Best Cuyahoga Valley Church Podcasts (2025)

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Holding Us Together: Short & Sweet (Week 1) 45:37

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2d ago45:37

45:37

Elder Kyle Gustafson highlights 2 John’s core message: our unity as Christians rests on embracing Jesus as the eternal “truth” and living out His love together. He explains that genuine faith isn’t merely knowing facts, but walking in Christ’s teaching—loving one another in obedience—and warns us to guard against anyone who denies Jesus’ true ident…

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Set on the Unseen: Life On Purpose (Week 5) 39:24

9d ago39:24

39:24

Tony reminds us that though our outer lives can feel like a mis-assembled playground—frustrating, broken, and ready to quit—our inner hope in Christ is unshakable, renewed daily by the Spirit, and shaped through every trial. Drawing on Paul’s words, he gives us four unbreakable truths: we are secure in Christ, strengthened day by day, refined by su…

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Modeling Macedonia - the Pathway to True Generosity: Life On Purpose (Week 4) 48:26

16d ago48:26

48:26

Pastor Joe continues our Life on Purpose series by teaching from 2 Corinthians 8:1–9. This week, we look at the Macedonian believers as a model for genuine generosity and consider how our giving reflects our spiritual health. Generosity isn't about guilt or ability—it's about grace. It's not a financial issue, but a spiritual one. Watch as Pastor J…

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What Can Weakness Accomplish: Life On Purpose (Week 3) 46:33

23d ago46:33

46:33

On this Mother’s Day, we explored what 2 Corinthians 12 teaches us about weakness. Paul reminds us that God’s strength isn’t hindered by our struggles—it shines through them. When we stop resenting our weakness and start surrendering it, we find that His grace really is sufficient. PDF Resources: ( Sermon Notes | Study Guide )…

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Equipped Parenting Week 4: Parenting Questions Panel 56:43

30d ago56:43

56:43

This week in Sunday Sessions, join us for our final week of our Equipped Parenting series as we host a panel discussion with three CVC staff members: Dean Siley (Pastor of Care and Counseling), Lauren Meyer (Director of CVCYouth), and Denise Petek (CVCKids Minister). As ministry leaders on staff and parents themselves, Dean, Lauren and Denise share…

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Making Jesus Known: Life On Purpose (Week 2) 46:31

30d ago46:31

46:31

Guest Pastor Chad Allen opens week two of Life on Purpose with a warm family update before urging us to treat the Gospel as our greatest news—proclaim Christ clearly, bear His light into darkness, and rely on His power in our own weakness. This ministry, he reminds us, is our highest calling as followers of Jesus. PDF Resources: ( Sermon Notes | St…

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Equipped Parenting Week 3: Parenting with a Plan 49:16

1M ago49:16

49:16

In Week 3 of Equipped Parenting, Raquel Schors teaches us how we can parent with a plan! She walks us through why it's a good thing for an intentional parent to have a plan, and how we can craft and implement a parenting plan that will help us parent our children with care, foresight, and prayerful consideration. PDF Resources: Handout…

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What Does Your Life Smell Like?: Life On Purpose (Week 1) 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

In our new series Life on Purpose, Pastor Joe challenges us to examine the aroma our lives leave behind. Are we carrying the fragrance of Christ everywhere we go—or have we compromised, softened, or corrupted the message? Discover how to live boldly, consistently, and purposefully for Jesus. PDF Resources: ( Sermon Notes | Study Guide )…

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Resurrection Sunday 2025 43:10

1M ago43:10

43:10

This Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Joe Valenti highlights the power of Jesus' resurrection, which offers a new life and a new future to those who believe. He calls on the congregation to embrace this transformation, trusting that Jesus' victory over sin and death provides hope and forgiveness, inviting everyone to experience a spiritual reset and joi…

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Equipped Parenting Week 2: Emotionally Healthy Parenting 1:01:53

2M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

In Week 2 of Equipped Parenting, Pastor Dean Siley helps us to consider what it means to be an emotionally healthy parent - and spouse! In our parenting and in our marriages, our emotional health and our spiritual health are intricately intertwined. When we are able to process our emotions in particular in healthy ways, we are able to equip and tra…

