5- Day Sermon Devo

Pastor Nate Widener • April 28, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener

Day 1: The Returning King

Reading: Revelation 1:4-8, 12-18

Devotional: As we reflect on Christ's return, we're reminded of His majesty and power. John's vision in Revelation paints a picture of Jesus that's both awe-inspiring and humbling. Today, meditate on the description of Christ with "eyes like a flame of fire" and a voice "like the roar of many waters." How does this image of Jesus challenge or comfort you? Consider how this powerful King chose to die for your sins out of love. Take a moment to surrender any areas of doubt or fear to Him, remembering that He holds "the keys of death and Hades." How might your life change if you lived each day expecting Christ's return?

Day 2: Overcoming Doubt

Reading: John 20:24-29

Devotional: Thomas's doubt is a story we can all relate to. Like him, we often struggle to believe what we cannot see or understand. Yet Jesus met Thomas in his doubt with patience and love. Reflect on a time when you've doubted God's presence or promises. How did God respond to your doubt? Remember that Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." Today, ask God to strengthen your faith in areas where you struggle to trust Him. Consider how you might encourage someone else who's wrestling with doubt.

Day 3: The Peace of Christ

Reading: John 14:25-27, Philippians 4:6-7

Devotional: In a world full of turmoil, Christ offers us His peace - a peace that surpasses all understanding. This peace isn't just the absence of conflict, but a deep-seated assurance of God's presence and control. How have you experienced Christ's peace in your life? In what areas do you need to invite His peace today? Take time to bring your anxieties and fears to God in prayer, asking Him to fill you with His peace. Consider how you might be an instrument of Christ's peace to others around you.

Day 4: Living in Light of Eternity

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Devotional: The promise of Christ's return and our resurrection gives us hope beyond this life. How does the reality of eternal life impact your daily decisions and priorities? Reflect on Paul's words that we should "encourage one another with these words." How might you live differently if you constantly remembered that this life is not all there is? Today, choose one way to invest in your eternal future - perhaps by serving others, deepening your prayer life, or sharing your faith with someone.

Day 5: God's Presence in Suffering

Reading: Romans 8:18-39

Devotional: Life inevitably brings challenges and suffering, but we're assured that God is with us through it all. Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love. Reflect on a difficult time in your life - how did you experience God's presence? Even when we can't see or feel Him, God promises to be our "constant companion." Today, if you're going through a trial, invite God into that space. If you're in a season of peace, pray for those who are suffering. Remember that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. How can this eternal perspective change how you face challenges?

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Fieldworkers: Preparing Future Pastors

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 27, 2026

Our Partnership with Our Seminary

August Happenings

By Amy Widener • July 27, 2026

August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.