https://sermons.logos.com/profile/117598https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/files/60345755/assets/13330996/content.jpg?download=true&signature=xjGed9-zaN4co5GUvGHPrNUzWbE&e=.jpghttps://sermons.logos.com/profile/117598RSS for NodeSun, 18 Oct 2026 19:18:43 GMT60Thomas VanderPloegWeekly teachings from Fellowship Christian Reformed ChurchThomas VanderPloegtvanderploeg@fellowshipcrc.comnohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1492493https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1492493Sun, 27 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegTimes of waiting are natural and—in fact—biblical. God uses our times of waiting to help us focus more on God’s certainty in the midst of our uncertainties.1606nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1486808https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1486808Sun, 20 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus chose to become a servant for a reason; our response to follow Jesus as servants in this world is connected with that exact same reason.2153nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1486827https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1486827Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:49:18 GMTThomas VanderPloegOne of the things I want to note about John’s gospel this week is the unique perspective this gospel provides into the life of Jesus. The three other gospels in the Bible—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—are all known as the synoptic gospels. Synoptic is a greek term that simply means “same view.” In other words,…1550nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1482524https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1482524Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus’ entry into Jerusalem before the Passover shows us a collision of identities and expectations; Jesus is welcomed as a king but acts as a servant.2038nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1478181https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1478181Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSometimes God uses our individual acts of service to be much more when joined together with what God is already doing.2166nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1474049https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1474049Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe servant nature of Jesus shows us not only a demonstration of God’s hospitality, it shows us the direction of God’s hospitality.2092nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1469495https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1469495Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus comes not only to serve his people and bring salvation, but also because his heart longs for a desired outcome to take place in the hearts and lives of his people.2174nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1465185https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1465185Sun, 16 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus shows us that he is willing to sacrifice everything in order to serve the world he loves; service takes commitment.1887nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1461018https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1461018Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus begins his ministry of service from a place of emptiness; the call to serve is not dependent on what we have, but on what we give up.1804nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1456600https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1456600Sun, 02 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegFor most of the book of Job, God remains silent. When God does finally speak up towards the end of the book, Job is left with just one response to give.1871nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1452351https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1452351Sun, 23 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegAs Job finds a path through his moment of struggle, we see his awakening recognition of exactly what he needs: a mediator to step in and advocate on his behalf.2139nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1448092https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1448092Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe story of Job forces us to confront a God we cannot always understand; like Job, we search for ways to relate to God in moments when we do not understand.2334nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1443884https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1443884Sun, 09 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJob’s friends think they have an explanation for Job’s suffering, but they are wrong about who God is.1868nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1439558https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1439558Sun, 02 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSabbath is a day set aside as holy to the Lord; that makes sabbath a time to reorient ourselves and our lives towards God. In other words, sabbath is a day for worship.2130nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1433894https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1433894Sun, 26 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegWhen Jesus prays for his disciples, he prays that “they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” The Sabbath is designed by God as a day to give yourself fully to delight in God’s world, in your life in it, and ultimately in God himself.2076nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1427503https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1427503Sun, 12 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus frames the sabbath as a time in which our God-centered focus brings renewal and restoration. Sabbath rest is part of what forms us to be more complete disciples of Jesus.2323nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1423674https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1423674Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegTo follow after Jesus is to adopt his overall lifestyle as our own and arrange our daily life around his presence and peace. This does not begin with doing, it begins with stopping.2182nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1417567https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1417567Wed, 25 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe gift of Jesus at Christmas is more than a gift of forgiveness and salvation; the gift we receive through Christ is the gift of an eternal covenant family to which we belong.1569nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1415834https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1415834Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe peace of God which we celebrate at Christmas is about more than absence of conflict; it is about wholeness. Jesus comes into the world and gives himself for us so that we could be made whole again.1741nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1411933https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1411933Sun, 15 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSo much of what we experience as joy at Christmas centers on the people we get to be with at Christmas. So also, the joy we experience in God at Christmas is not just what Jesus does FOR his people, it is primarily what Jesus does to be WITH his people.1810nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1407879https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1407879Sun, 08 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegA perfect gift reflects both the giver and the one receiving the gift. In the birth of Jesus, God gives a gift of love that reflects both God’s generosity of grace, as well as our need to receive God’s grace.1827nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1404635https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1404635Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegHope is a gift from God that orients the focuses and direction of our faith towards the promises of God.1408nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1403704https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1403704Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegOn this day we set aside for giving thanks, let’s take a few moments and consider this story from the gospel of Luke which teaches us a little something about gratitude. It is a story full of surprises. Maybe we miss those surprises because our culture is so far removed from the day of Jesus. However,…1514nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1392014https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1392014Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegToday is the last in a series paying attention to all the times in which the Bible commands us to not be afraid. I have noted in the past weeks that