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.