Only one thing makes you right with God—and it’s not you.

There is a single sentence in Scripture that splits the world in two: “Abram believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This verse draws the dividing line between faith and works, between grace and effort, between those who trust in themselves and those who trust in the finished work of Christ. It is the core of the gospel.

The Scriptures teach that we are not made right with God by what we do, but by believing in what God has done through Jesus. Romans 3 and 4 explain that justification—being declared righteous in God's sight—is not earned by keeping laws or doing good, but given as a gift through faith. Paul uses Abraham as the model: he simply believed, and God credited that faith as righteousness.

This truth is not just theological—it is personal. It defines how we approach God, how we find peace, and how we live daily. Even our prayers rest on this foundation. Psalm 34 says, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears.” We dare to pray boldly not because we are righteous in ourselves, but because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

This is the line that divides the world—and eternity. Are you standing on your works or on the righteousness of Christ?

Sermon Text: Genesis 15.6

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: August 3, 2025

What if the most important part of Abram’s story isn’t the battle he won—but the mysterious priest who shows up with bread, wine, and a glimpse of Jesus?

In Genesis 14, Abram steps forward in bold faith to rescue his nephew Lot, defeats enemy kings with just 318 men, and refuses to profit from the king of Sodom—declaring that only God, not man, will get credit for his blessing. But right in the middle of this heroic tale, a strange figure suddenly appears: Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High.

Though mentioned in just three verses, Melchizedek disrupts the story like a spotlight on the gospel. He offers bread and wine, blesses Abram, and receives a tithe—actions rich with meaning that echo all the way to Psalm 110 and the book of Hebrews. There, we learn that Melchizedek is more than a historical footnote; he is a prophetic preview of Jesus Christ.

This sermon invites us to zoom out from the battle and fix our eyes on the deeper revelation: Jesus is our true and better Melchizedek—the perfect High Priest and eternal King. He mediates for us, sacrifices for us, reigns over us, and welcomes us to live under the refuge of His blessing.

Whether your faith is developing like Abram’s or you’re exploring what it means to follow Jesus, this story reminds us that God still steps into our lives with bread, wine, and an invitation to know Him more deeply.

Sermon Text: Genesis 14

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Sermon Date: July 27, 2025

You can’t hold onto God’s plan with one hand and your backup plan with the other.

The Scripture tells the story of Abraham’s journey in Genesis 13, revealing the ongoing process of learning to trust God’s command, promise, and calling. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and kindred, yet Abraham brought Lot along—a small act of disobedience that reveals a bigger struggle: trusting God fully when the promise doesn’t seem possible.

The passage shows Abraham returning to Bethel, retracing his steps after a failure in Egypt—a spiritual reset. Scripture shows that as Abraham separates from Lot, his faith deepens. Lot chooses what looks good to the eyes—the well-watered Jordan Valley—despite it being outside the land of promise and near Sodom. Abraham, in contrast, chooses to trust the Lord, growing in confidence that God will bless him wherever he goes.

Scripture reveals this is not just a story of land and livestock. Galatians 3 interprets the promise to Abraham’s offspring as pointing to Christ. Those who put their faith in Jesus become Abraham’s children and part of the “dust of the earth”—the fulfillment of God's promise reaching even to us.

The Word warns against partial obedience and relying on plan B when God calls for full surrender. It also challenges believers not to make decisions based only on what looks good, but to filter choices through God’s command, calling, and promise.

Through Abraham’s story, Scripture teaches that spiritual growth comes step by step, with setbacks and restarts, but always under the patient hand of a faithful God.

Sermon Text: Genesis 13

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: July 20, 2025

The Scriptures declare that even the faithful can falter, yet God remains steadfast. Genesis 12:10–20 recounts how Abram, the man of faith, failed in his first trial after receiving God’s great promises. Faced with famine, Abram left the land God had shown him and went to Egypt. Fearing for his life, he deceived Pharaoh by claiming Sarai was his sister. Though his plan succeeded on worldly terms, it exposed a deep lack of trust in God’s promises.

