Previous Sermons

The Coming of a Sword (1)

December 29, 2024  Passage: Luke 2:21-35  Pastor Ben Ridder

We will wrap up our Christmas series with a couple of messages based on the words of an old man spoken to Mary and Joseph in the temple of Jerusalem. It was just a little over a week prior when the angels declared to the shepherds: “Peace on earth…!” The words of the old man in the temple speak anything but peace concerning the coming of Jesus. They speak of conflict, both between people and within people. What is the “sword” of Christmas?

The True King (2) Christmas Eve

December 24, 2024  Passage: Matthew 2:1-8  Pastor Ben Ridder

Continuing our look  at the event of King Herod looking to kill King Jesus. Christmas is all about kingship. When the wisemen asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Herod went into a rage. Why? Because there is room for only one king. Who or what is the actual king of your life?

The True King (1)

December 22, 2024  Passage: Matthew 2:1-8  Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we look  at the event of King Herod looking to kill King Jesus. Christmas is all about kingship. When the wisemen asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” Herod went into a rage. Why? Because there is room for only one king. Who or what is the actual king of your life?

A Light Has Dawned (2)

December 15, 2024  Passage: Isaiah 9:1-6  Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we take a second look at one of the most famous Old Testament prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ to earth: Isaiah 9:1-6. Described as the dawning of a great light, the prophet goes on to bring the metaphor down to a specific event: the birth of a child, the giving of a son.

A Light Has Dawned

December 8, 2024  Passage: Isaiah 9:1-6  Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we begin our look at the significance of God coming into the world in His son, Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah made the connection some 700 years before its occurrence by giving a child to be born and a son to be given the titles of Mighty God and Everlasting Father. In this dark world we live in today, what hope is found in the declaration: “A Light has dawned”?

The Need for Scripture

December 1, 2024  Passage: I Corinthians 2:6-13   Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we conclude our series on the Word of God. Having seen the sufficiency, the clarity, and the authority of Scripture, today we turn to the necessity of God’s Word. There is truth that humanity desperately needs to know and is found nowhere else but the Bible.

The Bible is the Final Word

November 24, 2024  Passage: Acts 17:1-5   Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning as we continue in our series on the Bible, we turn to a third attribute of the Word of God. So far, we have seen the Bible as sufficient and clear. Today we look at the truth of the Bible as being authoritative, which simply means that whatever the Bible addresses is the final word on the subject.

The Clarity of Scripture

November 17, 2024  Passage: Deuteronomy 30:11-14   Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we continue in our series on the Word of God, looking at what theologians have called the perspicuity of Scripture. That’s a fancy word simply meaning clarity. Is the Bible clear enough for some things to be known for sure, or is it all a manner of personal interpretation? We are in an age where a kind of humility that says we can know nothing for sure is being touted as a virtue. Can we not know anything for sure? Or as one author has stated, the mystery is the truth.

The Sufficiency of Scripture (2)

November 10, 2024  Passage: Psalm 19:7-11   Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we continue in our look at what God has to say about His own word: The Bible. This Sunday and next our attention will be drawn to one of the most comprehensive statements in the Bible about its sufficiency. In the Bible, the concept of sufficiency refers to the idea that the Bible contains everything that is necessary for salvation, godly living, and understanding God.

The Sufficiency of Scripture

November 3, 2024  Passage: Psalm 19:7-11   Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we continue in our look at what God has to say about His own word: The Bible. This Sunday and next our attention will be drawn to one of the most comprehensive statements in the Bible about its sufficiency. In the Bible, the concept of sufficiency refers to the idea that the Bible contains everything that is necessary for salvation, godly living, and understanding God.

You Are Your Choices

October 27, 2024  Passage: Joshua 24:1-31   Pastor Roger Bultman

This morning we welcome again Pastor Roger Bultman to bring us a message from the Word of God. Roger is a retired Christian Reformed minister who continues in active ministry among God’s people at Lakeside Christian Reformed Church. Pastor Ben and Karilynn are in Virginia this weekend celebrating the marriage of their son, Benjamin to their new daughter, Michala.

The Greatest Love Poem Ever Written

October 20, 2024  Passage: Psalms 119:129-136   Pastor Ben Ridder

As was mentioned last Sunday, we will be stepping back from our series in the book of Acts until after the first of the year. This morning, we begin a series on what the Bible says about the Bible; or better stated, what God says to us about His own Word.