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Hebrews Summary: Jesus is Better (Week 26) 56:01

2M ago56:01

56:01

This week Pastor Joe wraps up our study in Hebrews, teaching about the need to let God's Word be the final and transforming voice in our lives so that we listen, trust, and obey Jesus above all other influences. He challenges the congregation to examine whose voice shapes their hearts, cast off any weight of sin that hinders their endurance, and li…

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Equipped Parenting Week 1: Intentional Parenting 52:00

2M ago52:00

52:00

In Week 1 of our Equipped Parenting miniseries, Pastor Joe Valenti teaches us what it can look like to be an intentional parent, parenting in a way that helps us intentionally disciple our children and point them to Jesus, both now and in their future.By Cuyahoga Valley Church

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The Church that Pleases God: Jesus is Better (Week 25) 41:39

2M ago41:39

41:39

Pastor Rick unpacks the final chapter of Hebrews with a powerful reminder: the Christian life is not a solo journey. God has given us a caring community—filled with leaders and followers—to help us endure in faith. Learn what it means to lead well, follow faithfully, and live in the blessing of God's benediction. PDF Resources: ( Sermon Notes | Stu…

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Stability When Your World is Spinning: Jesus is Better (Week 24) 39:49

2M ago39:49

39:49

This week Rick Duncan preaches about how life's dizzying challenges—illustrated by a wild teacup ride at Disney—mirror the instability many experience in a fallen world, yet amidst the chaos, Jesus remains the unchanging foundation of hope. He draws on his own experience of physical disorientation to emphasize that while the world spins with failur…

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Live Boldly in His Promises: Jesus is Better (Week 23) 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

This week Send Director Tony Scialabba preaches about how his role is to mobilize the church to serve both within its community and beyond, sharing his journey from living among an unreached people group overseas to joining the ministry at CDC. Drawing on the bold example of a former Muslim friend who left her life of comfort and success to follow …

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Special Episode: Women In Ministry 54:03

3M ago54:03

54:03

In this special episode of Sunday Sessions, CVC pastors Joe Valenti and Josh Hamm, and ministry directors Lauren Meyer and Becca Ferguson, engage in a vibrant conversation about women in ministry, examining the complementarian model for understanding the role of men and women in the church and home that is followed by CVC. They look at the Scriptur…

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Finishing Well: Jesus is Better (Week 22) 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

What does it take to finish the race well? This week, we explore Hebrews 12:18-29 and discover three ways to press forward in faith. We are called to run in grace, leaving behind old patterns that can’t save us. We must run in faith, standing firm in what is eternal. And we should run with gratitude, worshiping God with awe and reverence. Don’t set…

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Training for the Finish Line: Jesus is Better (Week 21) 41:32

3M ago41:32

41:32

This week Pastor Joe Valenti preaches about enduring life's challenges through God's loving discipline as we run the race of faith. He reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, trust the Father's training—even when pain strikes—and press on with the hope of eternal transformation. We feel encouraged to embrace every hardship as a sign of His love, know…

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Running the Race on the Narrow Road: Jesus is Better (Week 20) 46:36

3M ago46:36

46:36

This week Pastor Joe Valenti preaches about running the race of faith on the narrow road that leads to life, emphasizing endurance, discipline, and reliance on Jesus’ example. He uses personal experiences—like learning to ski and watching ultra-marathon runners—to inspire his congregation to shed burdens, listen to the encouraging roar of those who…

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Faith: Seeing the impossible; believing the invincible; receiving the incredible - Jesus is Better (Week 19) 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

The week Rick Duncan preaches about ways to embrace unwavering faith in the midst of uncertainty by recounting his own bold journey in founding CVC from seemingly impossible circumstances. He illustrates that when believers trust in God’s promises, obey His Word, and rely on His grace—even amidst past failures and challenges—miraculous transformati…

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The Faith of our Forerunners: Jesus is Better (Week 18) 47:28

