Free Grace Vernon

Be prepared - Matthew 24:36-51

Are you ready for the return of Jesus? In Be Prepared, we explore Matthew 24:36–51, where Jesus makes it clear that no one knows the day or hour of His return. Jesus compares His coming to the days of Noah—unexpected for those who were not paying attention. He calls His followers to stay awake, remain faithful, and live in readiness. The question isn't whether we can figure out exactly when Christ will return, but whether we are faithfully following Him while we wait. Through the examples of the faithful servant and the foolish servant, Jesus shows that readiness isn't about speculation. It's about how we live today. 📖 Passage: Matthew 24:36–51 🎙️ Sermon Title: Be Prepared 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you've spent years following Jesus or you're simply curious about what Christians believe about His return, this passage offers a clear challenge: Don't spend your life trying to predict His return. Spend it being faithful while you wait. #Matthew24 #BePrepared #SecondComing #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Jesus #EndTimes #Faith #Gospel #ChristianHope

Return of the King - Matthew 24:29-35

What will happen when the King returns? In Return of the King, we explore Matthew 24:29–35, where Jesus speaks about His coming in glory and the certainty of His words. Jesus describes a day when His return will be unmistakable. The Son of Man will come with power and glory, and all will see Him. Using the picture of a fig tree, Jesus reminds His disciples to pay attention, remain watchful, and recognize that God's promises are certain. This passage points us beyond the uncertainty of our present circumstances to the sure hope of Christ's return. Jesus' words may challenge us, but they also give His people confidence: He is coming, His kingdom will come, and His words will never pass away. 📖 Passage: Matthew 24:29–35 🎙️ Sermon Title: Return of the King 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're curious about what the Bible says about the return of Christ or looking for encouragement in uncertain times, this message points us to the hope and certainty of Jesus' coming. #Matthew24 #ReturnOfTheKing #SecondComing #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Jesus #EndTimes #Gospel #ChristianHope #Faith

Birth Pains - Matthew 24:1-28

What did Jesus mean when He spoke about wars, persecution, deception, and the coming of the end? In Birth Pains, we explore Matthew 24:1–28, where Jesus begins teaching His disciples about the events surrounding the destruction of the temple and the difficult days to come. Jesus warns His followers not to be deceived or caught off guard. He speaks of wars and rumours of wars, false teachers and false messiahs, persecution, suffering, and the spreading of the gospel. Yet these events are not presented as reasons for fear. Jesus uses the picture of birth pains to remind His disciples that difficult times are part of a larger story—and that God remains in control. This passage challenges us to remain watchful, faithful, and grounded in the truth rather than being swept up by fear or speculation. In the midst of uncertainty, Jesus calls His people to endure and trust Him. 📖 Passage: Matthew 24:1–28 🎙️ Sermon Title: Birth Pains 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you have questions about the end times, are trying to make sense of a troubled world, or simply want to understand Jesus' teaching more clearly, this message points us back to His words and His call to faithful endurance. #Matthew24 #BirthPains #EndTimes #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Jesus #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #SecondComing

Blind guides - Matthew 23:1-39

What happens when religious leaders know the truth but fail to live it? In Blind Guides, we explore Matthew 23:1–39, where Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy, pride, and misplaced priorities. Jesus warns His followers not to simply admire religious appearances. The Pharisees knew the Scriptures, taught God's law, and looked the part—but their hearts were far from God. Through a series of strong warnings, Jesus exposes the danger of hypocrisy and the blindness that can come from religious pride. This passage challenges us to consider whether our faith is genuine or merely outward. Are we leading people toward Christ, or are we becoming blind guides ourselves? 📖 Passage: Matthew 23:1–39 🎙️ Sermon Title: Blind Guides 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Jesus' words are challenging, but they also reveal His deep desire for His people to come to Him. This message calls us away from empty religion and toward humility, genuine faith, and a life transformed by God's grace. #Matthew23 #BlindGuides #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Jesus #Pharisees #Hypocrisy #Faith #Gospel #Christianity