It Takes All Kinds

October 13, 2024  Passage: Acts 18:18-21   Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we continue in our series on the book of Acts with a look at an interesting man who shows up, seemingly out of nowhere, and is used of God in a mighty way. He is a man of sharp intelligence, passionate in his convictions and fervent in his speaking. Above all else, he is a man of humility with a teachable spirit. Out of all those attributes, which one do you think best equipped him for use in the hands of God?

Give Careful Thought to Your Ways

October 6, 2024  Passage: Haggai 1:1-11   Pastor Roger Bultman

This morning we welcome to bring us the Word from God, Pastor Roger Bultman. Pastor Bultman is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church who remains active in service to his Lord. Pastor Ben and Karilynn are in Chicago this weekend.

Encouraged by God (2)

September 22, 2024  Passage: Acts 18:9-17   Pastor Ben Ridder

As we continue our look at the book of Acts, we see Paul again in the city of Corinth, the Las Vegas of its day, on steroids. He arrives weary and ill, a bit afraid and tempted to just quit. Last week we saw our God in His work of encouraging his own through friendships and tasting the fruit of our labor for him. This morning, we look at two more ways that God encourages His own who are discouraged and just kind of tired of it all.

Encouragement for the Weary (1)

September 15, 2024  Passage: Acts 18:1-17   Pastor Ben Ridder

As we continue in the footsteps of Paul in his second missionary journey, this morning we find ourselves in the city of Corinth. In this period of history, Corinth was the Las Vegas of the Roman Empire, on steroids. It would have been the toughest location for Paul to minister in thus far, and he arrives there exhausted to boot. In the verses before us we find our wonderful God ministering to the weary, even as he continues to do so today.

The "Unknown God" Made Known (2)

September 8, 2024  Passage: Acts 17:16-31   Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we stand with Paul on Mars Hill and listen to his shifting from general revelation in his testimony as to who the Greeks had labeled “the Unknown God.” Creator God has made Himself known in many ways, obvious and subtle. He has made Himself most clearly known by the incarnation of Jesus-God made flesh. Recall the words of Jesus to Philip: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you for such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

The "Unknown God" Made Known (1)

September 1, 2024  Passage: Acts 17:16-31   Pastor Ben Ridder

This morning we turn to the account of the Apostle Paul in Athens, the “wisdom” capital of the world at that time. Men from all over the world would come to debate and share their ideas, old and new. Along comes Paul who gets characterized by some as but a babbler. But by the time he is done with his “babbling”, he experiences the fruit of his labor as some come to believe in Jesus Christ. His presentation of God gives us many principles to note and follow as we look to share the gospel with those who have no interest or idea of God.

Making a Difference (2)

August 25, 2024  Passage: Acts 17:1-15   Pastor Ben Ridder

Wherever the Apostle Paul stepped, the earth shook a bit. Wherever he went, he made a difference for God and His kingdom. We have the same possible impact in our little corners of the world where God has set us. What does it take to be a “world changer”? Last week we identified courage as a necessary element. This morning we will see another element as Paul reveals it in our passage: Truth.

  we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we find Paul and Silas receiving the characterization as men “who have turned the world upside down.” Even though they didn’t mean it to be, it was a high compliment. These two men wanted their lives to count greatly for the Kingdom of God. This morning we are going to think about our own little corners of the world, and how we can turn those little corners of the world “upside down” for our Lord.

Making Waves

August 18, 2024  Passage: Acts 17:1-15   Pastor Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we find Paul and Silas receiving the characterization as men “who have turned the world upside down.” Even though they didn’t mean it to be, it was a high compliment. These two men wanted their lives to count greatly for the Kingdom of God. This morning we are going to think about our own little corners of the world, and how we can turn those little corners of the world “upside down” for our Lord.

God's Work on Conversion

August 11, 2024  Passage: Acts 16:25-40   Pastor Ben Ridder

As we continue on in the book of Acts, we will be taking our final look at the episode of the conversion of the Philippian Jailer. In thinking about this episode, the best question we can ask is what it reveals about God. As we look to answer that  question, may God’s Spirit imprint our own hearts and minds with the truth that as God worked then, he continues to work now.