scripture tells us over 100 times to not be afraid. In the past weeks we have examined that command in light of related features. We have noticed how worry…2317nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1387609https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1387609Sun, 03 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegScripture reminds us that the perfect glory of God is revealed in Christ; yet at the same time, we carry that gospel message as imperfect people.2149nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1379099https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1379099Sun, 20 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegFear in our world grows and expands when we add worrying. One of the ways the Bible tells us to push fear aside is by putting our worries aside.1634nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1370841https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1370841Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegA 50th anniversary service which acknowledges God’s covenant faithfulness to Fellowship Church.1432nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1367034https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1367034Sun, 29 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJames wraps up his letter to the churches with advice to cover their circumstances in patient prayer with one another.2006nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1363155https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1363155Sun, 22 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJames tells us that the allegiance of our hearts is seen in our outward actions; therefore, wisdom from heaven must begin in the allegiance of our hearts.2030nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1359145https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1359145Sun, 15 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJames tells us our attitudes and actions are both able to be shaped by a wisdom which looks upward to the example of Christ.1849nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1355238https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1355238Sun, 08 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJames is often referred to as a book of practical wisdom for the church; yet James starts his writing with advice that would seem very unconventional for his readers.2115nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1351484https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1351484Sun, 01 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus tells us in the gospels that his words are not just meant to teach us knowledge, God expects his word to change us. How does this transformation take place in us yet today?2223nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1347828https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1347828Sun, 25 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe creation itself reveals the creator. We are reminded through the Psalms not to worship created things, but always to see God through the creation.1687nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1344451https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1344451Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe Bible not only reveals God’s gospel message of redemption, it also gives us a perspective towards our own identity in this world; it reminds us of who we are.1979nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1340892https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1340892Sun, 11 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegChristians say that the Bible is the Word of God; but what do we mean by that and how do we understand the words of these ancient texts to be the voice of God?2380nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1334201https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1334201Sun, 28 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegPrayer changes things. The most effective prayers are not the ones which seek to change my situations and circumstances—the world and people around me; the most effective prayers are the ones that change ME.2389nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1330856https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1330856Sun, 21 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJonah gives us an example of both a prayer that makes room in his heart, and a prayer that shuts out room in his heart. We can learn from Jonah the ways in which our own hearts either make room for prayer, or shut out room for prayer.1978nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1328216https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1328216Sun, 14 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloeg2598nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1327518https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1327518Sun, 14 Jul 2024 07:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegWhat an amazing thing it is that God has made it possible for us to present with God by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit. In prayer, we can embrace the indwelling presence of God with us.2598nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1324005https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1324005Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegLearning to sift through all the “voices” in our world and to discern how God is speaking to us is a key task of discipleship. Prayer teaches us how to silence all the other noise in our world so that we can listen to God.2718nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1320826https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1320826Sun, 30 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegEverybody wants a place where they know they can belong; the Bible assures us that we are created for belonging, and baptism is the sign of God’s promise that we always have a place to belong with him.1995nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1317452https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1317452Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegGod invites us as his people to connect our hearts with his heart; a well-rounded rhythm of prayer with God helps us as disciples of Jesus to remain connected to God’s heart.2048nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1314106https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1314106Sun, 16 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegPrayer is a practice which brings us in union with God; sometimes the best way to begin embracing a life of prayer is to let others give you the words.2410nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1310856https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1310856Sun, 09 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe Bible often reminds us that in our attempts to seek out God, it is always in fact God who is seeking our hearts.1893nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1307572https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1307572Sun, 02 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe gospel of Jesus orients our souls towards a new life with God; the practice of worship also orients our souls towards a new life with God. Making room in our lives to nurture the wellbeing of our community brings action into a new life with God.2044nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1304923https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1304923Sun, 26 May 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegGod created humans to be in relationship together. As followers of Jesus, we make room in our lives to cultivate meaningful relationships in ways that encourage the spiritual fruit of faith.2541nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1300763https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1300763Sun, 19 May 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegMaking room in my life to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit means that I must declutter my life in order to make room.1982nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1297404https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1297404Sun, 12 May 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe Bible tells us that faith is interactive. This means that the faith God has planted in his people calls for a response; the Bible also gives us a clue to what that response looks like.1920nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1293907https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1293907Sun, 05 May 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSamuel needed help to recognize God’s voice. God still reveals himself all around our world; sometimes we too need help knowing how to listen.1921nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1290434https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1290434Sun, 28 