Truth on the Trail with Dr. Pete Pawelek

This sermon, "What Makes a Godly Neighbor?" from Pastor Pete's "The Questions Jesus Asked" series, uses the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to explore what it means to fulfill Jesus's command to "go and do the same" as a neighbor to others.

Pastor Pete emphasizes that we don't just have neighbors but are neighbors ourselves, and identifies two key attitudes of a godly neighbor: mindfulness (an attentive spirit) and mercy (a heart for the hurting). The core problem he addresses is that modern disciples are too busy, stressed, and saturated by a "culture of chaos" to be truly mindful of others' needs, missing opportunities to serve. He provides a practical three-step model for developing mindfulness: Pray (asking God to open your eyes to see those you're called to serve), Pause (taking time to investigate and consider needs rather than rushing past), and Prioritize (putting God's kingdom first so you're ready to act when He calls).

The sermon powerfully contrasts the priest and Levite who both "saw" the wounded man (using the same Greek word meaning "to know by perception") but passed by, with the Samaritan who not only saw but had compassion and acted with mercy, demonstrating that mercy is "putting mindfulness into action." Pastor Pete includes personal examples, particularly encouraging husbands to listen to their wives' attentive spirits, and challenges listeners to move beyond passive observation to active, sacrificial love that both sees needs and does something about them.

This second part of Pastor Pete's "Why Do You Call Me Lord?" sermon powerfully focuses on the consequences of hearing Jesus's words without acting on them, using the parable of the wise and foolish builders from Luke 6:47-49 to illustrate that the only difference between a life that stands firm and one that faces total destruction is action.

Pastor Pete emphasizes that while the struggle to obey is not new (citing 1 John 2:3-6 to show the early church also wrestled with this), God's grace provides hope for "struggling saints" to persevere rather than excuse for complacency. The core message centers on the severe consequences of building one's life on any foundation other than Christ, with the Greek word for "destruction" meaning to be "totally annihilated, ruined beyond repair"—not a minor setback but complete collapse.

The sermon stresses that Christ is the only foundation that will last (1 Corinthians 3:11), and includes both an evangelistic appeal to unbelievers (Romans 10:8-13) and a direct challenge to believers to identify specific areas of disobedience and commit to action this week, whether it's forgiving someone, tithing, reading the Bible daily, praying more, or asking for forgiveness from a spouse. The message concludes with the powerful reminder that "saying it and doing it are two different things," calling listeners to move beyond mere confession to active obedience that demonstrates their love for Christ through keeping His commands.

This sermon, "Why Do You Call Me Lord?" from Pastor Pete's "The Questions Jesus Asked" series, centers on Luke 6:46-49 where Jesus asks believers the challenging question, "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and don't do the things I say?"

Pastor Pete frames the message around the simple truth that "saying it and doing it are two different things," using a humorous personal story about his toddler biting another child because she "smelled like strawberries" to illustrate how unexpected answers to "why" questions can reveal deeper motivations.

The sermon identifies several reasons for disobedience including toil (discipleship is hard work), time (impatience for instant results), poor thinking (justifying disobedience), lack of trust (mistrust bleeding into faith), and tricky temptations from the devil.

The core message focuses on two key concepts: confession and commitment, emphasizing that when believers confess Jesus as "Lord," they are acknowledging His absolute authority (not just using a title), as demonstrated through extensive scripture references showing His authority over death, sin, demons, creation, and angels (Revelation 1:18, Mark 2:10, Colossians 1:16, Philippians 2:10-11). The problem arises when people recognize Jesus's authority for salvation (Romans 10:9) but fail to submit to that same authority in daily obedience, requiring a lifelong commitment to sanctification as disciples who demonstrate their love through keeping His commands (John 14:15).

This second part of Pastor Pete's "Why Do You Worry?" sermon focuses on Matthew 6:32-34 and centers on God's provision and kingdom priorities, emphasizing that we should trust in God's care rather than our own capacity.

The sermon highlights two great truths about God: His great riches (He is not poor, weak, or anxious but rich, strong, and sovereign) and His great record (a flawless track record of providing for His people and creation, supported by scriptures like Philippians 4:19, Lamentations 3:22-24, and Hebrews 13:8).

The central illustration involves Pastor Pete's college experience working on a Texas ranch where an anxious owner demanded workers "help me worry" about drought, financial problems, and equipment failures, but one ranch hand remained unconcerned, simply stating "none of it belongs to me... it's not my kingdom." This powerful story illustrates that most of our worry stems from trying to build and protect our own kingdoms rather than seeking God's kingdom first, and that we waste energy worrying about things we won't inherit, can't take with us, and won't matter in eternity.

