5 p.m. The River

Nov 23, 2025  •  Rev. Billy Cerveny

This sermon, preached on Christ the King Sunday, explores what it truly means for Jesus to be King and for us to live as His subjects. Using the crucifixion scene in Luke 23, the message contrasts the reactions of the characters on Golgotha—especially the two thieves—to reveal the posture of the human heart toward Christ’s kingship. The preacher shows how every person serves some kind of “king,” whether we admit it or not, and how sin leads us to crown counterfeit kings that cannot save. Through the humble plea of the repentant thief, we see that true freedom and true life come only when we recognize our need, surrender our self-rule, and entrust ourselves to the mercy of the crucified King who offers grace even in our darkest moments.


Scripture reference: Luke 23:33-43


Key Themes: God’s Sovereignty, Freedom, Trust, Hope, Salvation, God’s Faithfulness

Sermon Transcript

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