4M ago47:28

47:28

This week, Pastor Joe Valenti walks through Hebrews 11, emphasizing how faith shapes both our future hope and present reality. He highlights examples of faith from Abel, Enoch, Noah, and Abraham, showing how true faith pleases God, fears Him rightly, and obeys without all the answers. Pastor Joe challenges the congregation to live with eternity in …

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Preserve Your Soul - Jesus is Better (Week 17) - Rick Duncan 44:03

4M ago44:03

44:03

This week Founding Pastor Rick Duncan used a baseball analogy to remind us that just as a runner must maintain momentum to reach home safely, we must persist in our spiritual journey without slowing down. He explained that Jesus, our great High Priest, has opened the way, cleansed our lives, and promised a reward to those who draw near to Him, hold…

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Apologetics Part II - Ch. 12 - How Could a Loving God Send People to Hell? 58:46

4M ago58:46

58:46

This week in Sunday Sessions, Pastor Joe Valenti helps us wrestle with the question, "How Could a Loving God Send People to Hell?" He shows us how when we ask this question, to find our answer we must first rightly understand humanity's sin and the justice and judgment of God. When we correctly understand God's justice, we are even better equipped …

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Better Sacrifice - Jesus is Better (Week 16) - Pastor Joe Valenti 46:03

4M ago46:03

46:03

This week, Pastor Joe Valenti reminded us that Jesus' sacrifice is sufficient to free us from guilt and fear, allowing us to live purposefully as living sacrifices for God's kingdom. He encouraged us to surrender daily, serve joyfully, and sacrifice selflessly, knowing that our place in God's family is secure through Christ’s finished work. PDF Res…

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Apologetics Part II - Ch. 11 - How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering? 46:29

4M ago46:29

46:29

Join us for Sunday Sessions as we tackle the question, "How Could a Loving God Allow So Much Suffering?" Jennifer Gratz does a great job of teaching on a question that has been asked for as long as Christianity has existed - and even before! We will look at how the world looks at suffering apart from God, how the Bible teaches us about suffering, a…

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Ambassadors not Spectators: Passionate Pursuit (Week 4) 45:22

4M ago45:22

45:22

In this sermon, Pastor Rick Duncan closes out the series on CVC’s passions by emphasizing "missional living" as a vital component of the church's mission to invite people to new life in Christ. He challenges the congregation to move from passive spectators to bold ambassadors by living out their identity in Christ, sharing the gospel intentionally,…

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Apologetics Part II - Ch. 10 - Doesn’t the Bible Condone Slavery? 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

This week on Sunday Sessions, Kyle Gustafson is answering the question, 'Doesn't the Bible Condone Slavery?" Kyle does a great job of walking us through what slavery in Scripture looked like and how it differed from slavery in the U.S. in the 19th century and before, and what slavery looks like around the world today. He shows us how EVERY kind of …

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For Legacy, Not Preferences: Passionate Pursuit (Week 3) 45:08

4M ago45:08

45:08

In this week’s message, CVC Founding Pastor, Rick Duncan, explores Matthew 12 and challenges us to pursue a godly legacy over personal preferences. Learn how Jesus invested in the next generation, prioritized people over policies, and courageously confronted traditions to advance God’s Kingdom. Join us as we continue our Passionate Pursuit series a…

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Apologetics Part II - Ch. 9 - Isn’t Christianity Homophobic? 35:51

4M ago35:51

35:51

Join us this week in Sunday Sessions as Becca Ferguson walks us through answering the question, "Isn't Christianity Homophobic?" Our culture has a lot to say about the LGBTQ movement, but as Christians we find our answers to questions about human sexuality in the Bible. God's Word doesn't change and it's always true, and we need to understand both …

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Biblical Commitment not Radical Individualism: Passionate Pursuit (Week 2) - Pastor Joe Valenti 45:30

5M ago45:30

45:30

In this second sermon of our Passionate Pursuit series, we explore CVC’s third passion: Caring Community. Discover why church membership isn’t just a modern invention but a biblical expectation. Learn how membership creates an accountable, shepherded, and covenant community that fosters spiritual growth and mission. Join Pastor Joe as he challenges…

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Apologetics Part II: Ch. 8 - Introduction, Doesn’t Christianity Denigrate Women? 45:50

