The "greatest" Christians are the humblest servants. In Mark 9 Jesus said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last and the servant of all” (v. 35). Jesus’ words flip our way of thinking and living upside down! I, me, and my are not the key words in my vocabulary. Like Jesus, Christians a heart that is focused on others and puts their will and ways ahead of our own.

This godly attitude can only exist in a heart that knows and believes what Jesus has done. He was so focused on others that he willingly died a most horrible death for them. He endured unthinkable agony and pain. He accepted the rejection of his Father and torment of hell. By his death he has removed the curse of our sins. We will not be punished for our failures. Jesus’ resurrection announces that we are raised to new life. Now we are free from sin to do the things that please God — like humble service to others.

The people around me are the people that Jesus served. He served them by dying on the cross. We’re not called to do that (or even able!), but we too can serve them. We serve when we put others first. In your home, yield your opinion for the sake of another. Look for ways to show selfless Christian love as you help and serve your friends or coworkers. Be a good neighbor to the people in your community.

We are called to follow Jesus. All that he has done as our Savior makes it possible for us to serve others because he has set us free from our sinful selfishness. Be great in the eyes of God as you make yourself a servant of others.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

Our spiritual problem runs deeper than just what we can see — although what we can see often isn’t very good. At times we must hang our head in shame that we willfully, knowingly acted in a sinful way.

Hidden inside us, God also sees sins. At times we may recognize our inner sins like greed, lust, or pride. Other times we may not even realize that our actions were guided by selfishness or another sinful attitude.

Repentance is more than just listing the sins that we remember. True repentance recognizes that our natural condition is that we are fallen sinners who need help.

In Psalm 19:12–13 we read:
Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

Most importantly, in true repentance we cling to the grace of God in Christ Jesus. His forgiveness for us is complete — including even our hidden sins.

Don’t carry the burden of guilt. Because of Jesus, every bit of your sin has been washed away. Through faith in him you are fully forgiven. Today is another day to bask in the glory of Christ and shine with his brightness so that those around us see Christ in all we do.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling

What is your most valuable possession? A house? A car? A family heirloom? An electronic device?

Jesus offered a stinging warning to the Pharisees that deserves a moment of our attention. He said, “What is highly valuable among men is detestable in God’s sight” (Luke 16:15).

The warning to us is that we dare never lose sight of what has real value in this life. The spiritual treasures that God freely gives through faith in Jesus are of eternal value. The peace of forgiveness of sins is worth more than all the treasures the world has to offer because with forgiveness not only do we live our days on earth at peace with God, but we also will live forever in heaven.

Don’t let your life be defined by earthly things. You are defined by Jesus, your Savior. You are a child of God whose service to him and others matters because you are part of God’s kingdom. Give careful thought to your priorities and choices and be sure they reflect the real you — a believer who life now and forever is meant to glorify Jesus.

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling