With the approach of Mother’s Day, this past week I was thinking a lot about moms, especially my mom, my wife, and my two daughters-in-law who are now moms themselves. I was also just thinking about mothers in general. Moms, if it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be here. 🙂 And while that’s certainly true, there’s so much more to being a mom than simply bringing another life into the world. The older I get, the more I realize and appreciate the sacrifice, dedication, patience, and love that mothers pour into their children and families every single day.

Motherhood, in its most essential form, is an investment of one’s self for the sake of someone else. It is a daily sacrifice that often goes unnoticed. It’s late nights and early mornings. It’s carrying burdens that no one else sees. It’s praying over children, worrying about them, encouraging them, correcting them, and loving them even when they are difficult to love. And it’s no short-term investment either; it’s a lifetime investment. At least that’s the way God designed it to be.

In a perfect and sinless world, motherhood would always be met with gratitude, respect, and joy. But we don’t live in a perfect world. We live in a world broken by sin, and because of that, motherhood can sometimes be exhausting, discouraging, and painful. There are sleepless nights, rebellious hearts, strained relationships, disappointments, and moments of deep weariness. Some mothers carry the burden of raising children alone. Others grieve children who have wandered far from the Lord. Some carry the heartbreak of infertility, miscarriage, or loss. Motherhood, while beautiful, is often accompanied by sacrifice and suffering.

Yet even in a broken world, motherhood remains one of the clearest pictures of selfless love that we see in everyday life. A godly mother reflects something of the nurturing, patient, and steadfast love of God. She may not always feel appreciated, and much of what she does may never receive applause from the world, but her influence reaches farther than she may ever realize.

For the Christian mother especially, there is something uniquely powerful that she can give to her children: the example of genuine faith. In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, a young man whom he dearly loved in the Lord, encouraging him to remain faithful to the gospel. But what is so interesting about Timothy’s story is that much of who he became was shaped by the influence of his mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois. Paul specifically pointed back to their sincere faith and said he could now see that same faith living in Timothy’s life.

What a reminder of the lasting impact of a godly mother. Long after the toys are forgotten and the schedules of daily life have changed, the testimony of authentic faith continues to shape hearts and lives for generations. A mother who loves Christ, prays faithfully, teaches truth, and lives out the gospel before her children leaves behind a legacy far greater than anything money could buy. There’s nothing better to pass on to children than a true and life-changing faith in Jesus Christ.

The reality is that many of us can look back and see how God used a mother, grandmother, or another godly woman to shape our lives spiritually. Maybe it was through prayers whispered late at night, Scripture faithfully taught around the kitchen table, or simply a consistent example of trusting Christ through hardship. Those moments matter. God uses them in ways we often cannot see at the time.

So today, moms, we say “thank you.” Thank you for your love, your sacrifices, your patience, and your perseverance. Thank you for the countless things you do that often go unseen and unnoticed. Thank you for exhibiting examples of faith in Christ for your children and families to follow. And for all the times your work, effort, and love have gone unnoticed or without gratitude, may today also be a day when we humbly say, “We’re sorry.” We honor you, we appreciate you, and we thank God for you.

Moms, we love you. Happy Mother’s Day!

In our church bulletin for today, and for the entire month of May, our Missions Spotlight is on the Mid-Lakes Baptist Association (MLBA) and the Baptist Bible Fellowship International (BBFI). I’m not going to regurgitate what I wrote in the Missions Spotlight here in the Pastor’s Corner, but what I would like to do is to elaborate on the “why” we’re a part of these two affiliations. The simple two-part answer to the “why” is one because we’re better together, and two, it’s biblical.

We’re better together because the call of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission isn’t something that any one church can do on its own, not even close. For example, this past week I had the privilege to be a part of the missionary approval process for new BBFI missionaries. Twice a year, missionaries are approved to be endorsed as BBFI missionaries, sent out by a local church, and launched into the process of support raising to go all over the world to make disciples of Jesus Christ in a foreign context, plant and strengthen local churches, and help to train up the next generation who will go and do the same. It’s something I love to be a part of, because it shows how important it is for churches to work together for the common cause of advancing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As we saw through our own missions conference we had a couple of weeks ago, missions starts in the local church. It’s in an individual local church where young and old are exposed to the work of missions. It’s through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word as it relates to the Great Commission that the Holy Spirit works on the hearts and lives of individuals, couples, and families to go. It’s through that church that these potential missionaries seek to be faithful in their church, meeting the qualifications that God has set forth, to then be sent out by their church. But they can’t do it alone.

Once an individual or a family has surrendered to go to the mission field, and their church has commissioned them to be sent out, they then have to have the means to go. Most churches don’t have the financial ability to fully support both the family and ministry expenses of those they send out (although some do). Hopefully, though, that church can at least give substantially and even sacrificially so that those they do send out can go, while other churches will then have the opportunity to get involved. That’s where missions organizations like the BBFI come in.

The BBFI is the “connecting point” for missionaries and local churches. The BBFI helps to endorse those missionaries who have already been sent out by their local church, and in so doing, those potential missionaries are introduced to pastors and other missionaries who hear their testimonies of salvation and calls to ministry. It’s these pastors and missionaries who will then recommend to more pastors of churches the support of the new missionaries. One-by-one, churches commit to supporting missionaries, those missionaries go, and the message of the gospel spreads. This has been the pattern since the first century, and the plan that God has laid forth in His Word, cooperation for the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ.

That same cooperation finds itself in the work of our regional association, the MLBA. The MLBA, however, doesn’t send out missionaries. What the MLBA does is to provide an avenue for local pastors and churches to connect with one another for encouragement, sharing of ideas, resources, and cooperation in the common cause of the advancement of the gospel. One of the most visible areas where the MLBA churches work together is with our annual camps for children and teens.

The MLBA pastors and churches also have annual meetings, participate in conferences, resource churches with tangible ministry helps like the block party trailer, kayaks to borrow to minister to young people, as well as things like background checks. Like the BBFI, the MLBA simply makes it to where churches can more effectively reach people with the message of the gospel, especially on the local level. In all ways, we truly are better together.  

For nearly 10 years now our church has been supporting the work and ministry of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home (MBCH) through prayer and financial giving. For those who may not be familiar with the MBCH, it’s a vital ministry that serves children, youth, and families across the state of Missouri through foster care, residential care, and other Christ-centered services. This ministry which started in April of 1886 has made a lasting difference in countless lives and will continue to do so.

