Closer to Christ

Different, Part 4: Different Definition of Success - Pastor Nate

In 2009, Facebook added the “like” button. That same year, Twitter added the “retweet” feature. Interestingly, reported cases of depression began to rise sharply in 2010. It is easy to think that the more people like us, the more successful our lives must be. Likewise, it is easy to believe the more people like a church, the more successful that church is. So here is an important epiphany for both individuals and churches. Popularity is not proof of success. Though there will be times when Christ’s gospel and those who proclaim it are popular, that popularity is never the goal. Nor does that popularity define success. If a church makes its central focus things like personal improvement, healing for the sick, or social justice, that church may draw a crowd. It just fails to carry out the true agenda Christ has given his Church. The gospel of forgiveness is to be the center of all our preaching and teaching. The agenda for Christ’s Church is set. It’s the same agenda that was followed by the Church’s Christ.

Different, Part 3: Different Definition of Failure - Pastor Pete

When you are trying to share some important information with someone, but they refuse to listen or perhaps totally reject what you are saying, it feels like you have failed. This is especially true when someone rejects the gospel! We proclaim the good news because we want others to know the love of Christ. When people are disinterested in God’s Word, we feel like we’ve failed. So, here is this week’s epiphany. Rejection is not proof of failure. Precisely because the gospel is divine revelation, it is guaranteed to be rejected by many. God’s Word offends like an unwelcome diagnosis from the doctor. When someone rejects God’s Word (including us), that rejection is proof that God’s Word powerfully cuts straight to the heart of mankind’s biggest problem—sin. Yet, what causes Jesus’ words to hurt is what gives them power to heal. That reality encourages us to receive God’s Word with joy and to proclaim it boldly to others.

Different, Part 2: Different Identity - Pastor Nate

“Who is Jesus?” For the longest time, people thought the answer to that question was, “Mary and Joseph’s son” or “a carpenter from Nazareth.” While true enough, those answers do not adequately describe Jesus. But when Jesus was baptized, God the Father spoke, declaring Jesus true identity. Jesus was the dearly loved Son of God, chosen to be the Savior of the world. “Who are you?” someone asks. Perhaps you would answer by providing your name. Maybe you would add additional information—where you are from or what you do for a living. Perhaps, in some dark corner of your mind, you would answer negatively. “I’m no one.” We need to understand that none of those things really describes who we are. To answer that question—Who are you?—we must look to our baptism. Baptism is the cure for an identity crisis. There, just like he did with Jesus, our Father declares us to be his dearly loved child. Moreover, in baptism God anointed us with power for a life of selfless service. May God grant us this epiphany moment!

Different, Part 1: Different Purpose - Pastor Nate

On Christmas Eve the angel told the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10). One wonders if those words struck those Jewish shepherds as odd. For centuries, God had given special attention to one nation—Israel. There were Jewish religious leaders who taught that only members of that special people would be saved. Not according to the Christmas angel! The birth of the Savior was good news for all people.Today we celebrate the Festival of the Epiphany. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed to Israelites: the shepherds, Simeon, Anna. But today, we see the Lord miraculously guides foreigners across countless miles so the Savior could be revealed to them as well. How did the magi respond? “They were overjoyed” (Matthew 2:10). The Festival of Epiphany is sometimes known as “The Gentiles’ Christmas.” We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is not just a gift for the Jews. He is a gift for all people—the Savior of the world.

December 29, 2025 - Pastor Pete

The Son of God took on flesh for two reasons: to be our substitute and our sacrifice. You see, when God created mankind in his image, his desire was that we would live holy lives, full of love for him and our fellow man. When mankind fell into sin, that became impossible. So, the heavenly Father sent Jesus. He is the only human being to keep all of God’s law perfectly. He did that as our substitute. Through faith, we claim his perfection as our own. But we needed another gift—one who could pay for the sin we had committed. And so, the Son of God became human for another reason—so that he might die as the sacrifice for our sins, removing that barrier between us and a holy God. Understanding we needed both—substitute and sacrifice—helps us 

Christmas Eve 2024 - Pastor Nate

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Christmas Eve 2024 - Pastor Pete

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Presence and Perseverance, Part 4: Perseverance: Hold on Until You Rest - Pastor Pete

“Make every effort to enter that rest.” That’s a strange sounding sentence. Effort and rest don’t usually go together. If I want rest, I don’t need effort. I just stop. Anyone can rest by stopping their effort. But the rest we are talking about today is different. It isn’t a rest that comes from inaction, it comes from work completed. The Christian life is not a life of inaction while we wait for Jesus to come back. It is a life of obedience to Christ as we strive to enter his rest. And when it seems so hard to hold on to the work of obedience, we find mercy and grace to help us from Jesus, the Son of God, our High Priest.