Yet the Lord, true to His word, intervened. He afflicted Pharaoh’s house with plagues and protected Sarai, preserving the promise of offspring. God’s faithfulness endured even when Abram's faith crumbled. This episode echoes the gospel’s core: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5). Just as God remained faithful to Abram, He is faithful to us even in our weakness.

The Scriptures teach that our calling and God’s promises are not in conflict with our good—they are our good. We often attempt to control outcomes, crafting plans that bypass reliance on God. But true life is found in clinging to His Word, trusting His timing, and walking in His calling. Psalm 34 reminds us: “I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears.”

Let the Word be louder than our fears. Let the promises of God guide us through our trials. And let us live each day not for “that it may go well with me,” but for the glory of the One who is always faithful.

Scripture: Genesis 12.10-20

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: July 13, 2025

Since the Sunday morning sermon was not recorded due to a lightning strike to the church steeple during the worship service which damaged almost everything electronic, Pastor Todd shares an overview of the sermon as we begin this new sermon series on the life of Abraham. As we read the life of Abraham through the lens of Galatians 3.7-9, we begin to discover what it means to walk in faith.

Scripture: Genesis 11.27-12.10

Preacher: Todd Pylant

Date: July 6, 2025

In Psalm 34, David testifies about his deliverance from Abimelech, who sought to take his life. What does deliverance look like from the thing that troubles you? Do you believe deliverance is possible from all your troubles, or do you struggle with doubt? Is there something wrong with us regarding believing deliverance is possible?

Preacher: Blake Theiss

Scripture: Psalm 34

June 22, 2025

Psalm 34 proclaims that God delivers those who seek Him. David, fleeing from Saul, faced his greatest fear in Gath—surrounded by enemies who remembered him as the one who struck down Goliath. In desperation, David changed his behavior and appeared insane, prompting the Philistine king to dismiss him instead of taking revenge. Though 1 Samuel 21 doesn’t mention prayer or divine intervention, Psalm 34 reveals the unseen reality: David cried to the Lord, and the Lord heard him.

Scripture testifies that God works even through ordinary actions. David’s quick thinking alone did not save him; the Lord empowered his plan and softened the heart of the king. The psalm reinterprets this experience through the lens of faith: “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him.” God responds not to the strength or eloquence of prayer, but to humility, belief, trust, and submission.

Psalm 34 also reminds believers to reflect on their own deliverance stories. When God acts, He deserves exaltation. David gathers others and says, “Magnify the Lord with me.” He boasts not in his plan, but in God’s goodness.

Scripture invites the fearful to trust the Lord, to cry out with confidence that He hears, and to recognize His presence in the ordinary. “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” David urges. Those who take refuge in Him will be blessed. The Word calls God’s people to reflect, remember, and rejoice in the God who delivers.

Sermon Date: June 9, 2025

Sermon Text: Psalm 34.1-3 ESV

The Scripture calls believers to approach the Lord’s Supper with sincerity, as seen in 1 Corinthians 11, where Paul instructs the church to partake in remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. God despises empty worship, urging His people to engage their hearts, minds, and souls fully.

In 1 Corinthians 15, the Word of God reveals the foundational truths of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day. His resurrection is essential—not just an event, but the guarantee of believers’ future glorification. The Scripture affirms that Christ reigns now, though all things are not yet subjected to Him, and one day, death itself will be defeated.

The Word exhorts believers in verse 58: “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” This directive anchors faith in resurrection hope. Because Christ lives, believers are called to persevere in their labor, knowing their work in the Lord is never in vain.

The Scripture encourages personal reflection, asking each believer to consider their current labor, the obstacles threatening to move them, and how resurrection hope strengthens their endurance. Through God’s grace, weaknesses are overcome, and faithfulness is sustained.

At the Lord’s Supper, believers are invited to proclaim Christ’s victory, speaking truth over His body broken for them. The Word of God assures that in Him, all labor done for His glory will bear eternal fruit.

Sermon Text: 1 Corinthians 15.58

June 1, 2025