Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Pastor Will Stern
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Welcome to the sermon podcast of Hope Presbyterian Church in Media, Pennsylvania. At Hope, we believe the Bible is God's Word and that it reveals the hope found in Jesus Christ. Each week, you'll hear verse-by-verse, gospel-centered preaching that explains the Scriptures, applies them to everyday life, and points us to Christ. Whether you're exploring Christianity, looking for a church home, or seeking to grow in your faith, we pray these sermons encourage you to know Christ more deeply and follow Him more faithfully. To learn more about Hope Presbyterian Church, visit our website. We would love to welcome you to worship with us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Media, Pennsylvania.

  1. 1d ago

    John 8:12-20 | "Light of the World"

    Sermon Outline I. The Context: Jesus’ Claim and the Pharisees’ Objections — John 8:12–20 II. “I Am…” — Jesus Is the Great I AM Jesus’ declaration of his divine identity God’s self-revelation to Moses Application: Pray to the sovereign, self-sufficient, covenant-keeping God. III. “The Light…” — Jesus Makes Spiritual Sight and Life Possible Light in creation and Israel’s wilderness journey Jesus delivers us from spiritual blindness and darkness Application: Look to Christ rather than the things of this world. IV. “Of the World” — Jesus Is the Light for a Dark World The darkness of the world and the human heart God shines the knowledge of his glory into our hearts through Christ Application: Recognize your need for Christ and look to him alone. V. “Whoever Follows Me…” — Faith Means Trusting and Following Christ Faith is more than believing that God exists. Faith means trusting in Christ alone for salvation. Application: Stay close to the Light and walk in his ways. VI. “…Will Have the Light of Life” — The Promise and Warning of Following Christ The future hope of eternal light The warning against claiming fellowship with God while walking in darkness The promise of cleansing and fellowship for those who walk in the light Application: Walk as children of light and let your light shine before others. Study Questions What does Jesus mean when he declares, “I am the light of the world”? How does the phrase “I AM” connect Jesus to God’s revelation of himself in Exodus 3:14? What does this teach us about who Jesus is? How do the biblical images of light in creation and the pillar of fire help us understand Jesus’ ministry? Why is spiritual darkness a problem both in the world around us and in our own hearts? What are some things people look to for light, hope, or satisfaction apart from Christ? Why can these things never replace him? What is the difference between merely believing that God exists and saving faith in Jesus Christ? Read 1 John 1:5–7. What does it mean to walk in the light? How can we distinguish between struggling with sin and making peace with sin? How do the promises of Revelation 21:23 encourage Christians as they look forward to eternal life? According to Matthew 5:14–16, how should Christians reflect the light of Christ in their daily lives? What is one area of your life in which you need to turn from darkness and follow Christ more faithfully this week? Scripture Passages Quoted or Referenced Primary Text John 8:12–20 — Jesus declares that he is the Light of the World and responds to the Pharisees’ objections. The Identity of Jesus John 6:35 — Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” Exodus 3:14 — God reveals himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM.” Light in Creation and Redemption Genesis 1:3 — God commands light to shine in creation. Exodus 13:21–22 — God leads Israel through the wilderness in a pillar of cloud and fire. 2 Corinthians 4:6 — God shines the knowledge of his glory into our hearts through Jesus Christ. Following Christ and Walking in the Light Revelation 21:23 — God’s glory gives light to the eternal city. 1 John 1:5–7 — God is light; those who walk in the light have fellowship with one another and are cleansed from sin through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:8 — Christians are called to walk as children of light. Matthew 5:14–16 — Jesus calls his followers to let their light shine before others so that God receives glory. Additional Biblical Allusions Revelation 1:8; 21:6; 22:13 — God’s eternal identity and the language of the beginning and the end, alluded to in the sermon’s discussion of the Great I AM.