Question time - Matthew 22:15-46

What happens when people try to put Jesus on the spot? In Question Time, we explore Matthew 22:15–46, where Jesus faces a series of challenging questions from the Pharisees, Sadducees, and religious leaders. From taxes and resurrection to the greatest commandment and the identity of the Messiah, Jesus answers every challenge with wisdom and authority. But these aren't simply theological debates. Beneath the questions is a deeper issue: Who is Jesus, and what will we do with Him? This passage shows that Jesus cannot be trapped by clever questions or reduced to simply another teacher. He is the Messiah, the Son of David, and the one who deserves our love, trust, and allegiance. 📖 Passage: Matthew 22:15–46 🎙️ Sermon Title: Question Time 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're wrestling with difficult questions about Christianity or simply want to understand more about who Jesus is, this passage points us toward the answers found in Christ. #Matthew22 #QuestionTime #Jesus #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Faith #Gospel #JesusIsLord #Christianity

Matthew 21:23-46 - By What authority

By what authority does Jesus do these things? In By What Authority?, we explore Matthew 21:23–46, where the religious leaders challenge Jesus and demand to know who gave Him the authority to teach, confront, and act as He does. Jesus responds not simply by defending His authority, but by exposing the hearts of those who question Him. Through His response and the parable of the wicked tenants, this passage reveals the rejection of God's rightful King and the seriousness of refusing to listen to Him. This sermon challenges us to consider an important question: Who has the authority in our lives? Jesus does not come merely as a teacher offering advice. He comes with the authority of the Son of God, calling us to repentance, faith, and obedience. 📖 Passage: Matthew 21:23–46 🎙️ Sermon Title: By What Authority? 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're exploring who Jesus is, wrestling with questions about His authority, or seeking to follow Him more faithfully, this passage points us toward the rightful King and demands a response. #Matthew21 #ByWhatAuthority #Jesus #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Gospel #Faith #JesusIsLord #Christianity

Matthew 21:12-22 - Empty Religion

What happens when our outward religion looks right, but our hearts are far from God? In Empty Religion, we explore Matthew 21:12–22, where Jesus confronts the religious leaders, cleanses the temple, curses a fruitless fig tree, and exposes the danger of a faith that looks impressive on the outside but produces no spiritual fruit. This passage challenges us to consider whether our faith is genuine or merely external. Jesus calls His people to more than religious activity, appearances, and tradition. He calls us to a living faith that bears fruit, trusts God, and produces real transformation. 📖 Passage: Matthew 21:12–22 🎙️ Sermon Title: Empty Religion 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you've grown up in church, are exploring Christianity, or simply want to examine the state of your own faith, this message is a powerful reminder that God is not looking for empty religion—but hearts that truly belong to Him. #Matthew21 #EmptyReligion #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #Jesus #Faith #Gospel #Christianity #SpiritualFruit

Enough? - Exodus 20:17

What if the greatest battle isn't over what we have—but what we want? In Enough, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:17 and the tenth commandment, exposing the heart issue behind coveting. Unlike the other commandments, this one addresses our inward desires. Coveting reveals a restless heart that looks to possessions, relationships, success, or status for satisfaction instead of trusting in God's good provision. This sermon examines the danger of discontentment, the freedom found in gratitude, and how the gospel leads us to find our deepest satisfaction in Christ alone. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:17 🎙️ Sermon Title: Enough 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're wrestling with comparison, materialism, or the constant pressure to want more, this message offers a biblical vision of contentment rooted in God's grace. #Exodus20 #Enough #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Contentment #Coveting #JesusChrist #Faith

The Sanctity of Truth - Exodus 20:16

What does God require of us when it comes to truth? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:16 and the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” While this commandment originally addressed false testimony in court, its application reaches into every area of life. God calls His people to be marked by truthfulness, integrity, and love for their neighbor. This sermon examines the destructive power of lies, gossip, slander, and deception, while pointing us to the God who never lies and to Jesus Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life." 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:16 🎙️ Sermon Title: Bearing True Witness 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're considering the importance of honesty in your relationships or seeking to grow in Christlike integrity, this message challenges us to speak truth in love and reflect the character of our faithful God. #Exodus20 #Truth #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Integrity #Truthfulness #JesusChrist #Faith

