Robinson Family Update (2/11/26)

In life sometimes you have friends you have never met.  Kimberly and I feel like Drew and Ellie Holcomb are friends, even though we’ve never shared a meal together.  Their music (independently and together) has been a huge blessing to us over the years, putting words and emotion to rhyme and meter in a way that God has used to encourage our souls.

One Ellie Holcomb song we find ourselves listening to more often these days is “Find You Here.”  This song, written after Ellie learned that her father (the great music producer Brown Bannister) was diagnosed with cancer, is raw and real … but also helpful and hopeful.

As we experience this journey through Kimberly’s bout with lung cancer, we can honestly sing the words of this song, “It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear.  It’s not the road we would have chosen.  The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead, but You are asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead …. ‘You’re gonna carry us through everything!’”

This is the song we are singing, and we hope you will sing it with us.  We are walking through this valley following our loving Savior every step of the way.  We sing NOT because Kimberly has cancer but because we have Christ.  We sing NOT because everything is currently comfortable but because we have an eternal hope.  In light of this, what have we to fear?

If you have been following along with us, you may know Kimberly began an initial four cycle chemo regimen in November 2025 for metastatic lung cancer that was diagnosed in early October.  We are now through this four cycle treatment and she had a PET scan on Friday to determine how things were progressing.  We were encouraged to learn that the cancer is not currently growing.  Though the tumor sizes are similar to what they were near the end of the second cycle of chemo, the cancer was less “active.”  We have learned that (medically speaking) this is the target … to keep the cancer from growing. Of course the prayer is for the cancer to be removed forever – a prayer we are confident God will answer, either in this life (our hope and request) but certainly in life after death.  Cancer stinks, but it is temporary.  Cancer is heavy compared to many things, but light compared to the blessings that God has for us in Christ.  “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:17)”

So what is the plan going forward?  On Monday, Kimberly began the fifth cycle of chemo with a slightly modified medication plan.  She will also continue to take the daily “targeted treatment” for her particular cancer’s mutation.  This new chemo plan will carry on with no definite end: as long as it is helpful to keep the cancer from growing, she will continue to receive the treatment … so we are settling in to a new rhythm.

And as we settle into that rhythm, we are singing to the God that we are finding “here in the middle where the healing hasn’t happened yet.”  So, join us in singing, and join us in praying for God to be glorified in this, and for us to continue to see His goodness and His overwhelming peace.

Oh, and check out the words to our friend Ellie’s song “Find You Here” below, or better yet, give it a listen.

In Christ,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

“It’s not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear

It’s not the road we would have chosen, no

The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead

But You’re asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry us through everything!”

You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fears with peace

You say that I should come to You with everything I need

You’re asking me to thank You even when the pain is deep

You promise that You’ll come and meet us on the road ahead

And no matter what the fear says, You give me a reason to be glad

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near me, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry me through everything.”

You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fear

Here in the middle of the lonely night,

here in the middle of the losing fight

You’re here in the middle of the deep

regret, here when the healing hasn’t happened yet

Here in the middle of the desert place,

here in the middle when I cannot see Your face

Here in the middle with Your outstretched

arms, You can see my pain and it breaks Your heart

And I didn’t know I’d find You here, in the middle of my deepest fear

But You were drawing near, You were overwhelming me with peace

So I lift my voice and sing:

“You’re gonna carry me through everything!”

And You were drawing near, You’re overwhelming all my fears with peace

Rejoice, rejoice! Don’t have to worry about a single thing

‘Cause You were overwhelming me with peace

Don’t have to worry about a single thing!

You’re gonna carry us through everything

Overwhelming peace

Prepare The Way (part 6) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Luke 3:23-28.  This message was part 6 of our series,”Prepare the Way”.  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 Luke 3:23-38
  3. What are some things you would like to know about that (to the best of your knowledge) the Bible does not address?  Have you ever done any Bible study on the genealogies of the Bible (if so, which genealogy have you studied more in depth)?
  4. What stood out to you about the genealogy of Jesus from Luke 3?  To the best of your understanding, and based on our study today, what was Luke communicating about Jesus through sharing His genealogy?
  5. The genealogy of Jesus reminds us that God kept His promise of sending the Messiah … a promise He kept reiterating to different generations throughout the Old Testament period.  Even though it took a long time (77 generations listed … plus 30 years!) God made good on His promises!  What are some other of God’s promises from God that you are waiting on now to fully materialize?  Are you encouraged by the faithfulness of God through this genealogy?
  6. Though the Old Testament has many genealogies, the New Testament only really has two, and both end in Jesus!  This reminds us of the importance for us to be found in Him.  Receiving Him and believing in Him that we might be born again into His family as a new creation in Christ, an heir of His mighty inheritance!  Are you “in Christ”?  Does Your family tree end in Him?
  7. Knowing the importance of being in Christ and being born again in Him (regardless of our family of origin), we are encouraged to invite all we know to trust in Jesus.  How are you inviting others into Your eternal family (through faith in Jesus)?
  8. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here!

 

Download audio at link below:

Prepare the Way 6

 

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Prepare the Way (part 6) Sermon Preview

The Bible is an amazing book.  It is literally God’s Word.  As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  And 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

This means that though the Bible does not tell us EVERYTHING, it tells us what we need to know.  We can be certain of this because the Bible is not just the product of fallible men, but men were moved along by the Holy Spirit (moved by the very “breath of God” as wind fills a sail) to communicate accurately what we need know to be “complete” – not just in knowledge but in behavior as well.

So, if this is the case, we may want to ask a couple of representative questions.

The Bible DOESN’T tell us what exactly happened to the dinosaurs.  We WANT to know the answer to that question, but we don’t apparently NEED to know the answer to that question.

The Bible DOES tell us a surprising amount of information about genealogies.  The book of 1 Chronicles alone features nine straight chapters of genealogies (1 Chronicles 1-9) and over 600 verses in our Bibles deal with genealogies.  This may be info we think we DO NOT WANT to know, but that we apparently NEED to know.

But why do we need to know about these genealogies?  If all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable … how would our lives be enriched if we focused on any of these genealogies?

This Sunday, February 8 at Wildwood Community Church in part 6 of our sermon series “Prepare the Way” (studying the first 30 years of Jesus’ life from Luke 2-4), we will look at Luke 3:23-38.  These 15 verses provide us with Jesus’ family tree.  Inside of His genealogy we will see some important reminders about Jesus’ identity … but we will also see something essential regarding our family tree as well.

Make plans to join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service for singing, prayer, study of God’s Word, and celebrating the Lord’s Table together.  See you there … and bring friends!

Prepare The Way (part 5) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Luke 3:21-22.  This message was part 5 of our series,”Prepare the Way”.  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 Luke 3:21-22
  3. What was a “launch” of a product, campaign, or candidate that you remember?  What do you remember about the launch?  Did it deliver on its promises?
  4. Jesus’ launched His public ministry at His baptism.  Based on our study today, why do you think this event was selected by God as the “launch point”?
  5. At His baptism, Jesus is identified both as the one who was 1 in 3 (Prophet, Priest, and King) AND in the God who is 3 in 1 – Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit)!  What struck you about these statements of Jesus identity as highlighted in today’s passage.
  6. Jesus, though sinless, identified with sinners at His baptism.  Jesus came to save us!  What do you think it means to be saved “in Christ”?
  7. Have you been baptized since trusting in Christ as Savior, publicly proclaiming that you identify in Him?  If so, when.  If not, why not?  NOTE:  If you are interested in begin baptized at Wildwood next month, let us know at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism
  8. 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 the link below:

Prepare the Way 5

 

 

To listen online use media player below: 

 

To watch the stream, use YouTube online:

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare the Way (part 5) Sermon Preview

“Every once in a while a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything.” – Steve Jobs

19 years ago, Apple CEO Steve Jobs made that statement to a crowd of adoring fans, developers, and stakeholders at Macworld in San Francisco.  At first, he teased the crowd that he would be announcing THREE game changing products that day:  a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a mobile phone, and a next level internet communication device.  Three revolutionary products launched in one speech!?  What a promise.

