Speak Plainly (part 2) Message Preview

Imagine that scene atop a plateau and near a mountain on the shore of the Sea of Galilee about 2,000 years ago …

Jesus, the Son of God, had just invited twelve men up towards the mountain’s summit where He called them to join His special team of Apostles. Immediately after their commissioning they followed Jesus down the mountain to a flat place filled with people who needed Jesus’ help. Some in the crowd were committed to Jesus as their rabbi (and hopeful Messiah), while others were curious (who is this guy that everyone is talking about?)

As the 12 followed Jesus down the mountain that day, no doubt they felt blessed. “He picked ME to be on HIS team!!!” They also probably wondered what all this would mean for their lives. Being “blessed by God” looked a certain way in their minds. Would they become rich? Would they have all their desires fulfilled? Would they become famous and beloved? Would they live like rockstars?

Their expectations may have even been enhanced as they saw Jesus that day heal every sick person He saw, and free every oppressed person from the devil’s grasp. “If He did all that for them, what will He do for us?” (They may have been wondering.)

Imagine their surprise that after healing the sick and casting out demons from the dominated, Jesus began a sermon by talking about the life that is blessed.

He looks over His disciples (Luke 6:20a tells us), and begins to define the blessed life. No doubt the Apostles were welling up with pride, imagining how Jesus would finish the sentence, “Blessed are you who…” If they were blessed for following Him, surely they should expect to never get sick, to never experience difficulty, to never be in need.

When Jesus speaks, though, He says something shocking …

* Blessed are the poor (not the rich).

* Blessed are the hungry (not the full).

* Blessed are the weeping (not the laughing).

* Blessed are the persecuted (not the popular.)

In fact, Jesus went even further … the rich, the full, the laughing, and the popular are to be PITIED!

After making these statements, the Apostles may have been scratching their heads. They may have even been wondering, “what have we been called into?”

Today we live in a world where some versions of Christianity make statements like “believe in Jesus and you will never be sick or poor and you will always be living your best life now.” Because of this, many have become disillusioned when they trust Jesus and still deal with many struggles in this life.

But Jesus never promised no difficulties in our current experience. In fact, Jesus says that the blessed life often looks poor, hungry, weeping, and beaten down.

How could this possibly be?

Followers of Jesus, He is our ROCK, and we are not rockstars. We are attached to the One who is able to fill every wallet, satisfy every stomach, turn every frown upside down, and raise up the lowly. Indeed He HAS promised to do ALL OF THIS for ALL OF US who trust in Him … but let’s not get the calendar wrong. This life has hints of the fullness of His blessings, but it is not until we enter eternity that all HIs promises will be realized around us.

Does that make us blessed? Absolutely! The mixed bag of triumph and tragedy will be experienced for a few decades, but the fullness of His provision will be enjoyed unfettered in an era without end.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church in part 2 of our series “Speak Plainly” we will look at Luke 6:20-26 and see the first section of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Plain” where He grabs their attention (and ours) with this surprising assessment of blessing and woe. Hope to see you Sunday in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service … and bring friends!

Speak Plainly (part 1) Sermon Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on 6:17-19. This message was part 1 of our new series, “Speak Plainly.” 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:

Pray
Read Luke 6:17-19
What are some of the things that draw large crowds today? Now imagine the world of the first century (without telephone, internet, television, etc.) Without the aid of these modern inventions, Jesus drew a crowd very quickly in His public ministry! What do you think drew people to Jesus?
What has drawn you to Jesus today? Would you consider yourself part of the committed or part of the curious (and why do you answer the way you do)?
How does seeing the character and His compassion for people in these verses inspire you to draw near to Him in your time of need?
If the picture of Luke 6:17-19 is a “taste” of our forever feast with Him, what are you most looking forward to about heaven?
Jesus immediately takes His Apostles into a situation where there are many who need help. This demonstrated that He desired their calling to not just be a place of honor, but also a place of service to others. Do you understand your place in God’s Kingdom as merely a reception of a blessing, or do you embrace the fact that Jesus has also blessed you with the opportunity to serve Him by caring for others? What does your service to others in Jesus’ name look like today?
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 to download:

Speak Plainly 1

To listen online use media player below:

To watch the stream, use YouTube online:

Speak Plainly (part 1) Sermon Preview

Have you ever been a part of a “tasting”? I have not, but I have talked to friends who have participated in these events. In the “tastings” I am familiar with, the hosts of a party attend a dinner where they get to “taste” the different options for food that will be served at their gala. Think about a bride and groom meeting with the caterer to decide if they want the beef or the chicken as the main course of the dinner at their wedding reception. The small portions at the “tasting” are but an appetizer for the full size entrees at the feast. The food at the tasting is real, but it is designed to whet the appetite for what is to come.