The sermon concludes with the assertion that there's only one legitimate thing to worry about—sin—and once that's resolved through repentance, belief, and confession in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24), there's nothing left to worry about because we can trust completely in God's sovereign care and provision.

This sermon, "Why Do You Worry?" by Pastor Pete centers on Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus addresses humanity's universal struggle with worry. Pastor Pete establishes that worry has existed since Genesis 3:8 when Adam and Eve first experienced fear after sinning, and argues that all worry ultimately finds its roots in sin, though not all worry is necessarily sinful. The sermon's central message is the counterintuitive principle that "we are most secure when we fully surrender" to God rather than relying on our own capacity. Jesus addresses worry through three main areas: perspective (focusing on faith rather than fear by shifting our sight, seeking the right source, and surrendering our struggles), provision (trusting in God's care rather than our own ability, as demonstrated through examples of birds and wildflowers), and priorities (mentioned but not fully developed in this first part).

Throughout the message, Pastor Pete contrasts worldly advice to "just get over it" or use willpower with Jesus's approach of trusting in God's loving provision, emphasizing that God knows our needs and will provide when we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, making this a practical yet deeply theological exploration of overcoming anxiety through faith.

Have you ever felt unseen, overlooked, or forgotten? In Genesis 16, Hagar’s life is turned upside down by choices she didn’t make. She was dragged into someone else’s mess, mistreated, and left feeling invisible. However, in the middle of her flight, fear, and failure, God showed up.

In this message, Pastor Pete shares how Hagar’s story reminds us of this powerful truth: you may feel invisible to the world, but you are never invisible to God. He sees you, He hears you, and He has a future prepared for you.

Big Idea: Even when people use us, abuse us, or refuse us—God still sees us.

Scripture: Genesis 16:1–13 (CSB)

No matter what mess you’re in, whether your own doing or the result of others, God’s mercy meets you right there.

In Luke 6, Jesus calls His followers to a radical kind of love: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” This isn’t easy, but it’s the kind of mercy that reflects the heart of God.

In this week's message, Pastor Pete reminds us that mercy is magnetic. It draws people in, it softens hearts, and it brings glory to God. As believers, we’re called to:

- Long for others to enter God’s Kingdom.

- Be merciful, just as our Father is merciful.

And if you’re not yet a believer, here’s the message Pastor Pete wants you to hear: Our Father is merciful. He loves you. Jesus died for you. He is for you, not against you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

If you need mercy, God is what you need because our Father is merciful, and His mercy is always available.

In Luke 6, Jesus calls His followers to a radical kind of love: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” This isn’t easy, but it’s the kind of mercy that reflects the heart of God.

In this week's message, Pastor Pete reminds us that mercy is magnetic. It draws people in, it softens hearts, and it brings glory to God. As believers, we’re called to:

- Long for others to enter God’s Kingdom.

- Be merciful, just as our Father is merciful.

And if you’re not yet a believer, here’s the message Pastor Pete wants you to hear: Our Father is merciful. He loves you. Jesus died for you. He is for you, not against you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

If you need mercy, God is what you need because our Father is merciful, and His mercy is always available.

Ephesians 2 reminds us of a powerful truth: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.”

Pastor Pete emphasizes that mercy is simple, unconditional, and world-changing. It’s not complicated. It’s not earned. And it’s not weak. Mercy is one of the most powerful forces we can offer and receive.

In this message, Pastor Pete encourages us to:

- Sprinkle a little mercy into someone’s life. Even a small act of mercy can make a big impact.

- Receive the mercy of Christ. If you’ve never accepted God’s forgiveness, know this: God is rich in mercy and sent His Son to die for your sins so you could be saved.

Mercy isn’t just a concept, it’s a gift, and the greatest mercy of all is found in Jesus.

Ephesians 2 reminds us of a powerful truth: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses.”

Pastor Pete emphasizes that mercy is simple, unconditional, and world-changing. It’s not complicated. It’s not earned. And it’s not weak. Mercy is one of the most powerful forces we can offer and receive.

In this message, Pastor Pete encourages us to:

- Sprinkle a little mercy into someone’s life. Even a small act of mercy can make a big impact.

- Receive the mercy of Christ. If you’ve never accepted God’s forgiveness, know this: God is rich in mercy and sent His Son to die for your sins so you could be saved.

Mercy isn’t just a concept, it’s a gift, and the greatest mercy of all is found in Jesus.