But soon, it became clear that Jobs was not launching three separate products, but one new product that would do all three of those functions.  This new product, of course, was called the iPhone.  Nearly two decades later (for better or worse) it certainly has changed the world.

Can you imagine being present for that first iPhone reveal?  Would you have believed Jobs’ assertion that this device was a game changer?  Would you have been skeptical?

My son was born just before the iPhone was released.  Though Josh never knew Pluto as a planet (it was named a dwarf in 2006), 3 BILLION iPhones have been sold in his lifetime.  The world population was between 6-7 billion people when the iPhone was invented, and they have sold 3 BILLION of them in less than 20 years.

Has this device changed our lives?  Absolutely.  In some ways life became easier and more connected, while in other ways it has made our lives more complicated and lonely.  What a strange paradox!  The full effects of this device are still being mapped out in real time, with some of the negative consequences being observed in books like Jonathan Haidt’s “Anxious Generation,” as he sees the effects of this device on a generation raised on phones instead of playing.

Speaking of revolutionary moments, I want to shift our focus from our phones to something even more life-changing.  If the iPhone changed the way we spend our time, I want to talk about another announcement that changed our eternity.  This launch was not made in San Francisco in 2007, but near the Jordan River in the late 20s AD.

In Luke 3:21-22 we see the baptism of Jesus Christ.  This event is referred to in the New Testament as the beginning point of Jesus’ public ministry.  It was His inaugural ball, His launch party, or His opening rally.  Dr. Luke shares this event with economical precision, using just two verses to say so much about who Jesus is and what He came to do.

Only twice in all of the earth’s history does Someone so revolutionary come along and change everything.  And, I am not referring to two different people, but the same Person who came once … and will come again.

This Sunday, we will look at the event that launched the ministry that changed the world.  Has He changed yours?  He can!

Join us Sunday at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 services as we continue our “Prepare the Way” sermon series with part 5, looking at the baptism of Jesus Christ.  See you Sunday … and bring friends.

Prepare The Way (part 4) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, January 25, 2025 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Luke 3:15-20.  This message was part 4 of our series,”Prepare the Way”.  Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion.

Sermon Questions:

  1. Pray
  2. Read Luke 3:15-20
  3. Has anyone ever told you that you look like someone famous?
  4. The crowd witnesses John’s ministry and think his behavior seems (to them) to be Messiah-like.  What about John’s ministry do you think caught their eye to raise such lofty expectations?
  5. John is very clear that he is not the Messiah.  There is only one Savior of the World and it was not John (or any of our favorite spiritual leaders, teachers, or authors).  Has there ever been a teacher, pastor, or author that you so revered, that you took their word as “gospel truth” … even to an inappropriate level?  God uses human teachers and ministers to be a blessing to us, but we should not treat them as little gods, or places of ultimate authority.  There is only one Christ!
  6. In what ways did Jesus demonstrate Himself to be greater than John (and all others!)?
  7. In the message, we looked at Hebrews 1:1-4, Colossians 1:15-20, John 1:1-18, Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 1:12-16, and John 1:29-32 to remember the greatness of Jesus.  What stands out to you MOST about Jesus from these passages?
  8. Knowing who Jesus is, does it surprise you that He is interested in a relationship with you?  That He bled and died for you?  When we learn of our sin and turn/repent we find Jesus Christ ready to receive us and reconcile us to God.  Are you trusting in Him for your salvation?  
  9. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here!

REMINDER: There will be no in-person services January 25th. Join us online at 8:30AM (or anytime after) at this link!

 

To listen to the audio of this sermon offline, click the link below:

Prepare the Way 4

 

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Prepare the Way (part 4) Sermon Preview

Lookalikes – they come in various styles and purposes.

