Pastor Quinn • February 26, 2023

A Champion for the Defeated

Today we begin a new worship series for Lent called OUR GREATEST NEEDS. What do you really need right now? To answer that question, one must first define what a “need” is. We understand that a “need” is greater than a “want.” If you lack something you want, life goes on just fine. If you lack something you need, that presents a problem. Thus, to correctly answer that question, “What do you really need right now,” ultimately one must understand their greatest problems.


Mankind’s greatest problems are universal. We all live under the curse of sin. That sin makes us utterly helpless in our natural state. Natural man is confused, unable to make sense of life. Left in sin, man is doomed to death, and not just physical death. After one’s heart stops comes another type of death that is infinitely worse, an eternal nightmare. Lent is the season of the Church Year where we wrestle with our greatest needs. Lent also demonstrates that in Christ, all our greatest needs are met. Here is what the Spirit makes clear this season. If you lack Christ, you have nothing. If you have Christ, you have everything you truly need.


A Champion for the Defeated. Our modern English word “champion” comes from an old English word that meant “warrior.” In ancient times, when two armies gathered to fight, sometimes as a prelude to the battle—and sometimes in place of the battle—each army would pick a mighty solider, and these two men would fight each other. These elite warriors, these champions, would represent their people in battle. They would meet in the middle of the field. With everyone watching, they would fight to the death.


Tomorrow we will be reminded of an ancient war that began in Eden. The perfect peace and prosperity of Paradise was lost when a fallen angel convinced mankind to follow the demons in rebelling against their Creator. When Adam fell, he condemned the world to darkness and death. The enemy of God claimed that the children of men now belonged to him. God was having none of it. He promised he would send forth his champion, his Son. And so, today we see a battle of champions. The demons send forth their strongest warrior—Satan. God sends forth the best of men, Jesus Christ. Jesus does what Adam and we could not. In crushing the devil, Jesus meets one of our greatest needs.

Worship—An Opportunity to Serve and Give to God

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.

Worship—An Opportunity to Serve Each Other

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.

Worship is Where Christ Serves Us

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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