Explore every episode of the podcast Coram Deo Church Sermon Audio

Coming to Jesus means repenting and resting.

Freedom and authority seem like opposites, but they're not. We assume that submitting to a master means losing our freedom, yet the opposite is true. In this sermon, we explore how, because Jesus is Lord, we can live in freedom — not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom from rules that crush and harshness that destroys.

Coming to Jesus means repenting and resting.

Every human being is weary. We carry burdens we were never meant to bear: the weight of performance, the exhaustion of trying to prove ourselves, the endless striving for approval. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus offers rest to the weary — but receiving that rest requires repenting of our pride and trusting in him alone.

Jesus both subverts and fulfills our expectations.

To be human is to have expectations about how we hope life to go. Even John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, has expectations about who Jesus is and what he should do. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus both subverts and fulfills our expectations, and why that is good news.

The essence of mission is putting Jesus first.

Every human being longs to live with a sense of purpose or mission. But it can be easy to get caught up in strategies, methods, and outcomes while losing sight of the mission. In Matthew 10, Jesus sends out his disciples with sobering warnings as he calls them to mission. In this sermon, we explore how the essence of mission is not success or safety, but putting Jesus first — above safety, comfort, and even family.

Christians are a going people.

Every human being longs to be part of something bigger than themselves. In Matthew 9:35-10:15, Jesus looks at the crowds with compassion and sends his disciples out to proclaim the kingdom, thus calling them into a vast and compelling mission. In this sermon, we explore how God’s people are to be a "going" people, sent into the world to further Christ's cause.

Faith looks to Jesus when despair would be easy.

We often think of faith as something we must work up or conjure within ourselves. But what if faith is actually a response to being pursued? In Matthew 9:27-34, we read about Jesus healing two blind men who persistently pursued Him, followed by the healing of a mute man who needed to be brought to Jesus by others. In this sermon, we explore the beautiful truth that because Jesus pursues us first, we are free to pursue him in return.

Faith looks to Jesus when despair would be easy.

Every human being faces moments of despair. In Matthew 9:18-26, two people approach Jesus in despairing situations: a synagogue leader whose daughter has died and a woman who has suffered for twelve years. In this sermon, we explore how faith looks to Jesus even when despair would be easy.

Jesus has come to set people free.

Many people think following Jesus means adding more rules, more obligations, more religious performance to an already exhausting life. In this sermon, we explore how Jesus doesn't patch up our religious systems; he offers us something entirely new: freedom from sin, separatism, and scrupulosity.

What you need in your life is not less authority, but good authority.

We live in an age that's deeply suspicious of authority. Yet every human being lives under authority of some kind; whether it's our own desires, cultural pressures, or destructive forces beyond our control. In this sermon, we explore the truth that what we need is not less authority in our lives, but good authority — and Jesus is the King whose authority brings peace, not oppression.

With Jesus, no one is unclean, unworthy, or unseen.

The insecurities we carry about ourselves often hinder us from coming to Jesus. We feel unclean because of our shame, unworthy because of our sin, or unseen because of our story. As a result, we hide in obscurity or shrink back in fear. But as Matthew tells us of Jesus cleansing a leper, healing a centurion's servant, and healing Peter's mother-in-law, he reveals that with Jesus, no one is unclean, unworthy, or unseen.

At the heart of the gospel is the doctrine of union with Christ – we are in Christ, and he is in us. As we continue exploring this transformative reality, we turn from death to resurrection. In this sermon, we consider the simple yet profound truth that union with Christ produces life.

At the heart of the gospel is the doctrine of union with Christ – we are in Christ, and he is in us. As we turn the corner on another year, we pause to look more closely at this reality. In this sermon, we consider the simple truth that union with Christ requires death.

Because Christ has come, we should love him.

In the fourth and final week of Advent, we look at Isaiah 11:1-10 and how it encourages us, in light of the coming of Jesus, to be a people who deeply love him.

Because Christ has come, we should rejoice.

In the third week of Advent, we consider the prophecy of Isaiah 9:1-7. In light of Christ's coming, Christians should be a people of profound joy!

Because Jesus is our peace, we can be a people of peace.

In the second week of Advent, we consider Micah 5:2-5, and how it encourages us in light of Christ, the prince of peace, to be a people of peace.

Because Christ has come, you should set your hope in Him.

Advent Series Description: Advent is the season of the year when Christians reflect upon the coming of Jesus. Our Savior's lowly incarnation & birth at Christmastime was the fulfillment of prophetic hopes the Scriptures had been sounding for centuries. In this series, we explore four key prophetic passages that reveal Christ and point to the Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

To begin the Advent season, we consider the prophecy of Isaiah 40:1-11, a passage that encourages us to set our hope on Christ. Because Christ has come, you should set your hope in Him.

Heeding warnings is a pathway to wisdom.

From the earliest moments of childhood, warnings play a vital role in developing maturity and wisdom. While warnings might not feel good in the moment, we instinctively understand their importance. In this sermon, we examine three warnings Jesus offers as he concludes the Sermon on the Mount.

Christian maturity is a journey, not a destination.

