Mission:Own (part 3) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On September 17, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. This message was part 3 of the “Mission:Own” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Do you have any kind of persistent “pain” in your life? Could be physical/illness, relational, or a temptation to sin of some kind that persists. What has been the effect of this “thorn” in your life? Has it caused you to turn to God? To be angry with God?
What are some of the “credentials” people try to rely upon to gain credibility as they attempt to influence others for Christ today (i.e. seminary degrees, which podcast they listen to, which books they have read, etc.)? Paul does not rely on those things … but instead relies upon “what he says and does” in the presence of those he is ministering to (i.e. his current testimony and lifestyle – see 12:6). How has the current lifestyle and loving (or unloving) demeanor of Christian leaders helped validate (or invalidate) their ministry in your life?
When was the last time you pleaded with God multiple times to do something? What was God’s “response”? Based on this passage, what do you think the Lord may want to be teaching you in this struggle?
In your life, how have struggles enhanced your dependence upon the Lord?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

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Mission: Own #3 9.17.23

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Mission:Own (part 2) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On September 10, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 11:1-33. This message was part 2 of the “Mission:Own” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 11:1-33
Have you heard the expression “Christianity is more of a relationship than a religion?” What do you think is meant by that statement?
What are some of the “different” (i.e. not accurate) versions of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel that you see in the world today? Are you ever tempted to follow these false deviations from the truth?
In chapter 11, the Apostle Paul gives a version of his resume – authenticating his ministry. What stands out to you most about what he shares? How does this differ from how we normally authenticate a Christian leader’s “credentials” today?
What is your primary orientation to those around you? Do you look to others mostly to get something FROM them, or do you think mostly about how you might do something FOR them?
On a scale of 1-100 (where 100 is very zealous and 1 is mostly apathetic), how fervent is your fire for Christ today?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

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Mission: Own #2 9.11.23

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Mission:Own (part 1) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On September 3, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 10:1-18. This message was part 1 of the “Mission:Own” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-18
Have you ever been exposed to Christian leaders who did not seem very “Christian”? How about leaders who were more Christ-like? What made the difference between the two?
How have you imagined the Apostle Paul looking and sounding? Does it surprise you that the Corinthian opponents of Paul pointed out negatives about his appearance and public speaking?
This morning, we talked about how this passage gives us some things to think about when we are looking for a church home or a ministry to connect with. These were: don’t rely only on a “first look,” examine what the primary weapon is that they are wielding, discerning if the leaders of the church are looking to build others up or simply to control, is the leadership walking the walk or just talking the talk, and who is the hero of the congregation? Using that grid, evaluate the spiritual influences/church in your life to see how they/it stack up. Anything stand out?
Also this morning, we talked about how we can learn from Paul’s model as we “own” the mission Christ has for us. We saw how we need to know where the power lies, know who the hero is, know who you are following, and know who commends you. How does remembering these things help you as you serve Jesus with your life?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Mission: Own #1 9.3.23

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For the Community & For the Nations Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On August 27, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on Acts 1:8. This message was part of the “Following Jesus Together” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Acts 1:8
What are some of the ways you have grown spiritually over the past 5 years? Can you think of any evidence to support your growth in faith and practice of following Christ?
Jesus (in His last words) clarifies the importance of our role as being a witness of Jesus Christ in this world. What are some ways you can be a witness for Jesus in your everyday life today?
Are you praying for ministry opportunities in your life? Consider joining us Wednesday night, August 30 at 6PM for our All Church Prayer Night as we “Plug in” to His power for the year ahead!
Are there people (or groups of people) in your life that you have avoided because you have given up on them (or have some other reason to not point them to Jesus)? How does the scope of Acts 1:8 encourage you to freely share the Gospel with all?
How might you personally engage in what God is doing around the world today? Consider your role in praying for, supporting, or going to the mission field today.
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

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Following Jesus Together to the Glory of God #3 8.27.23

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For the Church Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On August 20, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on Romans 12:1-5. This message was part of the “Following Jesus Together” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Romans 12:1-5
What is your working definition of what a church is? What has shaped your definition?
Do you tend to think of the church more in vertical (primarily in our personal relationship/devotion to Christ) or horizontal (primarily our connection with others) terms?
Are there any areas of your life right now that need special attention … where you need to present anew an aspect of your life before the Lord as you obey Him?
Where do you see the world’s system trying to squeeze you into its mold? What is your plan for diving into God’s Word in the year ahead?
Are you making it a priority to attend a local church? Do you really believe you need others in your own personal spiritual life?
Are you making it a priority to serve others in the local church? In what ways?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Following Jesus Together To The Glory Of God #2 8.20.23