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe choices we make from day to day all combine together to impact the person we become. Joshua reminds the people that their journey with God involves some choices; our path of discipleship involves choices too.2135nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1279884https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1279884Sun, 07 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe resurrection of Jesus confronted the disciples with a question: what should they be doing now because of what Jesus has done? It is a question that still confronts us today.2247nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1276162https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1276162Sun, 31 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegEven from the time of Christ’s birth, there are those who anticipate resurrection; we can be people today who also live as those anticipating resurrection.2400nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1275463https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1275463Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:56:14 GMTThomas VanderPloegI would like for us to jump ahead in the story today for a frame of reference. Before we back up and trace through the events of this Maundy Thursday, let’s use a story from Matthew’s gospel to set our point of reference. You see, we may have the tendency to read these stories as an outside observer…1236nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1272116https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1272116Sun, 24 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus demonstrates the humble nature of shalom in the way he fulfils Zechariah’s words on the day of the triumphal entry to Jerusalem.1930nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1268538https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1268538Sat, 16 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegGod’s salvation shalom is beyond our understanding, yet at the same time we are invited to witness and participate in all that God is doing to restore his world.2183nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1264914https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1264914Sun, 10 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe restoration of God’s shalom shows up not only in God’s closeness to his people, but also in his people’s closeness to each other.2307nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1261375https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1261375Sun, 03 Mar 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe prophets speak of God’s shalom as something which draws all people to himself; Jesus continues to draw people to himself today through his provision of shalom.2390nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1257602https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1257602Sun, 25 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe prophets speak of God’s peace NOT as rest which comes apart from our places of wilderness, BUT as rest that comes even within our places of wilderness.1893nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1254074https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1254074Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegNehemiah and Ezra make sure that the Word of God is not only a priority to be read and known, but that the people also prioritize their response to God’s Word; how can we plan a life of faith that responds to the Word of God?2185nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1250528https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1250528Sun, 11 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegAll that was broken at Babel begins to find its restoration through the Holy Spirit.2024nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1246874https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1246874Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegEven as Nehemiah moved forward in faith and action, the needs of the people around him did not go ignored; Nehemiah shows us that communities of faithful obedience to God are also communities of justice and mercy.2307nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1243343https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1243343Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegNehemiah faced obstacles while trying to put the vision of his faith into action; what can we learn from Nehemiah’s example in times when we too face obstacles in our life of faith?2039nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1236639https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1236639Sun, 21 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegNehemiah had a vision of an ambitious plan for God’s people; it was essential for prayer to be the link which allowed Nehemiah to know the vision for God’s people and to act upon it.1746nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1230172https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1230172Sun, 31 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThinking about New Year’s resolutions for the church.1823nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1226981https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1226981Sun, 24 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegHe shall be called Prince of Peace — Jesus is the Messiah who brings the restoration of shalom.1748nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1223861https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1223861Sun, 17 Dec 2023 16:16:11 GMTThomas VanderPloegIt is the third Sunday of Advent. The series of messages we are considering over this season is based on the titles which the prophet Isaiah gives to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 . Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will…1940nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1221231https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1221231Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloeghe shall be called mighty God — the Messiah who makes a way of salvation for his people where there appears to be no way for salvation to happen1962nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1216903https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1216903Sun, 03 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegHe shall be called wonderful counselor — the Messiah who has restored us and our world to himself by his own authority, and continues to guide his people today by the presence of the Holy Spirit2251nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1213605https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1213605Sun, 26 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with a reminder that the kingdom of heaven comes with blessings; they are blessings which meet God’s people no matter where they are.1893nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1213375https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1213375Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegA time of worship for Thanksgiving Day1376nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1210390https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1210390Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe kingdom of heaven is a gift made available through Jesus, but it is a gift that comes with expectations; how are those who receive the kingdom expected to respond?2290nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1203510https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1203510Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus tells a story that shows the kingdom of heaven is full of both equality and inequality at the same time.2111nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1200089https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1200089Sun, 29 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegOn October 31, 1517 (All-Hallows’-Eve) Martin Luther famously posted his 95 theses to the door of the chapel in Wittenberg, Germany; but it was not the first time God’s people posted something significant to a doorway on a spooky night.2250nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1197282https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1197282Sun, 22 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegOur faith in Jesus is both personal and public; we believe and have a personal relationship with God, but we also participate in the wider restoration of God’s kingdom in this world.1820nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1193252https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1193252Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus shows us that there is a pattern by which we are to live within the kingdom, because it is the same pattern by which God brought us into the kingdom.2110nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1189773https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1189773Sun, 