On Sunday, August 1, 2021 at Wildwood Community Church we celebrated the baptism of 11 individuals. The sermon this day focused on Ephesians 4:4-6. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the audio/video of the message to listen to/watch, download or share.
Sermon Questions:
Pray
Read Ephesians 4:4-6
What are some of the things that make people different?How has focusing on those differences led to divisions (in your experience)?
In Ephesians 4, Paul is admonishing Christians to live in unity by focusing on THE NAME on the “front of their jersey” instead of the differences on their backs.In what way do you find unity with other Christians?
What are some practical ways you can live out the unity Jesus has provided for you with other Christians this week?
Baptism is one of the ways that we celebrate the unity we have in Christ.Have you been baptized since placing your faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?If so, when was that?If not, what is keeping you from being baptized now?NOTE:To express interest in baptism at Wildwood in the future, let us know at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism
What is one way you can “live for the name on the front” of your jersey this week?
What stands out to you most from this passage?Any particular takeaway?
To access these questions in pdf format, click here.
This Sunday is August 1. That means the first day of school is right around the corner.It also means we are right in the middle of the Summer Olympics!If your home is anything like mine, you’ve probably spent some time watching swimming, diving, and gymnastics over the past few days.USA … USA … USA.To make it even more fun, my son has learned to play the national anthem (quite well I might add) on the piano.It is very patriotic around the Robinson house these days.
Every time I watch the Olympics, I am reminded of a number of moments from previous Olympic years.From Mary Lou Reton in ’84 to Greg Louganis in the late 80’s/early ‘90s to the Dream Team of ’92, I have a lot of gold medal memories from my youth.Movies, however, have helped me celebrate other Olympic moments I was too young to fully appreciate at the time.
Take the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” in Lake Placid.I was alive at that moment, but not really watching hockey, so I missed this drama in real time.Thankfully Disney revived it through the movie “Miracle” starring Kurt Russell.I love this movie.There is a particularly powerful scene in that movie that I was thinking about the other day.The U.S. Hockey team was made up of young amateur players from a variety of rival colleges (some from Minnesota, others from Boston, etc.)They were having a hard time gelling as a team, and the lack of chemistry was showing on the ice.After one particularly poor performance in an exhibition game, Coach Herb Brooks (played by Kurt Russell in the movie) had his players return to the ice for an exhausting session of conditioning.Periodically throughout their exercises, he would call on a player and ask them what team they played for.Player after player would say their name and then their college.Eventually, with his team nearing full physical collapse from fatigue, their captain finally spoke up and shouted out his name:“Mike Eruzione from Winthrop, Massachusetts.”Brooks then asked his captain, “And who do you play for?”Instead of saying his college, Eruzione says proudly, “The United States of America.”
And Brooks had proven his point.The name on the front of the jersey is way more important than the name on the back.
I share this Olympic memory today (channeling my inner “Mike Tirico”) in order to make an important point.“Out there” there are many things that can divide a team.Our names are different, and they simply remind us that WE are different.As long as we focus on our differences, we have no hope at unity.Any cursory journey through 2020-21 should remind us of this fact.
However, teams of different people form because something greater unites them.Athletic teams unite around a city, a town, a nation, and a common cause.This “name on the front” takes different people and unites them in mission together.And this principle is not just applicable in sports.It applies in our churches as well.
Some people look at a church and assume that everyone in that church is the same.As someone who has served as a pastor for 25 years, I can honestly tell you that this is not true!There are many different “names” on the BACK of our “jerseys.”Different ideas, different backgrounds, different ethnicities, different genders, different gifts, different socio-economic status … the list goes on and on.Churches are not made up of people who are all the same.However, true members of THE CHURCH all have the same name on the FRONT of our “jersey” (and it is WAY MORE IMPORTANT than the name on the back).JESUS is the name front and center in the church.He is who unites us into “one new man” as Ephesians 2:15 states, regardless of our backgrounds.
