Weekly Newsletter – March 16, 2026

Pastor Dustin Leek   -   March 16, 2026

đź“–Sunday Recap

Have you ever started something with great enthusiasm, only to find it harder than you expected to keep going? Whether it’s a diet, a new routine, or even a spiritual habit, we all know the struggle. The same is true for the Christian life. We begin excited about Jesus, His forgiveness, His calling, His kingdom—but living it out daily can feel heavy, confusing, or even discouraging.

This past Sunday, we returned to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus paints a picture of what life under His kingship looks like. In Matthew 7:7–14, He gives us a blueprint for kingdom living: persistent prayer, trusting God’s goodness, generous love, and walking the narrow way.

In Matthew 7:7, Jesus begins with prayer: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you” (Matt. 7:7). Notice the rhythm: ask, seek, knock. It’s not a one-time action, it’s a lifestyle.

Then Jesus reminds us of the Father’s goodness: verses 9–11 compare God to a loving parent who gives good gifts. Even when we don’t get exactly what we want, we can trust that God’s heart toward us is always good, wise, and loving.

Next comes the Golden Rule: “So in everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to be treated” (Matt. 7:12). Kingdom life flows outward. Persistent prayer rewires our hearts, so we can love others generously, even when it’s hard.

Finally, Jesus challenges us to choose the narrow way: “Enter through the narrow gate…for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. But the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt. 7:13–14). Following Jesus is daily, intentional, and sometimes difficult, but it is the only path to true life.

This week, live kingdom life in small, intentional ways. Keep praying persistently for the situations you’ve been tempted to give up on, trusting God’s goodness even when answers are delayed. Let His generosity flow through you, reach out, forgive, show kindness before it’s expected. And choose the narrow way in daily decisions, turning from what’s easy or popular to what is right. Persistent prayer, trusting God, generous love, and careful obedience, this is life under King Jesus.

Life under King Jesus isn’t easy, but it’s full, it’s powerful, and it’s worth it. Persistent prayer keeps us connected, trust steadies us, generous love shapes us, and the narrow way leads us to life.

Happening This Week

Wednesday:

  • 10am – Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Saturday:

  • 7am – Men’s Breakfast

Sunday:

  • 9am – Worship
  • 10:20am – Sunday School 
  • 5:30pm – Thrive 
  • 6:00pm – Adult Small Groups 

🗓️ Mark Your Calendar

Easter Day Camp – April 2 – 12:30 – 5:30pm

3-year-olds thru 5th grade students are invited to attend this day even tat Church as we explorer the importance of the Biblical events of Easter. Use the Q code below to register.

 

🙏 Prayer Requests

Please be praying for:
Jeff & Ryan Scott Family
Wayne Zirkle – treatments
Georgia Beckman – health issues
Abigail Clodfelter Henson – health issues
Sonny Bower – surgery recovery
Elizabeth Stevens – surgery recovery
Ruth Yonaka – broken hip
All Champion Labs employees that lost their jobs
Dan Greifzu -health issues
Rita Giese – health issues
Michael Walter – health issues
Keiffer Mewes – broken hand
Kendal Loudermilk – health concerns
Jerry Mason – health issues
Adelyn Vallette – eye infection
Wes Clodfelter – shoulder recovery
Joann Garrison – cancer
Family of Tom Goodman
Family of Kent Marks

If you have a prayer request, contact church office at 618-456-8563 or fill out a card on Sunday.

See you Sunday!