5M ago45:50

45:50

This week in Sunday Sessions. we looked at the question, "Doesn't Christianity Denigrate Women?" Join Becca Ferguson as she shares with us how God and His Word are good for women, how the life and ministry of Jesus elevated and empowered women, how the early church equipped women to serve both the body of Christ and the lost, and how a Christian th…

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In His Power, Not Our Own: Passionate Pursuit (Week 1) - Pastor Joe Valenti 46:07

5M ago46:07

46:07

As we begin the Passionate Pursuit series, Pastor Joe challenges us to trust God’s Word and depend on His power. Drawing from 2 Kings 18-19, we reflect on King Hezekiah’s courage to restore true worship in Judah—removing idols, standing firm in God’s truth, and resisting fear in the face of overwhelming opposition. Where in your life are you tempte…

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Every Day Matters: A Life that Counts 38:16

5M ago38:16

38:16

In this stand alone message, CVC Founding Pastor Rick Duncan explores Psalm 90 and challenges us to count our days because our days count. Life is short, but God’s steadfast love transforms fleeting moments into lasting impact. Discover how to live with urgency, join God’s work, and make 2025 a year that matters for eternity.…

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Christmas Eve: Good News and Great Joy 40:11

5M ago40:11

40:11

Celebrate the good news of Christmas with Pastor Joe Valenti as he unpacks the angels’ announcement of joy and peace in Luke 2. Discover how Jesus’ birth meets us where we are, lifts us out of fear, and brings eternal joy and peace with God. Whether this season is one of joy or struggle, this message reminds us of the hope we have in Christ—a hope …

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Guilt is Gone: Grace is Given. That's Christmas! Jesus is Better (Week 15) - Pastor Rick Duncan 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

By Cuyahoga Valley Church

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Better Blood and Better Worship: Jesus is Better (Week 14) - Pastor Joe Valenti 40:46

6M ago40:46

40:46

Pastor Joe teaches from Hebrews 9, contrasting the weight of guilt under the Old Covenant with the freedom offered through Jesus’ better blood. Jesus’ sacrifice not only cleanses our sin but also cleanses our conscience—freeing us to worship God fully, serve boldly, and live with confidence. Discover how the finished work of Christ secures your pla…

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The Better Covenant: Jesus is Better (Week 13) - Pastor Rick Duncan 43:50

6M ago43:50

43:50

Pastor Rick Duncan takes us through Hebrews 8, explaining how Jesus, our Great High Priest, brings a better covenant. Unlike the Old Covenant, which relied on laws and rituals, the New Covenant transforms us from the inside out, offering a personal relationship with God, inclusion for all, and grace that overcomes guilt. Discover how Jesus’ better …

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Special Episode: A Candid Conversation on Church Membership 59:35

6M ago59:35

59:35

Join us for a thought-provoking round table discussion with members of the CVC staff as we dive into the significance of church membership. Is it biblical? Why does it matter in today's culture? Together, we tackle common objections, explore the benefits of belonging, and share how church membership connects to living out the Great Commission. Whet…

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State Of The Heart 2024 - Pastor Joe Valenti 49:14

6M ago49:14

49:14

What kind of church are we becoming, and what kind of legacy will we leave for the next generation? In this vision-casting message, Pastor Joe Valenti challenges us to reflect on CVC’s six biblical passions: Living Truth, God Dependence, Caring Community, Linked Generations, Equipped Leadership, and Missional Living. Pastor Joe also outlines our 20…

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Jesus the High Priest - The Guarantor of a Better Covenant: Jesus is Better (Week 12) - Pastor Rick Duncan 49:03

6M ago49:03

49:03

In this week’s sermon from Hebrews 7, Pastor Rick unpacks how Jesus, our Great High Priest, guarantees our salvation completely and forever. Unlike the temporary and flawed priesthood of the Old Testament, Jesus offers a better hope through His perfect, eternal, and all-sufficient priesthood. Discover how Jesus’ work as our priest secures our proxi…

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Apologetics 8: Review - What Have We Learned This Fall? 48:18

