1 Thing Matters

“You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” is a pretty common approach for many in the world. The assumption is that if I do something nice or helpful for you, you’ll return the favor in some way. We give to get. Our gifts to God don’t work that way. Our relationship with God is not a transactional one by which his blessings or favor can be purchased. We don’t give to get. Rather, we give from w...

Giving is one of the most sensitive topics that comes up in a church. Why? Because it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Most people presume giving in the church is mostly about money. It isn’t. It’s about the heart. A healthy heart that beats to the captivating rhythm of Jesus’ grace is a heart that views all that we are and all that we have as channels of gratitude for thanksgiving to God. Th...

Jesus told his followers, “You will be hated by everyone because of me” (Matthew 10:22). So, the time between Christ’s first and second coming is going to be perilous for believers. A good example: Martin Luther. All that priest wanted was to share the pure gospel with the world. For trying to do just that, both political and religious leaders wanted to end his life. The Festival of the Reformatio...

Where do you look for the answer to the question, “Who am I?” Will a mirror show you? Your most recent performance review? The possessions in your house or belongings stashed away in a storage unit? Those might provide answers, but none of them will leave you satisfied. For the right answer to the question, you have to look to the right source. The good news? God doesn’t keep the answer hidden fro...

Values. We’ll hear a lot of talk about values from political candidates seeking election. But it’s hard to vote for someone who talks about the importance of values… only to see those same elected politicians later make headlines for ignoring those very values during their term in office. We have certain values as individuals; we also do as a congregation. We’ll focus on those values this morning...

Identity. Meaning. Purpose. These are the things that keep man searching until he finds answers. As believers, we know the search ends in God’s Word, where we find the answers. But, do we have the same clarity when it comes to knowing why we belong to our church? Perhaps, not surprisingly, we’ll find the answers in the same place: God’s Word. Series: No Question About Our Identity

It might be expected for someone to look sorry when they are caught doing something wrong. You might even see tears and hear words of apology. But you might not be surprised if the shock of being caught wears off and so does the intensity of the repentance. Real repentance looks different. God doesn’t want us to simply go through religious motions like some sort of show. God’s desire is that our r...

It has been said that we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions, while judging others by their actions. So in my mind, while that driver deserved to get pulled over, my ticket was unwarranted because I was actually doing the right thing by not putting other drivers at risk and keeping up with the flow of traffic. Maybe this helps to explain why we struggle with how God dispenses his grace. Sure...

Forgiveness does not come naturally to human beings. It is expected that humans will defend themselves, lash out when attacked, hold grudges, and bite back. So, when human beings hear that they are forgiven, they may even be suspicious or skeptical. Jesus tells a parable that contrasts the forgiveness of God with our own unforgiving sinful nature. God forgives our huge debt. Who can comprehend suc...

When danger strikes, most people instinctively move away from it. Fire, violence, accidents, and disasters trigger a natural desire to find protection and safety. Yet first responders do the opposite. Firefighters, police officers, and paramedics run toward the very scenes others are fleeing. They enter burning buildings, approach violent situations, and kneel beside the injured in chaotic moments...

Some teach that if a person follows God, God responds by granting worldly prosperity and peace. However, the Bible explains that if we are part of the Church of God, we will have to bear crosses. Believers suffer in this world, sometimes just because they are believers. Why bother? We carry our crosses in gratitude for Jesus carrying his cross, the one far too heavy for us because it was weighted...

Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” It’s the most important question in the world, and it is a question every human being must answer. Today, as in Jesus’ day, there is no shortage of answers offered to the question. The expected answer may be dead wrong. But the real answer - the truth - is unexpected. And, just as unexpected, is the truth about those entrusted with his work. Series: Unexpected T...

“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way - “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason, you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not...

The psalmists pray for God’s protection. God promises his people his protection. So… why do we still experience hurt and harm? Does God ignore our prayers? Is he being dishonest when promising his protection? No, in fact, his protection is far more extensive than we could ever ask for or imagine. Trust him. Series: What Makes Christians Different?

I trust the plants will get watered… when I see it raining outside. I trust that I’ll have plenty to pay the bills… when the checking account balance is hefty. I trust that I won’t go hungry… when the fridge and pantry are stocked. But when there are no gray clouds? When the account balance is barely above water? When I can clearly see the back of the fridge and pantry? Trust doesn’t come so easil...

What do you consider your life’s top priorities? Many people start with family and friends. Financial security and health follow closely. Reputation and recreation make the cut. How about faith? Is it the top priority? What if other priorities must be sacrificed to keep faith the top priority? The Bible helps Christians keep worldly wealth in perspective. It can buy the things of this world, thing...

Believer or not, it’s pretty well understood that idolatry isn’t a good thing. And, believer or not, it’s pretty natural to assume that idolatry is something that applies to others, not me. But when God defines idolatry, his definition refuses to allow the cushion of wiggle room we’d like to think we have. We are to love him first and best. Certainly not “after” anything or anyone else. But also,...

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?...

We need rest. Without rest, we suffer. Studies show that with too little rest, people experience fatigue and physical imbalances that result in decreased attention, poor decisions, and even speech impairment. People who take no breaks during the workday have lower productivity than those who take periodic breaks. Christians know they need more than sleep or breaks, more than physical rest. We need...

Believers in God and their ministers have always been persecuted. Religious leaders in Jerusalem tried to muzzle the truth, but they only succeeded in sending people to preach the Word throughout the land. The Roman Empire persecuted Christians with stakes and lions, but God’s Church exploded with growth. In Martin Luther’s day, both pope and emperor tried to limit the gospel movement that was spr...

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 forgive...

God has revealed himself as triune - one God in three persons. While we should not be surprised that God would reveal himself to us in a way that leaves us in awe of his mystery, neither has he revealed himself to us in this way to leave us confused. No, God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - is clear not only in the mission he calls us to, but also in how the Holy Trinity uniquely equips us to carr...

Thirsty? No one has to tell you what to do when you’re thirsty - you go get a drink to quench your thirst. It’s so automatic that you hardly have to think about it. If only the same were true with our spiritual thirst! But we forget where to turn when we need to satisfy our thirsty spirit, and we so easily look in all the wrong places. Instead, turn to THE Spirit, who promises to quench our thirst...

The Church doesn’t exist merely as a social club. She has been redeemed and set aside for a purpose. She has a mission to carry out: to draw every soul closer to Jesus in faith. How important is that mission? Important enough that God promises to provide the necessary workers to equip his Church to carry it out.

What makes a superhero brave and bold? While some are naturally born that way, for most, it’s their discovery and use of some type of superpower. Of course I’d be bold enough to jump off a tall building - if I could fly. And I wouldn’t be afraid of sneaking up on a bad guy - if I could be invisible. Yes, I'd be confident enough to take on any villain one-on-one - if I had superhuman strength.  The...