Every human being recognizes at some level that life is a journey full of ups and downs. Yet we’re prone to seek out quick fixes and easy solutions. In this sermon, we explore Jesus’s teaching that discipleship is a long, slow journey from pride to humility; from fear to faith, and from apathy to love.

Your heart follows what you treasure.

Worry and anxiety seem to mark our cultural moment. Yet when we truly understand the character of the Father in heaven, worry is abated. That’s what Jesus wants his hearers to understand. In this sermon, guest preacher Dr. Jonathan Pennington explores Jesus’ teaching on treasure, worry, and why we can rest in the Father’s good care.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

You must kill your need to be seen.

Every human being is born with the God-given desire to be seen. The problem is that this desire is easily distorted. We often want others to notice us for the wrong reasons: self-centered approval, building a reputation, or being seen as better than others. In this sermon, we explore how, through Christ, we receive what we long for — to be deeply seen and deeply loved by the Father.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

You were meant to live a life of ethical beauty. Jesus shows us how.

How should I live? It’s one of the most important questions in life. Every human being is a moral creature; the problem is that we don’t all agree on morality. But what if there was an objective moral standard that's true in all times and places? That's exactly what Scripture gives us - and it's exactly what our conscience needs. In this sermon, we explore how faith in Jesus makes it possible to live a life of ethical beauty.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

The good life is found on the narrow way.

“All men seek happiness.” So said the French philosopher Blaise Pascal. Every human being has a longing for satisfaction, fulfillment, wholeness. What does Jesus have to say about happiness? In this sermon, we explore how Jesus's words in the Sermon on the Mount reveal the path to genuine happiness and flourishing.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Because the kingdom of heaven is at hand, you should drop everything and follow Jesus.

Every human being is a follower of someone or something. At the end of Matthew 4, Jesus announces that the kingdom of heaven is near and calls his first disciples to follow him. In this sermon, we examine what it means to drop everything and follow Jesus in light of the kingdom of heaven.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Because Jesus resisted temptation, you can too.

Temptation isn’t a religious thing; it’s a human thing. Every human being recognizes that there are things they are tempted by. But what’s the solution? In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus himself is tempted, yet he fully resists. In this sermon, we explore the fact that because Jesus resisted temptation, you can too.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

In previous eras, people fought and died for their views of baptism. But in our era, it's often seen as a religious ritual that has little practical significance. In Matthew 3, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, demonstrating that he has come to identify with sinful humanity. In this sermon, we explore the significance of Jesus’ baptism and how, in Christian baptism, the Christian receives the gift of the Spirit, the intercession of the Son, and the loving voice of the Father.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Two things are simultaneously true about every human being: we all long for something greater than ourselves to worship and serve, yet we fiercely resist any authority that threatens our control. This tension is represented in the magi and King Herod in Matthew 2. In this sermon, we explore the remarkable truth that Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel's hopes (and ours). In Jesus, the nations are gathered in, evil is defeated, and a new Exodus has begun.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

Names carry meaning. In his birth account, Matthew introduces two names that reveal who Jesus truly is. He is called Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. He is called Immanuel, because he is God with us.

In this sermon, we reflect on how these two names reveal the character and identity of Jesus: He is God incarnate who has come near to save sinners, and his presence never leaves us.

Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.

In this sermon, we explore the Bible's vision of intentional transformation, summarized powerfully in Romans 12:1-2.

Every human being is being transformed. Change is not something only religious people seek; it's something every human being seeks. How do God's grace and our purposeful effort fit together in the pursuit of change? That's the question we seek to answer in this sermon.

By God’s grace, Coram Deo Church celebrates 20 years of gospel ministry this month. As we praise God for His faithfulness and look forward to what lies ahead, we welcome guest preacher Scotty Smith to preach about the transforming love of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, preached by one of Coram Deo’s church planting partners, Dave Comeau, we explore what it means to follow examples who know where they are going and who also know where they belong.

To be human is to seek to imitate and follow someone. Human beings are creatures who gravitate toward the examples of others, whether for good or for ill.

In this sermon honoring Coram Deo's 20th birthday, Pastor Bob unpacks three aspects of a coram deo approach to gospel ministry.

In 2 Corinthians 4, the Apostle Paul describes his conviction that gospel ministry is to be done "in the sight of God." This verse was one of the foundational texts behind the name of Coram Deo Church.

In this sermon, we explore what it looks like to bring feelings of doubt and despair before God.

Every human being goes through seasons of doubt. But what do we do in those moments? Psalm 74 describes a time in Israel's history when it seemed God had abandoned his people.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we follow the Psalmist's own journey to resolve his spiritual doubts and questions as he navigates a world that often seems unfair and unjust.

Every human being longs for the right kind of leadership and rule. When we experience good leadership, we want to follow. When we experience poor leadership, we lament and seek other guidance.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore the reality that we all want a king who exercises dominion, brings prosperity, and delivers his people.

Every human being longs for the right kind of leadership and rule. When we experience good leadership, we want to follow. When we experience poor leadership, we lament and seek other guidance.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we unpack what it means to be a people of hope. God's word gives us timely hope for various stages of life, culminating in the timeless hope of the resurrection.