  2. Oct 25

    John 7:53-8:11 | "Neither Do I Condemn You: Grace and Truth in a Fallen World"

    How should we respond to sin in a fallen world? In this sermon on John 7:53–8:11, we encounter two expressions of sin: the open immorality of a woman caught in adultery and the self-righteous legalism of religious leaders who use God’s law to condemn others for their own purposes. Jesus responds with both grace and truth. He exposes hypocrisy, extends mercy to the guilty, and calls sinners to repentance. Through Christ, we find forgiveness without compromising God’s justice and grace that leads us to a life of holiness. Discover what sin looks like, how we should respond to it, and how the grace of Christ calls us to go and sin no more. Sermon Outline I. What Does Sin Look Like? A. Antinomianism: Violating God’s law B. Legalism: Using God’s law for sinful purposes II. How Should We Respond to Sin? A. Respond with self-examination rather than hypocrisy. B. Receive the grace of Christ with repentance and faith. C. Pursue holiness in response to God’s grace. Study Questions What are the two expressions of sin illustrated in this passage? How do the woman and the religious leaders demonstrate different forms of sin? What is the difference between antinomianism and legalism? How can both distort our relationship to God’s law? Why were the scribes and Pharisees bringing the woman to Jesus? How did their actions reveal that they were more concerned with their own purposes than with justice and righteousness? What does Jesus mean when He says, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her”? How should this challenge our own hearts when we confront the sins of others? Does Jesus’ response mean that Christians should never identify or confront sin? How can we speak the truth in love while avoiding hypocrisy? How does Jesus demonstrate both grace and truth in His interaction with the woman? Why are both essential to a biblical understanding of forgiveness? What does Jesus mean when He tells the woman, “Go, and from now on sin no more”? How does repentance and the pursuit of holiness flow from receiving grace? How does the cross enable Jesus to forgive sinners without compromising God’s perfect justice? How should the Lord’s Supper remind us both of the seriousness of our sin and the greatness of Christ’s grace? Is there an area of your life where you need to receive Christ’s grace, repent of sin, or examine your own heart before confronting someone else? Key Scripture Passages John 7:53–8:11 — Jesus, the woman caught in adultery, and the call to sin no more. Exodus 20:14 — The Seventh Commandment: “You shall not commit adultery.” Leviticus 20:10 — The Old Testament civil penalty for adultery. Deuteronomy 22:22 — The law concerning adultery. Deuteronomy 17:6–7 — The requirements for witnesses in cases involving the death penalty. Psalm 103:8–12 — The Lord’s mercy and forgiveness toward sinners. Matthew 7:3–5 — Examining the log in our own eye before addressing another’s sin. Romans 2:1 — The danger of condemning others while practicing sin ourselves. Romans 3:23–26 — All have sinned, and God justifies sinners through Christ while demonstrating His righteousness. Romans 6:1–2 — Grace is not a license to continue in sin. Hebrews 13:4 — The honor of marriage and God’s judgment concerning sexual immorality. John 3:17 — Christ came so that the world might be saved through Him. 1 John 1:9 — Confession of sin and God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse.

  3. Oct 18

    John 7:40-52 | "People Hear the Word"

