Launch Day (part 1) Sermon Preview

On April 1, just over one week ago, the world watched as 4 astronauts boarded the spaceship Artemis II to be a part of the first manned journey to the far side of the moon in over 50 years.  This is the farthest journey mankind has ever taken from our planet!   

In order to achieve this feat, Artemis II was boosted out of the earth’s atmosphere with the help of the SLS Rocket and four other engines, designed to collectively provide 8.8 million pounds of thrust.  If you think your SUV gets bad gas mileage, know that the SLS rocket system and engines require over 537,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and 196,000 gallons of liquid oxygen.  They don’t sell those at On Cue, so I am not certain the price per gallon, but it is safe to say this was not a vacation on a budget!

Because of this tremendous show of force, and unique journey, the Artemis II has captured the imaginations of many.  Maybe you found yourself outside looking upward at the sky trying to see our fellow Americans as they headed to space last Wednesday or splash back on earth sometime tomorrow.

Why do I share this story?

Well, 2,000 years ago there was another launch that captured the imaginations of many.  This launch was not a space ship, but it was out of this world.  Existing eternally as the Son of God, Jesus came to earth.  He humbled Himself and took on human flesh to reveal God to us, and ultimately to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.  Jesus’ arrival on the planet and early years of life are recorded in Luke 1:1-4:13, verses we looked at during Christmas last December in our “Christmas Morning” sermon series, and in January and early February in our “Prepare the Way” sermon series.  After arriving on the earth and growing over 30 years of life, the public ministry of Jesus was getting ready to launch.

Far more than being powered by jet engines and liquid fuel, Jesus was powered by the Spirit of Almighty God, a propulsion system that knows no limits.  When we get to Luke 4:14 – 6:16, we see Jesus on the “launch pad” of Galilee ready to blast off on His mission to seek and to save the lost in His public ministry.  Over the next 8 weeks at Wildwood Community Church in our Sunday services, we will witness the “Launch Day” of Jesus’ public ministry, the beginning of a movement that would change the world forever.

As we prepare for part 1 of this series, would you read Luke 4:14-30 before Sunday?  In these verses we see Jesus “go to church” (as was His habit), read the Scripture and apply it (identifying Himself as the Savior), and be rejected by His neighbors and classmates (in His hometown of Nazareth.)

Last Sunday (Easter Sunday) was such a blessing to gather and worship with so many of you.  I so hope you come back this week as we look more deeply at the One who would ultimately rise from the dead on the third day.  Let’s find ourselves looking up to Him in worship as we splash into our next series in Luke’s Gospel.  See you Sunday at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 … and bring friends!

Easter Sunday! Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, April 5, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church, we celebrated Easter with a message based on Mark 16:1-8. This message is part of our series, “New Life in Christ.” Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video of the message to listen to, watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

  1. Pray
  2. Read Mark 16:1-8
  3. Has there been a time in your life where you were afraid of death?  What contributed to those feelings?
  4. Jesus resurrection shows the way that He conquered death!  He took the penalty our sins deserved upon the cross, and rose from the grave victorious on the third day.  Have you placed your faith and trust in Jesus as Your Lord and Savior?  If so, share your story of how you came to faith in Christ.  If you have not, would you consider trusting Him today?
  5. In the message we spoke of 6 benefits of the resurrection for those who are in Christ.  Of these six, what stood out to you the most?  What was most encouraging to hear today?
  6. In the message, we talked about three responses of those newly alive in Christ.  Which of these three responses was most challenging to you today?  What might God be leading you to do in response?
  7. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here!

 

To listen offline, click link below:

Easter Sunday 2026

 

Online audio will appear below when available:

 

To watch the stream, use YouTube online:

 

 

 

Easter Sunday Sermon Preview!

I looked down at my phone and saw a text from a friend.

“Hey Mark.  Do you have a few minutes to talk?”

It was September 22, 2025 at 11:37AM.

As I typed a quick reply of “Yes,” my heart sank.  I had a sense of the news I was getting ready to receive.  See, the text was not just from a friend, but also a friend who was my wife’s doctor.  The previous three weeks had been filled with medical tests to determine the cause of some symptoms Kimberly had been experiencing.  Not wanting us to simply read the results in the “patient portal” on the internet, our doctor/friend wanted to personally share with us the findings of the PET scan.