Some sort of hope drives every human being. It’s core to our humanity. But is your hope strong enough to anchor you through all the seasons of life?

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore the gift of desperation and how it can lead us into deeper intimacy and worship of God.

As the saying goes, “desperate times call for desperate measures.” To be human is to experience moments of desperation. But in those moments, what do we do and where do we turn?

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore some of the hindrances to resilience, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ empowers us for a life of resilience.

If you're going to live a meaningful life, you need to cultivate resilience. But it's a quality that's elusive and increasingly rare in today’s society. Loneliness and opposition can be major hindrances to a resilient life.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore how God’s work in the past anchors God’s people in the present.

Every one of us is story-formed. We are shaped by what happens to us and by how we respond. But if we dwell only on our own stories, we can become self-focused and self-absorbed. Psalm 68 shows us the way out: we need a bigger story. The biblical writers ground us in God's story, showing how the narrative of redemption is more ancient, more familial, and more empowering than the alternatives.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

Psalm 67 shows us the right way to seek God's blessing: not individually, but communally. We should ask God to show favor to his people, because the flourishing of the church leads to the flourishing of the nations.

The word "blessing" might be overused in religious circles, but it gets at something profound: we all want God's blessing. We want God to favor us, to smile upon us, to be happy with us.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore the anatomy of Christian worship: the what, why, when, how, and who.

Human beings aren't just thinkers or lovers or doers; we are worshipers. And the Bible calls us to worship God. So what exactly does that look like?

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore the reality that each one of us needs a greater vision of the God who is provider, powerful, and personal. Whether you are a Christian or not, everyone has an idea about who God is. And how you view God has massive implications for every facet of your life.

Series Description:

The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we examine the truth that God is just judge, and we explore why that's good news for the world.

Psalm 64 is a psalm full of reversals: the wickedness of humanity is upended and judged by God.

Series Description: The Psalms are the song book of God's people, and each summer we mine their riches. Their imagery, poetry, and theology invite us to deeper worship of God and remind us of his unchanging character. 

In this sermon, we explore the reality that Christians are called to bear one another's burdens in such a way that we are participating in one another's sanctification.

As disciples of Jesus who are filled with the Spirit, Christians are called to bear one another's burdens. But what exactly does that mean? And why, a few verses later, does Scripture exhort us that "each will have to bear his own load" (Galatians 6:5)?

Series Description: Clericalism & Consumerism are two ever-present dangers for the church. Clericalism over-emphasizes the role of priests, bishops, and pastors, leaving ministry to “the professionals.” Consumerism causes us to relate to the church as a vendor of goods & services. To counteract these tendencies, we need to understand the biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

In this sermon, we explore what it looks like to live out the call to "welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you."

Throughout his ministry, Jesus Christ welcomed both outsiders and insiders, both the tax collector and the religious scribe. His ministry broke down social, political, and economic barriers. And because Jesus is our Great High Priest, his followers, who have received the welcome of Christ, are called to embody the same welcome and hospitality.

Preaching Series Summary: Clericalism & Consumerism are two ever-present dangers for the church. Clericalism over-emphasizes the role of priests, bishops, and pastors, leaving ministry to “the professionals.” Consumerism causes us to relate to the church as a vendor of goods & services. To counteract these tendencies, we need to understand the biblical doctrine of the priesthood of all believers.

Whose responsibility is it to teach in the local church? Because Jesus is our great high priest, all Christians are called to "teach and admonish one another" (Colossians 3:16). In this sermon, we explore what it looks like to live out this command in the ordinary life of a local church community.

In the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church mandated that Christians confess their sins to a priest. But since Jesus is our great high priest, Christians actually have the freedom and responsibility to "Confess your sins to one another" (James 5:16). What if we actually did that? In this sermon, we explore how the grace of Jesus empowers us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another.

Christ is risen! Sin and death have been defeated, and all those who trust in Christ receive eternal life. But what does that mean, exactly? In this Easter 2025 sermon, we look at John 3:16—perhaps the most familiar verse in the Bible—to explore the love of God, the grace of God, and the path to life.

In the final chapter of Daniel, God reveals his purposes for the end of history. So how ought we to live in light of the end? The answer might surprise you. God instructs Daniel to "go your way." The details about the end of time aren't ours to know. Instead, we ought to live our lives to please God, know God, and see God.

(0:00) Scripture Reading: Daniel 12
(3:18) The End of the World
(12:20) Just Live Life
(17:00) Live to Please God (Ethics)
(21:27) Live to Know God (Wisdom)
(25:38) Live to See God (Worship)

In many ways, opening the Bible is like entering a strange new world. Daniel 11 is no different, as Daniel receives a vision of future events concerning two kingdoms. But what is the significance? In this sermon, we see that God's word is true, good, and beautiful.

The mystery and intrigue of Daniel 10 have fascinated people for millennia - spiritual beings, the mystery of prayer, and how that all relates to everyday life. In this sermon, we explore the truth that reality is both more mysterious and more ordinary than you think.