Pastor Quinn • February 2, 2025

Steward the Truth as Freedom From Deception

Freedom is one of the United States’ key ideals. And while ideological divides mean different groups have different concerns when it comes to the pursuit of freedom, there’s a common thread woven throughout all the varying perspectives: self-determination. Such emancipation from outside control and the opportunity to follow one’s own path in life is a cherished right. Yet, that ideal of freedom assumes that individuals are, in themselves, free. But is that true?

The fall into sin means we’re not only impaired in our ability to understand and make decisions; this same condition applies to our very motivations, desires, and passions. While it seems we are free to do what we want and want what we want, in reality our very impulses are deceptive. The deceit of sin runs deep. Not only does it fail to deliver promised freedom, it actually brings a truly sad and desperate slavery to a cruel master. Satan’s lies brought servitude and suffering, pain and death to our first parents and every generation since.

Yet in abundant mercy, God has revealed truth in his Son Jesus Christ—truth that saves. Truth that brings life. Truth that frees from sin’s deception. This truth of Jesus Christ is beautiful beyond measure, and the freedom it brings is so very deep and profound. And it is a truth that is for all. Stewarding the truth, therefore, requires us to help people recognize their sad condition and to speak the beauty of true freedom in Christ into their specific experience of sin’s deception.

On the One Thing Needed

By Pastor Quinn • July 27, 2025
Most would agree with Jesus’ teaching that “Few things are needed” (Luke 10:42). We understand that people often confuse their wants with needs. We might want many things; but in reality, we only need a few things. So, we would agree with Jesus. “Few things are needed.” However, Jesus said more. “Few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Now we might object. There seems to be more than one true need. We need water, food, clothing, shelter, friendship, etc. Yet, what Jesus said is true. Because only one thing—the gospel—can create and sustain the faith that makes one God’s dear child and an heir of the everlasting kingdom. If you didn’t have water, you would die in a few days; without oxygen, in a few minutes. But without Jesus speaking to us through his Word, there is no hope for eternal life in heaven. We literally need the gospel more than water or oxygen. So, let us listen to Jesus speak, giving him our undivided attention.

On the Privilege and Purpose of Prayer

By Pastor Quinn • July 20, 2025
In a sense, prayer comes naturally to us. We want so we ask. We hurt so we cry out. We are frustrated so we vent. We are blessed so we give thanks. Natural! What does not come naturally, however, is a proper understanding of the privilege of prayer. Prayer is a privilege, based entirely on the unique and unearned relationship we have with God, our Father. And the purpose of prayer is really not to tell God what we want, but to claim that which God wants for us. Prayer provides the opportunity to bring our will into conformity with God’s will, not the other way around. This week, we give our undivided attention to what God says about this access we call prayer. Along with Jesus’ disciples we say, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

On Christ's Call for Committment

By Pastor Quinn • June 29, 2025
A recent survey asked Americans which of the five senses they would least like to lose. 77% chose sight. Navigating life blind poses a plethora of challenges that the sighted do not face. This is why Scripture often uses the concept of blindness as a metaphor for how hard it is to navigate life without a correct understanding of Christ. Spiritual blindness can take many different forms. In some cases, it is hostile opposition to the message of Jesus. In others, spiritual blindness might be demonstrated in confusion about Jesus’ true identity. In still others, spiritual blindness might be the inability to understand our spiritual condition. No matter the form spiritual blindness takes, Easter has the power to replace it with sight. Easter allows us to see where we sinners stand with a holy God. It enables us to see the path through life that is worth pursuing (as opposed to those that lead to a dead end). Spiritual sight gives us the ability to see who holds our future in his hands and who is worth our eternal worship. Because he lives, we can see things clearly.
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