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 u...
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 a...
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 Go...
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 ...
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 theolog...
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 Descri...
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 r...
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 characte...
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 danger...
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: Clerical...
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 Se...
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.
After reading the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel prays to God, and God reveals to Daniel that Israel’s time in exile will be longer than anticipated. Yet this does not mean that God is unfaithful to His covenant. In this sermon, we explore what it means for Christians to know, understand, and embrace their responsibilities as a covenant people. (6:13) Introduction (10:16) Six Major Covenants (18:18) Read the Book (22:26) Seek the Lord (25:57) Plead the Promises (31:31) Trust the Prince...
We all want to know the future. Whether it’s the future of our health, our work, our relationships, or our country, we all wish we could know what's coming. In Daniel 8, God reveals to Daniel events that are yet to come. In this sermon, we explore the glorious truth that God knows the future, and we consider the implications of that truth for our lives. (4:58) Introduction - We Want to Know the Future (11:32) Daniel’s Vision (16:45) A Brief World History Lesson (26:32) Evil is Real (30:45) God i...
Daniel 7 marks a turning point in the book of Daniel. While the first six chapters are primarily narrative stories, the last half of the book contains apocalyptic prophecy. And Daniel 7 might be one of the most important chapters in all the Old Testament. In this sermon, we explore the significance of this chapter and what it means for every human being to respond to The Son of Man.
Daniel in the Lion's Den. It's one of the best-known stories in the Bible. And it reminds us that there are times in our lives when we need the courage to stand alone in the midst of pressure and temptation. What will our response be? In this sermon, we explore how faith in Jesus Christ empowers us to stand alone. (0:19) Scripture Reading (5:16) Introduction (8:40) The Fear of Man (11:12) Daniel, Alone (16:59) Israel, Alone (21:27) Jesus, Alone (27:37) You, Alone...
Have you ever heard someone say, "The writing is on the wall?" In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar sees a disembodied hand write an ominous message, and he calls Daniel to interpret it. As we consider this text, we learn a very simple but important truth: wise people heed God's warnings.
Daniel 4 tells the story of another dream of King Nebuchadnezzar. But behind the story of the dream is a story of pride. No one likes to be around a prideful person yet at the same time pride manifests itself in a variety of ways we all carry it. In this sermon we explore the essence of pride, the result of pride and how we all might be healed of our pride.
Daniel 3 is one of the most beloved and familiar stories in the Bible. It’s a story that challenges God’s people to consider: is my faith instrumental and transactional or is it covenantal, trusting in God regardless of outcomes? In this sermon we explore the faith of Shadrach & Meshach & Abednego and how God's covenant faithfulness awakens our trust in him.
In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream revealing the permanence of God's kingdom. He's open to spiritual realities but does not fully embrace the God of the Bible. Perhaps King Nebuchadnezzar is not just a historical figure in the ancient past. What if the people in your everyday life -- yourself included -- are not all that different? In this sermon, we explore what it means to live in a world full of Nebuchadnezzars.
Whether we're religious or not, we count dedication and faithfulness as positive human virtues. But what does faithfulness look like, and how does one grow in it? In this sermon, we explore Daniel's faithfulness in the midst of cultural pressure. As we see Daniel's resolve, we also see the source of true faithfulness: the grace of God.