This past week, however, the MBCH received difficult news. Dr. Juston Gates, president of the MBCH, passed away following injuries sustained in a recent hunting accident. Dr. Gates had only recently stepped into the role of president, beginning his leadership in 2024 after faithfully serving for years as a pastor in Missouri. Those who knew him consistently described him as a man of sincere faith, a servant-hearted leader, and someone deeply committed to helping the most vulnerable. His background in both ministry and public service reflected a life devoted to protecting and shepherding others.

While I didn’t know Dr. Gates personally, I do know that his passing is a significant loss not only to his family, but also to the MBCH and to the many churches and individuals partnered in this work across Missouri. As a church family, this is a moment for us to respond in the way Scripture calls us to, with prayer, compassion, and steadfast trust in God.

First, we should pray for his family. Juston leaves behind his wife, Amanda, and their three children. They are walking through sudden grief, and they need the comfort that only the Lord can provide. Pray that “the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4) would draw near to them in these days.

Second, we should pray for the ministry of the MBCH. Leadership transitions are never easy, and even more so in unexpected moments like this. Pray that the Lord would give wisdom, unity, and peace to those guiding the organization forward. Ask that the mission would not falter, but instead continue to flourish for the sake of the children and families they serve.

Third, we should be reminded of the importance of this ministry and others like it. MBCH exists because brokenness exists in our world, but it also stands as a testimony that the gospel brings hope, healing, and restoration. Even in the midst of sorrow, that mission continues.

Finally, this moment reminds us of the brevity of life and the faithfulness of God. None of us knows the number of our days, but we do know the One who does. We can give thanks for a life like Juston Gates, a life spent serving Christ and others until the end of his days. May we all do the same.
So let’s be faithful to pray in the days ahead, for the Gates family, for MBCH, and for the continued work of the gospel across our state. Also, if you would like to give a financial gift in honor of Dr. Gates, you can do so through the MBCH website, https://mbch.org/ways-to-give/.  

This past week I responded to an email that had come to our church from a person whom I did not know, who did not personally know me, and who seemingly did not know our church. Why they had even written to our church was slightly curious to me. However, they did write, and so I chose to politely respond to the question that they had posed. The issue was Bible versions. Perhaps you know where I’m headed with this.

Well, I sent off my response with what I felt to be quite a lot of helpful information, and within minutes I received a return response from the original sender. Just two short sentences confirming that they didn’t really want an answer to the question they were asking but were rather looking for something else. What else were they looking for? I’m not really sure. What I am sure of is that this person had their mind made up, and facts and evidence would not change their opinion. Perhaps you’ve met someone like that? The person asks a question just to validate their own opinion or to somehow try to prove that others are wrong. Again, very curious.

But leaving this specific illustration behind, it caused me to really think and then to now write concerning the topic of how to respond to someone whose mind is made up. What’s a truly Christian and coherent way to speak to someone whose mind is made up, whether it’s about politics, social issues, cultural issues, issues of the Bible, or in that particular instance, an issue concerning the Bible itself?  

First, I think we need to remember that not every question is actually a question. Sometimes a question is a statement in disguise. Proverbs 18:2 says, “A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart.” That’s strong language, but it’s also clarifying. If someone isn’t seeking to understand, then no amount of explanation will satisfy them. Recognizing this early can save us from frustration and from saying more than is necessary.

Second, we should check our own hearts before we respond. I had done that by waiting several days to respond to something that I suspected wasn’t very genuine. If we’re not careful, it can be surprisingly easy to mirror the posture of the person we’re engaging. If they are sharp, we become sharp. If they’re dismissive, we become dismissive. But as believers, we are called to something higher. “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). Even when the other person isn’t interested in truth, we are still responsible for speaking truth in love. That means our tone matters just as much as our content.

Third, we need to understand that we’re not ultimately responsible for changing someone else’s mind. That may sound obvious, but it’s easy to forget in the moment. We can present truth clearly, patiently, and faithfully, but only God through the working of His Spirit can change a heart. Our role is faithfulness; the results belong to God.

Fourth, it’s wise to discern when to continue the conversation and when to step away. Jesus Himself modeled this. There were times where Jesus engaged in various dialogues where the person or person being spoken to quite clearly opposed Him. And then there were other times He refused to entertain hardened opposition. Not every conversation needs to be prolonged. In fact, sometimes the most gracious thing you can do is to give a brief, kind response and then disengage. Continuing to press a conversation that is going nowhere often produces more heat than light as is commonly stated.

Fifth, we should aim to leave the door open whenever possible. Even if the person isn’t receptive in the moment, that doesn’t mean they never will be. A respectful and measured response today may bear fruit later. People remember how they were treated, especially when they expected something different. Our goal isn’t to “win” an argument, but to represent Christ well.

Finally, we need to remind ourselves that we were all once people whose minds were made up in the wrong direction. Apart from God’s grace, none of us would be receptive to truth. That realization should produce both humility and patience in us. It should also lead us to pray, not just generally, but specifically for the people we interact with. If God can change our hearts, He can certainly change theirs.

So what do we do when someone’s mind is already made up? We respond with clarity and kindness. We speak truth, but we don’t pummel them with that truth. We engage, but we don’t allow ourselves to be baited. And above all, we trust that God is at work in ways we can’t always see.

That email exchange lasted only a few minutes, but the lesson from it will have lingering effects in my heart and mind. And who knows, as you read these words, maybe you too will be challenged to think about the way in which you engage or are engaged by those whose mind is made up concerning this, that, or the other. Remember, not every conversation will be fruitful, but every response can still be faithful.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the then upcoming “It Starts Here” missions conference. When I first wrote about it, I included a schedule of all of the events that we’re now in the middle of.  The Lord greatly blessed our time of preparation and prayer for both Easter Sunday as well as the initiation of this conference during our first event, Prayer Night. Easter Sunday was an amazing time of rejoicing in Christ, and a serious look at what the resurrection should mean for each of us and for our church. Our men had a great Men’s Missions Breakfast, and now we’re into the first Sunday of the conference.

When we say, “It Starts Here,” we’re not just talking about a catchy theme. We’re reminding ourselves of a biblical reality, that God’s mission to the nations is carried out through local churches like ours. We have the privilege of seeing that truth lived out right here, right now.

As we move into the first Sunday of the conference and then into the remaining events, we want to keep asking a simple but important question: What is my role in God’s mission? For some, this week may be the beginning of a deeper burden for the nations. You may find the Lord stirring something in your heart that wasn’t there before, a growing desire to go, to serve, to be directly involved in taking the gospel to those who have not heard.

For others, your role is just as vital, though it looks different. You are called to send, to pray faithfully, to give sacrificially, and to encourage those who are on the front lines. The New Testament makes it clear that both the one who goes and the one who sends share in the work together.