A few minutes later, we were talking on the phone and our fears were confirmed.  It looked like cancer.  A subsequent biopsy would confirm that Kimberly was dealing with metastatic lung cancer, launching us into a season of uncertainties, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments.

Why is it that the word “cancer” makes our hearts sink?  After all, it’s not such a scary looking word … only six letters, and none of them x’s!  I’ve had six months to contemplate that, and have concluded that the sting of cancer is its frequent associate – death.  Cancer currently ranks second (behind heart disease) as the most common cause of death in the United States.  This means that many of us have a loved one who has passed away from cancer.  But in addition to this ultimate threat, the experience of living with cancer (and the treatments associated with its care) can kill some aspects of our enjoyment of this life.

So, it is not so much cancer we are afraid of …  it is death.

Now, you need to know that Kimberly has responded to treatment, the cancer is not growing, and Kimberly is alive and well!  But this experience has reminded us of the fragility of this life.  All of our days are numbered (whether we have a cancer diagnosis or not) all the time, and death is often closer than we think, and that fact bothers us.

As I share this story, I know many of you can relate.  You also have received a phone call or text message like this … sometimes with stories that ended way sooner and more tragic than our current experience.  The valley of the shadow of death has a darkness that impacts us all eventually..

Given our universal experience of this … wouldn’t it be amazing to find a cure for cancer?  EVEN BETTER, wouldn’t it be amazing if we found a cure for death?  (After all, death dances with heart disease, accidents, and a number of other partners.)

God created a world without cancer OR death, but the very first inhabitants of that world (Adam and Eve) sinned, plunging the world under a curse.  The violence of the F5 tornado and the metastatic mutations of cancer cells became a part of the experience of humanity after the fall.  Separated from God and His tree of life, we became destined for death.  But God, rich in mercy and love for us, had a plan to save us. 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world.  He was born in Bethlehem, lived a perfect life, revealed God to humanity, and ultimately died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins … to rescue us from the effect’s of sin’s curse.

But if sin leads to death, how do we know the curse is broken?

This Easter Sunday morning (April 5), at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 services, we will see a definitive reminder that the curse is broken as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and look at Mark 16:1-8.  Not only will we see Jesus’ triumph, we will also see the implications of His victory over death for all of us who trust in Him.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” – Jesus (John 11:25-26)

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? … But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, 57

See you Sunday morning … and bring friends!

P.S.  One more thing … we also are gathering Friday night, April 3 at 6:00 and 7:30PM for our Good Friday services.  On Friday night, we will remember Jesus death on the cross on our behalf.  Make plans to join us Friday AND Sunday!

Robinson Family Update – March 31

In the past four weeks the madness of March has had the attention of the Robinson family.  Our Sooners nearly made the big dance, the Thunder are rumbling toward the playoffs, and Norman High won the state championship!  Over the past four weeks, thankfully, Kimberly’s treatment for lung cancer has not been so maddening.  In fact, there are encouraging signs!

In early March, Kimberly went through a 5 dose radiation regimen at what is believed to be the original cancer site in her lung.  What the chemo has weakened, we hope and pray the radiation will burn up.  These cancerous spots are uninvited guests after all!  The radiation treatment delayed the seventh cycle of chemo by one week (as her doctors gave her a few extra days of recovery).  Therefore, yesterday’s chemo infusion was her first in 4 weeks … the longest gap between infusions in the four months  of treatment.  Talking with her doctor today, it seems we will settle back into a chemo infusion every three weeks going forward.  After several more weeks, Kimberly will have another scan to track how things are progressing.  For now, though, she feels pretty good!

So where does this leave us?

Both from how Kimberly feels and what the scans have shown (last scan was in February), the cancer seems to have gone somewhat dormant.  It does not seem to be spreading since treatment began.  This is great news!  The plan will be to continue the current combo of chemo and a targeted treatment (oral medication) in perpetuity to keep the cancer sleepy and at bay.  We will keep scans at regular intervals to monitor the situation and make changes to treatment as necessary.  Future radiation (though not currently prescribed) can be used down the road if necessary.

