Pastor Mattek • October 16, 2022

Faith that Helps a Hurting Neighbor

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).


We know that’s what God’s Word says, but how hard it is to put it into practice. So often instead of eagerly serving those around us we ask, “Who is my neighbor? (Luke 10:29) Who do I really need to love as myself?” Because of the way our fallen nature works, we see our neighbor’s value only as a means to justify ourselves. That leads to showing love for our neighbor only insofar as that love helps us look good in our own eyes and the eyes of others. Any neighbor we could be excused for not loving will be avoided.


But, Christ came to destroy our need for self-justification. Our need to justify ourselves has been eliminated by the justification God freely offers us at Christ’s cross—the greatest act of loving a neighbor ever. As a result we are freed to live lives of faith that seek to help our hurting neighbors—no matter the neighbor, no matter the need. We are free to help hurting neighbors in ways that seem senseless to this world—no matter the cost, no matter the distance, no matter the time. Lord, increase our faith that we might love our neighbors as you have so perfectly loved us!

Say it Out Loud: Jesus Leads Us

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.

Say it Out Loud: God Loves Sinners

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.

Say it Out Loud: God is Triune

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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