    Sermon Outline I. Receiving the Word with Joy (John 7:40–43) Some recognize Jesus as the Prophet; others confess Him as the Christ. A joyful initial response must be distinguished from a faith that perseveres and bears fruit. II. Persecution on Account of the Word (John 7:41–49) A. Physical Violence — The religious leaders seek to arrest Jesus. B. Deceptive Argumentation — Misleading claims about Jesus’ origins discourage belief. C. Public Humiliation — The religious leaders use shame and appeals to social status to silence those drawn to Jesus. Christians must examine arguments carefully and refuse to measure truth by worldly approval. III. A Faith That Takes Root and Bears Fruit (John 7:50–52) Nicodemus speaks up for Jesus by appealing to justice. Although he faces ridicule, he begins to identify himself with Jesus. His later actions in John 19 reveal a faith that has grown and borne fruit. True believers are called to stand firm in Christ and identify with Him even amid opposition. Study Questions What different responses to Jesus do we see in John 7:40–43? What do these responses reveal about the way people hear the Word of God? What is the difference between receiving the Word with joy and having a faith that takes root and bears fruit? What three forms of persecution or opposition to the Word does the sermon identify? Which do you think is most common in our culture today? How did the religious leaders use biblical knowledge while failing to investigate the truth about Jesus? What warning does this provide for us? How can Christians respond when they encounter arguments against Christianity on social media, at school, or in the workplace? How did the religious leaders use public humiliation to discourage belief in Jesus? What are some modern examples of this kind of pressure? According to 1 Corinthians 1:26–29, why should Christians not be intimidated by the opinions of the powerful, wealthy, or intellectually influential? How did Nicodemus demonstrate courage in John 7:50–52? What did his actions in John 19:38–42 reveal about the growth of his faith? What are some practical ways we can help new Christians become rooted in the Word so that they persevere through opposition? Where might you be tempted to remain silent about Christ because of fear of embarrassment or rejection? How does the gospel encourage you to stand firm? Key Cross-References The Word and the Four Soils Mark 4:1–20 — The Parable of the Sower and the different responses to the Word. Matthew 13:18–23 — Jesus’ explanation of the soils. James 1:22–25 — Hearing the Word and putting it into practice. Christ and the Truth of Scripture Deuteronomy 18:15–19 — The promised Prophet. Isaiah 11:1 — The promised offspring of David. Micah 5:2 — The ruler who would come from Bethlehem. John 3:1–18 — Nicodemus, the new birth, and salvation through faith in Christ. Opposition, Deception, and Public Shame John 7:1, 32, 44 — The hostility of the religious leaders toward Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 — God’s wisdom overturns worldly standards of status and power. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 — Taking thoughts and arguments captive to obey Christ. 1 Peter 3:14–16 — Responding to opposition with courage and gentleness. Perseverance and Fruitful Faith John 19:38–42 — Nicodemus helps prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Colossians 2:6–7 — Being rooted and built up in Christ. Hebrews 10:35–39 — Persevering in faith rather than shrinking back. Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit. The Gospel Promise John 3:16 — God’s love and the promise of eternal life through faith in His Son. Romans 1:16–17 — The gospel as the power of God for salvation. Main Takeaway The Word of God calls for more than an initial joyful response. By God’s grace, true faith takes root, perseveres through opposition, and bears fruit in a life that boldly identifies with Jesus Christ.

  4. Oct 11

    John 7:37-39 | "The Invitation: Come and Drink"

    Sermon Outline 1. The Prerequisite: Who Should Come to Christ? Anyone who thirsts. We don't need to get our lives together before coming to Christ; we come because we recognize our need for him. 2. The Prescription: How Should We Come to Christ? Come to Christ and drink by faith. Trust in Jesus, rest in him for salvation, and continue depending on him throughout the Christian life. 3. The Promise: Why Should We Come to Christ? Christ gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe. The Spirit brings life, produces spiritual fruit, and works through us to bless others and glorify God. When we become discouraged by our remaining sin, we must look again to Christ and depend on his Spirit. Study and Reflection Questions What does Jesus mean when he says, “If anyone thirsts”? How is spiritual thirst different from pursuing money, power, or other worldly desires? Why is recognizing our need for Christ—not getting our lives together first—the prerequisite for coming to him? How would you explain the difference between coming near the things of Christianity and actually coming to Christ and drinking by faith? What does it look like to keep coming to Christ in private worship, family worship, and public worship? How is this different from trying to earn or maintain our salvation? In John 7:38–39, what does Jesus promise to those who believe in him? How does the Holy Spirit bring life and fruitfulness to believers? How does the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) enable us to become a blessing to our families, our church, and our neighbors? When you become discouraged by your sin or lack of spiritual growth, what does it mean to take two looks at Christ for every one look at yourself? Who in your life needs to hear Christ's invitation? How can you pray for the Lord to give that person a spiritual thirst for him? Key Scriptures: John 7:37–39; Isaiah 55:1; Psalm 42:1–2; Ephesians 1:13–14; Galatians 5:22–23; Matthew 5:6, 16. Takeaway: Come to Christ, drink by faith, and depend on his Spirit for the life and strength you need to follow him and bless others.

