Pastor Otterstatter • June 18, 2023

The Holy Ministry is Filled with Sinners Called by God

They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how, in a fit of anger, he killed a man. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God, overseeing the persecution and execution of Christians around Jerusalem. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was disdained as a swindler and traitor to his people. These men never forgot their past. But God did. God forgave them all their sins and called them into gospel ministry. The holy ministry is not filled with perfect people. The holy ministry is filled with sinners whom God has called out of his boundless mercy. The holy ministry is God's gift to the Church. But it is also God's gift to minsters, who certainly do not deserve the privilege of being God's public servants. God calls sinful and weak individuals into the ministry, so that as his kingdom advances, we give credit where credit is due-to the Holy Spirit.

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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