In Luke 6:17-19, after selecting His 12 apostles, Jesus descends from the mountain to resume His ministry among the people. In the congregation that day at Jesus’ open-air meeting on a plain were the 12 apostles (the core), many other people who were His disciples (the committed), as well as people who had traveled from great distances to see what Jesus was all about (the curious). The meeting that materialized that day included Jesus preaching His most famous sermon, but also Jesus demonstrating His compassion by healing the sick and casting out the demons from the oppressed.

What was Jesus doing?

He was offering a “tasting” of His goodness before the main feast would be served with the establishment of His Kingdom. When Jesus returns to this earth and we live in His presence, what kinds of things can we expect? Clarity of message. Compassionate care. Consistent relief from suffering.

Today, we live our lives in the face of great turmoil and need. Like the people of the first century, we also deal with disease, depression, despair, and domination. Where can we hope to find relief, compassion, and clarity? By turning to Jesus. His ministry that we see in the Gospels is real, and it is designed to whet our appetite for what is most certainly to come.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service as we will begin a new series titled “Speak Plainly: the message of the movement.” This series will look at the Sermon on the Plain/Mount that Jesus gave in Luke 6:20-49. In part 1 on Sunday, we will look at the intro to this section (Luke 6:17-19) as we see the “tasting” before the feast.

Join us Sunday in one of our all-in services (no children, student, college, or adult classes this week), as we worship God together for who He is, and for what He has promised to do when His kingdom comes. This message is for the core, the committed, and the curious. That means this message is for you, your children, and all you know.

Can’t wait to worship with you Sunday … and bring friends!

Sneak Peek for Sunday, June 28, 2026

Hey Wildwood Family!

It was truly a blessing to get some rain this past week before July comes on the scene with its hot weather. For me that blessing was accompanied by two major rounds of collecting downed branches, cutting and tying them up, and setting them out for the city to pick up. Truth be known, the city missed our stuff last Monday. I’ve called them asking for some curb relief soon!

Last week, we finished our 3-part series entitled Marks of Maturity from James 3. This Sunday we will have a special opportunity—not a normal sermon series. The spiritual treat is the opportunity to have our worship service entirely focused on the celebration of communion. It is always fulfilling to have times of communion, but this week we have the privilege of an extended focus together on the Lord’s table. I’ve titled our worship time, Gathering Around the Lord’s Table. All the music, all the Scripture readings, and our message will focus on partaking of communion before the Lord. We pray it is a refreshing time of spiritual encouragement and realignment for all of us.

Some important things to note at Wildwood:

Baptism classes will be held this Sunday during the 11am hour, one for children in the downstairs theater, one for students and adults in Room 227 (Mark’s office just outside the SW worship center doors near the church offices). We hope all who are followers of Jesus will take advantage of the opportunity to share their testimony of trusting in our Lord in this public way.
Next Sunday, July 5 will be an All-In Sunday. Everyone, all ages, is invited to join us in the Worship Center as there will be no children, student, college, or adult classes that Sunday.

Excited to see you all this Sunday!

Bruce

Robinson Family Update – June 24, 2026

Time moves quickly, doesn’t it? It is hard to believe that today Kimberly received her tenth chemo infusion treating her lung cancer (she receives this infusion roughly once every three weeks). 34 weeks of treatment already … really?

At the same time, life with lung cancer is an adaptation that is beginning to settle into our lives. Kimberly was diagnosed with this disease back in September/October 2025. A daily targeted medication and 10 chemo infusions later, and a regular rhythm has begun to form, and she is tolerating it all pretty well.

Thankfully, the treatment plan seems to be working as intended. A recent PET scan showed that the cancer, though still present, was dormant and not growing. We are praising God for this answer to prayer!

Additionally, Kimberly has been feeling pretty good. We were even able to take a family vacation to the mountains last week where Kimberly, Josh, and I got to hike many trails, two of them over 4 miles long. It was not lost on us that Kimberly felt good enough to make these treks! What a blessing!

So, for now the plan will be to continue the chemo/targeted medication treatment, and undergo PET scans every 3 or 4 months to make sure the cancer is still sleeping and not active.

In the meantime, we are thankful to God for many things: His calming presence to our souls and minds, good times as a family, the dormancy of the cancer, the kindness of the Body of Christ around us, the support of our family and friends, and the opportunity to continue to live life and minister during this season.