As people come to faith in Christ, they don’t really get a jersey (that would be cool though, don’t you think?)Instead, they get something even better.They become identified with Jesus Christ, and we celebrate HIS NAME on the front of our lives through water baptism.As Ephesians 4:5 states, in Him we have “ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM.”
Join us this Sunday as we worship Jesus and celebrate with 11 of our new “teammates” as they profess faith in Christ through water baptism.This baptism reminds us of our oneness together.In a divided world, let’s come together as a church family to remember this great truth together of where our unity lies!
This week we will have two worship services (9:45 and 11:00) at Wildwood Community Church, and we hope you and your family can joinus.Remember, on baptism Sundays we do not offer regular elementary, student, college, or adult classes (only early childhood is operating).The rest of us will be uniting together in one of our two services.Join us as we celebrate THESE BAPTISMS:
9:45
Wristen Arnold
Anna Ofthsun
Eleanor Stauss
11:00
Mendy Dixon
Kason Hughes
Melanie McCollum
Carson Rehkop
Emily Rehkop
Henry Talkington
Sam Weddle
Zoe Sheriff
See you Sunday!And make note of our new worship service times (9:45 and 11:00).
On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Wildwood Community Church, we celebrated the baptisms of 18 individuals. Before these baptisms, I preached a message from Acts 15:7-19. Below you will find questions related to this message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the video from the services to watch.
Sermon Questions:
Pray
Read Acts 15:7-19
What are some of the things you have had to do to take the next “first step” in different areas of your life (not just your spiritual life, but all areas)?
We are not to “trouble” those who are turning to God by complicating the next first step.What are some of the ways you see people being “troubled” before they are “allowed” to take the next first step?
Have you been baptized since professing faith in Christ?If so, when?If not, why not?Is the Lord leading you to pursue water baptism?If so (or even if you just have questions about baptism) contact us at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism and we will follow up before our next baptism service in August 2021.
What is the “next step” the Lord would have YOU take in your spiritual life?
What stands out to you most from this passage?Any particular takeaway?
To access these questions in pdf format, click here.
To listen to the sermon audio offline, click the link:
This Sunday at Wildwood is such a GREAT SUNDAY! March 7 we are celebrating the baptisms of 18 individuals over our 3 morning worship services (9:00, 10:15, and 11:30). We cannot wait for this weekend.
Water baptism is a public celebration of people’s connection to Jesus. All 18 people who are being baptized on Sunday are being baptized upon their personal profession of faith in Christ.
Join us as we hear their stories and celebrate what Jesus has done in their lives. Around these 18 baptisms, we will also sing, pray, and look into God’s Word (Acts 15:19 to be exact), as we thank God for His mercy and grace toward us through Jesus Christ.
Make plans to join us! Know that the baptism portion of each service will be broadcast on our online channel – wildwoodchurch.org/live . The entire worship service (as usual) will also be broadcast at 10:15. So, here is the schedule:
If you are physically coming to Wildwood, services start at:
Know that on Baptism Sundays at Wildwood we do not have adult, college, student, or elementary classes meeting. All who attend Wildwood this Sunday will join us in one of our 3 worship services (with the exception of preschool aged children and below, who will have their classes still meeting this Sunday). Hope to see you Sunday!
On Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church, we celebrated the baptisms of 10 individuals. Before the baptisms, I preached a sermon based on 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13. Below you will find questions related to this message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find sermon audio, and videos of the worship services to listen to/watch, download, or share. Also, you will see slides from the message.
Sermon Questions:
Pray
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13
What are some of the things that have struggled to “celebrate” this past year due to the pandemic?
In the message, we reviewed some of Paul’s second missionary journey, and reflected on how that impacted him by the time he arrived in Corinth.Are you struggling in this era as Paul was?What was it that encouraged Paul (seen in 1 Thess. 3:6-8)?How does that same dynamic encourage you today?
In what specific ways does it encourage you to hear the testimonies of others (as we did today before baptisms)?
Baptisms are a celebration of new life in Christ.Baptism is not the end, but the beginning!God wants to continue to grow our faith in Him and love for others throughout our lives.How have you seen your faith in God and love for others increase over the years you have followed Christ?
