Pastor Otterstatter • January 12, 2025

Steward the Truth as the Greatest Good

The landscape of truth in our culture encompasses the highly subjective and personally perceived to the objective and universally real. What of biblical truth? Grasping the nature of God’s truth is a critical first step if we are to be effective stewards of it. 


Biblical truth doesn’t only concern itself with accuracy, facts, and honesty. The message of Scripture reveals truth that is real—and at the same time truth that is good. Being a steward of the truth means grasping this characteristic of truth above all else. The goodness of God’s truth is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. It is in the truth of the gospel that God’s goodness to fallen humanity shines most beautifully. Simply put, God’s truth is life. This connection between God’s truth and goodness and life is also a critically important aspect of humankind’s beginning. Since the fall, people have been in rebellion against God’s intent for humanity, and yet the early chapters of Genesis reveal how very good this design was and the disappointment human beings have ultimately encountered in pursuing their own ideas. 


God calls us to steward his truth as that which is true and that which is truly good. It is, as Jesus said, life—and life to the full. This means that our stewardship of truth is not one grand debate over what’s right; nor is our goal to win the argument or have the last word. Rather, we’re stewards intent on holding to what is actually in the best interests of the people God has placed in our lives.

He Reigns Over Everything for the Benefit of His Church

By Pastor Quinn • June 1, 2025
When the Church gathers, it regularly remembers Christ’s ascension. The words “He ascended into heaven” are found in the three ecumenical creeds Christians use to confess their faith. In addition, the Church sets aside a day each year to focus on Christ’s ascension. This is for good reason. Jesus’ ascension marked the fact that his work was complete, in one sense. Never again will a sacrifice for sins need to be made. However, Jesus’ ascension also marks that, in another sense, his work is just beginning. Through the Church, Jesus now proclaims forgiveness of sins throughout the world. The Church consists of people like us who are often weak and timid witnesses for Christ. So, Jesus promised to send us his Spirit to give us power from heaven, that we might take the gospel to the ends of the earth. More, he ascended into heaven and sat down on the throne of God. He lives and reigns over everything for the benefit of his Church.

We Have Deep and Lasting Joy

By Pastor Quinn • May 18, 2025
Conventional wisdom says that joy is a direct result of circumstance. Our disposition is nothing more than the product of events, conditions, and relationships of which our life consists. Therfore, it would seem that for our disposition to change, our circumstances need to change. But Jesus offers a joy that is superior. It is not a product of circumstance, it's a product of Easter. Easter proves that God can take what normally causes people to weep and turn it into what causes people to rejoice. Sin, death, and shame went into Jesus' tomb. Forgiveness, life, and joy came out. Our risen Savior gives us a joy that remains constant in the highest of life's highs and the lowest of life's lows. Because he lives, we have deep and lasting joy.

We Know Jesus is Trustworthy & True

By Pastor Quinn • May 11, 2025
The world is full of talkers. There are plenty of people who say they care about you. But we are aware of what many of those people will do when it comes time to put those words into action. Jesus tells you in His Word that He cares for you dearly...that He would do anything for you...that He's leading you into the green pastures of paradise. How do you know you can trust Him? Simple. Jesus followed up His words with action. Jesus promised He would die to save you from your sin. He did. Scripture promised the Savior would rise from the dead, proving the payment for sins was complete. It happened. Jesus always does what he says. His every promise fullfiled. Jesus once illustrated that point in a striking metaphor, that of the Good Shepherd. All shepherds use words, calling to the sheep hoping they will follow. What sets the Good Shepherd apart is the fact that His words are followed by action, including His willingness to lay down His life for His sheep. Because He lives, we know Jesus is trustworthy and true.
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