Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

When does caution become unbelief—and when does zeal become presumption? Numbers 13–14 presents both dangers as Israel stands on the edge of the Promised Land.

In this sermon, John DeVries examines the difference between faithful prudence and faithless discretion, as well as the danger of a reckless zeal that runs ahead of God’s call. The central question is not whether something appears risky or ambitious, but whether God has truly called his people to it. Where he calls, faith must follow; where he has not called, zeal cannot substitute for obedience.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

Exodus 4:24–26 is one of the most difficult and mysterious passages in the Old Testament. Why does God seem to suddenly move against Moses, and why does Zipporah’s action cause God’s anger to relent?

On today’s episode, Pastor John DeVries explains how this passage exposes Moses’ hesitation to fully identify with God’s covenant people as he returns to Egypt. God will not permit divided loyalties or cautious obedience. Those called to serve him must trust him completely, openly belonging to him no matter the cost. In the end, God’s demand is clear: choose a side.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

Why do we so often compare ourselves to others—and what does that reveal about our hearts? In John 21:15–25, Jesus confronts Peter with a simple but searching call: follow me, without worrying about anyone else.

In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries shows how comparison and envy distort our understanding of God’s purposes. Each calling is given by God, shaped by his will, and designed to bring him glory. As we remember what God has done for us in Christ, we are freed from comparison and called to a life of faithful obedience.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

The last chapter of John begins with what seems to be a quiet and unfinished account of Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples following his resurrection. What message does this moment hold for the church?

As we’ll hear in today’s sermon, this passage reveals that the growth and success of the Christian faith cannot be explained by human effort. The disciples, left to themselves, accomplish nothing—but when the risen Lord directs them, their work overflows. The church’s life, strength, and endurance are grounded not in us, but in the power of God.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

On today’s episode, Pastor John DeVries reexamines the familiar label “Doubting Thomas.” Rather than a man caught in uncertainty, Thomas is shown to be in settled disbelief—highlighting the Bible’s sharp distinction between doubt and faith.

This message clarifies that true doubt is not honest struggle or lack of understanding, but a resistance to surrendering to Christ. At the same time, Thomas’s eventual belief strengthens the church’s foundation, reminding us that our faith rests on the eyewitness testimony of those who saw the risen Lord.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

Following his resurrection, Jesus gave to his disciples a surprising authority. How should we understand the giving of the Spirit here, and what does it mean that they are entrusted with the ministry of forgiveness?

In this sermon, Pastor John DeVries shows that Christ’s authority in the church is delegated, spiritual, and bound to his Word. As the gospel is faithfully preached and applied, Christ continues his mission—bringing light into darkness and extending forgiveness to all who believe.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

When Jesus was crucified, Mary Magdalene had no family to return to, no home to go back to, which is why she stayed at the tomb weeping while everyone else left. In this Easter Sunday sermon, we look at the resurrection through Mary’s eyes and discover that, in more ways than we’d like to admit, they are very much our own—and the risen Christ has something to say to all of us.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

As Jesus prepared to enter Jerusalem, and his disciples believed that he was about to usher in the kingdom of God, he told them a parable, the parable of Ten Minas. Listen in as Pastor John DeVries examines what this parable meant for Jesus’ disciples on that day—and what it means for us.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Aaron Mead

We know that God disciplines us for our good, but we often fail to recognize God's loving correction for what it is—or we shrink from it. In this sermon, Aaron Mead points us to Hebrews chapter 12 to show how we can avoid these temptations and embrace our heavenly Father’s purpose of drawing us closer to himself through hardship.

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Vineland Road is a resource ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. For more Reformed preaching and other confessionally Reformed resources, visit crcstjoseph.com.

Sermon by Pastor John DeVries

What did Jesus mean when he declared the words, “It is finished”? Far more than the end of suffering, these words announced the completion of the work the Father gave him to do. In his passive obedience, Christ endured the full weight of suffering and the wrath of God for our sin. In his active obedience, he perfectly fulfilled the law and accomplished the mission of the Messiah. Because his work is finished, our debt is paid and our salvation is secure. In response, we rest in his completed work while living faithfully as witnesses to him.