We would love to have you continue to pray with us for healing and peace, for God to be glorified in it all, and for us to continue to see God’s goodness day by day.  Though circumstances can be maddening, God’s grace marches on!

New Life in Christ (part 1) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, March 29, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church, we will celebrate Palm Sunday with a message based on Mark 11:1–11. This message is part of our series, “New Life in Christ.” Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video of the message to listen to, watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

  1. Pray
  2. Read Mark 11:1-11
  3. Have you ever been a part of a parade that was “headed someplace” in order to accomplish something?  In your experience, what is the purpose of a parade?
  4. After much of His public ministry was accomplished in the north, and after many instances where Jesus cautioned people from spreading information about what He was doing or who He was, a big change happens when Jesus enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  What is that change, and how do you explain the significance the change in strategy as Jesus enters Jerusalem for the Passover?
  5. In your own words, what is the significance of the cross of Christ and His empty tomb?  Why is this event so important for us to understand?
  6. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem as He approaches it.  What does this tell us about God’s heart for people … even those who are rejecting Him?
  7. Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem, yet He came anyway because of His commitment to the will of God and His love for you and me.  Have you trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins?
  8. Make plans to join us next weekend for Good Friday services (Friday, April 3 at 6:00 or 7:30PM) and Easter Sunday (Sunday, April 5 at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00AM).
  9. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here!

 

 

To listen offline, click link below:

Palm Sunday 2026

 

To listen online, use media player below:

 

To watch the stream, use YouTube online:

 

 

 

 

New Life in Christ (part 1 – Palm Sunday) Sermon Preview

I have participated in a few parades in my lifetime.  As a kid in scout troops and civic organizations I walked in a few Christmas parades.  As a student, I rode in Homecoming parades.  As an adult, I have gone to parades to cheer on my son and his teams.  As an American, I have witnessed 4th of July parades in various states.  As a resident of my neighborhood, we all parade around the neighborhood once a year, and eventually eat popsicles!

Like I said, I have participated in a few parades in my life.

But … I have never been a part of a parade that was actually going someplace.  Most parades are ceremonial, remembering a past event, or celebratory, marking a special day or season.  But the parades never lead to a location where something of great consequence happens.  The Christmas parade never ended with those in the parade building a homeless shelter.  Even the doggone homecoming parade often did not lead to a victory by our team!  For the most part, in my experience, parades are about the parade, not where they were headed.

But in Mark 11:1-11, we see a parade that was HEADED SOMEWHERE.  In Luke 9:51, Jesus is said to “set His face to go to Jerusalem,” a journey that would take months to complete.  But, when Jesus finally gets there, a parade forms for the last couple of miles of the journey.  Make no mistake, this was quite the parade, complete with music, animals, and a celebratory crowd.  It even happened on the verge of a major holiday!  But this was no parade for the sake of the parade.  Though most in attendance of this parade did not appreciate what they were doing or where this was headed, Jesus invited a procession that would lead to His Passion – His death on the cross.

Far from being a parade to no where, or a party halted by the Jewish religious police or Roman authorities, Jesus knew exactly what lay before Him and exactly what He was doing as He lay down His life on the cross.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, we will look at Mark 11:1-11 (along with Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34, 45) to see the significance of this Palm Sunday parade as we kickoff our two Sunday (plus Good Friday) remembrance of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection for our sins.  Make plans to join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service this Sunday (March 29) as we kick off our short Easter Series “New Life in Christ.”  See you there and bring friends!  This is one parade that you should not miss, after all it headed to the most consequential event in human history.   