Presence and Perseverance, Part 3: Perseverance: Hold on to the Best - Pastor Pete

The original readers of the book of Hebrews were being tempted to let go of Christianity and go back to Judaism. To them, in their culture, following Moses felt like an upgrade compared to following Jesus. But that would be a downgrade! Jesus is best and far superior to Moses. Following Moses didn’t guarantee entrance to the promised land, and those who follow Jesus have the certain hope of heaven! What are we tempted to downgrade to? Whatever tempts us to turn away from Christ won’t benefit us it will only harden and deceive us. But Jesus is our apostle and high priest. We are those who share in the heavenly calling. And we have the privilege of encouraging one another to persevere in faith. Jesus was present as God and man to bring us into his presence forever. Let us persevere, holding on to our conviction until he comes!

Presence and Perseverance, Part 2: Presence: The Son of Man, Our Brother - Pastor Kuehl

Jesus is the Son of God, the ultimate messenger. But if he was only going to be a messenger, he didn’t need to become human. He could have thundered from a mountaintop or blazed from a burning bush. But thundering voices don’t suffer, and burning bushes don’t die. If Jesus only wanted to be a messenger, power would have been enough. But Jesus wanted to do more. He wanted to bring us into his presence forever. So his presence had to be more. Jesus became the Son of Man. He became fully human and became subject to suffering and death. He became our brother, and he suffered, and he died. And in doing so, he became our salvation from death.

Presence and Perseverance, Part 2: Presence: The Son of Man, Our Brother - Pastor Pete

Jesus is the Son of God, the ultimate messenger. But if he was only going to be a messenger, he didn’t need to become human. He could have thundered from a mountaintop or blazed from a burning bush. But thundering voices don’t suffer, and burning bushes don’t die. If Jesus only wanted to be a messenger, power would have been enough. But Jesus wanted to do more. He wanted to bring us into his presence forever. So his presence had to be more. Jesus became the Son of Man. He became fully human and became subject to suffering and death. He became our brother, and he suffered, and he died. And in doing so, he became our salvation from death.

Presence and Perseverance, Part 1: Presence: Emmanuel Speaks! - Pastor Nate

The Advent season reminds us of Jesus’ coming as a baby in Bethlehem, and of his second coming at the end of the world. But, so far, there have been over two thousand years between those two comings! Where is Jesus, now? And why isn’t he talking to us? Jesus promised to be with us always to the very end of the age. He is right here in this room. But sometimes, wouldn’t you like to see his face? Wouldn’t you like him to hear his voice? The disciples saw him, why can’t we? And if we can’t, maybe at least an angel could talk to us! Instead, it feels like silence. But this week we will see that we don’t need to downgrade to angels or hope to hear some voice. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. His presence is real, and he speaks the ultimate message. 

Live Like You Will Live Forever, Part 4: Live With Your Eyes to the Skies - Pastor Pete

“Eyes on the prize.” That axiom stresses that when pursuing some good goal, focus is important. You don’t want distractions or a lack of self-discipline to keep you from obtaining whatever that prize might be. “Eyes on the prize.” You summon the willpower to fixate on that good thing. You let nothing divert your attention from obtaining the prize. The prize that we want most is spending eternity with Jesus. As the Church Year comes to a close, Jesus promises that he will come again “in clouds with great power and glory” to give us that prize. That prize will be so unbelievably good, it is worth fixating on. It merits our striving to set aside all that would distract us from Christ. Let us be ready. Let us keep watch. Let us live with our eyes on the skies.

