John van Rij

As humans we are so prone to try to justify ourselves, to earn our place. But the bible teaches us that actually, no-one can be made acceptable in God’s sight by doing good things. It is made especially clear in Romans 3, as John explains.

We took a brief break from our series in Romans to consider what love really looks like. Paul describes love in 1 Corinthians 13, and we used this lense to consider the love of God in Christ.

There are aspects of the gospel that are looked down upon today, just as in first century. In Romans 1:16-17 Paul gives a clear summary of why he is not ashamed of the gospel, and the reasons are still true for us today. John explains.

Individualism is the default mode of thinking in the west today. We have a tendency to see ourselves more as individuals than as members of a group. While the gospel is personal, it is not individualistic. We see in Romans 1 that the Gospel works in community. John explains.

The closing words of the bible end with a promise for Jesus- that he is coming. This morning we look at the last words of the bible and think about how the return of Jesus should affect our life and faith now.

There are many reasons that Christians can be tempted to give up and fall away from Christ. Revelation gives us a glimpse into the future happiness of all those who belong to Jesus, and encourages us to hold fast, because the city of God is worth persevering for. John explains.

When we think of all that opposes the church in the world, it can be so easy to become discouraged and to neglect public and private worship. Revelation 19 shows us a glimpse into the future that should fuel the hopeful worship of the church. This week John preaches from Revelation 19.

Throughout history there have been many empires that have come and gone, and often alongside the empire is a religious or philosophical and economic system that would lure Christians away from Christ. In Revelation the image of Babylon the great prostitute is used to illustrate this trap. Revelation shows us the end of Babylon the […]

Sometimes it appears to us that bad is stronger than good. That Satan, who embodies opposition to Christ, is winning. Revelation 12 shows us behind the scenes and helps us understand that while Satan is powerful, God preserves his church and has defeated Satan. John explains.

Whether we admit it or not, outside of Christ we have a massive problem. Sin spoils everything. As we look at the crucifixion of Jesus from Mark’s gospel, we learn of the consequences of sin, but even more that Jesus suffers so that we might have life. Life without sin or misery. John preached from […]