  5. Oct 4

    John 7:25-34 | "Responses to Jesus"

    Everyone has an opinion about Jesus—but how are you responding to Him? In John 7:25–34, we see three different responses to Jesus: some are confused about who He is, some are opposed to Him, and many believe in Him. Jesus reveals that He is the eternal Son of God, truly God and truly man, sent from the Father to be our Redeemer. The passage also reminds us that God is sovereign over the opposition His people face and that even weak faith can be genuine faith when its object is Jesus Christ. Most importantly, Jesus warns us not to delay our response to Him. There is such a thing as seeking Christ too late. Today is the day of salvation. Sermon Outline 1. Some Are Confused About Jesus John 7:25–29 The crowd misunderstands where the Messiah would come from. They are confused about Jesus’ earthly origin. More importantly, they do not understand His divine origin. Jesus reveals that He has come from the Father as the eternal Son of God. We must receive Jesus as He has revealed Himself, rather than creating our own idea of who He is. 2. Some Are Opposed to Jesus John 7:30–32 The religious leaders hear Jesus’ claims and oppose Him. They seek to arrest Him and silence Him. Yet they cannot touch Him because “his hour had not yet come.” God is sovereign over the opposition His Church faces. The Church continues because God sovereignly preserves His people and advances His gospel. 3. Many Believe in Jesus John 7:31 Many people believe in Jesus because of His teaching and mighty works. Their faith is still weak and somewhat uncertain. Yet weak faith can be genuine faith. We are not saved by the strength of our faith but by the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. We gather for preaching and the Lord’s Supper because our faith continually needs to be strengthened. 4. Believe in Jesus While There Is Still Time John 7:33–34 Jesus warns that He will not remain with them forever. There is such a thing as seeking the truth too late. We must not delay responding to Christ. Today is the day of salvation: repent of your sins and put your trust in Jesus. Study Questions What are the three responses to Jesus described in this passage? Why were the people confused about Jesus? What did they misunderstand about the Old Testament and Jesus’ earthly origin? What does Jesus reveal about His true origin in verses 28–29? Why is it important that Jesus is both truly God and truly man? What are some ways people today misunderstand who Jesus is? How were the religious leaders different from the confused crowd? Why were they opposed to Jesus? What does verse 30 teach us about God’s sovereignty? How does this encourage us when the Church faces opposition? What does it mean that many people “believed in him” in verse 31? How can weak faith still be genuine faith? What makes faith effective—the strength of our faith or the object of our faith? Why do Christians need preaching and the Lord’s Supper to strengthen their faith? What warning does Jesus give in verses 33–34? What does it mean to seek Christ “too late”? How should this passage affect the way you respond to Jesus today? Are you confused about Jesus, opposed to Jesus, or trusting in Jesus? What would it look like to respond to Him rightly? What is one truth from this passage that you want to remember and put into practice this week? Key Takeaway Don’t remain confused about Jesus or opposed to Him. Believe in Him while there is still time. Today is the day of salvation.

  6. Sep 20

    John 7:1-13 | "Rejection... and Hope"

    Jesus knew what it was like to be rejected. In John 7, we see Jesus rejected by the religious leaders and even by his own brothers. Why do people reject Jesus? What happens when we reject him? And is there hope for those who have turned away from Christ? As we walk through John 7:1–13, we see three important truths: We shouldn’t be surprised that people reject Jesus. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders and by members of his own family. Rejection can come even from people who are religious or very close to the things of God. We should understand why people reject Jesus. Jesus says that the world hates him because he testifies that its works are evil. Our sinful hearts don't want to have our sin exposed. We should see how Jesus responds to rejection. Jesus withdraws for a time, but rejection does not stop his mission. He continues toward the cross to redeem sinners—including people who once rejected him. The good news is that there is hope for people who have rejected Jesus. Paul once persecuted Christ’s church. Jesus’ own brothers once did not believe in him, yet James and Jude eventually became followers of Christ. And the same gospel offers hope to us: Jesus lived, died, and rose again to save sinners who once rejected him. Questions for Reflection Have you ever experienced rejection? How does Jesus’ experience of rejection encourage you? Why is it surprising that Jesus was rejected by religious leaders and even by his own brothers? What does John 7:5 teach us about being close to Jesus or close to Christianity without truly believing in him? According to John 7:7, why does the world reject Jesus? Why don't we like having our sin exposed? How can Christians respond when people reject Christ—or reject us because we follow Christ? What does Jesus’ willingness to continue toward the cross teach us about his mission? What do Paul, James, and Jude teach us about the hope of salvation for people who currently reject Jesus? Is there someone in your family or among your friends who is rejecting Christ? How should this passage shape the way you pray for them? How does the gospel give us hope for people who have rejected Jesus?