Live Like You Will Live Forever, Part 3: Live Free from the Fear of Judgment - Pastor Kuehl

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects many millions of adults. It is more than shyness. SAD includes an acute fear of being judged. An individual with SAD struggles with everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school because he is terrified that he is constantly being evaluated. Even if you don’t have that disorder, perhaps you have experienced that uncomfortable feeling that others are watching you, trying to find something to criticize. We don’t want others judging us. It is bad enough listening to the voice inside our own head, whispering that we aren’t worthy. How do we overcome the fear of judgment? It begins by realizing that there is only one person whose opinion ultimately matters—the Judge. Everyone is going to live forever in one of two very different places. Where you spend eternity depends on a judgment that Jesus will render. This week we see why his judgment need not trigger any sort of anxiety. Judgment day is something we can joyfully anticipate. We can live free from the fear of judgment.

Live Like You Will Live Forever, Part 3: Live Free from the Fear of Judgment - Pastor Nate

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) affects many millions of adults. It is more than shyness. SAD includes an acute fear of being judged. An individual with SAD struggles with everyday tasks like talking to people at work or school because he is terrified that he is constantly being evaluated. Even if you don’t have that disorder, perhaps you have experienced that uncomfortable feeling that others are watching you, trying to find something to criticize. We don’t want others judging us. It is bad enough listening to the voice inside our own head, whispering that we aren’t worthy. How do we overcome the fear of judgment? It begins by realizing that there is only one person whose opinion ultimately matters—the Judge. Everyone is going to live forever in one of two very different places. Where you spend eternity depends on a judgment that Jesus will render. This week we see why his judgment need not trigger any sort of anxiety. Judgment day is something we can joyfully anticipate. We can live free from the fear of judgment.

Live Like You Will Live Forever, Part 2: Live Knowing Life Only Gets Better - Pastor Pete

“It will get better.” We say that to try to comfort someone who is having a bad day (or maybe a whole string of bad days). Perhaps tomorrow will be better. But perhaps it’s worse. In this life, there really are no guarantees that things will get better. That isn’t the case with the life that is to come. That life isn’t just going to be better. It will be perfect. Since the seventh century, Christians have marked a day to celebrate those who have died in faith and now realize the perfect joys of heaven. It is called “All Saints’ Day.” We thank God for bringing our Christian loved ones out of the troubles and turmoil of this world and into eternal bliss and glory. And we ask God to preserve us in our faith so that we might one day join the saints in that place where life is far more than better.

Live Like You Will Live Forever, Part 1: Live a Life of Fearless Witness - Pastor Nate

Jesus repeatedly told his followers that living as his disciples would bring hardship. Living life according to God’s Law is going to make one appear odd in the eyes of the world, perhaps even evil. Sharing a message of mankind’s sin and God’s gracious salvation can cause offense. So why not just stay silent if that makes life easier--keeping our faith private? Answer: because we are going to live forever--a fact which changes how we live! In gratitude for Christ saving us, we share the gospel with others that they might believe and be saved too. Since we will live forever in the joys of heaven, we don’t worry if being a witness for Christ brings hardship or even death. On this Sunday celebrating the Reformation, we recall the life of Martin Luther. Martin wanted to reform the false teaching of the church. He stood firm in the truth of the gospel, knowing it might cost him his life. But Luther knew that, thanks to Christ, he would live forever. So will we! Therefore, like Luther, let us live a life of courageous witness.

World Gone Mad, Part 4: Suffering - Pastor Pete

Modern believers are in dire need of the biblical call to suffer well. With modern medicine, pain relief options, and even in some places the option of euthanasia, we have become a generation who fears and runs from suffering. Yet, the Bible repeatedly extols suffering as a tool the Lord uses to refine our faith, like gold in the fire. Daniel’s trial was unjust, unfair, and ungodly, yet he suffered well, with fire and humility. Even a wicked world notices when we suffer like Jesus. May this sermon get us one-step closer to becoming a people who suffer well.

World Gone Mad, Part 3: Be Humble in Victory - Pastor Nate

The gripping story of a ghostly handwriting on the king’s wall is God’s reminder of his sovereignty over us all.  Those who humble themselves will be exalted, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Although God has shown grace to Nebuchadnezzar multiple times through his reign, Nebuchadnezzar continued to fall back in older pride-filled patterns. Finally, his time of grace came to an end. His example be a sobering lesson for us all.