And then for all of us, this conference is an opportunity to grow. My prayer is that first and foremost we will grow in our understanding of God’s heart for the nations. Secondly, it’s my desire for all of us to grow in our appreciation for the local church’s role in that mission. And finally, I want for all of us to grow in our willingness to say, “Lord, use me however You see fit.”

As we continue through this week and on into next Sunday, don’t let these moments pass by without intentional engagement. Be present, listen carefully, pray sincerely, ask questions, and consider what obedience looks like for you and your family. This isn’t just another event on the church calendar. It’s a reminder of who we are.

This missions conference is an opportunity to really launch our church into the next generation of missional faithfulness. It’s an opportunity to be part of something far bigger than ourselves. After all, the work of reaching the nations doesn’t start somewhere else. It starts here.

Each year, Christians around the world gather to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, the day that’s culturally and commonly referred to as Easter. While the cultural expressions of the holiday often include family get togethers, Easter egg hunts, perhaps a cooked ham or other family favorite recipe, the heart of this day is rooted in a historical event that changed the course of human history. What was that event? The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

The resurrection isn’t presented in Scripture as a myth, a metaphor, or some spiritual idea, but rather it’s recorded as a real, verifiable event in history. The gospel accounts describe an empty tomb, eyewitness testimony, and multiple appearances of the risen Christ to His followers, with each of the four accounts adding more and more information to this most significant event in the history of the world. On top of that, the apostle Paul, writing within a few decades of the event, boldly anchored the Christian faith in this reality, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is empty and our faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15). In other words, Christianity stands or falls on the resurrection. More on that in today’s sermon.

Historically, the resurrection matters because it validates everything Jesus claimed about Himself. Jesus didn’t merely teach moral lessons or offer spiritual insights, He declared Himself to be the Son of God, the Savior of sinners, and the only way to eternal life. The resurrection is God the Father’s definitive affirmation that Jesus is exactly who He said He is. It is the divine stamp of approval on His atoning work on the cross. When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that sin had been paid for and death had been defeated.

But Resurrection Sunday isn’t only about what happened then. It’s also about what that event means now for all those who are following and will follow after Christ. For the Christian, the resurrection provides unshakable hope. Because Jesus lives, those who trust in Him are no longer bound by the fear of death. Death is not the end; it’s simply a bridge to an eternity with Christ. This hope transforms how believers face suffering, grief, and uncertainty. As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, we don’t grieve as those who have no hope. Why? Because we know the grave doesn’t have the final word.

The resurrection also brings something else, present transformation. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the lives of believers today. This means that the Christian life is not merely about trying harder or doing better, it’s about living in the reality of new life. Old patterns of sin no longer define us. Through Christ, we are made new, empowered to walk in obedience, and called to reflect His character to a broken world.

Finally, the resurrection brings us inevitably to a point of a response. It calls each person to consider who Jesus is and what His victory over sin and death means for them personally. The empty tomb demands more than casual acknowledgment. it invites repentance, faith, and a life surrendered to the risen Lord. When we view Resurrection Sunday, Easter, in this light, it’s not simply a date on the calendar. It’s the celebration of the most important event in history and the foundation of the Christian’s daily life. Because He lives, everything changes.

Today, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of what has come to be known as “Passion Week,” the final week in the earthly life and ministry of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the most significant week in human history, culminating in the death, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus. Yet it all begins with what seems, on the surface, like a moment of celebration, Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds gather to welcome Him.

The scene is one like no other. The streets are filled with people waving palm branches, they’re laying their cloaks on the road and shouting praises. It looks almost like a hero’s welcome, and in a way it is. The people are eager, hopeful, and expectant, at least the ones who knew Jesus was coming. They’re ready for a King. But what they anticipate and what Jesus has come to accomplish are not the same. They longed for political deliverance; Jesus had come to bring something far greater, spiritual deliverance. This deliverance was only possible through the cross.

Now if you take time to read through the events of Passion Week, you’ll notice a wide range of emotions and moments that unfold. There is joy and celebration, but also confrontation and sorrow. We see Jesus cleansing the temple, teaching with authority, being closely followed by crowds hanging on His every word. We also see betrayal of the deepest kind, denial from those closest to Him, and fervent, agonizing prayer offered up to God the Father. It’s a week filled with intentionality and a seriousness unlike any other.
But before all of that takes place, Jesus must first enter Jerusalem. Palm Sunday reminds us that nothing about this moment is accidental. Every step, every detail, every word is unfolding according to the Father’s sovereign plan. Jesus is not swept up in the excitement of the crowd, He’s moving steadily toward the cross.

I would encourage you today or sometime this week to spend some time reading the four Gospel accounts of this triumphal entry and reflect on what it must have been like to stand in that crowd:

• Matthew 21:1–11
• Mark 11:1–11
• Luke 19:28–44
• John 12:12–18

Try to picture the scene. Hear the voices. Feel the anticipation. And then consider how easily the same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” would, in just a few days, cry out “Crucify Him!”

In our message today, we’ll be looking at this moment through the lens of Psalm 118, a passage that the crowd itself was quoting as Jesus entered the city. This psalm helps us understand not only what they were saying, but what they were missing. We’ll see that Jesus is indeed the King they were celebrating—but not in the way they expected. He knew exactly what was happening, where this journey was leading, and how it would end. And He moved forward willingly, out of love for sinners like you and me. The question for us is this, will we receive Him as He truly is, trust in His saving work, and follow Him faithfully on the path He has set before us?

In April we’re going to be hosting a Missions Conference built around a simple but profound theme, “It Starts Here.” When we think about missions, it’s easy to picture distant places, unfamiliar cultures, and courageous missionaries crossing oceans for the sake of the gospel. But the truth of Scripture repeatedly shows us that global missions doesn’t begin overseas, it begins in the local church. It starts here.

In the New Testament, missionaries weren’t independent agents or isolated pioneers. They were believers who were raised up, recognized, and sent out by their church. One of the clearest examples of this is found in the book of Acts. In Acts 13, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed together before laying hands on Paul and Barnabas and sending them out for gospel ministry. Later in Acts 14, those same missionaries returned to that church and reported all that God had done. From beginning to end, the church was central to the mission.

This pattern isn’t just an interesting historical detail, it’s God’s design for how the gospel spreads. That’s why our Missions Conference matters so much. The goal of this conference is not simply to learn more about missions in general, but to help us see our own role as a church in God’s mission to the nations. Missions isn’t something that only a few people participate in while everyone else watches from a distance. It’s a ministry that belongs to the whole church. You are either a sender or the one sent.

