We live in a world that is consumed with appearances. We measure our lives by our stuff, our entertainment, our purchasing power..., our sexual freedom, and when hardships come our immediate instinct is to escape it by any means as quickly as possible. In Revelation 2:8–11 we find that the church in Smyrna is experiencing social rejection, poverty, and pressures, but into this moment Christ speaks a message that turns everything on its head. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, showing us that real life is not as it appears; life in the present is a life of fear; Jesus faced death to find life; and resting in Jesus’ life frees us to face death and find true life.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Jesus tells a church facing poverty that they are actually rich. How does this challenge the way we usually measure success or security? Why is our being rich not a fiction and mere sentiment?

When you feel the poverty of your circumstances (social rejection, financial stress, or personal loss), what earthly comforts are you most tempted to scramble after to find a sense of security?

How does Jesus’ victory over the second death free you from having to earn a life of comfort or approval today and offer you a sense of fearless hope when you think about your future or your greatest fears?

If we truly believed that things are often not as they appear—that our spiritual reality in Christ is more solid than our physical circumstances—how might that change the way we face a specific anxiety or fiery trial this week?

In Revelation 2:1–7 we learn from Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus that this once thriving church had one major problem: they... had abandoned their first love. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this passage, addressing three questions: What is the diagnosis? What is the prescription? And what is the encouragement?

In Revelation 1:9–20 the apostle John sees a glorious vision of Christ in heaven. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage..., helping us to better understand the glory of Jesus, the fear of Jesus, the grace of Jesus, and our service to Jesus.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

When you imagine the scene John describes, which specific image feels the most overwhelming or weighty to you?

We often prefer a “plastic Jesus” who is manageable and safe. How does John’s encounter with the cosmic Christ challenge the version of Jesus we typically carry around in our day-to-day lives?

The One who holds the stars in his hand is the same One who reaches out to touch a terrified man. What does this reveal to you about how Jesus uses his immense power toward those who are broken or afraid?

In what ways does beholding the majestic, cosmic glory of Christ actually provide more stability for your soul than a “safer,” smaller version of him?

What would change in your Monday morning routine—your stress, your interactions, or your inner monologue—if you truly believed the cosmic King was standing right there with his right hand on your shoulder?

Wisdom warns us of the coming disaster, but we refuse to listen. Jesus faces the disaster, so we can dwell... secure. Learn more in this sermon on Proverbs 1:20–33 from Pastor Josué Pernillo.

Whether we know it or not, all people long for the coming of the Kingdom. For a world rightly ordered under God. A world of justice..., righteousness, and peace. The good news is that God is the King. He comes bringing justice. He comes to fight for his people. And every cry for justice, every longing to be filled is ultimately answered by the coming of God’s Kingdom. In this sermon on Revelation 1:9–20, in which the apostle John sees a glorious vision of Christ in heaven, Pastor Luke Herche helps us rest in Jesus’ present reign and hope in his coming return as he talks about the people of the kingdom, the presence of the kingdom, and the glory of the King.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

How do you experience the tension between the kingdom and tribulation today? How does this shape the way you view the accounts of injustice we see in the news?

When you look at the brokenness of the world or your own heart, are you more tempted to give in to despair (expecting too little of the kingdom) or to demand that heaven appear fully right now (expecting too much of the “overlap of the ages”)? How does the already and not-yet of the kingdom shape what you mean when you pray “your kingdom come”?

If you began tomorrow morning truly believing that you are part of a kingdom where the old divisions no longer matter, how might that change the way you interact with those who are different from you in your workplace or community or world?

What can you do to proclaim and manifest the coming of the kingdom in its present form today (i.e. to proclaim Jesus and be his hands and feet in the world)?

Christianity is not merely a philosophy. It is fundamentally a story, the true story of what God has done, is doing, and will do in the world. A philosophy... can give you a perspective, or even some direction in life, but only God’s story can give you what you need the most: a savior. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 1:7, examining this one verse with four points: the coming of Christ is the great hope of the Christian. The coming of Christ is a great terror to the guilty conscience. Christ came to bear our guilt, that he might come again to save the guilty. Set your mind on the coming of Christ to face the trials of this age.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Why is it hard to believe that Christ is reigning right now and will return bodily one day as our king? What are some ways we dismiss, forget, or explain away that reality? Why do we do that?

How does the truth that Jesus was “pierced” for our transgressions provide you with the freedom to be honest about your own failures this week and hope in his return on the last day?

What would shift in your perspective tomorrow morning if you viewed your current trials in light of the fact that a just and loving Judge is on his way to make all things new?

If you were explaining the “True Story” of Christianity to someone who viewed it only as a philosophy or a set of rules, how would this passage help you describe what God is actually doing in the world?

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Revelation 1:4–8, addressing three questions: Where do you live? How big is... your God? And why does that matter?

“Groundbreaking,” “the foot of a mountain,” and “flying off the handle” are all dead metaphors, once vivid and fresh, but now... separated from their original imagery and impact. According to Pastor Luke Herche, much of Biblical language has become like dead metaphors to us. We have become dull to the power and punch of Scriptural language. In this sermon on 2 Samuel 7:12–13, 2 Chronicles 36:22–23, and Matthew 28:16–20, Pastor Luke revitalizes some of our dead metaphors for the mission of the church as he tells the story of God’s house, beginning with creation and ending in Revelation.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

How do you understand your role in God’s temple-building mission?

What most hinders you from filling that role?

How does Christ model our role as well as free, empower, and motivate us to fulfill our role in God’s work?

What is the next step you can take to fulfill God’s call in your life? Take some time to pray for wisdom and strength to move forward and be faithful in God’s temple-building work.

Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on Proverbs 1:8–19, helping us to reflect on the passage with four questions: What is the principle? What... is the promise? How does the gospel speak into it? And what is our response?

The risen Christ has a message for you, ordinary Christian, about the goings on of this world, which will bless those... who hear and do. Learn more in this sermon from Pastor Luke Herche on Revelation 1:1–3.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

In Revelation 1:3, blessing is found in hearing God’s voice. How does this challenge our usual idea that being blessed depends on our outward circumstances or comfort?

What voices in our culture or in your heart are currently acting like noise-canceling headphones, making it hard for you to hear and rest in God’s Word?

Jesus perfectly heard and obeyed, but took the curse of our spiritual deafness on the cross (he “freed us from our sins by his blood” [Revelation 1:5]). How does knowing he has already secured your blessed status change the way you approach God’s Word?

What is one practical way you can dampen the noise of culture and heart this week and create space to hear God’s voice? When and where will you do that?

Prayer is difficult. This is commonly known among all followers of Jesus. Even Peter, James, and John could not stay awake... in prayer at Gethsemane, though Jesus asked them twice. When writing Romans, the apostle Paul assumes that prayer is difficult for the believer, that we are weak, that we need help. The good news is that God has given us help. Listen as Pastor Ethan Brown preaches from Romans 8:15–17, 22–23, 26–27, showing that God has not left us alone in our prayers––he has given us the Holy Spirit, and whenever we pray, whenever we truly pray, we pray with the Holy Spirit.

In the second of two introductions to the book of Revelation, Pastor Luke Herche examines passages from Revelation with a focus... on our hope. Addressing three questions (Why must we hope? How can we hope? And what happens when we do?), Pastor Luke shares that we can hope because Revelation reveals what is and what will be, the lamb reigns and wins, his enemies are restrained and will be judged, and his people are safe and will be raised.

Sermon text: Revelation 1:19; 2:2–3; 2:5; 2:10–11; 2:25; 14:12; 19:11; 20:14; 11:15–18

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

What are some places in your life where you need hope? What specifically is wrong in you, your circumstances, or our world?

What is our natural response to hard things? What are some ways we respond poorly to tragedy, temptation, and turmoil? Why do we respond this way?

How does the message of Revelation (as summarized in the sermon) speak into the hard things?

If you had hope in the midst of hard things, how would that shape your response and what might your new response be?

Take some time to pray that the message of this book would sink into your heart and that God would give you opportunity to share it with others.

In Revelation 21:4, we receive the promise that one day God “will wipe away ever tear.” But in... the present, we weep. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, addressing four questions: Why must we weep? Why don’t we weep? How can we weep? And what do we do now?

In this first installment in a new sermon series on the book of Proverbs, Pastor Josué... Pernillo preaches on Proverbs 1:1–7, teaching us that the proverbs draw us to wisdom by showing the gifts of wisdom, the help of wisdom, and the source of wisdom.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

What is an area in your life where you feel you need wisdom?

What gift of wisdom do you feel most drawn to? Which one do you feel you practice well and which one do you want to grow in?

When was a time in your life when you felt like you grew in wisdom and understanding?

How is God being the source of Wisdom comforting to you and in what ways is that challenging?

In this introduction to the book of Revelation, Pastor Luke Herche looks at various passages... (Revelation 1:1–2, 10–12, 19; 5:1–2, 6; 6:9; 7:1; 9:17–19; 10:1; 13:1; 16:13; 17:3, 12; 19:11; 20:11; 21:1–2; 22:8–9) and shows us that Revelation is a picture book. Listen as Pastor Luke explains, addressing four questions: What does that mean? Why is it important? How do we understand it? And what does it show us?

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

As we begin this journey through the final book of the Bible, what vivid image from the book (whether mentioned in the sermon or not) stirs your imagination or curiosity the most and why?

The sermon suggests that Revelation is less like a puzzle to be solved and more like a picture book intended to show us spiritual realities. How does that shift in perspective change the way you feel about opening this book?

If this book truly “pulls back the curtain” on the inner workings of our world, what is one area of life where you are longing to see things as they really are from God’s perspective?

In what ways have you become so consumed with cultural pleasures or social ills (things we can see with our eyes) that you’ve lost sight of God’s sovereign grace at work in the world?

Since things are often not what they appear in this age, what is one practical way you can proceed with humility and trust God’s “corrective lenses” rather than your own self-confidence this week?

Pastor Luke Herche preaches on Luke 2:21–32, in which Jesus is presented in the temple... after he was born and seen by Simeon. Pastor Luke shows that Jesus is Israel’s Glory. He is her embodiment. He is her salvation. He fulfills her mission. And he calls us to be taken up into her story.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

How does seeing Jesus as the one who perfectly embodies all that humanity (and Israel) was meant to be change the way you view God’s expectations for your life?

Where have you felt the “ache” of seeking glory in the present life (whether your own accomplishments or reputation, or other created things), only to find those things leaving you wanting more?

The “Suffering Servant” was pierced for our transgressions to bring us peace. How does Jesus’ choice to be “born under the law” and to bear our grief show us what true glory looks like?

Considering that we “become what we worship,” what would it look like for you to be a “walking advertisement” for Jesus’ glory in your home or workplace this coming week as you both delight in and reflect that glory?

In this sermon on Matthew 2:1–12, Pastor Josué Pernillo shows that the Wise Men looked... for Jesus because Jesus is the King in the midst of chaos who was promised and worthy of worship, for all people.

In this sermon on Matthew 1:18–23, Pastor Luke Herche preaches on the significance of the virgin birth, showing that... in the virgin birth God identifies with the weak; God confounds the wise; God keeps his promise; and God does it all for us.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Which detail in Matthew 1:18–23—Joseph’s quiet resolve, the angel’s dream, the promise of the name Immanuel (“God with us”), etc.—stands out to you as the most surprising or significant moment in this story, and why?

What about the Incarnation is most puzzling to you? What do you struggle to understand about “God-made-flesh” in Jesus? In what ways are you tempted to explain the mystery away rather than wonder and worship?

What does it mean for your perspective on life’s current challenges that the all-powerful and eternal King of kings chose to enter the world not as a muscled warrior, but as a helpless baby? In what way does the humility of Jesus, God with us, shape the way you think about your own life, especially the way you relate to the people around you day by day?

RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown preaches on Zechariah's prophecy... from Luke 1:67–80. Part of an Advent sermon series, "The Questions of Christmas."

In this sermon on Psalm 150, Pastor Josué Pernillo addresses three questions: What do the Psalms teach... us? How do the Psalms help us? And where do the Psalms point us?

Pastor Luke Herche concludes his series on the book of Genesis with this sermon on Genesis 49:29–50:26, in which Jacob and Joseph... both die in Egypt, hoping in the promise of being buried in Canaan. Listen as Pastor Luke teaches us that death seems to have the last word, but hope in the promise remains. God overrules evil for good, therefore we look to the risen and exalted Christ, entrusting justice to Jesus’ hands, seeing the good in the hard, and repaying evil with good.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

In the final moments of Genesis, both Jacob and Joseph, on their deathbeds in Egypt, clung tightly to the promise of being buried in Canaan. Which specific details or actions in these final chapters best illustrate their hope in God's promises, even when their current circumstances seemed to contradict them? Where in your life are you currently tempted to think that God’s plan has been thwarted, and how can the certainty of God’s promise renew your hope today?

Joseph asks his brothers, “Am I in the place of God?” after they fear his retribution. When have you been tempted to step into “the place of God” by trying to repay evil, judge others, or orchestrate justice on your own terms? What keeps you from entrusting justice to Jesus’ hands?

The sermon argues that God “meant it for good” even in the midst of the brothers’ evil and Joseph’s suffering, and that the cross is the ultimate example of God overruling evil for good. How does truly believing that God is working out his “good purpose” change the way you respond to tragedy or injustice in your own life or in the world today?

The final call is to “look to the risen and exalted Christ” by entrusting justice to him and repaying evil with good. What is one specific, practical way you can show undeserved kindness this week to someone who has wronged you, seeing it as an opportunity to reflect to others the grace Christ showed you?

In this sermon on Genesis 49:1–28, in which Jacob blesses his sons, Pastor Luke Herche shows... us that God has a plan, life is still hard, character matters, history has a goal, and you have a choice.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Which son’s destiny—whether good, bad, or ambiguous—stands out to you most vividly, and what specific detail from their story in Genesis 49 or the sermon really drives home Jacob’s point?

How have you personally experienced the tension between resting in God’s plan (“It’s all in his hands”) and actively taking responsibility for your actions and choices (“I have a choice”) in your daily life?

History’s true goal is the Messiah, Jesus, who secures a destiny of abundance and new creation through his sacrifice. How does trusting in Jesus’ substitutionary exchange—that his perfect righteousness secures your future—free you from the fear that your own failures will ultimately determine your eternal destiny?

The tribe of Levi was cursed for their violent character, but later redeemed their identity by channeling that zeal for the Lord’s service. Where in your own life is there a strong personality trait or “bent” that you recognize as a potential danger but believe the Holy Spirit could reorient? What would it look like to use who you are this week for God and his glory?

In this sermon on Psalm 3, Pastor Josué Pernillo teaches us that... in the sorrows of life, we can cry to the Lord, see the glory of God, gain courage, and trust in God’s salvation.

There’s a certain erroneous way we tend to think about God’s favor. We think there is a bar, a minimum standard... requirement for entry that we must reach to receive God’s favor, his love, his acceptance, and so many of us live either believing we have lived up to that standard and feeling good, or knowing we have fallen short and feeling bad. But surprisingly, God’s ways are not your ways. We find it hard to forgive, hard to get past wrongs done to us or the wrongs we have done to others, but, unlike us, God is ready to forgive. And his forgiveness will lead to blessing. In this sermon on Genesis 48, in which Jacob blesses Ephraim and Manasseh, the children of Joseph, Pastor Luke Herche focuses us in on the fact that God is determined to bless, despite what we think, by the logic of his grace. Therefore, we can stop doubting and rest in Jesus.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

What scenes or surprises in Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh catch your attention most, and why?

God was determined to bless his people, even when they didn’t expect it or deserve it. Where have you experienced God’s grace showing up unexpectedly in your own story?

Where do you tend to assume God’s blessing must be earned — and how does that shape your view of him, your struggles, or other people?

How does Jesus’s upside-down life, death, and resurrection redefine your idea of blessing and whom it’s for? How does God’s "logic of grace" shape how you see yourself and others?

If you trusted deeply that God delights to bless you by grace, not performance, what might change in your relationships, emotions, or decisions this week?

In Genesis 46:28–47:31, Jacob is reunited with Joseph and he and all of his family settle in Egypt, becoming sojourners... in a foreign country. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, teaching us that to sojourn well involves these six things:
1. Remember sojourn is part of God’s perfect plan.
2. Don’t be surprise that your sojourn is hard.
3. Rest in the provision of God’s exalted King.
4. Maintain our identity as God’s distinct people.
5. Be instruments of God’s impartial blessing.
6. Hold onto hope in God’s promised home.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

Jacob calls his years “the days of my sojourning” (Gen. 47:9). What does this reveal about how God’s people are meant to see themselves in this world? How might recognizing yourself as a sojourner of faith bring both humility and hope?

Egypt offered comfort and abundance, but it wasn’t the promised land. Where do we see ourselves tempted to “settle in Egypt” today? What kinds of security or belonging do we look for apart from God’s promises?

How does Jesus’ own sojourning—leaving heaven to dwell among us—fulfill and redeem our restless search for home? What does his death and resurrection tell us about where our true citizenship lies?

In light of Christ’s finished work, what might it look like for you to sojourn faithfully—to live with open hands, rooted in God’s presence, and confident of your heavenly home—right where you are this week?

In this sermon on Genesis 45:16–46:27, in which Jacob learns that Joseph is alive and travels to Egypt... with all of his family, Pastor Luke Herche teaches that God’s blessings are tied to the land, that resurrection assures us of present and future blessing, and that we can now be confident in God’s blessing both here and in the world to come.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

What stands out to you about how God’s hand moves through the events and responses of these people? What emotions, surprises, or reversals do you notice?

Read Genesis 46:3–4. What do these verses reveal about God’s heart toward his people when they face uncertain transitions? How might God’s promises reshape our definition of blessing?

Why do you think Jacob hesitated to leave the land of promise? Where do we today struggle to believe that God can bless us “here”—in our own version of Egypt?

How does seeing Jesus as the “greater Joseph” deepen your understanding of God’s presence and blessing in hard places? What difference do the cross and resurrection make for how we interpret seasons of suffering or exile?

If God is with us and will one day bring us home, how can that confidence shape daily life—our attitudes toward hardship, our priorities, and our relationships? Which “old way” do you sense the Spirit inviting you to release, and what “new way” of trust or contentment could take its place?

In Genesis 43:1–45:15, Joseph’s brothers journey to Egypt for the second time, this time with Benjamin in tow, where... they are tested by, and ultimately reconciled to, Joseph. Listen as Pastor Luke Herche preaches on this passage, taking a closer look at the events that unfold, at the character and actions of Jacob and his sons, and especially at Judah, the one through whom God’s promised child who would bless the nations would come.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

What part of this story is most moving to you and why?

How does Judah distinguish himself as a leader among God’s people? How does his leadership point us to Jesus? How is his leadership a model for us?

Think of an area of your life where you have relational struggles. How might a willingness to lead by sacrifice for others be used by God to restore intimacy?

How do you know when you’re being tempted? There are times when temptation seems obvious, but often it’s subtle and discreet, appealing at first... until you find yourself caught in a snare. The call in Scripture is constant to watch, be vigilant, stay awake, be aware of the temptation that is coming, and to pray. In Psalm 141, David, keenly aware of the snares that surrounded him cried out desperately to the one who could deliver him from sin and temptation. Listen as Pastor Josué Pernillo preaches on this psalm, showing us how we, too, can cry to the Lord for help, praying against a sinful heart, for sinful people, about the sinful consequences, for sin’s resolve.