On Sunday, October 20, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Message 2 – Some Anatomy of our Conscience” from our The Bible and your Conscience series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. Bruce mentioned at the beginning of his message the classic movie Pinocchio (first released in 1940, last released in 1992). Assuming you watched the movie somewhere along the line, how much did you grasp about the imagery of “turning into a donkey” by not letting your conscience be your guide?
2. Share a time when your conscience may have made you feel uneasy about something you said or did.  How did you handle the situation?
3. Why is it not wise to solely rely on our conscience to guide us in life?
4. Do any examples come to mind of how you once thought something was acceptable before the Lord, but the Bible gave you additional insight? How has your growth in understanding Scripture calibrated your conscience?
5. What are some practical ways we can “take pains to have” (ESV); “maintain” (NASB) a clear conscience?
6. Christopher Ash was quoted as saying, “The suppression of conscience has a narcotic effect upon morality.  Our moral antennae go to sleep.”  Expand on what you think he meant by that.
7. Spend some time praying for one another to have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18)

Hey Wildwood Family!

I hope everyone enjoyed the “smell of fall” in the air the last few days.  I really do enjoy the change of seasons.  Alas, it looks like we’ll be having some early June weather again in the next week or so (projected highs in the mid 80’s). Don’t pack away that sunscreen yet!!

It is an exciting weekend as some 109 dads and daughters are on the Father-Daughter campout in the Sulphur area.  The Lord has graciously given them some fabulous weather for the weekend.  Pray for refreshed connections with the dads and daughters.

The Father-Son campout is scheduled for Nov 1-3.  To learn more and to get more details go to wildwoodchurch.org/campouts.

The next round of Starting Point (where you can learn more about what Wildwood believes and about the membership process) is set to launch on Sunday, November 3^rd at 9:45 am in Room 4 downstairs.  If you haven’t been to Starting Point, it’s time to go!

It’s not too late to enjoy the free one-day Dallas Seminary class (Theological Method and Bibliology) to be held at Wildwood on Saturday November 2. Email info@wildwoodchurch.org for the registration link.

I am excited to share the second message this Sunday in our new series entitled, The Bible and Your Conscience.  We will delve deeper into the Word as we spend some time looking at the anatomy of our conscience.  What does all this have to do with Pinocchio??  Well, you’ll have to come and find out!

Hope to see you Sunday!

Bruce

Hey Wildwood Family!

Well, we made re-entry back into the USA from our trip down to Mexico.  It was a wonderful opportunity to speak some biblical encouragement to many of the missionaries who serve faithfully in Mexico.

We got some true Mexican experiences while there.  One was experiencing the notorious Arco Norte (Northern Arc) highway.  It is a four-lane highway that bypasses around the north of Mexico City.  It is known for frequent and significant car/truck wrecks. We were traveling from Amealco (where Jennifer and Zac serve) to Puebla, normally a four-hour drive.  Well, indeed, there was a big wreck ahead of us and it shut down the highway.  We sat still for 2.5 hours…dead still.  The “four-hour” trip took us eight hours!  Not unusual in Mexico!

It was also encouraging to meet with the leaders (and their wives) of the church that Jen and Zac are helping to plant. They expressed encouragement in meeting with us, although all communication had to go through either Jennifer or Zac via translation.

The hard part of our trip was having to miss Wildwood’s picnic.

We hope many of you have experienced some refreshment from fall break.  Some great opportunities loom ahead at Wildwood.  The Father-Son and Father-Daughter campouts are soon.  Go to wildwoodchurch.org/campouts for details.

Also, if you’ve ever wanted to attend a seminary class, you can attend a one-day class for free at Wildwood.  Email info@wildwoodchurch.org to learn more.

I’m looking forward to starting a four session message series this Sunday, entitled The Bible and Your Conscience.  One doesn’t often hear teaching on this subject.  I hope to see you then as we delve into this fascinating topic!

See you Sunday!

Bruce

On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Emergence of a Global Mindset” from our ForeShadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. How aware have you been of the surging tide of a global mindset?  What things have you seen or heard promoting the idea that we are all global citizens?
2. Hebrews 10:22-25 mentions some things we as believers should be doing  “as you see the Day [Jesus’ return] drawing near.”  Make a list of what stands out to you.
3. How does the timing of the emergence of many World organizations parallel the rebirth of Israel;  the renewed unity in Europe; and the hostile coalition of nations aligned against Israel?
4. What signs have you seen of a growing authoritarian atmosphere in our country and around the world?  Is this happening randomly? Elaborate.
5. Given the indicators mentioned in this series of the potential nearness of Jesus 2^nd Coming, what should be our focus as followers of Jesus? Bruce stated that now is the right time for Wildwood to widen and deepen our ministry.  What reasons did he give?  Do you agree or not, and why?
6. Jeff Kinley has such a powerful quote: We are a redeemed, blood-bought people—washed clean of all sin, forgiven, made righteous in the Father’s sight, freed from condemnation, sealed by the Holy Spirit, beloved of God, the apple of His eye, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commissioned by His Son, entrusted with the truth and the treasure of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and commanded to penetrate our culture and the darkness that defines it… [Bruce added]..with the hope of forgiveness and eternal life.

• What a wonderful call to action.  What a great reminder for everyone to make it a priority to invest our resources to better help win eternal friends who will one day greet us in Heaven (see Luke 16:9).  Spend some time in prayer asking God to lead you (and Wildwood as a church family) in how to “redeem the time” that God has alotted to us—for His glory and honor.