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For the Next Generation Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On August 13, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on Joshua 4:19-24. This message was part of the “Following Jesus Together” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Joshua 4:19-24
How have monuments and memorials been a help to you in sharing history and significant things with members of your own family?
While the Israelites remembered what the Lord had done in their lives through stacking stones of remembrance, God has us remember His work through baptism, communion, and regular worship services. How has God used these elements to remind you of His work in your life?
What are some ways you can activate more conversations with the next generation around you about who God is and what He has done?
What are some ways the “Fame” of God is made known through the worship/celebration of His people? What are some impacts of the church in our community and around the world?
Interact with this quote from Warren Wiersbe … “There is nothing wrong with memorials, provided they don’t become religious idols that turn our hearts from God, and provided they don’t so link us to the past that we fail to serve God in the present. Glorifying the past is a good way to petrify the present and rob the church of power. The next generations need reminders of what God has done in history, but these reminders must also strengthen their faith and draw them closer to the Lord.”
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Following Jesus Together To The Glory Of God #1 8.13.23

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August 6, 2023 Baptism Sunday

Sunday, August 6, 2023, was a Baptism Sunday at Wildwood Community Church! These Sundays are great celebrations of God’s work in the lives of people in our congregation. We spent the morning worshipping God, hearing testimonies of how He has worked, and celebrating the water baptism of 24 people! See the graphic below for who was baptized in which service. You will also find video from each service to watch or share.

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8:30 Baptisms:

9:45 Entire Service:

11:00 Baptisms:

Mission:Fund (part 4) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On July 30, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. This message was part 4 of the “Mission:Fund” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Do you tend to view giving as “spending” or “investing”?
What are some ways you have been blessed by generosity YOU HAVE EXTENDED TO OTHERS in the past?
How have you seen this week’s verses misused to imply that if we give to ________, God will make us materially rich?
What is your motivation as you give to Christ’s work? Are you a cheerful giver?
What are some practical ways you can adopt a “all that comes from Thee is not for me” mentality?
Do you view giving as an expression of worship? Why or why not? How does this passage help inspire you to view giving as worship?
Take a moment and go vote for Mission:Fund (at wildwoodchurch.org/fund ). Let us know where you would like to see these funds allocated!
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Mission: Fund #4 7.30.23

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Mission:Fund (part 3) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On July 23, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5. This message was part 3 of the “Mission:Fund” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16 – 9:5
What has been your experience with appeals to give and churches/Christian ministries? Has it been positive? Negative? What made you feel the way you did about it?
What is the connection (in your experience) between “trust” and “giving”?
Paul builds trust with the Corinthians about the handling of finances by revealing to them who would be handling the funds, what they were going to do with it, and why it was important. In this message we talk a bit about Wildwood’s handling of finances. Did anything encourage you? Surprise you?
Are you regularly giving to the work of the Lord/ministry? If so, what encourages you to do so. If not, what obstacles are in your way from participating in grace giving? NOTE: If you are interested in more information about giving or ways to give at Wildwood, visit wildwoodchurch.org/give
Prayerfully consider participating (by voting) in our Mission:Fund special program. Wildwood will be sending money to 5 projects around the world this summer. Vote and let us know where you want them to go – wildwoodchurch.org/fund (vote between now and August 4)
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Mission: Fund #3 7.23.23

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Mission:Fund (part 2) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On July 16, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a message based on 2 Corinthians 8:8-15. This message was part 2 of the “Mission:Fund” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio and video of the message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read 2 Corinthians 8:8-15
Has there been a time where your “good intentions” did not translate to action? What things keep you from doing what you intend to do?
How does the example of Jesus motivate you toward generosity to others?
Has there been time in your life where you intended to give an offering or financial help to someone (or to some organization), and then you failed to follow through? What kept you from giving as you intended, and how does the instruction Paul gives in 1 Corinthians 16:2 help you turn your good intentions into generous investments?
As Kent Hughes said, this is not the “Sermon on the Amount.” This is about each seeking what God would have them give towards His work. Have you recently reconsidered how the Lord wants you to be investing the resources He has entrusted to you?
What is your plan to give financially to the work of the Lord? Have you ever considered giving to your local church? Find resources and opportunities to give at wildwoodchurch.org/give
Prayerfully consider participating (by voting) in our Mission:Fund special program. Wildwood will be sending money to 5 projects around the world this summer. Vote and let us know where you want them to go – wildwoodchurch.org/fund (vote between now and August 4)
What is one particular application you took away from this message?