6M ago48:18

48:18

Learning how to defend our faith carries with it the great danger for pride and harm. In the final week of Apologetics Part 1, Pastor Joe shares how to apply apologetics in the real world, with real people, in a way that is reasoned, defensive (instead of offensive), and winsome. Session Handout (PDF)…

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Jesus the better Melchizedek: Jesus Is Better (Week 11) - Pastor Dale Piscura 46:34

7M ago46:34

46:34

Melchizedek is the most mysterious character in the entire Old Testament. By the grace of God the author of Hebrews unfolds this ancient mystery and clarifies the Order of Melchizedek. Jesus was and is of the Order and has become the everlasting High Priest of our faith. Our King and Prophet, Jesus Christ is also our High Priest of heaven by His in…

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Apologetics 7: Hasn't Science Disproven Christianity? 50:06

7M ago50:06

50:06

This week in Sunday Sessions, Jennifer Gratz teaches us about the intersection of faith and science by tackling the question, "Hasn't Science Disproven Christianity?" Drawing on personal study, on our chapter for the week, and on her experience as an engineer at NASA, Jennifer helps us look deeper at how the discipline of science can actually help …

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Apologetics 6: How Can You Take The Bible Literally? 41:32

7M ago41:32

41:32

In week 6 of our Apologetics miniseries, we will look at how and why the Bible is a trustworthy source that teaches us about who God is and what He is like - and what He wants for us. Becca Ferguson helps us answer the question, "How can you take the Bible literally?" We examine the Bible as a historical document, and we dip our toes into the study…

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A Better Promise Keeper: Jesus Is Better (Week 10) - Pastor Joe Valenti 46:13

7M ago46:13

46:13

Pastor Joe explores Hebrews 6:13-20, offering us the reassurance of God’s unbreakable promises. This week, we see that our perseverance and hope aren’t dependent on our strength, but on the steadfast hold of Jesus, our Great High Priest. As we follow Him, we’re reminded of a profound truth: God not only makes promises but also swears by His own unc…

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Sure of Better Things: Jesus Is Better (Week 9) - Pastor Rick Duncan 47:12

7M ago47:12

47:12

Description for this week: In this week’s message, Pastor Rick takes us through Hebrews 6:4–12, where we see a strong warning against falling away from faith and the call to grow in spiritual maturity. Are you truly following Jesus, or are you simply in proximity to His work? Join us as we unpack the dangers of drifting, the goodness of God’s promi…

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Apologetics 5: Doesn't Religion Cause Violence? 42:56

7M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode, CVC elder Kyle Gustafson addresses the challenging question, "Doesn't religion cause violence?" Drawing from Chapter 5 of Rebecca McLaughlin's Confronting Christianity, Kyle explores the historical and cultural complexities surrounding this accusation. He provides a thoughtful analysis of Christianity’s teachings on peace, justice,…

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Apologetics 4: Doesn't Religion Hinder Morality? 40:34

7M ago40:34

40:34

In this episode, Rich Ontko takes on the thought-provoking question, "Doesn't religion hinder morality?" Guided by Chapter 4 of Rebecca McLaughlin's Confronting Christianity, Rich examines the relationship between faith and ethics, challenging the assumption that morality thrives better without religion. Through historical and contemporary examples…

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Go On to Maturity: Jesus is Better (Week 8) - Pastor Rick Duncan 44:00

7M ago44:00

44:00

In this week's message, Pastor Rick challenges us to stop being spiritual babies and to go on to maturity. From Hebrews 5:11–6:3, we see four marks of spiritual maturity: attentively listening, faithfully teaching, becoming biblically skillful, and developing spiritual discernment. Are you stuck in spiritual infancy, or are you pressing forward to …

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Jesus, the Better Mediator: Jesus Is Better (Week 7) - Elder Kyle Gustafson 41:11

8M ago41:11

41:11

CVC Elder Kyle Gustafson walks us through Hebrews 4:14-5:10, where we learn that Jesus is our Great High Priest. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus mediates from the very throne room of heaven, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Because of His obedience and sinlessness, we can draw near to God’s throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy a…