Throughout the conference we’re going to be exploring several key ways the local church participates in missions. First, the church helps identify and encourage missionary aspirations. God places a burden for the nations in someone’s heart long before they ever step on a plane. The church plays a vital role in helping believers discern whether the Lord may be leading them toward missionary service.

Second, the church assesses and prepares missionaries. Before sending anyone to the mission field, Scripture calls us to carefully examine the character, conviction, and competency of aspiring missionaries, three things you’ll be hearing about throughout our conference. Missions is too important to send unprepared workers, and loving churches take seriously their responsibility to equip those they send.

Third, the church must take the step to affirm and send missionaries. When missionaries are commissioned, it’s not merely a personal milestone, it’s a church family saying, “We recognize God’s work in you, and we’re sending you out to represent Christ and our congregation among the nations.” This then leads to more people coming to a saving knowledge of Christ, more Christians being discipled, more local congregations being established, and more of those congregations being strengthened to replicate the process.

Finally, the church supports and strengthens missionaries through prayer, encouragement, and financial partnership. Missionaries may go far away geographically, but they never cease to belong to the church that sent them. Our prayer is that this conference will deepen our understanding of God’s mission and stir our hearts to participate more fully in it. Some may be challenged to consider missionary service. Others may grow in their commitment to pray, give, and encourage those serving on the field. But all of us should leave with a clearer sense that the mission of God is something we share together as a church.

So let me personally encourage every member to participate in as many of the conference events as possible. Come ready to listen, pray, learn, and ask how the Lord might use you in the spread of the gospel. Because when it comes to reaching the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ, it really does start here.

Conference Schedule:
Wed. April 1, 6:30 p.m. - Prayer Night (focused prayer for our Easter celebration and upcoming Missions Conference)

Sat. April 11, 9:00 a.m. - Men’s Breakfast (missionary Scott Hudgins)

Sun. April 12, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - (missionary Dustin Penner)

Mon. April 13, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. - (dinner at the church), 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. - (missionary Scott Hudgins)

Tue. April 14, 5:30. p.m. – 6:30 p.m. - (dinner at the church), 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. - (missionary intern Michael Martinez)

Sat. April 18, 10:00 a.m. - Women’s Meeting (missions panel discussion)

Sun. April 19, 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. - (missionary Dave Perry/commissioning service during the 10:30 service)

Easter is the most important celebration in the Christian calendar. It’s the day we gather to remember and rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the moment that changed everything. Because Jesus rose from the grave, sin and death no longer have the final word. Hope, forgiveness, and new life are available to all who, through repentance and faith, trust in Him. That good news is worth celebrating, and it’s also worth sharing.

One of the simplest and most meaningful ways we can share that hope is by inviting someone to join us for our Easter Celebration Service. For many people, Easter is one of the few times in the year when they are already at least open to the possibility of attending church. Even friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members who don’t regularly attend a church may be willing to come if someone were to simply ask. A personal invitation can make all the difference. Many people who attend church for the first time say the same thing, they came because someone they knew took the time to invite them.

Inviting someone to Easter isn’t about putting pressure on them, beating them over the head with the Bible, or having all the answers to their questions. It’s simply about opening the door. You’re saying, “Come celebrate with us. Come hear the story of hope.” One things I’ve seen time and time again is that God often uses ordinary conversations and simple invitations in extraordinary ways.

So my challenge to you is this, think about the people God has already placed in your life. Who around you might be encouraged to come and hear the message of the gospel by a simple invitation? It could be a coworker you see every day, a neighbor you talk to while checking the mail, a family member who has been curious about faith, or a friend who may be walking through a difficult season. Easter, resurrection Sunday, reminds us that no situation is beyond the reach of the resurrected Christ.

Sometimes the hardest part of the invitation to come to church is simply starting the conversation, but inviting someone doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be very natural. You might say something like, “Our church is having a special Easter Celebration Service, and I’d love for you to come with me.” Or, “Easter means a lot to me, and my church is celebrating together. Would you like to join us?” A warm, genuine invitation often speaks louder than a perfectly worded explanation.

Another helpful step is to make the invitation personal. Offer to meet them at the door, sit together during the service, or introduce them to a few people. Perhaps you could even pick them up for church and go together. When people know they won’t be walking into a room full of strangers alone, they’re often much more comfortable accepting the invitation.

Most importantly, we should pray. Ask God to place specific people on your heart and to prepare their hearts to hear the message of the gospel. Pray for courage to speak and for opportunities to invite others to come. Ultimately, God is the one who draws people to Himself, but He graciously allows us to be part of that work.

Easter is a celebration of the greatest victory in history, the fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. What a joy it is to share that celebration with others. This year, consider who you might invite to join you. A simple invitation could be the beginning of something truly life-changing.

Have you ever heard this statement, “Religion just divides people”? If you haven’t, perhaps you just haven’t been listening, as that’s one of the lines that some people like to use when they hear you’re a Christian, or in my case, a pastor. And you know, to a certain extent, the one making that statement is at least partially correct. Religion does divide people, especially when religion is left undefined or loosely defined.

In addition to that, take into account that Jesus also made some pretty exclusive claims, saying things like “… no one comes to the Father except through me.” In that sense, religion does divide, or at least draw distinctions, distinctions which are necessary. Thankfully, the Bible helps us to define religion, with the best definition coming from James 1:27 which says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” In this one verse James is defining religion from two perspectives, internal and external.

In life, we’re often quite good at compartmentalizing things. Like with James 1:27, we may tend to separate the internal and external aspects of what James called pure and undefiled religion based upon our preferences or personality. Some might try and emphasize the internal aspect of personal holiness, guarding one’s heart, resisting temptation, repenting of sin, or even maintaining doctrinal or theological clarity. Others emphasize compassion and mercy, serving the needy, meeting tangible needs, showing up in moments of crisis. All of these things from both categories are good, but not when pitted against each other. In James’ mind, true religion holds both categories together at the same time.

So what exactly does James mean when he speaks of these two aspects of religion? Let me start with the internal, “to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” The language here is quite vivid. The world leaves stains. Its values, priorities, and sins constantly press in on us. It may take the form of pride, materialism, lust, selfish ambition, bitterness, and the list just roles on. But these aren’t abstract dangers. They’re daily threats, and pure religion takes personal holiness seriously in that it recognizes that a divided heart cannot offer true, godly compassion. If we’re conformed to the world’s way of thinking, we’ll begin to measure people by usefulness, convenience, or return on investment, not for them, but for ourselves. And that’s not how God sees people, nor how He intends for His children to see people.