One style is the doppelgänger.  This word (coming from the German for double-goer) refers to two people who look similar.  For doppelgängers, there is no purpose for their similar look, they just share a common appearance.  Perhaps someone has said that you are a doppelgänger for ______________.  “You look exactly like a young Brad Pitt,” said no one to me ever.  If I have a doppelgänger out there, I’m still looking for him!

A second style of lookalike is the impersonator.  Impersonators are trying to look like someone else for the purpose of entertainment.  Maybe it is an Elvis impersonator gearing up for a show, or perhaps it is a friend who dressed up like a celebrity for costume party.

A third style of lookalike is the counterfeit.  Counterfeits try to appear like something else for the purpose of exploitation.  Someone counterfeits dollar bills in order to steal goods and services, while another steals (or counterfeits) an identity to pretend to be someone else in order to take advantage of others.

I share these styles of lookalikes because in Luke 3:15-20 we see the crowds that had gone out to see and hear John the Baptist wondering if John was the Messiah.  There were aspects of his appearance and location that made people think of Elijah.  But there were also aspects of John’s life that made them think that maybe John was the promised Savior of the world!

John was not trying to pretend to be anyone to take advantage of them.  And John was not filling a part in a cosmic play, dressing and acting a certain way to impersonate the Savior.  No, John simply had some remarkable things about his life that were anticipated doppelgängers of the Promised One.

When John heard their questions about his identity, how did he respond?  And what is the central lesson for you and I to learn from all of this?

At Wildwood Community Church, on Sunday, January 25 in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 services, we will be in part 4 of our “Prepare the Way” sermon series exploring the first 30 years of Jesus life (as recorded in Luke 2-4).  This Sunday, we see John pointing us to Jesus.  Join us Sunday when we explore how and why John would say that not only was he (John) NOT the Savior, but that he (John) was not even worthy to untie the sandal of the true Messiah.

In last week’s message we saw that in light of our sin, we prepare for Jesus by repenting (turning) from our ways to God.  In this week’s message, we will see who greets us as we make that turn.  See you Sunday … and bring friends!

P.S.  As you know there is a high likelihood of snow and ice in central Oklahoma this weekend.  We intend to have in person services on Sunday, but if any changes are necessary, we will communicate electronically our plans, including where to access the livestream of this week’s service.

Robinson Family Update (1/20/26)

Kimberly getting chemo infusion on Monday.

It is hard to remember that we have only known about Kimberly’s cancer for about 4 months.  A recap of the timeline:

  • Mid-September 2025 – Suspicious symptoms led to tests where cancer was suspected.
  • Mid-October 2025 – Biopsy results return confirming non-small cell lung cancer
  • Mid-November 2025 – Chemo begins a 4 cycle regimen (each cycle would be 3 weeks in duration)
  • Mid-December 2025 – A follow-up PET scan indicates the cancerous spots are decreasing in size.
  • Mid-January 2026 – On January 19, Kimberly started the fourth cycle of chemo.

So what will happen next?  Toward the end of this cycle of chemo, a third PET scan will be performed to gauge progress.  After that, Kimberly will continue to receive more rounds of chemo with a modified set of medications.

A few FAQs:

How is Kimberly’s kidney doing (she had a kidney transplant in 2012)?Her kidney function is doing great!  No impact to date.

How is Kimberly tolerating the treatments?
Honestly, she is doing very well.  That is not to say that chemo is FUN (far from it), but she has been doing a great job of taking care of herself, and the Lord has been gracious to answer our prayers by minimizing some of the potential side effects of the treatment.

What does her doctor say?
Kimberly’s doctor is very pleased at how she is tolerating the treatment. We are very blessed to be receiving such great care so close to home.

How are our souls?