08 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe Bible talks about the kingdom as something which exists within our world today; but that doesn’t mean the world shares equal priority with the kingdom.1946nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1186470https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1186470Sun, 01 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegWe might like to think of the kingdom of heaven as huge and powerful; but Jesus points to a kingdom that shows up in the smallest places.2182nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1182961https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1182961Sun, 24 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus tells stories which portrays the kingdom of heaven existing in messy places; how do we find the kingdom in the middle of the mess?1860nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1179582https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1179582Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus describes the kingdom of heaven as something which starts in our world right now and is available to everyone; how do you see the kingdom in your own backyard?2309nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1175961https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1175961Sun, 10 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegBecoming better disciples of Jesus does not just happen automatically; we intentionally pursue faith practices while aligning ourselves with the Holy Spirit and one another.2342nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1172656https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1172656Sun, 03 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegService is a response to Gods love for us in Jesus Christ that teaches us to live like Jesus through specific, tangible actions that contribute to the dignity and well-being of the people we serve.2313nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1169379https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1169379Sun, 27 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe faith practice of remembering centers our attention on what God has done in our lives, deepening our assurance that God is with us here and now, and expanding our hope and anticipation for what God will yet do.1833nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1166023https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1166023Sun, 20 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe faith practice of wonder helps us glimpse with surprise just how creative, faithful, good, big, and present God is.2177nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1156225https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1156225Sun, 30 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe faith practice of prayer is a way in which we actively submit ourselves and our world to Gods ongoing transformational work in Christ by expressing ourselves to God and listening for God to engage with us.2542nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1153200https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1153200Sun, 23 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThrough the faith practice of celebrating we delight in circumstances, relationships, and occasions that help us remember and anticipate God’s abundant goodness, creativity, faithfulness, beauty, and love.2546nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1150094https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1150094Sun, 16 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegAs a faith practice, listening involves training ourselves to recognize Gods voice (John 10:1-6) in the midst of all the other voices calling for our attention. It involves learning to be fully present in the moment, setting aside distractions that keep us from attending to and responding to Gods presence around us.2202nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1146978https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1146978Sun, 09 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJustice and mercy are the tangible expressions of loving our neighbors as God has loved us. They are the ways that we live like Jesus here and now, affirming the goodness of Gods image in others and anticipating the overflowing shalom peace and flourishing that characterizes Gods coming kingdom.2399nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143904https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143904Sun, 02 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe practice of engaging Scripture immerses us in the true story of God’s faithful love so that we become more like Jesus as we grow in recognizing God, ourselves, and the world around us.2633nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1140712https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1140712Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegHospitality is the act of making space for guests, visitors, or strangers, and extending to them the privileges of family; biblical hospitality focuses on how we will live as God’s people in relationship with people who are different from us.2232nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1131112https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1131112Sun, 04 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegGenerosity is freely sharing with others the many gifts God has given us. A spirit of generosity arises from gratitude. As we imitate Gods own generous nature, our generosity overflows to bless the people around us.1879nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1127879https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1127879Sun, 28 May 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegGratitude is our response of thankfulness for God’s goodness, love, provision, and grace. It is the undercurrent of all other faith practices—the well out of which they flow.1971nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1124432https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1124432Sun, 21 May 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSabbath, God's gift to us, is a time set apart to rest from work, worship God, tend to our soul, and bless others.2198nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1117548https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1117548Sun, 07 May 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegholy habits that help us love God and our neighbor, listen to the Holy Spirit, and become more like Jesus2069nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1113974https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1113974Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegSometimes it may seem like the goal of Christian life is to escape from all that is evil and unhappy in this world; but the apostle Paul frames the “escape room” of this world a little differently in his letter to the Philippians.1907nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1106191https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1106191Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegBy rewinding all the way back to the beginning of John’s gospel, we discover that John himself rewinds us all the way back to the beginning of Genesis; what is it that John wants us to see by turning his gospel all the way back to the beginning?1944nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1102567https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1102567Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegThe resurrection of Lazarus points forward to other resurrections that are on the way; all reminders of the restoration of shalom.1766nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1101838https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1101838Thu, 06 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegMaundy Thursday and the scent of grace1089nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1098516https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1098516Sun, 02 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegAs Jesus enters Jerusalem, the apostle John focuses on the tension which is building up among the people who take note of Jesus.2366nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1095026https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1095026Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegJesus uses the example of washing his disciples’ feet not only as an illustration of what he did for us on the cross, but also as a picture of how we are to live in response to God.2190nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1091514https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1091514Sun, 19 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMTThomas VanderPloegBy looking back at the cross, we see Jesus reveal who God is; by seeing and knowing who God is, we see Jesus reveal something about who we are2101no