  7. Sep 14

    John 6:60-71 | "The Signs Before Apostasy"

    Just as Mount St. Helens showed warning signs before its eruption, Scripture reveals that there are often warning signs before someone walks away from a professed faith in Christ. In John 6, many who had followed Jesus turned back when confronted with His difficult teaching. This sermon examines the warning signs that precede apostasy: becoming fixated on the hard sayings of Scripture and beginning to grumble against the Word of God. Yet the passage also points us toward the proper response of genuine faith. Rather than turning away when we encounter difficult truths, we are called to cling to Christ, trusting that He alone has the words of eternal life. The sermon concludes by asking why some walk away while others remain, emphasizing both the sovereignty of God in salvation and the importance of genuine, persevering faith. Sermon Outline Introduction: Warning Signs Before an Eruption The warning signs preceding the eruption of Mount St. Helens Apostasy defined as abandoning a previously professed belief The importance of recognizing spiritual warning signs 1. Before Apostasy, People Often Become Fixated on the “Hard Sayings” of the Bible John 6:60 The disciples struggled with Jesus’ difficult teaching The danger of focusing on what is hard while neglecting what is clear Difficult passages in Scripture are real, but they must be approached humbly The Bible clearly reveals what is necessary for salvation The proper response: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” — John 6:68 2. Before Apostasy, People Often Begin to Grumble at the Word of God John 6:61 The disciples’ grumbling resembles Israel’s grumbling in the wilderness The danger of viewing God’s Word as outdated, unloving, or untenable Good questions can become sinful grumbling when we doubt God’s goodness The proper response: Rejoice in the Word as the living and life-giving Word of God Conclusion: Why Do Some Walk Away? John 6:62–69 The flesh cannot give life; the Spirit gives life Those who walked away never truly believed Genuine believers persevere because God’s grace sustains them The call is not merely to understand every difficult saying, but to look to Jesus Final confession: “You are the Holy One of God.” — John 6:69 Study Questions Understanding the Text What warning signs preceded the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and how do they illustrate the sermon’s main point? What is apostasy? How does the sermon distinguish apostasy from merely struggling with difficult questions? What specifically caused many of Jesus’ disciples to turn away in John 6? What does Jesus mean when He asks, “Do you take offense at this?” (John 6:61)? What is the difference between wrestling honestly with a difficult passage and grumbling against the Word of God? Examining Our Hearts Are there particular teachings of Scripture that you find yourself fixating on while neglecting the Bible’s clear message of the gospel? Have you ever found yourself thinking of God’s Word as outdated, unloving, or incompatible with modern life? What does that reveal about your view of God? How can good questions about Scripture gradually turn into grumbling? What are some warning signs that someone may be drifting spiritually before they openly abandon the faith? How should we respond when we encounter a passage of Scripture we do not understand? Looking to Christ Why is Peter’s response in John 6:68 such a powerful expression of faith? What does Peter recognize about Jesus that makes leaving Him impossible? How does the truth that Jesus has “the words of eternal life” shape the way we approach difficult doctrines? According to John 6:63–65, why is the work of the Spirit essential to genuine faith? How does 1 John 2:19 help us understand the relationship between outward profession and genuine saving faith? Application How can we lovingly come alongside someone who appears to be drifting from Christ? What practical steps can we take when we find ourselves becoming discouraged or troubled by difficult biblical teachings? How can we cultivate a posture of humility, trust, and submission toward God’s Word? What does it look like in daily life to say, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” What is one warning sign you need to take seriously in your own spiritual life, and how should you respond to it?