Singing in the Rain (technical difficulties, no recording)

August 4, 2024   Passage: Acts16: 22-25   Pastor Ben Ridder

In our series in the book of Acts, we come to one of the most beloved stories found in the book: The conversion of the Philippian jailor. The highlight of the account comes in his question: “What must I do to be saved?” and Paul’s classic answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved!” The question reveals a deep longing, and the answer the only truth that will fulfill it. We will get to that portion of the chapter next week, while discovering many wonderful principles to live by along the way.

One Man's Box About to Be Shattered

July 28, 2024   Passage: Acts 16:19-40   Pastor Ben Ridder

In our series in the book of Acts, we come to one of the most beloved stories found in the book: The conversion of the Philippian jailor. The highlight of the account comes in his question: “What must I do to be saved?” and Paul’s classic answer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved!” The question reveals a deep longing, and the answer the only truth that will fulfill it. We will get to that portion of the chapter next week, while discovering many wonderful principles to live by along the way.

To Live is Christ and To Die is Gain

July 21, 2024   Passage: Philippians 1:19-26   Pastor Jim Busscher

We welcome to bring us God’s Word Pastor Jim Busscher. Pastor Jim is a retired Christian Reformed minister as well as a seminary classmate and personal friend of Pastor Ben. Pastor Ben will be at Gun Lake Chapel today preaching the morning and evening sermons there.

When the Devil Comes to Church

July 14, 2024 | Passage: Acts 16:16-21 | Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we continue in our series through the book of Acts. Having seen a woman of the Light last week in the personhood of Lydia, this morning we see a woman of darkness in the person of the demon-possessed servant girl. This demon-possessed girl is following Paul, declaring the truth of the Christian gospel. Why would a demon do that, and why would that trouble Paul so? For the same reasons demons still do it and why it should trouble us as well.

The Miracle of Conversion

July 7, 2024 | Passage: Acts 16:11-15 | Pastor Ben Ridder

Today we continue in our look at the book of Acts and the second missionary journey of the Apostle Paul. This morning we find him and his traveling companions in what is now modern Greece, as he begins his ministry in a brand new continent-faithful to the commissioning of Jesus to take the gospel “to the ends of the earth.” Just outside the Roman colony of Philippi, he meets a special lady named Lydia, whose conversion experience lays out some truth that is true of every conversion to Christianity since it’s birth. Find yourself in her story this morning.

Being Ok With Crooked

June 30, 2024 | Passage: Acts 16:11-15 | Pastor Ben Ridder

As we continue our journey through the book of Acts, we come to a monumental point in the ministry of Paul and preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth. God gets His servant where he wanted him, without any help from Paul. The path was a crooked one, as the path God has us on often is as well. Question: can we trust God when the directions and destinations we have planned for ourselves is overrun by the directions and destinations God has for us? Sometimes the only two options before us are frustration and trust. Choose one.

The Goodness of God

June 23, 2024 | Passage: Psalm 118:1 | Grant Russell

This morning Mr. Grant Russell will be sharing with us a message from God’s Word. A few years ago, there was a popular call to worship where the leader would say “God is Good!” and the congregation would say in response “All the Time!” And the leader would continue, “All the Time,” with the congregation responding “God is Good!” Whereas the utterances are true, where do we land when it doesn’t feel true? When God doesn’t seem to be good?

No audio recording this week.

Needlessly Offensive

June 16, 2024 | Passage: Acts 15:36-16:5 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we are reminded of the wonderful inclusion of Gentile believers into the Christian church. But what we see as wonderful today, wasn’t so for many of the Jewish believers. As the Jewish Christians are reminded again that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, the Gentile Christians are told to be gracious, as they have been graced.

The Law of Love

June 9, 2024 | Passage: Acts 15:12-29 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we are reminded of the wonderful inclusion of Gentile believers into the Christian church. But what we see as wonderful today, wasn’t so for many of the Jewish believers. As the Jewish Christians are reminded again that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, the Gentile Christians are told to be gracious, as they have been graced.

Saved by Grace Alone

June 2, 2024 | Passage: Acts 15:1-11 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

Paul and Barnabas are back from their missionary trip, excitingly sharing how they saw God at work. Imagine the celebration of the Antioch church, when Jewish Christians from Jerusalem show up with the claim that God’s grace is not enough to bring salvation. It is the oldest heresy still found in the church today, some 2000 years later. This morning, we will take our first of two looks at the Jerusalem Council, formed to address this conflict.  