Stop Thief! - Exodus 20:15

What does the command, “You shall not steal,” reveal about God, our possessions, and the way we live? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:15 and the eighth commandment. Stealing is about far more than taking what belongs to someone else. This commandment challenges our attitudes toward work, generosity, honesty, and contentment. It reminds us that everything we have ultimately belongs to God and calls us to live as faithful stewards rather than selfish owners. Through the gospel, we are transformed from taking for ourselves to giving for the good of others. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:15 🎙️ Sermon Title: Stop Thief! 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you're considering what biblical integrity looks like or seeking to understand God's design for work and generosity, this message offers practical wisdom rooted in God's Word. #Exodus20 #YouShallNotSteal #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Integrity #Generosity #Stewardship #JesusChrist

The sanctity of marriage - Exodus 20:14

What does God’s command against adultery reveal about marriage, sexuality, and the human heart? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:14 alongside Genesis 2:18–24 and Matthew 5:27–32. Far from being a restrictive rule, the seventh commandment points us to God’s beautiful design for marriage as a lifelong covenant between a husband and wife. This sermon examines the goodness of God's design, the seriousness of sexual sin, and Jesus’ teaching that purity involves not only our actions but also the desires of our hearts. Through these passages, we see both God’s standard and His grace for broken sinners. 📖 Passages: Exodus 20:14 Genesis 2:18–24 Matthew 5:27–32 🎙️ Sermon Title: Faithful Love 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you are single, married, or navigating past failures, this message points us to God's good design for relationships and the hope found in Christ. #Exodus20 #Marriage #FaithfulLove #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Matthew5 #Genesis2 #JesusChrist

The sanctity of life - Exodus 20:13

Why does God command, “You shall not murder”? In The Sanctity of Life, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:13 and the profound value God places on every human life. Far from being a simple prohibition against taking life, this commandment reveals the dignity, worth, and sacredness of every person as one made in the image of God. This sermon examines God’s heart for human life, the deeper attitudes of the heart that lead to hatred and violence, and how the gospel calls us to be people who protect, cherish, and uphold life. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:13 🎙️ Sermon Title: The Sanctity of Life 🗓️ Preached June 14, 2026 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon

Why the law? - Galatians 3:19-26

Why the Law? | Galatians 3:19–26 If salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, what purpose does God's law serve? In this message from Galatians 3:19–26, we explore Paul's question: "Why then the law?" Far from being opposed to God's promises, the law serves a vital role in God's redemptive plan. Drawing on the historic "threefold use of the law," we see how God's law functions as a curb to restrain evil, a mirror to expose our sin and drive us to Christ, and a guidefor those who have been redeemed by grace. Discover why the law cannot save us, how it reveals our desperate need for a Savior, and why Christians still delight in God's commandments today. The law is not the road to salvation—but it is God's gracious instrument that points us to Christ and teaches us how to live for His glory. Passage: Galatians 3:19–26 Speaker: Pastor Ian Crooks Date: May 31, 2026 "Why then the law?" The curb to restrain sin, the mirror to reveal sin, and the guide to direct believers—God's law serves as an on-ramp to the gospel highway.