  8. Sep 6

    John 6:52-59 | "How Do We Have Life?”

    We all desire to live forever. We look for eternal life through science and technology, through religion and good works, and through various ideas about what happens after death. But how do we actually take hold of eternal life? Jesus gives us a startling answer: “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.” What does Jesus mean by this shocking statement? Is he talking about physically eating his body and drinking his blood? And if not, what does it mean to “feed on Christ”? In this sermon, we consider what Jesus does not mean, what he does mean, and how we are called to feed upon Christ by faith. Eternal life is found not merely in knowing about Christ, but in being united to Christ by faith and continually drawing our life and nourishment from him. Sermon Outline 1. What Jesus Does Not Mean Jesus is not commanding us to physically eat his body and drink his blood. His language points to a spiritual reality rather than a literal, physical act. 2. What Jesus Does Mean To eat and drink Christ means to receive and rest upon Christ by faith. Through faith, we are united to Christ, receiving all the benefits of salvation and finding our life in him. “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” — John 6:54 3. How Do We Do It? We feed upon Christ by faith. Repent and believe in Jesus. Cultivate an appetite for Christ. Feed regularly on God's Word through private, family, and public worship. Seek solid biblical teaching that strengthens and matures our faith. Grow in our delight in Christ. The Lord's Supper then gives us a visible sign and seal of this spiritual reality: Christ is spiritually present with his people, strengthening our faith as we receive the sacrament. Study Questions Understanding the Text What does Jesus say is necessary for us to have eternal life? (John 6:53–54) Why would Jesus' words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood have been so shocking to his original audience? What did the crowd misunderstand about Jesus' words? Why should we understand Jesus' language about eating and drinking spiritually rather than physically? How does John 6:35 help us understand what Jesus means by “eating” and “drinking” him? What does it mean to receive and rest upon Christ by faith? Union with Christ What does it mean for a Christian to be “united to Christ”? How does Galatians 2:20 describe the Christian's relationship with Christ? What does Colossians 3:3–4 mean when it says, “Christ who is your life”? How is being united to Christ different from simply believing facts about Jesus? Feeding on Christ What is the difference between believing that food can nourish you and actually eating it? How does this help explain faith? Why is spiritual appetite important in the Christian life? What are some “holy habits” that help cultivate our appetite for Christ? How do Scripture, prayer, worship, and the life of the church nourish our faith? What does it mean to pursue a healthy spiritual diet? Why do we need solid biblical teaching as we grow in Christian maturity? Application Are you trusting in Christ himself for eternal life, or are you trusting in something else—good works, religious activity, or simply knowing about Christianity? What might be weakening your appetite for Christ? What is one practical way you could feed more regularly on God's Word this week? Are you merely going through Christian habits, or are you growing in delight in Christ? What does it look like for you to continually “feed on Christ” throughout an ordinary week? For Reflection “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” — Psalm 34:8 Christ is not merely someone we know about. Christ is our life. How would your life change if you increasingly lived as though that were true?

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About

Welcome to the sermon podcast of Hope Presbyterian Church in Media, Pennsylvania. At Hope, we believe the Bible is God's Word and that it reveals the hope found in Jesus Christ. Each week, you'll hear verse-by-verse, gospel-centered preaching that explains the Scriptures, applies them to everyday life, and points us to Christ. Whether you're exploring Christianity, looking for a church home, or seeking to grow in your faith, we pray these sermons encourage you to know Christ more deeply and follow Him more faithfully. To learn more about Hope Presbyterian Church, visit our website. We would love to welcome you to worship with us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Media, Pennsylvania.

Information

  • Creator
    Pastor Will Stern
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA)
  • Show Website
    Hope Presbyterian Church (PCA)

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