On Sunday, June 23, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Renewed Roman Empire (Europe)” from our ForeShadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. Bruce began by stating that biblical prophecy is supernatural intel. That it is literally a backstage pass to coming attractions by the God who orchestrates history. Yet, so many believers remain fairly uninformed about prophecy, especially prophecy related to the 2^nd Coming of Jesus.  What are some of the reasons for this?  Discuss.
2. What are the three indicators (so far) in the Foreshadows series?  Which one intrigues you the most and why?
3. Nebuchadnezzar had been a very ruthless ruler who obviously was skeptical of the so-called “wise guys” and dream interpreters who consulted with him. After Daniel describes in detail both the dream, and also the interpretation, how much of an impact can you imagine that had on Nebuchadnezzar? Elaborate.
4. Some are skeptical about Daniel’s dream of the statue in Daniel two since there would be a significant time gap between the Legs of Iron (the ancient Roman Empire) and the Feet of Iron and Clay (the renewed Roman Empire around the time of the return of Jesus).  Can you think of any other passages of Scripture where there is a time gap between verses?  You might look at Isaiah 61:1-2a (which Jesus read from in Luke 4:17-21). Jesus said he was fulfilling this passage about his First Coming that very day.  But he stops short of the rest of verse 2 in Isaiah 61. What Coming does the rest of the verse relate to?
   1. You might also look at Zechariah 9:9-10.  Which coming of Jesus is the focus of verse 9?  Verse 10?
5. Read out loud Isaiah 41:10.  How does this declaration from the Living God bring encouragement when we find ourselves facing suffering, discouragement, grief, and difficulty?
6. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for who He is.

Hey Wildwood Family!

One my favorite cultural understatements is the saying, ‘Time flies.’  As you likely are aware, this past Thursday was the first day of summer.  Technically that means that for the next number of months each day will be getting shorter.  If you are like me, you are thinking to yourself, Wait!  I haven’t really had the time yet to savor summer, and already the daylight is shrinking!  Yep.  Time flies. 😉

However, it is NOT too late to be baptized if you have never taken the step to express that public testimony of faith in Jesus as your Rescuer.  This Sunday there will be baptism classes available to learn more about baptism at Wildwood.  The Children’s class will be at 11am in the Downstairs Lodge Theater.  The Student/Adult class will be at noon in Room 2 (some food will be provided).  You can sign up to learn about baptism on our website: wildwoodchurch.org/baptism

We are excited that this Sunday our new Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries, Jon Dunton, will be leading us in our closing reciting of the Great Commission in all three services.  Officially, Welcome Jon!

This Sunday will be part 3 in our sermon series Foreshadows of the 2^nd Coming of Jesus.  It has been a very challenging series for me as I seek to get my theological and biblical arms around some rather broad topics.  Still, this is some important perspective.  Too often I think we are distracted by everyday life so much that we might miss some of the signs of the times.

Sunday we will be looking into Daniel chapter 2 (and some in chapter 7) as we examine one of the bedrock prophecies of Scripture.  As we shall see, Daniel projects a time forward when there will be a Renewed Roman Empire, illustrated by the relatively recent alliances in Europe today.  I believe you will find it intriguing.

See you Sunday!

Bruce

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Alliance Aligned Against Israel” from our ForeShadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. As a discussion opener, when you go to the movies, do you try to catch the coming attractions previews or not?  Why or why not?

2. Before diving into Ezekiel’s prophecy, it might be helpful to read Ezekiel 38:1-12; 15-16, 18; 21-23, and  39:2-8. As you do it, reflect on the fact that you are reading prophetic truth written some 2600 (26 centuries) ago!  Where did Ezekiel get his information from? [see Ezekiel 1:1-3]

3. The second indicator of the nearness of Jesus’ 2^nd Coming relates to a specific coalition of nations that will arise and be hostile to Israel.  Bruce shared several reasons why both the biblical text and history indicate that this coalition is NOT one from the distant past.  Some reasons relate to phrases in 38:8 and 38:16. Some relate to historical issues.  List as many as you can remember.

4. Sometimes we can tend to view current events that develop around us—and the domino effects that proceed from them—as random events.  What does a passage like Ezekiel 38 tell us about God’s involvement with the world?

5. Sometimes people like to say regarding future prophecy, why bother?  There’s a lot of opinions out there…why should we put effort into understanding it?  What perspective can we gain from 1 Peter 1:10—11 about those who studied/inquired about the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming?

6. Bruce stated that what jumps out clearly in this passage is the sovereignty of God.  Does God ‘break into a sweat’ when he sees what is happening among the nations? (check out Psalm 2 in this regard).

7. If He’s sovereign in the affairs of the world, is He also sovereign in the outworking of our lives?  Elaborate.

8. Take some time to pray for all the nations listed in the coalition…that they may hear the Gospel and respond in faith.  Wouldn’t it be exciting to meet someone one day in heaven that you had prayed for?

Well, the heat is starting to line up for some longer stretches.  I hope you are ready for some “hot” times ahead!

Speaking of hot times ahead, the summer men’s and women’s bible studies began this week (men on Wednesdays at 7pm; women on Thursdays at 7pm).  It’s not too late to join in…a great way to stay in the Word over summer!

Also, if you have never been baptized—never given that public testimony of trust in Jesus as your Rescuer from sin and judgment—this summer can be the time!  Starting one Sunday from now, (June 23…happens to be my 51^st wedding anniversary too) Wildwood will be holding baptism classes.  The class for children will be at 11am in the Downstairs Theater and the student/adult class will be at noon in Room 2.  You can sign up at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism. Hope you do!

Another “hot” thing, our College Life group is back to meeting on Sundays at 9:45am in Room 5.  Check it out!

This Sunday we will be continuing our June series entitled, Foreshadows of the 2^nd Coming of Jesus with part 2.  We will see a very special prophecy from Ezekiel 38 that predicts a coalition of nations that align with Israel clearly in their crosshairs.  It is a fascinating study!

See you Sunday!

Bruce