" Far from being opposed to God's promises, the law serves a vital role in God's redemptive plan. Drawing on the historic "threefold use of the law," we see how God's law functions as a curb to...

What does it mean to honour your father and mother? In Honouring Our Parents , Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:12 and the first commandment that governs our relationships with others. In a culture that often prizes independence and self-determination, God calls His people to honor the parents He has placed in their lives. This sermon examines the meaning of biblical honor, the blessing attach...

What is the purpose of Sabbath — and does it still matter today? In Sabbath , Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:8–11 and God’s command to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. In a culture driven by busyness, productivity, and exhaustion, this commandment reminds us that rest is not weakness — it is part of God’s design. This sermon examines the rhythm of work and rest established in creat...

What does it really mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?  Pastor Ian Crooks walks through Exodus 20:7 and reveals that this commandment reaches far deeper than profanity or careless speech. God’s name represents His character, holiness, authority, and reputation. This sermon explores how we can misuse His name not only with our words, but with our worship, witness, and the way we live while...

What happens when we try to make God manageable, visible, or shaped in our own image? In this sermon, Beyond the Image , we explore Exodus 20:4–6 and the second commandment — uncovering how idols are far more than carved statues. They can be anything that distorts who God truly is. Pastor Ian Crooks explores humanity’s tendency to reshape God according to our preferences, emotions, culture, and co...

What does it really mean to have “no other gods” in a world full of distractions, ambitions, and competing priorities? In this message on Exodus 20:3, Pastor Ian Crooks unpacks the first commandment and reveals how it speaks directly into our everyday lives.  This isn’t just about ancient idols—it’s about the subtle ways we place our identity, security, and hope in things other than God. Through t...

The Ten Words | Exodus 20:1–17 | Ian Crooks What are the Ten Commandments really about—and why do they still matter today?  In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks walks through Exodus 20:1–17, often called “The Ten Words,” revealing that these commands are not merely rules to follow but a reflection of God’s character and His desire for a relationship with His people. Rather than a checklist for moral...

How can a loving God send people to hell?  It’s one of the most honest—and difficult—questions people ask about the Christian faith. In this seminar, Pastor David Bootsma walks through what the Bible actually teaches about God’s love, justice, and the reality of hell.  Rather than avoiding the tension, this seminar and Q&A leans into it—exploring how God’s character is perfectly both loving an...

Smoke on the Mountain | Exodus 19:1–25 Pastor Ian Crooks | April 19, 2026 | Free Grace Vernon  What happens when a holy God draws near to sinful people? In Exodus 19, Israel arrives at Mount Sinai—and the mountain erupts in smoke, fire, thunder, and trembling. This isn’t just a dramatic scene; it’s a powerful revelation of who God is. His holiness isn’t safe, manageable, or casual. And yet… He inv...

Pastor David Bootsma preaching on Colossians 1:15-20. April 12, 2026.  In Colossians 1:15–20, we’re given a powerful picture of who Jesus truly is. This passage reveals that Jesus is not just a teacher or moral example—He is supreme over all creation, the head of the Church, and the one through whom all things are reconciled.  At Free Grace Vernon, we exist to help people know Jesus and understand...

He Is Risen… and Death Is Defeated In this message from Free Grace Vernon, we explore 1 Corinthians 15:20–28. What does it mean that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death”?  This passage pulls back the curtain on God’s ultimate plan: a coming day when every enemy—sin, suffering, and even death itself—will be fully and finally defeated under the reign of Christ. Because Jesus lives, our future i...

The Triumphal Entry | Matthew 21:1–11 | Pastor Ian Crooks  On Palm Sunday, we remember the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem—not as the conquering king people expected, but as the humble King we desperately need.  In this sermon from Free Grace Vernon, Pastor Ian Crooks walks through Matthew 21:1–11 and unpacks the significance of the triumphal entry. The crowds shouted “Hosanna,” laying down palm br...

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 20:29-34. March 22, 2026. When two blind men cry out to Jesus for mercy, the crowd tries to silence them—but they refuse to be quiet.  In Matthew 20:29–34, we see a powerful picture of persistent faith, the compassion of Christ, and the kind of sight we all truly need. This sermon invites us to consider: are we crying out to Jesus with that same boldness—and...

How can a good God allow suffering? Pastor David Bootsma. If you’ve ever asked that question—you’re not alone. Join us as we wrestle honestly with pain, trust, and the hope we have in Christ, even in the middle of it all.  Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube lives...

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 20:17-28. March 15, 2026.  In Matthew 20:17–28, Jesus turns the world’s idea of greatness upside down. As He prepares His disciples for His coming suffering and death, He teaches that true greatness in God’s kingdom isn’t found in power, status, or recognition—but in humble service. In this sermon we explore how Jesus, the King who came not to be served but t...

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 20:1-16. March 8, 2026.  The parable of the workers in the vineyard confronts our instincts about fairness and reward.  Jesus shows that the kingdom of God does not run on merit but on grace. Whether someone comes early or late, whether their story is long or short, the invitation of the gospel is the same: salvation is a gift from a generous God.  Free Grace...

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 19:16-30. March 1, 2026. He had everything… except the one thing that mattered most.  In Matthew 19:16–30, Jesus exposes the danger of a heart that wants eternal life — but on its own terms. The rich young ruler walks away sorrowful, not because Jesus wasn’t loving, but because Jesus was.  Salvation isn’t earned.  It isn’t negotiated.  It’s received with empt...

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 19:10-15. February 22, 2026.  Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube livestream.

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 1 9:1-9. February 15, 2026. Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube livestream.

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 18:21 -35. February 8, 2026. Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube livestream.

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 18:15 -20. February 1, 2026. Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube livestream.

Pastor Ian Crooks preaching on Matthew 18:1-14. January 25, 2026. Free Grace is Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Vernon, BC Canada. Join us for our Sunday service at 10:30 AM at 802 45th Ave, or tune in online through our Facebook or YouTube livestream.