Questions for Reflection: March 22, 2026

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Perplexing Bible Truths: To Fear or Fear Not?”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

  1. There are many things in our world today that easily can elicit a sense of fear and concern even for followers of Jesus. Honestly share what some of those are for you. What are some that you can see which most alarm our families, neighbors and co-workers?
  2. What are some truths about God found in Isaiah 41:10 and 1 Peter 5:7 that can help us as we find ourselves face-to-face with some fear?
  3. In both the Old Testament and New Testament, the ‘Fear of God’ for a believer is described in positive terms (see Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Peter 1:17). Why do you think there seems to be so little teaching on this idea?
  4. How much have you heard about what it means for a believer to ‘Fear God?
  5. Bruce mentioned how in Isaiah 11, regarding the future Messiah (Jesus), that it says of him, ‘His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.’ What does the idea of ‘delight’ mean practically?
  6. Bruce mentioned Sinful Fear and Spiritual Fear. What do each of them mean in more detail?
  7. Bruce shared several ‘insight statements’ from Scripture about Spiritual Fear. List some of them. What were some of the ‘benefit statements’ about Spiritual Fear?
  8. Chuck Swindoll was quoted as saying: The fear of the Lord means taking God seriously—His holiness, His standards, His authority. What would that look like in our everyday life?
  9. Pause to pray and thank God for His marvelous works, His promises of protection, and for His awesome greatness.

 

To listen to this message offline, click the link below to download:

Perplexing Bible Truths 2

 

To listen online, use the media player below:

 

To watch the service, use YouTube online:

Sneak Peek – Sunday, March 22, 2026

Welcome to June in March!  Only a high temp on Saturday of 95 degrees!  Where’s my shorts?

This kind of weather gets one thinking of the month of June, and June 1-4 means VBS! VBS is for kids ages 4 (potty trained) through those entering 5th grade. Kids must be registered by May 25.  For those of us who are “older kids,” there is the opportunity to both volunteer to serve at VBS and to donate to support VBS.  All the detail info and signups are at www.wildwoodchurch.org/vbs

People often ask me about how to view or listen to Wildwood’s sermons.  They can easily be found at www.wildwoodchurch.org/sermons   When you click on the message and then “resources” you can locate the sermon questions (and for last week, the PDF summary of the message).  Also, be sure to check each week’s bulletin for multiple ways to volunteer or get further involved in the life of Wildwood.

This Sunday will be part 2 in the 2-Part series entitled, Reflecting on (sometimes) Perplexing Bible Truths.  The message title this Sunday, To Fear, or not to Fear?  Some have said that ‘Fear Not’ is the most frequent command in Scripture.  At the same time, a great number of verses in Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, exhort us to ‘Fear God.’  How does all this work together?  Are we to fear, or not to fear?  Do we know as followers of Jesus what Scripture means when it says, Fear God?  Did Jesus ‘Fear God?’

Our aim is to bring some clarity to what the Bible means when it urges us to ‘Fear God.’  I hope you will be able to be there Sunday.  Lord willing, I will be!

See you Sunday!

Bruce

Questions for Reflection: March 15, 2026

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Perplexing Bible Truths: Human Volition and Divine Election”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

  1. How have you seen believers respond to issues related to what the Bible says about divine election in light of Scripture’s teaching also on man’s responsibility to believe?
  2. Bruce agreed with and quoted Charles Simeon: “(We should) Be Bible Christians, not system Christians” What does that mean to you?
  3. Romans 11:33 was a foundational verse for the message, focusing on the word ‘inscrutable’. What Greek dictionary synonyms for inscrutable did Bruce mention?
  4. What are the ramifications for us of both Romans 11:33 and Isaiah 55:9?
  5. Why do people often shy away from Scripture’s teaching about divine election?
  6. Have you heard the term “antinomy” before? What definition did Bruce give for it?
  7. Bruce emphasized that both streams of Bible Truth have been designed by God for a purpose. What two purposes did Bruce cite for Human Volition-Man’s Personal Responsibility? What two purposes did Bruce cite for Divine Election-God’s Sovereign Action?
  8. Respond to this thought: The Bible holds to sovereignty and responsibility in salvation alike. A faithful Bible student should do the same.
  9. Pray and thank God for the Scriptures and for His amazing, awesome greatness.

TWO CLEAR STREAMS OF TRUTH IN SCRIPTURE pdf

 

To listen to the sermon offline, click the link below to download:

Human Volition and Divine Election Sermon

 

 

To listen online, use the online player below:

 

To watch the stream of the service use YouTube online: