"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of many kinds." How is this possible? In this week's sermon from First Reformed Church in Edgerton, MN, we look at the internal work of the Holy Spirit during times of pressure. Using the biological reality of "stress wood," we learn how God uses the very things we want to escape to make us "perfect and complete, lacking in nothing".

Key takeaway: Your trial is not a sign of God’s absence, but a tool of His grace to anchor you in Christ.

What is the "chief end" of man? In this sermon, we explore why the answer to our modern identity crisis isn't found in a new algorithm, but in the historic truth that we were made to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. From the creation of the world to the bodily ascension of Jesus Christ, we see that God places a high status on humanity. Join us as we discuss how to reclaim our humanity in 2026 by prioritizing local relationships and embracing our creaturely limits.

What was Mary actually "pondering" in her heart?. It was more than just maternal feelings; it was a deep understanding of God’s mercy and His sovereign reign. In this Christmas Day message, we conclude our series on the "Mothers of Jesus" by looking at the scandalous favor of Mary and her song of upheaval. Join us as we trace the faithfulness of God from the genealogies of the Old Testament to the humble feeding trough of the Messiah.

In our sin, we are all like the shepherds: "children of the dirt" with no ladder to climb to reach God. In this Christmas meditation, we look at the beauty of the Gospel that shines in the dark and lowly places of our lives. Discover why the announcement to the shepherds wasn't an accident, but a proclamation that the message of salvation is for all people.

In this sermon, we continue our series on the women in Jesus' genealogy by looking at "the wife of Uriah." We dive into the depth of David’s sin, the bold confrontation by the prophet Nathan, and the beautiful way God restores Bathsheba’s life through the birth of Solomon. If you’ve ever felt like your story is too messy for God to use, this message is a reminder that the Prince of Peace was born into a family line that knows exactly what you’re going through.

This week's message reveals the ultimate purpose of the Book of Ruth: proving God's sovereign grace in securing the line of the Savior. Hear how bitterness (Mara) turns to blessing, how a Gentile widow becomes an ancestor of Christ, and how Boaz prefigures Jesus as the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer. A powerful study on redemption, loyalty, and God's surprising providence.

Rahab, the harlot of Jericho, is perhaps the most scandalous name in the genealogy of Jesus. In this sermon, we explore Joshua 2 and 6 to understand the nature of her justifying faith. Pastor Mark shows how Rahab’s faith—born from hearing the reports of God's redemptive works—was immediately active and led her to salvation. Learn why the simple, visible scarlet thread in her window is a powerful foreshadowing of the blood of Christ and the inclusive, sovereign grace of God that defines the Christmas message.

The season of Advent begins with a deep dive into the messy and vital story of Tamar from Genesis 38. This sermon challenges our idealized view of Christmas, showing us that the lineage of Christ was anything but spotless. Listen as we trace the fulfillment of God's covenant promise through Judah's lineage and discover the glorious truth: God's stubborn grace prevails over human sin and brokenness. The persistence of Tamar's faith led to her being declared righteous, illustrating the profound reality that Jesus came into the dirt of our world to grant us His perfect purity.