Guest speaker Jason Casper preached from Luke 10:25–37, challenging the church to reconsider the question, “Who Is My Neighbor?” Through the parable of the Good Samaritan, he explained that Jesus calls believers to love not only those who are easy to love, but also those they may distrust, ignore, or feel distant from. He urged the congregation to ask God to replace fear, prejudice, and indifference with compassion and Christlike love.
Drawing from his own testimony, Jason shared how God transformed his heart toward Muslims after he came to faith in Christ following the events of 9/11. What once caused fear became an opportunity for ministry, as he learned to build relationships, answer questions about faith, and share the gospel with people from different backgrounds. He emphasized that God often changes hearts when believers step outside their comfort zones and engage the people He places around them.
The sermon also highlighted God’s heart for the nations throughout Scripture. From Abraham to the Great Commission, Jason showed that God’s plan has always been to draw people from every tribe and nation to Himself. Believers are not only saved from sin, but sent as ambassadors of reconciliation, called to invite others into a relationship with Christ.
Jason concluded by encouraging the church to take practical steps this week toward the “neighbor” God has placed nearby. Whether through hospitality, prayer, conversation, or service, he reminded the congregation that they are not responsible for results, but for faithfully loving others and extending Christ’s invitation.