World Gone Mad, Part 3: Be Humble in Victory - Pastor Kuehl

The gripping story of a ghostly handwriting on the king’s wall is God’s reminder of his sovereignty over us all.  Those who humble themselves will be exalted, but those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Although God has shown grace to Nebuchadnezzar multiple times through his reign, Nebuchadnezzar continued to fall back in older pride-filled patterns. Finally, his time of grace came to an end. His example be a sobering lesson for us all.

World Gone Mad, Part 2: Be Humble In a Prideful World - Pastor Nate

This week our message series delves into the theme of humility in a prideful world, drawing lessons from biblical stories about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, King Nebuchadnezzar and King Herod. The message emphasizes how the loss of humility can lead to downfall, while embracing humility in our walk with the true God is true peace, no matter what.

World Gone Mad, Part 1: Be Countercultural - Pastor Pete

Daniel and his friends were in a foreign land filled with pagan gods, sinful customs, and unbiblical values. Did they cower and hide? No. Did they compromise their faith? No. Instead Daniel “resolved not to defile himself” (1:8). He leaned into the Word of God and the grace of God so that he could do the will of God. While modern America is far from ancient Babylonia, every believer would be wise to resolve to follow Daniel’s example of grace-based resolve.

The Need for Followership, Part 4: Followers Have Powerful Allies - Pastor Pete

Green Berets. Rangers. SEALs. Delta Force. These special forces groups are part of the United States military. They are elite: highly trained with unique skill sets. Many of their important missions are carried out in total secrecy. Several weeks ago, we acknowledged that we are in the middle of a massive spiritual war. Today, we thank God that we fight this war with the protection of special forces. Since the fifth century, Christians have observed the Festival of St. Michael and All Angels. We commemorate that God has sent Michael, one of the great archangels described in Scripture, and countless of his fellow angels to protect and serve mankind. Let us rejoice that followers of Christ have powerful allies!  

The Need for Followership, Part 3: Followers Know How to Love Their Families - Pastor Kuehl

Love can cause harm. Consider the wife whose husband wants little to do with church. She loves him and does not want to upset him. So, when her husband wants her and the children to stay home Sunday morning, she complies without protest. That wife’s love for her husband hurts him, her children, and herself. Or consider the father who loves his child so much that he gives the child everything that child asks for. That father’s love is toxic. It is shaping that child to be a selfish, entitled adult. In our families, it is not enough that there is love. We need to rightly love, to love in a way that leads to blessings for those we claim to love. This illustrates the need for followership. In Jesus we see perfect, self-sacrificial love. Jesus loves us as we are. He also loved us too much to leave us as we are. So, in love he gave his life up so that we might be holy and blameless. His love for us shapes the way we love our spouse, our children, our parents. Today we see that followers of Christ know how to love their family.

The Need for Followership, Part 3: Followers Know How to Love Their Families - Pastor Pete

Love can cause harm. Consider the wife whose husband wants little to do with church. She loves him and does not want to upset him. So, when her husband wants her and the children to stay home Sunday morning, she complies without protest. That wife’s love for her husband hurts him, her children, and herself. Or consider the father who loves his child so much that he gives the child everything that child asks for. That father’s love is toxic. It is shaping that child to be a selfish, entitled adult. In our families, it is not enough that there is love. We need to rightly love, to love in a way that leads to blessings for those we claim to love. This illustrates the need for followership. In Jesus we see perfect, self-sacrificial love. Jesus loves us as we are. He also loved us too much to leave us as we are. So, in love he gave his life up so that we might be holy and blameless. His love for us shapes the way we love our spouse, our children, our parents. Today we see that followers of Christ know how to love their family.

The Need for Followership, Part 2: Followers Are Servants - Pastor Nate

Humility and pride are polar opposites. Pride exalts self at the expense of God and others. Humility exalts God and others at the expense of self. Pride is the essential vice, for it increases one’s hunger for all other sins. Humility increases one’s hunger for the forgiveness and healing found in Christ. The one who is proud demands to be served. The one who is humble is not content unless serving others. St. Augustine described it this way: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” As we see all Christ did to serve us, our hearts melt. Within us grows a Christ-like obsession to serve others, without counting the cost, without any desire to be repaid. Those who are in positions of Christian leadership understand that their leadership can only be achieved through service. For followers of Christ are humble servants.

The Need for Followership, Part 2: Followers Are Servants - Pastor Kuehl

Humility and pride are polar opposites. Pride exalts self at the expense of God and others. Humility exalts God and others at the expense of self. Pride is the essential vice, for it increases one’s hunger for all other sins. Humility increases one’s hunger for the forgiveness and healing found in Christ. The one who is proud demands to be served. The one who is humble is not content unless serving others. St. Augustine described it this way: “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.” As we see all Christ did to serve us, our hearts melt. Within us grows a Christ-like obsession to serve others, without counting the cost, without any desire to be repaid. Those who are in positions of Christian leadership understand that their leadership can only be achieved through service. For followers of Christ are humble servants.

The Need for Followership, Part 1: Followers Trust the Impossible - Dave Panitzke

So often it may seem that all is lost. A cancer diagnosis, a relapse into addiction, the revelation of the unfaithfulness of a spouse, just the nightly news of the horrors and atrocities taking place throughout the world—it would appear the evil has this world by the throat and there is no hope of any real and lasting change. But nothing could be further from the truth. Through the cross and his resurrection Christ has won the battle with sin and death. The demons must and do submit to his authority. God give us the faith to trust that our risen and ascended Savior is ruling and controlling all things for the good of his people and of his church, even more, that everything is possible for the one who believes! 

The Need for Followership, Part 1: Followers Trust the Impossible - Pastor Pete

So often it may seem that all is lost. A cancer diagnosis, a relapse into addiction, the revelation of the unfaithfulness of a spouse, just the nightly news of the horrors and atrocities taking place throughout the world—it would appear the evil has this world by the throat and there is no hope of any real and lasting change. But nothing could be further from the truth. Through the cross and his resurrection Christ has won the battle with sin and death. The demons must and do submit to his authority. God give us the faith to trust that our risen and ascended Savior is ruling and controlling all things for the good of his people and of his church, even more, that everything is possible for the one who believes! 

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 12: Finishing Well - Pastor Nate

When the fires of the trials of life burn hard and long, our strength, our patience, our ability to endure, even our motivation begins to fade. Arrogance and pride can sneak in when things are going well for us. Or we can become cynical and embittered toward our struggles and difficulties. Where do we find the strength and the ability to finish strong and to finish well?  

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 11: Godliness and Contentment - Pastor Pete

Godliness is a God-centered life. It grows, not through the pursuit of a process, but through the presence of a person. Jesus Christ is the mystery of godliness (1 Timothy 3:16). His presence in your life is your hope of becoming the person God calls you to be. Christ in you [is] the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Contentment is finding joy in what God has given to you. The opposite of contentment is greed which destroys your capacity to enjoy what God has given. Contentment is a Christian grace that grows over time. It does not come quickly, easily or naturally. Paul says “I have learned to be content” (Philippians 4:12). How did he learn it? He tells us “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content” (Philippians 4:12). He is saying: “There were times when I had plenty. But then God brought me to situations where I was ‘in need.’ And through that I learned something: I discovered the secret of being content.” God used the experience of loss to produce the good fruit of contentment in Paul’s life. Have you discovered the secret of being content?

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 10: Live to God’s Glory - Pastor Pete

What do you live for? God wants us to think big. Do we live for ourselves? Our desires? Our ambitions? Do we live for our career? Our relationships? Our family? Our friends? We live for the One who died for us. We live to glorify him. We live to give witness to his love to the people he has placed in our lives. In so doing we find fulfillment, meaning and joy because this is what we were created for. How we live, how we act, our attitudes, our reactions to hardships and life’s challenges—in all of these we have opportunity to glorify God. Let’s remember that God has put us where he wants us, and it’s our privilege to show other people who Jesus is and what he’s really like. For in the eternal scheme of things nothing else matters but the glory of God.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 10: Live to God’s Glory - Dave Panitzke

What do you live for? God wants us to think big. Do we live for ourselves? Our desires? Our ambitions? Do we live for our career? Our relationships? Our family? Our friends? We live for the One who died for us. We live to glorify him. We live to give witness to his love to the people he has placed in our lives. In so doing we find fulfillment, meaning and joy because this is what we were created for. How we live, how we act, our attitudes, our reactions to hardships and life’s challenges—in all of these we have opportunity to glorify God. Let’s remember that God has put us where he wants us, and it’s our privilege to show other people who Jesus is and what he’s really like. For in the eternal scheme of things nothing else matters but the glory of God.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 9: Care for the Care Givers - Pastor Nate

Being in a place of leadership—even in the church--is challenging. A congregation is made up of diverse people: different backgrounds, personalities, preferences--different lenses through which we see the world. There is no way that church leaders can make every member happy all the time. Leadership in the church is to one degree or another a ministry of love offered above and beyond an already busy life with multiple commitments. Whether we always agree with decisions made by our church leaders, their work is a blessing to us as their work with the Word of God promotes a healthy church. Today the apostle Paul calls us to respect, honor, celebrate and care for our leaders. What do we need to repent of and change in ourselves to do this better? How can we be a greater source of encouragement and support for those who give so much of themselves to build a church environment that ministers the best it can to the needs of individuals, families and our community?

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 8: Treat Each Person as a Precious Individual - Pastor Pete

In his second letter to Timothy Paul writes: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God’s Word is true. God’s Word is practical. God’s Word is sufficient. God’s Word provides principles that are enduring from generation to generation, yet each age and each culture must wrestle with how to apply those principles to its own context and circumstances. In the section of scripture before us Paul is seeking to apply the timeless truths of God’s Word to a very specific time and place and to the people living within that culture. This makes our study of this section of the scripture challenging. The applications Paul makes may be applicable to us and our culture or they may not. The challenge of God’s people is to determine the values/principles driving Paul’s applications. Then we can apply these principles to our own time and culture. So, how does this section of scripture speak to us today?

Unraveling the Mystery - A Study of 1 Timothy

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 7: Establish Your Training Regime - Pastor Nate

A 5k, a marathon, a Tough Mudder, tryouts for your school team—we recognize the importance of preparing well for these types of events. In many cases it can be a “do or die” situation. Preparing well requires a plan, commitment, tenacity and self-discipline. The race of life is also a do or die situation. And life is much more a marathon than a 5K. The apostle Paul encourages us today to establish a spiritual training regime that gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work in us the strength and endurance we will need to run the race well and finish strong. As in all training regimes there are fundamentals that we will all keep coming back to. At the same time, we are all different and the specifics of our own training regime, if it is going to work best for each of us, will be personal to each of us. But as was stated earlier, success in this arena requires a plan, commitment, tenacity and self-discipline. God help us grow in all these areas.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 7: Establish Your Training Regime - Pastor Kuehl

A 5k, a marathon, a Tough Mudder, tryouts for your school team—we recognize the importance of preparing well for these types of events. In many cases it can be a “do or die” situation. Preparing well requires a plan, commitment, tenacity and self-discipline. The race of life is also a do or die situation. And life is much more a marathon than a 5K. The apostle Paul encourages us today to establish a spiritual training regime that gives the Holy Spirit the opportunity to work in us the strength and endurance we will need to run the race well and finish strong. As in all training regimes there are fundamentals that we will all keep coming back to. At the same time, we are all different and the specifics of our own training regime, if it is going to work best for each of us, will be personal to each of us. But as was stated earlier, success in this arena requires a plan, commitment, tenacity and self-discipline. God help us grow in all these areas.

Pressure Reveals Truth - Dave Panitzke

It’s easy to hide weaknesses when everything is going well. But what about when the pressure is on? When we experience the pressure that life can bring, what truth will that pressure reveal? Pressure can not only reveal to us the truth about ourselves, but can also reveal the truth about God to us, and to others. 

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 6: Aspire to Greater Service - Pastor Pete

Our church body and many others are wrestling right now with a shortage of ministry workers to meet the needs of the local church. Why are there fewer men and women going into full-time ministry work? There are, of course, many factors. Your present pastors recall the culture surrounding them when they were young and considering pursuing full-time ministry. There was great respect for this pursuit from family members and from the community. The thought was that there was no greater work than leading people to Jesus and helping God’s people on their journey heavenward. Do young people today experience that same family and cultural encouragement? Certainly not to the same extent. But is there really any more important work, whether you are in full-time gospel ministry, pastoring your own family and home, or serving to advance the ministry of one’s local church? Didn’t Jesus tell us to work for those things that will last into eternity? One may feel that he or she does not have the qualifications for the job, especially when reading those Paul shares in this letter. The reality is no one fits them perfectly. Most are qualifications we as God’s people are all striving to grow in. How can we create a culture where all God’s people aspire to greater service in God’s kingdom?

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 5: Explain “Church Rules” - Pastor Pete

The household of faith is built on the reality that God has designed the members of his household be complementarily diverse. That’s a mouthful. It means that God created us all with unique gifts, skills, talents, and predispositions. This diversity provides all that is required to meet the complex needs of the household of faith, individuals, families, churches, and communities. It is a perfect design. Today we consider this design as it pertains the roles and relationships of men and women.  In so doing we have to be watchful for our own predetermined thoughts and biases which skew and work against God’s design. What are the principles God has established for the roles of men and woman? Can we see how they correspond to his masterful design—not just in marriage, but for men and women in all kinds of relationships. In all of this, as always, we seek to keep Christ in the center, to act in love, to seek to align with his will and design. For we are witness of God’s love and grace in all we do and speak

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 5: Explain “Church Rules” - Pastor Kuehl

The household of faith is built on the reality that God has designed the members of his household be complementarily diverse. That’s a mouthful. It means that God created us all with unique gifts, skills, talents, and predispositions. This diversity provides all that is required to meet the complex needs of the household of faith, individuals, families, churches, and communities. It is a perfect design. Today we consider this design as it pertains the roles and relationships of men and women.  In so doing we have to be watchful for our own predetermined thoughts and biases which skew and work against God’s design. What are the principles God has established for the roles of men and woman? Can we see how they correspond to his masterful design—not just in marriage, but for men and women in all kinds of relationships. In all of this, as always, we seek to keep Christ in the center, to act in love, to seek to align with his will and design. For we are witness of God’s love and grace in all we do and speak

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 4: Don’t Let Politics Get in the Way - Pastor Pete

As the presidential election draws closer, people’s fear is tangible. Some of this fear is rational. Much of this fear is not. Our future does not rest in the hands of the man who will be elected as our next president. Our future rests in the hands of the One who created and rules over all things. Our future rests in the hands of the One who understands the ungodly, sinful nature that resides in all people and has therefore established government to curb our greed, selfishness and violence. Our future rests in the hands of the One for whom government is merely a tool to provide stability for gospel proclamation because there is only one mediator who can change hearts. Our future rests in the hands of the One who calls his people to provide a unique service in this world—to pray in love, to assume the best of others, to respect everyone, and to not allow fear to lead to anger. As God’s people we have a role to play in politics, but it is not the role that many assume.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 3: Build a Positive Self Image - Pastor Pete

What do you see when you look in the mirror. A vast majority of people do not like what they see. And we are not talking first and foremost about appearance. We are talking about the man and woman underneath. The mistakes we have made, the people we have hurt, our failings and failures, our disappointments and regrets. If this is what see, we are not seeing what God sees. We are focused instead on what the devil wants us to see. He wants us to see sin, failure, shame, hopelessness. That is not the reality of who we are in Christ. That is not what God sees. In Christ we live in grace—mercies new every morning. We are eternally loved, forgiven, and cherished. As a part of the household of God we live in the joy and freedom of his grace. As part of the household of God our quest is to be constantly growing in our ability to display grace…to ourselves, to our children, to our spouses, to everyone. And when, like Paul, Satan holds our past failures in front of us to haunt us, the response God encouarages is to focus on how he is graciously redeeming our past and miraculously making it all beautiful.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 2: Remember Your Goal – Proper Use of the Law - Pastor Nate