Continue to pray with us for Jesus to be glorified through us as we walk this road, and for us to continue to see His goodness along the way. His glory, and our good. God is answering these prayers!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

AMEN

Questions for Reflection: Sunday, June 21, 2026

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Marks of Maturity: Cultivating Godly Wisdom”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

Who in your life has modeled Godly wisdom well? What characteristics did they model?
Colossians 2:8 (NLT) says, Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. What types of ‘empty philosophies’ and sounding nonsense’ do we see today both in our culture and the church?
Bruce emphasized that wisdom is commonly equated with knowledge. How is wisdom at its core different from mere knowledge? What verses emphasize this truth?
If we wish to display more wisdom from above (peaceable) rather than wisdom from below (contentious), how should that affect our use of social media, messaging, etc.?
James says wisdom from above is ‘full of mercy.’ Also, Jesus said Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy (Matthew 5:7). What does being merciful look like in everyday practice? Who is our model for being merciful?
If one manifestation of true wisdom from above is being ‘pure’ (vs. 17), what does that mean for our relationships with the opposite sex? With what music we listen to? With the types of things we watch?
In 3:17, James says another manifestation of Godly wisdom is being ‘sincere’ (the NASB says ‘without hypocrisy’). What are some ways we tend to ‘put on masks’ around others? How can we avoid such tendencies?
As you reflect back on James 3:13-18, what changes do you sense that God wants you to make?
Read out loud Proverbs 2:1-11. What stands out to you from this passage?
Take some time in prayer before the Lord. Tell Him of your desire to have Philippians 1:27 be true in your life.

To listen to sermon audio offline, click below to download:

Marks of Maturity 3

To listen online, use the media player below:

To watch the stream, click below:

Sneak Peek for Sunday, June 21, 2026

Hey Wildwood Family!

It has been a fabulous several months for Janet and me as we have been able to have our daughter Jennifer, husband Zac, and our three grandkids (Summer, Max, and Kaylie) in town from their ministry in Mexico. The family came back for Kaylie’s birth. They packed up and flew back to Mexico on Wednesday. We got word they arrived well and in a timely fashion, PTL! We look forward greatly to the next time we can be together. They are great people!

A few things to note:

Baptism classes are scheduled for a week from Sunday on June 28 at the 11:00 am hour. If you would like to declare your faith by being baptized, you can get more information at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism
I jumped the gun somewhat last week talking about some of our global outreach partners being here at Wildwood. It is actually THIS week as two sets of our Global Outreach partners will be with us (their pictures can be seen on the wall in the downstairs south hallway). There is a reception scheduled for both couples at 11 am this Sunday in Room 6 downstairs. (Note: the bulletin insert incorrectly lists the place as the Fellowship Hall, however, we don’t yet have official occupancy there!).

This Sunday we will be presenting the third message from our three-part series entitled, Marks of Maturity. This message focuses on the second mark of maturity from James chapter 3, “Cultivating Godly Wisdom” from James 3:13-18. I encourage you to read through that passage before Sunday. This a great section of God’s Word!!

See you on Sunday!

Bruce

Questions for Reflection: June 14, 2026

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Marks of Maturity: Controlling Our Tongue, part 2”. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

James mentions being a teacher in James 3:1. Share briefly about a teacher of God’s Word who had a significant impact in your spiritual life. Part of James’ counsel includes a caution about becoming a teacher. Why does he do that and how should we process his warning?
Verse six states that the “tongue is a fire.” Bruce said that the misuse of our tongue could be considered “spiritual arson.” What are some examples of damage that our tongues can do?
How is our culture reinforcing and promoting this human tendency to put people down? How does James’ counsel on the tongue apply to SnapChat, Instagram, FaceBook, X, YouTube and other social media?
When you think of controlling your tongue, what type of speech is more difficult for you to avoid? Sarcasm? Gossip? Criticism? Vulgarity? Complaining? Why?
Bruce stated that our flesh holds to an ‘unspoken belief’: we reserve the right to put people down. Why is that? How do we avoid doing that in our spiritual walk?
“No human being can tame the tongue.” Unpack some truth here about our need for the Holy Spirit in our spiritual walk.
What are some verses from Scripture that encourage us to unleash the positive power of the tongue (to encourage, affirm, comfort, build up, etc.).
Proverbs 10:11 in the NLT says, The words of the Godly are a life-giving fountain. Spend some moments in prayer asking the Lord to help make your words a life-giving fountain.
Consider memorizing Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

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

Marks of Maturity 2

To listen online, use the media player below:

To watch the stream, see below:

Senak Peek for Sunday, June 14, 2026

Hey Wildwood Family!

It’s been an exciting week around the Wildwood facility. More doors are being put in place and the AV technical team from out of state has started to install AV to our new areas. This will take a couple of weeks. You should see some evidence this Sunday.

Men’s bible study has begun and the Women’s bible study starts this next Thursday June 18 at 7pm. Gals can sign up at wildwoodchurch.org/wow.

If you have been considering water baptism as a public testimony of having trusted in Christ, make note that the baptism classes are scheduled for Sunday June 28 at 11am, Questions? Go to wildwoodchurch.org/baptism.

Some of our global outreach partners will be present with us this Sunday. Hope you can meet some of them!

Also, this Sunday we will be continuing our 3-week series entitled, Marks of Maturity, by looking at part 2 of Controlling our Tongue from James 3:1-12. James sure knows how to touch us where we need it most. I’m excited!

See you on Sunday!

Bruce

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