Pastor Quinn • October 5, 2025

Increased Faith Increases Duty

As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations. So, if someone is offered a promotion, they might ask, “Is this worth it?” It is similar in God’s kingdom. As our faith grows, there are obvious benefits: the comfort of knowing you are a redeemed and loved child of God, the peace of knowing your eternity is secure. However, increased faith also increases duty. 


There are ever more opportunities for service. This week, Jesus has sharp words for those who want the benefits of being Christian but would shirk those responsibilities. However, to lead us to take up those responsibilities, our Savior doesn’t threaten or cajole. He helps us see that while increased faith increases duty, increased duty increases delight. The believer knows he serves the One who came to serve us first. Just as Christ’s service brought him great joy, so does our service to others.


By Pastor Quinn • October 4, 2026
There were a number of offerings associated with Old Testament temple worship. One that is familiar to many Christians is the “firstfruits” offering. Firstfruits was an Israelite feast held in the early spring at the beginning of the grain harvest. The people brought the very first sheaf of grain to the priest, who would wave it before the LORD. No other grain was used or even harvested before the firstfruits offering was made. By doing this God’s people were acknowledging that every single blessing they had actually came from the LORD. They were also demonstrating they trusted the LORD to continue to provide everything they needed – blessings both physical and spiritual. In worship, we receive from God – we also respond. One of the ways we respond is by bringing offerings to him. These offerings can take many forms: our time, our talents, and our treasures. This week, we’ll explore how serving and giving is a meaningful act of worship and how each of us has something valuable to offer. Worship is an opportunity to serve and give to God.
By Pastor Otterstatter • September 27, 2026
The holiday season is just around the corner. Many people like to travel back “home” for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it’s not so much the place itself. It’s the people there. It would seem strange to sit down alone at a large table filled with turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, even if that table was in your hometown. It would be a little weird to open Christmas presents by yourself in a hotel room, even if it was just down the street from your childhood home. It’s not just about “me and the turkey” or “me and the presents.” You go home to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with the people you love and do life with – your family and friends. The same is true about worship. Worship isn’t just “me and Jesus.” When we gather, we’re not just sitting near others – we’re called to walk with them. Public worship is a time to praise God together, shoulder burdens together, and grow stronger in faith together. This week, we’ll explore how worship connects us in fellowship with our family of faith, offers encouragement, and even helps restore those who are drifting away. Let’s ask: How can I be someone who both leans on others and lifts up others? Worship is an opportunity to serve each other.
By Pastor Quinn • September 20, 2026
Planting seed by hand can be extraordinary. In your hand, the seed looks lifeless and insignificant. You put the seed into the soil, and suddenly, all by itself, the seed germinates and sprouts and reaches to the sun. Except when it doesn’t! Plant multiple seeds, and often only some will grow. The Bible describes Christians as planted by the Word. Why do some people grow in faith, and not others? What makes Christians different? The Bible describes the supernatural process by which God calls people to faith through the gospel. He promises that his Word always accomplishes his purpose. It is powerful all on its own, without our help. As we grow in faith, we give God thanks for the miracle of his work in our lives.
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