Pastor Quinn • February 4, 2024

A Time to Pause

A survey says about half of Americans report they're usually trying to do two or more things at once. But just about one tenth of Americans said the fast pace of their lives was harming their health. Another survey says 60% of U.S. adults reported they at least sometimes feel to busy to enjoy life. We need rest for our bodies & minds. Martin Luther is quoted as saying "Work, work, from morning until night. In fact, I have so much to do today that I shall spend the first 3 hours in prayer!". We need rest for our souls, too. Yet only 22% of Americans attend church every week. 50% never or seldom attend. 45% of "Scripture-reading" Americans read Scripture seldom or never. 8% read it "several times a year". Isn't it obvious that we all desperately need a time to pause? God knows that! That's why he came up with the concept of "Sabbath" (a Hebrew word that means "rest"). In the Old Testament, God's people had particular times when God told them they had to physically rest and be refreshed by spiritual blessings - to focus on the ultimate rest the Savior would bring. Today we want to see the incredible blessings God still wants to give us through his gift of rest.

By Pastor Quinn June 21, 2026
Without the resurrection of Jesus, I would have to choose my own direction in life. I would be terrible at it, because, like a sheep, I can generally see only what’s in front of me at the moment, and I get myself into trouble. It is especially difficult for me to look far into my future as planned by Jesus. If he had not risen from the dead, I would be on my own. But he lives, and it makes a difference. I have the reliable direction of the Good Shepherd. He feeds us with his Word. He protects us from the roaring lion, Satan. He is leading us into the green pastures of eternal life. For centuries, the Church has observed this Fourth Sunday of Easter to celebrate that Jesus lives to be our Good Shepherd.
By Pastor Quinn June 7, 2026
They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how he killed a man in a fit of anger. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was considered a traitor to his people. But God forgot their past. He forgave all their sins and called them to proclaim his mercy. Christians are sinners whom God has mercifully called. Only mercy can explain why Jesus brings people to faith and promises them salvation. Only grace can explain how he calls them to serve as they are able, even in the ministry of the gospel. God loves sinners.
May 31, 2026
Without the resurrection of Jesus, death would appear permanent. No one would have come back from the dead to explain what happens after death. Jesus told his disciples what would happen. But they were slow to believe the Easter truth. God ensured that his people had witnesses to assure that Jesus did not remain dead. He lives, and it makes a difference! I too shall live. Death has become a pathway into paradise. Jesus has already made me spiritually alive by giving me faith in his resurrection. In every possible way, Jesus takes me from death to life.
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