But James doesn’t just speak of religion from the internal perspective. He also addresses what it will look like externally, “to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” In the first century, orphans and widows represented the most vulnerable members of society. They were those without protection, and basically devoid of any form of power. And to “visit” them, at least in the original context, doesn’t mean just a casual drop-in. It carries the idea of intentional care, drawing near in order to help, to support others in areas where they are without strength.

It’s striking how James connects both the internal and the external, showing that pure religion isn’t merely the absence of sin; it’s also the presence of love. Pure religion cares about motive, the heart, as well as the action that flows forth from the heart.

What do we do with all of this? Well, first, we all need a heart check that starts with our own relationship with Christ. Am I actively repenting of sin, exercising faith in Jesus Christ, and seeking to daily be more conformed to His image? If so, we’re on the right path toward pure and undefiled religion. If not, let me encourage you to read 1 John chapters 1 and 2.

After the heart check, we then need to ask what’s the outflow of our relationship with Christ. James said that it should look like helping and supporting the orphan and the widow. In our current cultural context, both of these categories are still exceptionally valid. As a church, we help to support the ministry of the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. We also seek to support families as they raise their own children, and are always looking to help support those without a solid family structure, whether that’s with those in the foster care system, or families looking to adopt.

But perhaps the most immediate need within our church’s current context is with widows. Widows in our congregation are not projects, they’re sisters in Christ. Many have walked faithfully with the Lord for decades. They have prayed for this church, served quietly, given sacrificially, and at times have borne quite the heavy burden. Now, in a different season of life, some face loneliness, health challenges, and situations they never thought they would be in. James would say that pure and undefiled religion moves toward them.

This means more than warm thoughts. It means intentional love and care. It means a phone call to see how we can help. It means visiting even when schedules are full. It means including them at our tables, helping with small repairs, offering transportation, listening to stories we may have heard before, and praying with them face to face. It means making sure no widow in our church feels forgotten.

One of the new aspects of women’s ministry in our church has been very intentional in focusing in on these older ladies within the church, our silver saints. If you’re interested in helping with Silver Saints, reach out to Penny Epperson or Vicky Stonebrook. If you’re available to make some visits from time to time, talk with anyone on our church staff. If you’re needing phone numbers to make a call, check out the church directory. Any act of intentional love and care will mean more than you can ever imagine.

One thing is for sure, pure and undefiled religion isn’t flashy. It’s usually quiet and unseen. But it is precious “before God and the Father.” May He find us not only striving to keep our hearts clean, but also drawing near to those in need, especially the widows among us, with the tender, steadfast love that reflects His own.

Customer Service—two words that don’t go well together, especially if it’s over the phone. If you’re anything like me, and it seems like the experience is pretty universal, customer service can be something quite frustrating. Dropped calls. “Can I place you on hold?” “It appears our system is having difficulties.” You’ve been there, right? Frustrating is often not nearly a strong enough word. I experienced that this past week. Arrrggghhh.

What makes those moments so draining isn’t just the inconvenience. It’s the posture behind it. You can hear it in someone’s voice when they don’t really want to be there. When they’re obligated to help but not inclined to care. Technically they’re doing their job, at least following the job description, but there’s no warmth, no eagerness, no delight in actually serving the customer.

If we’re honest, I’m afraid that that same posture can creep into our hearts when it comes to sharing the gospel. We know we’re supposed to. Jesus said, “Go.” We affirm the Great Commission. We believe people need Christ. But there can be a subtle reluctance underneath it all, an internal sigh at even the thought of initiating a spiritual conversation. We feel the awkwardness before it even happens. We imagine the rejection. We convince ourselves the timing isn’t right.

So we wait. Sometimes we call it discernment, “not God’s timing.” But often it’s just discomfort. We don’t want to be misunderstood or labeled as a religious nut. We don’t want the other person to be uncomfortable. And so nothing happens because we attempt nothing. And if we dig even deeper, we may discover something more revealing, our hearts aren’t as moved by the power of the gospel as they should be.

I’m convinced that sharing the gospel or not sharing the gospel is rarely a scheduling problem. It’s usually a heart problem. When something genuinely excites us, a new restaurant, a great book, a life-changing product, we don’t need to be commanded to talk about it. We want to talk about it. And if we don’t want to talk about something, it’s usually because we’re not all that excited about it.

So what does that say about our understanding of the gospel? What does this reluctance in sharing what’s called the “good news” pointing us to? Quite commonly it’s pointing us to the fear of man. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare.” This fear may reveal spiritual complacency when the wonder and appreciation of our own salvation has grown dim. Or it may simply reveal that we see evangelism as an obligation to perform rather than a privilege to participate in.

You see, the gospel isn’t a script we reluctantly recite because it’s our job to do so. We’re not sitting in a call center. We’re not customer service. We are, however, the vessels that God chose to use to communicate the literal power of God unto salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we truly grasp what we’ve been saved from, and what others stand to lose, something shifts within us. Compassion and care for others begins to outweigh comfort.

Think about Jesus. He wasn’t annoyed by interruptions or frustrated about the job that He had come to do. He wasn’t inconvenienced by broken people. He moved toward them and their brokenness. It was both His choice and His desire to point people to the only hope in life and death, Himself.

The longer we consider the example of Jesus, we may start asking ourselves some questions concerning our own sharing of the gospel.  Do I avoid it whenever possible? Do I secretly hope the conversation steers elsewhere? Or do I ask God to give me open doors, and the courage to walk through them?

Effective evangelism doesn’t start with better techniques. It starts with a softened heart and a deeper love for Christ and for people. When our hearts are stirred by what Christ has done for us, sharing Him becomes less about checking a box and more about extending an invitation. The prayer shifts from, “Lord, help me get through this conversation,” to, “Lord, give me the joy of speaking about You.” He really is the only hope in life and death.

“¹¹ Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. ¹² And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, ¹³ so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” – 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.

For the past week and a half or so the Lord kept bringing to my mind this particular passage of Scripture. At first it was just part of what I had read for my daily devotional time. It’s what God had for me, in that moment, and it really caused me to just pause and reflect upon what was written first for the church in Thessalonica, but also for my own edification. It’s what I needed.

Two days later I found myself in a conversation with a young man, and it’s this particular passage that the Holy Spirit brought back to my mind. I asked him if it would be alright to look briefly at a few verses of the Bible, and those verses sparked a great conversation. Fast forward another four or five days to where I was asked to lead a devotional time for fellow pastors. Guess where I was led to go? Right there to 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. This time, however, I went back to the beginning of 1 Thessalonians, as well as several verses from chapter 2, to identify the exact context into which Paul recorded this prayer for the Thessalonians.  