Mission Accomplished!

May 26, 2024 | Passage: Acts 14:21-28 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning as we continue with Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey, we travel with them back to the home base of the church of Antioch, Syria. They would have gotten home sooner but they take the long way home for specific reasons. Those reasons were key to the development of the early church and are still key to the development and life of the church today.

"Human Like You"

May 19, 2024 | Passage: Acts 14:1-21 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series in the book of Acts, we find Paul and Barnabas having to assure the people around them that they were not gods, "only men, human like you." Yet these "only men", human like you and me, were empowered by the one true God to represent Him. On this Pentecost Sunday we are reminded of the presence of God in us by virtue of the Holy Spirit. the "God With Us" of Christmas has also become the "God In Us" of Pentecost.

The Gospel of Tumult

May 12, 2024 | Passage: Acts 13:42-52 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our study of the book of Acts, we see in action what Jesus had said while on earth: “Do not suppose I have come
to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a  sword.” The gospel message divides as readily as it unites. We see both responses in the section of Acts we are looking at this morning.

From a Master Preacher

May 5, 2024 | Passage: Acts 13:13-52 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we come to the first sermon of the Apostle Paul recorded in scripture. It is masterful in both content and outline, giving us insight into his ongoing outreach to his Jewish countrymen. In a day and age when so much “preaching” is nothing more than someone’s own opinion or a reflection on cultural mores, it is good to be reminded as to what preaching is meant to look like.

Opposition to Truth Comes in All Packages

April 28, 2024 | Passage: Acts 13:4-12 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As Saul and Barnabas are called and sent out by God into the world with the good news of Jesus Christ, several things happen which, as it turns out will be repeated time and time again. One of these occurrences is the instant opposition Saul experiences as an ambassador of Christ, from a man who is ambassador of Satan on earth. Be assured, any time you are active in serving as an ambassador of our Lord, and an emissary of the enemy isn’t far away.

Off and Running!

April 21, 2024 | Passage: Acts 13:1-4 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series on the book of Acts, we come to the place where the “official” ministry of the apostle Paul begins. It
marks a major shift in both the book and the history of the early  church, as the gospel is going out to the ends of the earth. This
morning we are focusing on Paul and Barnabas being both called and sent by God, and the necessity of the church recognizing both
the calling and the sending.



NOTE: During the audio, it may be necessary to increase the volume to hear the voice of Pastor Ben during the sermon.

What You Need to Know

April 14, 2024 | Passage: Acts 12:11-18 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in the book of Acts, we find Peter, newly escaped prisoner, knocking on the door of prayer warriors who are surprised their prayer has been answered in such a wonderful way. That’s not the only surprise in the story. Perhaps the bigger surprise is why Peter takes the time to search these folks out before going into hiding to let things cool off a bit. In the midst of all the “humanness” found in this story we discover timeless principles of church body life. 

Spiritual Reflexes

April 7, 2024 | Passage: Acts 12:5–17 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning we go back to our series in the book of Acts. Before us is that remarkable story of God’s delivering of Peter from certain death, while the church is involved in continual and earnest prayer. The question for us today is what is our spiritual reflex? When something wonderful or troubling is present, what is our automatic go-to response?

The Work of Christ in the Resurrection (Easter 2024)

March 31, 2024 | Passage: Corinthians 15 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

He is risen! He is risen indeed! Welcome to Harvest Community Church. This morning we remember and celebrate what lies at the center of the Christian faith: the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul stated it so clearly: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. And if Christ has not been raised from the dead, you are still in your sins. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (I Corinthians 15: 14,17, 19).

Made a Curse

March 24, 2024 | Passage: Galatians 3:10-14 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning we take a break from our series in the book of Acts to focus on one element of the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This morning, and then again at the Good Friday Service we will be looking at how Jesus frees us from the curse of God by becoming a curse for us. What does it mean to be under God’s curse and how did the work of Jesus free us from that curse and bring upon us instead the blessing of God?

