Pastor's Blog

The Christian life is personal but never private. In Mark 1:14–20, Jesus begins His public ministry not by creating a program, but by forming a gospel community—calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him together. From the very beginning, discipleship is both relational and missional. In this blog post, Pastor James Pavlic explores how gospel growth happens in community and overflows through relationships into the lives of others. Jesus invites us to follow Him, and in doing so, forms us into people who fish for others—not out of pressure, but out of joy. This post encourages believers to consider: How gospel-shaped friendships deepen faith. Why multiplication is part of the call to follow Jesus. What it looks like to disciple others through ordinary relationships. You’ll find practical steps to engage in disciple-making, reflection questions for spiritual growth, and a prayer to renew your dependence on Christ and His Spirit. Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning to walk with Jesus, A Community of Multiplication will help you see how following Jesus with others is not only a gift but a mission.

Every healthy tree bears fruit, and every disciple of Jesus is called to do the same. But what kind of fruit are we talking about? In this article, we explore two key passages, Mark 10:17–27 and Matthew 28:16–20, that reveal the heart of gospel fruitfulness: loving others sacrificially and multiplying disciples. We follow Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler, exposing how idols like wealth can choke out love, and we hear the risen Savior’s commission to go and make disciples, teaching others to walk in obedience. Fruit-bearing isn’t about religious performance or spiritual pressurel it’s the Spirit-empowered result of abiding in Christ, surrendering idols, and investing in others with gospel love. Whether you're discipling a child, mentoring a friend, or praying with a new believer, Jesus calls you to a life that glorifies the Father by bearing much fruit. Read on to discover what that looks like and how to begin.

In Called to Serve – Our Unique Mission, we explore Romans 12:1–8 and discover how every believer is called to serve the church with grace, humility, and love. Just as a healthy tree has a trunk that supports life and growth, so our calling is the strong center through which Christ’s life flows outward. Rooted in our adoption and identity, we are empowered to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, not just in worship on Sunday, but in the daily rhythms of service to others. Paul reminds us that this service flows from gospel logic: because of God’s mercy, we live for Him. Every gift, whether mercy, leadership, teaching, or encouragement, is essential. Discipleship is not a solo project, and ministry is not reserved for the few. You are already called, already gifted, already placed. The Spirit has equipped you with a part to play in the church’s mission. This article invites you to discover your unique role and to live it out joyfully, in love.

In a world obsessed with upward mobility, Jesus models a radical vision of love that stoops low. Chapter 3: The Servant Heart of Christ walks us through John 13:4b–17, where Jesus—the eternal Son—wraps a towel around His waist and washes His disciples’ feet. This shocking act is both a pointer to His cross and a pattern for our lives. Jesus lays aside His garments as He would lay down His life, teaching that greatness in the kingdom is found not in position but in posture. From the root of adoption in Christ (Galatians 4), this chapter turns to the visible fruit of discipleship: humble service. True gospel growth produces a life shaped by the basin and towel. As the Spirit forms Christ in us, we don’t just imitate Jesus—we participate in His servant-hearted love. This chapter invites readers to worship Jesus as the Servant King, reflect on where they need to grow in humility, and take up the challenge to serve someone this week in a hidden, sacrificial way. The journey from identity to imitation continues—bearing fruit that looks like Christ.

Many of us live as though our identity must be earned—through success, appearance, or religious effort. The Galatians felt similar pressure: prove yourself by works of the law. But Paul offers a radically freeing truth in Galatians 3:26–4:7: your identity is not achieved but received. You are a child of God by grace, adopted through Christ and sealed by the Spirit. In this post, Pastor James Pavlic unpacks the deep theological and pastoral truths of adoption in Christ. Using the imagery of clothing, inheritance, and sonship, Paul reveals that believers are united to Christ, clothed in His honor, and filled with the Spirit who cries out, “Abba, Father.” Key themes include: Our identity in Christ as sons and daughters through faith. The Spirit’s witness in our hearts that we belong to God. The relational transformation that flows from adoption. How discipleship flourishes when rooted in sonship, not performance. This reflection helps readers move from spiritual orphanhood to gospel-rooted confidence. It concludes with personal reflection questions, a pastoral prayer, and a practical challenge to meditate on Galatians 4:6 and live from the secure identity we have in Christ.

Many Christians long to grow but feel directionless in their discipleship. Psalm 1 gives us a vivid picture: the life of a disciple is like a tree, planted by streams of water. In this opening post of the Tree Spirituality series, we explore the gospel vision of being rooted in Christ, nourished by His Word, and bearing fruit through His Spirit. Far from a self-made spirituality, this is a life planted by grace. Jesus Himself is the Blessed Man who stood in our place, bore our curse, and now makes us fruitful trees in His kingdom. If you’re longing for stability, growth, and deeper communion with God, begin here—with the Gospel Tree.

“Tree Spirituality” invites readers to move beyond one-hour-a-week Christianity and sink their lives into the rich soil of the gospel. Drawing on Christ Presbyterian Church’s Identity Framework, adoption, dependence, Trinitarian worship, redemptive perspective, and kingdom discipleship, this series of articles trace a discipleship journey from deep roots in union with Christ to visible fruit in service, community, mission, and hopeful endurance. Like the tree of Psalm 1, believers who abide in Jesus, the True Vine, are nourished by grace and empowered by the Spirit to flourish for God’s glory and their neighbor’s good. Whether you are a new believer or a seasoned saint, this pastoral guide shows how gospel-shaped rhythms can transform the quiet places of the heart, the routines of home, and the callings of everyday life.