Honouring our parents - Exodus 20:12

What does it mean to honour your father and mother? In Honouring Our Parents, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:12 and the first commandment that governs our relationships with others. In a culture that often prizes independence and self-determination, God calls His people to honor the parents He has placed in their lives. This sermon examines the meaning of biblical honor, the blessing attached to this commandment, and how it applies not only to children, but to adults as well. It also considers how we can faithfully obey this command in difficult family situations while ultimately honoring God above all. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:12 🎙️ Sermon Title: Honouring Our Parents 📍 Free Grace Vernon Whether you are a parent, a child, or somewhere in between, this message offers practical wisdom and gospel-centered encouragement for family relationships. #Exodus20 #HonourYourFatherAndMother #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Family #Parenting #Faith #JesusChrist

Sabbath - Exodus 20:8-11

What is the purpose of Sabbath — and does it still matter today? In Sabbath, Pastor Ian Crooks explores Exodus 20:8–11 and God’s command to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. In a culture driven by busyness, productivity, and exhaustion, this commandment reminds us that rest is not weakness — it is part of God’s design. This sermon examines the rhythm of work and rest established in creation, the spiritual significance of Sabbath, and how true rest ultimately points us to Christ. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:8–11 🎙️ Sermon Title: Sabbath 🗓️ Preached May 24, 2025 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you feel overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or simply curious about the meaning of Sabbath, this message offers both challenge and encouragement from God’s Word. #Exodus20 #Sabbath #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Rest #JesusChrist #Faith

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The Name - Exodus 20:7

What does it really mean to take the name of the Lord in vain? Pastor Ian Crooks walks through Exodus 20:7 and reveals that this commandment reaches far deeper than profanity or careless speech. God’s name represents His character, holiness, authority, and reputation. This sermon explores how we can misuse His name not only with our words, but with our worship, witness, and the way we live while claiming to belong to Him. At the same time, it points us to the beauty, weight, and goodness of God’s name — the name above every name. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:7 🎙️ Sermon Title: The Name 🗓️ Preached May 17, 2026 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you’re new to Christianity or have followed Jesus for years, this message invites us to consider how we speak about God, represent Him to the world, and respond to His holiness. #Exodus20 #TheName #TenCommandments #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #FreeGraceVernon #IanCrooks #Faith #JesusChrist #ExodusSeries

Exodus 20:4-6 - Beyond the Image

What happens when we try to make God manageable, visible, or shaped in our own image? In this sermon, Beyond the Image, we explore Exodus 20:4–6 and the second commandment — uncovering how idols are far more than carved statues. They can be anything that distorts who God truly is. Pastor Ian Crooks explores humanity’s tendency to reshape God according to our preferences, emotions, culture, and comfort, while calling us back to worship the living God as He has revealed Himself. This passage confronts counterfeit worship, exposes the danger of reducing God to something controllable, and points us toward the beauty of knowing Him rightly. 📖 Passage: Exodus 20:4–6 🎙️ Sermon Title: Beyond the Image 📍 Preached at Free Grace Vernon Whether you’re exploring Christianity, wrestling with questions about worship, or wanting a deeper understanding of the Ten Commandments, we hope this message encourages and challenges you.

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Exodus 20:3 - No other gods

What does it really mean to have “no other gods” in a world full of distractions, ambitions, and competing priorities? In this message on Exodus 20:3, Pastor Ian Crooks unpacks the first commandment and reveals how it speaks directly into our everyday liv

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Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Words

The Ten Words | Exodus 20:1–17 | Ian Crooks What are the Ten Commandments really about—and why do they still matter today? In this sermon, Pastor Ian Crooks walks through Exodus 20:1–17, often called “The Ten Words,” revealing that these commands are not merely rules to follow but a reflection of God’s character and His desire for a relationship with His people. Rather than a checklist for moral performance, they expose our need for grace and point us to the freedom found in Him. Whether you’re familiar with the commandments or exploring them for the first time, this message invites you to see them in a deeper, more transformative way. 📍 Free Grace Vernon 🔔 Subscribe for weekly sermons and teaching 🎧 Also available on all major podcast platforms #TenCommandments #Exodus20 #BibleTeaching #FreeGrace #Sermon #Christianity #Faith #GospelCentered

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How can a loving God send people to hell?

How can a loving God send people to hell? It’s one of the most honest—and difficult—questions people ask about the Christian faith. In this seminar, Pastor David Bootsma walks through what the Bible actually teaches about God’s love, justice, and the real

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