When you go back to the beginning of the letter, you’re reminded that Paul is not writing abstract theology. He’s writing as a spiritual father to a young church he deeply loves, even though he never spent all that long there. In chapter 1 he thanked God for their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope.” In chapter 2 he reminded them how he ministered among them “as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” and “as a father does his own children.” And then in chapter 3 he spoke openly of his longing to see them face to face because he was concerned that affliction might shake their faith.

It’s out of that pastoral burden that the first part of this prayer flowed, “Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.” Paul knew something we often forget, that even the best, seemingly most logical plans we can make still must be directed and sometimes redirected by God. You see, Paul had already been hindered from returning to Thessalonica, and that’s not what he wanted. But instead of complaining, he prayed. He entrusted his desires to the sovereign direction of God.

What’s the application for us? Here’s my take. We can make plans. We should make plans. But we must hold them loosely and submit them humbly to the Lord. How often do we truly ask God to direct our way? How often do we pause long enough to let Him redirect it? Ouch! (at least for me).

Then Paul prayed, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all…”  Paul isn’t commanding the Thessalonians to love one another and to love those outside the church, rather he’s asking God to cause it. That tells us something profound: real, Christlike love is a work of grace. Yes, we are commanded to love. But if our love is going to increase and abound, it must be fueled by the Lord Himself.

And also notice, Paul’s prayer isn’t just love “to one another,” though that is essential within the church, but “to all.” The Thessalonians were living in a hostile environment. Their love was to spill beyond the church walls. The same is true for us. In a polarized culture, in communities divided by politics and preferences, the church is called to abound in love. Not a sentimental love. Not a compromising love. But a holy, self-giving, Christ-exalting love.

Finally, Paul reveals the purpose, “so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”
Love and holiness aren’t two totally separate ideas. In fact, abounding love is one of the means God uses to establish us in holiness. But in Paul’s writing here, he’s not so concerned about an instant or an occasion of love, but a consistent and steadfast heart of love that causes God’s people to be holy, set apart unto Him. For how long? Until the return of Jesus Christ.

That’s where this passage settled deeply into my own heart. We’re not simply living for today’s tasks, today’s conversations, or even today’s ministry opportunities. We’re living in light of a coming King. Every redirected plan, every act of increasing love, every step toward holiness is preparation for that Day. May our hearts be firmly established in holiness before our God.

This last Sunday was the Super Bowl, the biggest annual television and entertainment event in the United States, and this year’s Super Bowl drew the second highest viewership in history, nearly 125 million viewers. From a revenue perspective, a 30-second ad cost on average 8 million dollars, with premium time slots reaching over 10 million. Tickets averaged over $7,500, with some climbing past $50,000 for a single ticket. One thing is certain; the Super Bowl is a big-money machine. And increasingly, a major part of that machine is gambling.

When we’re talking about gambling, and specifically sports betting, it’s no longer confined to Las Vegas or some shady guy on the other end of a private number. It’s now on our phones, our computers, and running during all types of sports broadcasts. Those high-dollar commercials we watched during the Super Bowl, much of what they were selling was no longer just trucks and snacks, they’re now selling risk, and it seems like nearly every other commercial was doing it. They normalize it. They present it as harmless fun or as part of the full sports experience.

What they aren’t showing is the ugly, addictive, and destructive side of gambling, and, by and large, the ones that are paying the price of corporate and governmental greed is young men. For many young men, watching the game isn’t enough anymore. You need a stake in it. You need “action.” You need a reason to engage with what’s happening, and sports betting, along with other forms of betting, seems to scratch that itch. But behind the bright lights and clever marketing lies something incredibly dangerous, and that’s my concern.

Gambling is trying to sell a simple promise—quick money. A small bet could become a big payout. You could turn $20 into $500 with a few good calls and just a little luck. But here’s the deal, the system isn’t built for you to win. Sportsbooks and casinos operate on what are called mathematical edges. Over time, the house profits because the odds are structured that way. So what that means is that for every highlighted winner, there are countless quiet losers funding the system.

Scripture warns us about this mindset. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase.” While gambling isn’t always illegal, and more and more it’s become legalized on so many fronts, what it’s doing is training the heart to pursue gain detached from labor. It cultivates a desire for shortcut wealth instead of steady faithfulness. The whole matter of if something’s legal then it can’t be wrong, evil, or sinful is a whole other discussion.

If we return, though, to this alure toward young men, we need to understand that young men are wired for competition, risk, and strategy. Those are good gifts from God. But gambling distorts these gifts. It turns productive risk, like starting a business or taking initiative at work into speculative risk driven by chance and the hopes of “striking it rich.” And what happens is that in this pursuit of hitting it big, addiction begins to set in. But it didn’t start that way.

It started with excitement, a small bet, a near win, a surprise payout. The brain rewards the experience. Dopamine spikes. The rush becomes part of the appeal. And because it’s digital, private, and socially accepted, it’s easy to hide. There’s no visible evidence, just a phone and an app. But what started perhaps as just entertainment can quickly become enslavement.

2 Peter 2:19 warns, “For by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” The question isn’t simply whether you can afford the bet. The question is whether what’s happening will soon become your master. Sadly, slavery is on the rise, big time.

So what about the costs? Many young men (and women) are already navigating debt through student loans, car loans, mortgages, and countless other situations where they’ve borrowed money. Financial pressure is all around as inflation continues to rise while salaries aren’t rising to match it. The stress of how to make ends meet is often very real, and gambling claims to have the answer.

But it doesn’t have the answer. Gambling doesn’t relieve that stress. It actually compounds it. Losses pile up. Chasing losses becomes tempting. Credit cards bridge the gap, and the thinking is just one more time and I’ll get out of this hole, all the while the hole gets deeper and deeper.  

That’s just the financial cost, but the deeper cost is actually spiritual. Gambling feeds discontentment. It cultivates covetousness. It trains the heart to hope in luck rather than in the Lord. In Matthew 6:24 Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money.” Gambling quietly shifts money from a tool to be used to a pursuit of acquisition. It forms habits of speculation rather than stewardship.

So what can be done about this? What should be done about this? First, we have to start with this mindset, “Instead of risking money on outcomes I can’t control, I will pursue things that God has already said He will bless.” Here are a few things we can do in practical application of this truth: 1. Develop discipline in your finances through budgeting. 2. Serve your church and community. 3. Practice generosity instead of speculation. If we put even just these three practices into our lives, the thrill of a bet will quickly fade. Why? Because the reward of faithfulness will already be being realized.