A Model for Prayer

March 17, 2024 | Passage: Kings 18:36-46 | Pastor: Duane Nieuwsma

This morning we welcome to bring us the Word of God, Pastor Duane Nieuwsma. Pastor Nieuwsma is a retired Christian Reformed Pastor who stays active in the church through various means. He recently finished a stint at Restoration Christian Reformed Church in Middleville while their pastor was on sabbatical.

I Set My Hope

March 10, 2024 | Passage: Samuel 17:1-50 | Pastor: Caleb Horjus

This morning we welcome to bring God’s message to us Mr. Caleb Horjus. Caleb is currently studying at Calvin Theological Seminary and serving as the Director of Youth at Caledonia Christian Reformed Church.

The Folly of Fighting Against God: Part 2

March 3, 2024 | Passage: Acts 13:18-25 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning we continue our look at the history of the early church as it is found in the book of Acts. Today we will finish our look at a particular King Herod and his attempt to put an end to the Christian Church. He serves as an example of the folly of fighting against God, whose might cannot be contested, whose punishment cannot be avoided, and whose purposes cannot be foiled. We serve a wonderful and mighty God!

The Folly of Fighting Against God: Part 1

February 25, 2024 | Passages: Acts 12:1-5, 18-25 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning, as we continue in our walk through the book of Acts, we run into a familiar name of a not so familiar figure, King Herod. King Herod comes from a long line of King Herods; the Herodian dynasty which can be identified as enemies of God. Everywhere they show up in the New Testament they are true to their identity, to both their folly and their shameful deaths. They serve us as an example of the foolishness of going against the Sovereign Lord God.

A New Beachhead in the Kingdom

February 16, 2024 | Passage: Book of Acts | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our series in the book of Acts, we see for the first time the gospel message purposefully going out to the Gentiles. Up until this point, the church was almost exclusively made up of those of Jewish descent or religion. We also find a monumental shift as the city of Antioch becomes the new beachhead city in the ongoing war against sin and darkness.

Not So Fast

February 11, 2024 | Passage: Acts 10:11-18 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in the book of Acts, we find Peter going back to Jerusalem where news of the Gentiles “receiving the Word of God” has preceded his arrival. Not everyone is happy about this and are quick to express their objection. Do we have our own criteria as to who is fit to be a part of the Christian church, or do we rejoice in gladness that the one lost sheep is found?

Walls Coming Down: Part 2

February 4, 2024 | Passage: Acts 10:23b-48 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

Having watched God give two different men two different versions concerning the other, we turn this morning to the power meeting God has prepared them for. With this Gentile Cornelius coming to faith in Jesus Christ, the walls of division between Jew and Gentile continue to crumble. As Paul would later confirm to the church at Galatia: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28-29

Walls Coming Down: Part 1

January 28, 2024 | Passage: Acts 10:1-23 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue in our walk through the book of Acts, we arrive at a critical point in the book and in all of church history.  One of the hardest truths to accept by the early church is that salvation was not only for the Jews.  For 2000 years they had seen themselves exclusively as the people of God, and in their wildest imaginations they could not imagine the non-Jewish likes of you and me as having any place at the table of God.  The story of Peter the apostle and Cornelius the centurion shows God in His bringing the walls of separation down.  What God has brought down, let us not seek to build back up.

Saved to Serve

January 21, 2024 | Passage: Acts 9:32-43 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

This morning we continue our series in the book of Acts.  Our passage today reintroduces Peter to the center stage of the early church history.  Peter is the number one leader of the church currently.  Instead of sitting on a throne in a place of exaltation, he puts his sandals on and hits the dusty road, ministering tremendous understanding of doing what he does by the power of his Lord and for the glory of his God. He serves us as a pointed example of the principle that anyone who has been saved by the blood of Jesus, has been saved to serve.

Winning Debates, Bearing no Fruit

January 14, 2024 | Passage: Acts 9:19-31 | Pastor: Ben Ridder

As we continue our series in the book of Acts, we find the newly converted Saul eager to get on with the work he is sure the Lord is calling him to.  Turns out even the greatest evangelist the world has ever seen outside of Jesus Christ needed some time of preparation, and not just a class or two.  Most likely Saul (Paul) was in preparation for 14 years before entering full-time ministry for the gospel of Christ.  That’s a big difference from what happens in the Western Christian Church world where someone with name recognition is thrust behind pulpits and into ministry positions shortly after conversion.