Walking through something like this is a bit like running a marathon.  Some miles/days are harder than others, but overall, the Lord is good and taking care of us.  Tomorrow night I am teaching at our children’s AWANA club at Wildwood.  The verse I am teaching is 1 Peter 5:10, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

A few takeaways for us in the midst of this trial:

  • All trouble is temporary (“After you have suffered for a little while …”)
  • God Himself is helping and will continue to help us (“The God of all grace … will Himself …”)
  • God helps us with a  promise for tomorrow (“…has called you to His eternal glory in Christ…”)
  • God helps us with provision for today (“… will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”)

We are seeing the God of all grace help us each day, and we invite you to trust Him with us in this season – both for the trial He has entrusted to us, but also in the the things He is guiding you through.

We are so blessed and encouraged by your care, support, and encouragement.

To God be the glory as we look for His good,

Mark, Kimberly, and Josh

Prepare The Way (part 3) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, January 18, 2025 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Luke 3:1-14.  This message was part 3 of our series,”Prepare the Way”.  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 Luke 3:1-14
  3. Think through 2 or 3 examples of things in your life that you recently prepared for?  What did you do?  Why did you do what you did?
  4. John was sent to “prepare the way” for Jesus.  What does John do, and why do you think the Holy Spirit had him do those things to prepare people for the coming of Jesus?
  5. Have you ever had an experience where God used you to prepare the way for someone else to learn about Jesus?  Who prepared the way for you?  Are there people in your life today that God might want to use you to “prepare the way” for them to come to know Jesus?
  6. John called the people to repent of their sin.  What do you think it means to repent of sin?  Can you think of examples in your life where you have repented of sin?
  7. John challenges the people to not simply have a “fire insurance” faith, but a “fruitful” faith.  How would you characterize your own faith journey at the moment?  More “fire insurance” or more “fruit”? 
  8. 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 the link below to download:

Prepare the Way 3

 

To listen online, use media player below:

 

To watch the stream, use YouTube online:

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare the Way (part 3) Sermon Preview

You prepare to see a movie by purchasing a ticket.

You prepare for takeoff on an airplane by buckling your seatbelt.

You prepare for a job interview by updating your resume.

You prepare for a test in school by studying the relevant material.

You prepare to move by packing up your belongings.

We are used to the idea of preparing!  We prepare for all kinds of things, all the time.  And the way we prepare varies based on what we are preparing to do or where we are preparing to go.

2,000 years ago, Jesus was getting ready to start His public ministry.  Before His ministry would begin, His relative, John, was sent by God to “prepare the way” for His coming.  How would John prepare the way for the King of Kings?

We are used to preparing for movies, or travel, or interviews, or exams, or relocations.  When it comes to those activities, we know how to prepare.  But what is the most important way to prepare people for Jesus?

If Jesus were just another religious rabbi, perhaps John would have simply invited them to synagogue to participate in a ceremony or to hear a lecture on the intricacies of Old Testament prophecies.

If Jesus were just another political lighting rod, perhaps John would have invited them to the capital and briefed them on the talking points of His platform.

If Jesus were just another military general, perhaps John would have invited them to boot camp and given them a dagger.

If Jesus were just a really good guy, perhaps John would have invited them to the country club and staged a reception to welcome Jesus to the scene.

But Jesus is way more than just a rabbi, political revolutionary, military conqueror, or friend.  Jesus is LORD.  So how did John prepare someone to meet the LORD of Lords?

John called them to repentance: to do a 180 away from selfish independence and towards humble submission to Jesus’ sovereign leadership.  John convicted them of sin so that they might be converted unto salvation.  John understood that they must understand they are lost before they could ever be found.

So John went to the wilderness (not the capital).  Wore animal skins (not three piece suits).  Called them snakes (instead of saints).  Informed people of the coming judgment (instead of saying that they were all ok).

And in this way, John prepared the way for Jesus to launch His public ministry.

Wow.

This Sunday, at Wildwood Community Church, in part 3 of our sermon series “Prepare the Way” (focusing on the first 30 years of Jesus’ life), we will be in Luke 3:1-14 as we see the Holy Spirit through John the Baptist, prepare the way for Jesus to be OUR LORD as well.  Join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service.  See you there … and bring friends