Sadly, it seem that the culture will continue to normalize gambling. Ads will become more persuasive. Apps will become more convenient. But the real question is not, “Is this allowed?” It’s, “Is this wise? Is this shaping me into the man (or woman) God wants me to be?” Remember, the house always wins. But you don’t have to play the game.

One of the great joys of being a member of a local church is knowing that you don’t walk the Christian life alone. God has designed the church to be a living, breathing, active body, made up of many members, each gifted in different ways, yet united in Christ for a common purpose. Our upcoming Ministry Fair is a celebration of that truth, and it serves two important purposes for our church family.

First, the Ministry Fair is about awareness. For those who are new members, maybe not yet even members of the church, or even long-time members who may not know everything happening behind the scenes, this is an opportunity to see how God is at work through the various ministries of our church. From discipleship and LifeGroups to care ministries, worship, children, youth, technology and more, the Ministry Fair highlights the many ways we are serving one another, and working together to proclaim the life-changing message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Through the Ministry Fair, you may discover ministries that address real needs in your own life or family, opportunities for encouragement, growth, prayer, fellowship, or biblical instruction. In many ways, the Ministry Fair is an invitation to say, “This is your church. These are your people. And this is how God is caring for His flock.” Our prayer is that as you walk through the fair, you’ll gain a clearer picture of how the Lord uses the local church to nurture spiritual growth and provide loving care for His people.

Second, the Ministry Fair is about opportunity. The Christian life was never meant to be passive or consumer-oriented. Scripture reminds us that every believer has been gifted by God and called to serve for the building up of the body. Romans 12:6, speaking about spiritual gifts within the context of the local church says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” Why? So that the whole church, the body of Christ, can be healthy, built up, and properly honor the Lord Jesus Christ. The Ministry Fair helps people connect their spiritual giftings and interests with ministries where they can serve the Lord and other people.

Each ministry represented in our Ministry Fair reflects a real need, whether it’s teaching, hospitality, prayer, service, encouragement, or hands-on care. Some roles are visible, others are quiet and behind the scenes, but all are vital. The fair allows you to ask questions, meet ministry leaders, and explore where God may be leading you to serve.

For some, this may mean stepping into a ministry for the first time. For others, it could be a season to re-engage, redirect your service, or even mentor and support others in their service. Volunteering isn’t about filling slots; it’s about faithfully stewarding the gifts God has entrusted to you for His glory and the good of His church.

Ultimately, the Ministry Fair reminds us that the church is not a building or a program, it’s a people, redeemed by Christ and sent to love God and love others. Whether you come to learn, to connect, or to serve, we encourage you to prayerfully engage with what God is doing among us. We look forward to seeing you at the Ministry Fair and trust that the Lord will use it to strengthen His church and stir our hearts toward even greater, faithful service.

Most of you know that I love snow. I don’t necessarily know what it is about snow, but it always brings a huge smile to my face. Perhaps it’s the time we spent in Poland, a place where we often had snow. Perhaps it’s remembering the joy of being a kid and having a snow day—"yeah, no school today!” Or now, it’s the joy of having my kids and granddaughter come over to our house to go sledding down our hill.

One thing I know for sure though is that whenever I look out at the snow, it causes me to reflect upon God. I think of Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, ”Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” I recall the transfiguration of Jesus where His true majesty was revealed in the sight of Peter, James, and John, where the Bible describes Jesus’ appearance as exceedingly white like snow. There just seems to be something significant about this “whiteness” of snow that covers everything, something connecting this natural occurrence here on this earth to the almighty creator God who made it even possible in the first place.

But then, as I thought further about the snow and the slow melting of the snow, I thought about one more thing, the glory of God upon the face of Moses. The account of Moses’ face reflecting the glory of God in Exodus 34, and when it’s mentioned again in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 3, causes me to stop and think about just how bright, and brilliant God really is. How amazing must the appearance of God really be for the face of a man to continue to reflect that brilliance even when coming away from the presence of God? 2 Corinthians 3:13 said that Moses wore a veil over his face so that the nation of Israel wouldn’t behold the glory of God fading away. That’s an interesting thought and conversation in and of itself.

But whether veiled or revealed, the fact of the matter is that while we are on this earth, we can have but glimpses of the might and majesty of God. Whether it’s found in looking out at a freshly driven snow, or found in the reading of a passage of Scripture that the Holy Spirit illuminates so amazingly right when we need it, or seen in the changed life of someone who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus, we’re reminded that our God is an awesome God. But then, that reminder slowly fades away like the melting snow, and we have to be reminded of it again. And, yes, I’m thankful for those repeated reminders, but I even more long for the day when I will be able to behold the brilliance of my God forevermore. One day, that will be a reality. But until then, enjoy the moments, and point people to source of the brilliance, God Himself.

At the time that I was writing this, my family and I were preparing for our first family vacation as a complete family, me and my wife, our three children, their spouses, and our granddaughter. The next morning the plane will take off (if everything goes as planned), and away we’ll go. Two hours later we should be landing in Florida. Hopefully that’s how it goes.

This is actually something we’ve been thinking about, talking about, and preparing for for a few years now. We’ve also picked up one more since we first started planning, as our daughter got married this past May. We kind of like him. He too is a keeper.

But as the bags get packed and the itinerary gets double-checked, I’m finding myself thinking less about theme parks, restaurants, or the beach, and more about the simple gift of shared moments. Trips like this aren’t really as much about the destination as they are about the time spent together. Time that feels increasingly rare as life fills up with responsibilities, work schedules, and the natural busyness that comes with a growing family.

As I stepped back from thinking about the time away for a second, I started to think about how Scripture often calls God’s people to remember. Israel was commanded to remember what the Lord had done, how He had delivered them, provided for them, and remained faithful even when they were not. Psalm 105:5 tells us to “Remember His marvelous works which He has done.” God wasn’t telling the nation of Israel to remember what He had done just for the sake of nostalgia or reminiscing, He wanted them to see that their experiences of the past were shaping who they were to be in the future.

In a similar, though smaller way, family memories matter because they too shape our future. They remind us of who we are, where we came from, and what we’ve done together. They become reference points of joy, laughter, and sometimes even hardship. And for the family that’s rooted in Christ, we can remember His sustaining and guiding power, no matter the experience. One day, our granddaughter probably won’t remember too much about the flight or the place we stayed at while we were in Florida, but she may remember being laughed with, doing things together as a family, and most importantly, being loved.

The fact of the matter is, life moves fast, too fast; and it just seems to be moving all the more rapidly with each passing year. I guess that shouldn’t surprise us though, as James reminds us that our life is “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). That truth can feel heavy, perhaps even depressing, but it also gives perspective. If our days are few, then they are precious. And if they’re precious, then they’re worth investing in very intentional ways, especially in the people God has placed closest to us, our family, our friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So as we board that plane, I’m grateful, not just for the opportunity to travel, but for the reminder that every good gift comes from God the Father. My prayer is simple, that these days would be marked by gratitude, joy, and a deeper awareness of God’s kindness in giving us one another. The memories will follow. And when we get back, we’ll share our memories with you, our extended family, as well.

In Matthew 28:19-20 we read these words, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. These are the words of Jesus—His command to spread the message of repentance and faith in Him to all peoples. We call it the great commission.

But notice that in these words Jesus doesn’t simply tell His followers to make converts, but to make disciples. A disciple is someone who has been called by Christ, transformed by the gospel, and committed to obedience to all that Jesus has commanded. And in this process of discipleship, baptism stands at the very beginning. Baptism isn’t presented as an optional add-on or a private spiritual experience, but rather a visible response to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. It’s an imperative, something that those who follow Jesus must do, go and make disciples and baptize them. It’s also an imperative to the one who becomes a disciple.

So here’s the question, why did Jesus place such a significant emphasis upon baptism? I think there’s really a two-fold answer. First, baptism serves as evidence that someone is a disciple of Jesus. It’s a way that the church knows who’s following Jesus and who isn’t. Now we have to be careful to note that baptism doesn’t save us, nor does it add to the finished work of Christ, but it testifies that something real has taken place in the life of the one being baptized. That’s the testimony of Zane who’s being baptized this morning. Something has changed in Zane’s life, and his baptism points to that fact, that He wants to follow Jesus in all of His ways because of what Jesus has already done. When a believer goes under the water and is raised up again, they are publicly identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. They are saying, in effect, “I belong to Him. My old life is gone, and my new life has begun.” The local church witnesses this act and affirms it, recognizing that God has truly done a saving work in this person’s life.

The second reason it seems that Jesus placed such a heavy emphasis upon baptism is more than evidence though, it’s also a statement of belonging. Baptism is a declaration of intention. When someone is baptized, they aren’t merely saying, “I follow Jesus,” but also, “I want to follow Jesus with His people.” Baptism places a believer into the visible community of the church. It marks the beginning of a shared life of worship, accountability, instruction, and love. You see, Christianity isn’t a solo journey, and baptism makes that truth visible, that the one being baptized is joining with others who also are following Jesus.

This is why baptism is so important to the local church. It’s the front door to the life of the church. Through baptism, the church celebrates God’s saving grace, welcomes new believers into fellowship, and commits to helping them grow in obedience to Christ. Likewise, the baptized believer commits to walking alongside other believers, submitting to the teaching of Scripture, and living out their faith in community.

In a culture that often treats faith as private and individualistic, baptism boldly proclaims something different. It says that the gospel creates a people, not just isolated believers. It reminds us that following Jesus means being joined to His body and walking together until the end of the age. Isn’t that what Jesus said? “… and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

So today, it’s a really special day. Today, we as the church are doing that which Christ commanded. Zane is doing that which Christ commanded. And together we’re bearing witness to the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the beauty of life together in Him. Baptism isn’t the finish line of faith, it’s the starting point of a lifelong journey of discipleship, lived out in the context of the local church.

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Central to the Christian faith is quite simply, faith. It seems almost silly to have to say that, but the author of the book of Hebrews obviously felt it necessary to point it out. Why? It seems to be because faith is something that can grow or lessen, be strengthened or weakened, be actively present or at times seemingly absent, and so the author of the book of Hebrews double-clicked on the necessity of exercising our faith.

You see, faith isn’t just a question of whether or not one has it. It seems to be more of a continuum. And yet, Jesus seemed to imply that it’s not necessary to have massive faith, at least not initially, as He spoke of having the faith of a mustard seed, and even that faith had miraculous effect. So what is God telling us about faith?

Well, I think the key is actually found in the verse that preceded one of Jesus’ instances of speaking of the faith of a mustard seed. In Luke 17:5 the Bible reads, “And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” Jesus’ response to that was that one must exercise whatever level of faith they already possess, whether it’s great faith or small faith, like that of a mustard seed. Faith must be exercised.

Faith, then is not merely something we claim, but something we practice. Like a muscle, it grows through use. When faith is exercised, it strengthens; when it’s neglected, it weakens. This helps us understand why Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people not just to believe, but to walk by faith, live by faith, and endure through faith. An active and growing faith is one in which one’s trust is in the character and promises of God, especially when circumstances tempt us to rely on our own understanding instead.

This is why the apostles’ request, really a prayer, in Luke 17:5 is so instructive. They didn’t ask for new information, better strategies, or fewer challenges. They asked for increased faith. They recognized that the life God was calling them to live required deeper dependence on Him. And Jesus’ response reminds us that growth in faith doesn’t begin with waiting for some dramatic spiritual moment—it begins with obedience right where we are.

All throughout Scripture, faith grows as God’s people respond to His Word. Abraham’s faith grew as he followed God into the unknown. David’s faith grew as he trusted God in both times of peace and times of war. The early church’s faith grew as they prayed, preached, suffered, and persevered together. In each case, faith wasn’t abstract, it was being lived out in real circumstances, under real pressure.

This brings us to why I’m writing about faith in the first place. Well, every year we have a theme for our church, a specific, special emphasis to consider. This year's theme, a theme that will run throughout 2026 is “Lord, increase our faith.” I want us to especially note, however, that this isn’t a passive request, nor is it a vague spiritual slogan. It’s a petitioning of God Himself, a prayer that, as long as we mean it, commits us to growth. This call to the Lord, “increase our faith,” assumes that God will place us in situations that stretch our trust, deepen our dependence, and call us beyond comfortable Christianity. It also acknowledges that we’re going to need Him and His grace every step of the way.

As your pastor, it’s my desire, and a desire that I hope the entirety of our church family will want to share as well, that in 2026 we wouldn’t simply talk more about faith, but that we would live it more fully. It’s my desire that we would trust God more deeply in prayer, obedience, generosity, and perseverance. It’s my desire that we would take God at His Word, even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s my desire that we would believe, as Hebrews 11:6 says, not just that God exists, but that He is good, faithful, and rewarding to those who diligently seek Him.

May 2026 be a year where our church is marked by clearly growing faith, not because we are strong, but because our God is faithful. May our prayer continually be the humble and honest cry of the apostles: “Lord, increase our faith.” Happy New Year!