September 27, 2022

Faith that Overflows with Gratitude

Gratitude is the appreciation and thankfulness we feel when someone does something kind to us or for us. There are two key factors that influence the intensity of gratitude.


First, there is the deservedness factor. Say you do a favor for your neighbor, picking up his mail when he is out of town. A month later he does a favor for you, giving you a ride to the airport. You are grateful for his help, but not overwhelmingly so. You feel by doing a favor for him, you deserved his help to some degree. Second, there is the generosity factor. Say you do that favor for your neighbor, picking up his mail when he is out of town. When he gets back, he gives you a hundred-dollar bill. You’re stunned. “I can’t accept. This is too generous.”


Apply this to God. Consider the deservedness factor. What does God owe us? How deserving are we of his blessing? Consider the generosity factor. What has he done for us? What blessings has he given us now? What blessings has he promised us in eternity? As Jesus increases our faith, so that we accurately answer all those questions, we become more than grateful. We overflow with gratitude.

Worship—A Witness to the World

By Pastor Quinn • October 11, 2026
When Solomon dedicated his temple in the Old Testament he spoke about it as a place of the LORD’s covenant promise and presence with his people, Israel. But, that’s not all it was. Solomon also spoke of the temple, and the saving name and deeds of the LORD proclaimed there, as a centripetal force – drawing people from all over the world to come and know the only Savior God. Christ commissioned his New Testament church to take the good news of the LORD’s salvation to all nations and the Apostle Paul did just that, proclaiming the powerful gospel on his missionary journeys in places of worship. This week, we’ll explore how public worship is more than just a gathering – it’s a powerful witness to the world. As we meditate on Scripture, pray together, and take small but meaningful actions, we’ll discover how God uses ordinary people and everyday worship to share the extraordinary news of Jesus. Let’s learn, grow, and witness – together. Worship is a witness to the world.

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.
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