Many of us grew up with a healthy amount of fear when it came to our fathers or other male leaders, principals and police officers, for example. Certainly, there was benefit in this fear. We put ourselves and others in danger of great harm when we choose to break the rules. In the same way, it is healthy to fear God. His law is real, not just a suggestion. Yet, the Bible says that the law is “not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels.” What does that mean? The law is meant to terrorize the ungodly. And when we or other Christians are acting in an ungodly way, the law also becomes mirror in which we see the ugly reality of our sin. But the law was not intended to make people (or children) better members of God’s household. God does not want us to live in fear, but to act “in love, from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincerity of faith.” The devil, the world and our sinful nature encourage us to use the law in ways that work against God’s design, i.e. as a shortcut to change people’s behaviors, using God’s law to convict others and exonerate ourselves (ignore the part of the law that convicts us). And there are many other way God’s law is misused. Today we want to allow God’s Word to remind us of the true purpose and proper use of God’s law that we, our families and our church may reap the benefits of drawing closer to God’s design.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 2: Remember Your Goal – Proper Use of the Law - Pastor Pete

Many of us grew up with a healthy amount of fear when it came to our fathers or other male leaders, principals and police officers, for example. Certainly, there was benefit in this fear. We put ourselves and others in danger of great harm when we choose to break the rules. In the same way, it is healthy to fear God. His law is real, not just a suggestion. Yet, the Bible says that the law is “not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels.” What does that mean? The law is meant to terrorize the ungodly. And when we or other Christians are acting in an ungodly way, the law also becomes mirror in which we see the ugly reality of our sin. But the law was not intended to make people (or children) better members of God’s household. God does not want us to live in fear, but to act “in love, from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincerity of faith.” The devil, the world and our sinful nature encourage us to use the law in ways that work against God’s design, i.e. as a shortcut to change people’s behaviors, using God’s law to convict others and exonerate ourselves (ignore the part of the law that convicts us). And there are many other way God’s law is misused. Today we want to allow God’s Word to remind us of the true purpose and proper use of God’s law that we, our families and our church may reap the benefits of drawing closer to God’s design.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 1: Start with the Foundation Mystery - Pastor Nate

"I just want to be happy." The challenge with that sentiment is understanding what it truly means to be happy. Am I happy when I feel good? Am I happy when everything is going my way in life? A part of us recognizes that these kinds of approaches to happiness are shallow, that true happiness has to have more depth to it. Throughout the Scriptures we are told that true happiness is realized more and more as we find ourselves in greater harmony with the truth--the truth about ourselves, the truth about God's grace, the truth about his design for our lives. As we begin our journey through 1 Timothy, unraveling the mysteries of a godly church and home, Paul is going to lay the foundation for this entire series. Where do I find true happiness? We find it in Jesus, in his life and death, in his forgiveness and love, in his teaching and guidance, in learning to live more and more in his grace and truth.

Unraveling the Mysteries, Part 1: Start with the Foundation Mystery - Pastor Kuehl

"I just want to be happy." The challenge with that sentiment is understanding what it truly means to be happy. Am I happy when I feel good? Am I happy when everything is going my way in life? A part of us recognizes that these kinds of approaches to happiness are shallow, that true happiness has to have more depth to it. Throughout the Scriptures we are told that true happiness is realized more and more as we find ourselves in greater harmony with the truth--the truth about ourselves, the truth about God's grace, the truth about his design for our lives. As we begin our journey through 1 Timothy, unraveling the mysteries of a godly church and home, Paul is going to lay the foundation for this entire series. Where do I find true happiness? We find it in Jesus, in his life and death, in his forgiveness and love, in his teaching and guidance, in learning to live more and more in his grace and truth.

Unraveling the Mystery - A Study of 1 Timothy

Rest Is a Gift, Not Something to Be Earned - Pastor Nate

After a long day of work, you have earned the right to sit down in your favorite chair, put your feet up, and watch your favorite program. After a hard week on the job, you have earned the opportunity to relax a bit that weekend. After doing your job well for many months, you have earned those two weeks of vacation at the beach. This is how everyone thinks: rest is something you earn through hard work. We even teach that to our kids: no gaming until homework is done, no playing with friends until chores are complete. Since that concept of rest being earned is so deeply engrained in us, to properly understand spiritual rest requires a top-down faith. God needs to send us the Spirit so that we can grasp this truth. True spiritual rest cannot be earned. In fact, the harder you try, the more restless and the less peaceful you become. Spiritual rest is a gift that God gives. The rest we need most—from guilt, from worry, from shame, from hopelessness—is graciously given to us by the Lord of the Sabbath.