First Reformed Church Edgerton

We live in a world of uncertainty and anxiety, often feeling the tension of how our personal stories will resolve. This week, we continue our "Redeeming Love" series by following Naomi and Ruth on the road back to Bethlehem. We discuss the difference between temporary affection and permanent commitment, the profound connection between land and faith in the ancient world, and why Naomi’s request to be called "Mara" (Bitter) isn't the end of her story. Join us as we reflect on how the Gospel makes even the most bitter waters sweet.

We live in an age of precision GPS, yet people feel more lost than ever. We begin our 5-week series "Redeeming Love," and dive into the opening verses of Ruth. We discuss the irony of a "breadless" Bethlehem, the dangerous allure of seeking provision outside of God’s promises, and how God uses even our missteps to guide us toward redemption in Jesus Christ.

What happens when the "uninterrupted" cycle of death is finally broken? In this week’s meditation, we look at Luke 24:1-12 and the women's experience at the empty tomb.We often feel the "grind" of the weekly cycle and the sobering reality that the cycle eventually stops for us all. However, through the Old Testament type of the eighth day, we find a promise that God would break into our rhythm. Join us as we celebrate the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ over the grave and the hope we have as we live in the reality of the New Creation.

Is Christianity just about being "nicer to each other"? In this Maundy Thursday message, we dive into the deep theological necessity of Christ's sacrifice. By looking at Matthew 26 and Hebrews 9, we discover that Jesus didn't come to modify our behavior; He came to give us new hearts.Explore the meaning of the "blood of the covenant" and why the death of Christ is the only sufficient payment for our rebellion against God. Whether you are preparing for the Lord's Table or seeking to understand the core of the Gospel, this sermon offers a clear look at the eternal redemption obtained for us by the spotless Lamb.

Would you buy a house based on curb appeal alone, or would you want an inspection? This Palm Sunday, we look at Jesus as the King who comes to inspect the temple and the heart. Pastor Mark Groen walks through Matthew 21:1–17, highlighting the contrast between human expectations of power and God’s plan for a suffering Servant.

Are you feeling the weight of "digital stress"? In the final installment of our series on the Epistle of James, we examine how the connection of prayer provides a peace that no high-speed network can match. We look at the practical instructions James gives for prayer in all seasons of life—suffering, cheerfulness, and sickness—and why a "faith that works" always begins at the foot of God’s throne.

Patience is a virtue often thrust upon us without our consent through the providence of God. In this episode, we dive into the final chapter of James to discover what it means to "establish our hearts" in the midst of suffering.Join us as we learn to wait for the Lord's certain harvest with the steadfastness of Job and the faithfulness of the prophets.

In James 5:1–6, James makes sure that the stuff we chase in this life is no better off than our own temporary lives. Using the imagery of "fattened hearts," James warns against profiting off of others to benefit ourselves. The truth of the gospel is that our security is not found in the temporary, but in what God has freely given to us in the Lord Jesus Christ.

How often do we make plans for next year, next month, or even tomorrow as if we have a guarantee of those days? James 4:13-17 provides a necessary corrective to our pride. This sermon explores the biblical doctrine of the brevity of life and the necessity of submitting all our earthly ambitions to the sovereign will of God. Listen in as we discuss why "knowing the right thing to do" and failing to do it is considered sin, and how to live with eternity in view.

"What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?" James begins chapter 4 with a piercing question that targets the human heart. In this sermon, we discuss the "internal Civil War" that every believer faces—the conflict between the spirit and the flesh. We explore why "phantom limb" pains of our old nature still itch for sin and how we can find victory through the grace God gives to the humble.Learn why true peace with others begins with submission to God and a heart of genuine repentance.

"Who is wise and understanding among you?". James asks a question that hits closer to home than we might like to admit. This week, we dig into the difference between simply possessing information and walking in true, godly discernment.In this episode:Why we equate wisdom with being "the smartest person in the room".The warning against "unspiritual and demonic" wisdom.The essential starting point: The Fear of the Lord.Practical ways to create a "harvest of righteousness" in your home and workplace.Join us as we learn to let the Word of God shape our conduct and our hearts.

We often underestimate the power of a single sentence. This week, we dive into James 3 to discuss the "wildfire" in our mouths. We explore the strict judgment facing teachers, the inherent hypocrisy of praising God while slandering neighbors, and the ultimate hope found in Christ—the one who forgives our sins of the tongue and fills us with the "water of life" so we may speak truth in love.

What good is a lion if it’s made of stone? In this episode, we dive into the second chapter of James to tackle one of the most provocative questions in the New Testament: Can a faith without works actually save you?We explore:Why "faith minus works" isn't faith at all.The difference between intellectual belief (which even demons have) and saving trust.How the "breath of Christ" turns a sedentary, "taxidermied" faith into a living mission.Practical ways to be ambassadors of the Gospel in our local communities.

Are you "kissing the hand that is slapping you"? This week, we examine James 2:1–13 and the tendency to faunt over the rich while marginalizing the poor. James argues that partiality isn’t just being rude—it’s a violation of the "royal law" to love your neighbor as yourself.Join us as we discuss:Why "minor" sins of favoritism shatter the whole law like a pane of glass.How Jesus fulfilled the law to give us a new "law of liberty".Why mercy must have the final word in our church community.Challenge yourself to move beyond loving neighbors in the abstract and begin truly knowing the brothers and sisters sitting right next to you.

Do you ever look in the mirror and immediately forget what you saw? James suggests that many Christians do the exact same thing with the Word of God.In this week’s episode from First Reformed Church in Edgerton, MN, we dive into the second half of James chapter 1. We discuss why our anger doesn't produce the righteousness of God, how the "noise" of our own hearts can drown out the Gospel, and why the most blessed life is one of active obedience rather than mere intellectual assent. Listen in as we explore how to move from being a casual hearer to a faithful doer of the Word.

"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.