How do you sense God wants to use YOU to “fill out what is lacking” in the faith of another?
Have you been baptized since professing faith in Christ?If so, when?If not, why not?Is the Lord leading you to pursue water baptism?If so (or even if you just have questions about baptism) contact us at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism and we will follow up before our next baptism service in March 2021.
What stands out to you most from this passage?Any particular takeaway?
To access these questions in pdf format, click here.
To listen to the sermon audio offline, click the link:
Are you looking for something to celebrate? I sure am! And what better to celebrate than the greatness of Jesus Christ, and people turning to Him as their Lord and Savior.
Looking at 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 to see encouragement for ALL OF US, young and old.
Celebrating the baptisms of 11 Wildwood people!
As always at Wildwood, baptism Sundays take a special rhythm. We will still offer our early childhood program (for birth – preK) during all 3 services, but EVERYONE ELSE will be ALL IN as one church family in the worship center to celebrate God’s faithfulness. We will have 3 morning services this weekend (in person, and all indoors) at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30. The schedule for the baptisms will be as follows:
9:00 Service:
Peyton Williams
Grayson Williams
Moses Bisel
Callaway Payton
10:15 Service:
Logan Wise
Zac Sheriff
Maleia Sarantakos
11:30 Service:
Caitlin Rahmoeller
Hunter Middleton
Chloe Edmunds
Patrick Murphy
I know that anytime we have disruptions to our “normal,” it can throw us for a loop. 2020 has “taught” all of this lesson again and again (can I get an AMEN?) So, with our Sunday this week slightly altered (with no adult, student, college, or elementary classes meeting), some might be tempted to just stay home. Resist that urge!!! We are not taking this Sunday off. We are intentionally gathering together to remember God’s faithfulness to us as a church family. These Sundays are some of my favorites each year, and we want to worship with YOU and your entire household this weekend! We hope to see you Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
P.S. Like normal, our 10:15 service will be live-streamed for all who want to join us online at wildwoodchurch.org/live … however, because this is a baptism Sunday, we will also be streaming the baptism portions of all 3 services! All three streams will be available online at wildwoodchurch.org/live . I know this could be a bit confusing, so here is the STREAMING schedule:
Around 9:40, the stream will begin for the first service, and include only the baptism section of the service.
10:15 – the full livestream of the entire worship service (like normal).
12:10 – the stream will begin for the third service, and include only the baptism section of the service.
On Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church, we celebrated the baptisms of 19 people! Below you will find the video from the service (via YouTube) . . . also know that you can see the testimonies from this service today on our Vimeo channel by clicking here.
NOTE: If you are interested in baptism, Wildwood’s next baptism service will be in August, but the next baptism class will be held on Sunday, June 21. To let us know your interest in baptism, click here.
This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, we are excited to be celebrating the water baptisms of 19 people! We will hear their stories of how they have come to faith in Christ, and worship Jesus together who is our hope in life and death! Can’t wait for Sunday! Make plans to join us in our 9:45 or 11:00 service.
As is our tradition here at Wildwood, on baptism Sundays we do not have our regularly scheduled adult Sunday groups, Middle School/High School groups, or Elementary (K-5th grade), classes meeting. We do this to encourage all in attendance to join us for these baptism celebrations. Only our preschool, toddler, and nursery classes will be meeting on Sunday (to care for our youngest members). For all else, let’s gather in the Worship Center at 9:45 or 11:00 as there is much to celebrate!!!
Kimberly and I on the night of our baptisms in 1998
3 events, separated by 25 years, tell the story of my spiritual journey when I came to be a Christ follower.
The first event was when I was baptized as an infant.I was born to two amazing parents who wanted to raise me in a Christian home.They brought me to church each Sunday growing up.I do not remember a time when church was not a part of my life.This is such a huge blessing.When I was just a few months old, my parents had me baptized at the church we attended.
The second event was when I placed my faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins.This was a major turning point in my life.I had attended many church events, memorized many verses, knew the words to many hymns, and even had been confirmed as a church member . . . but I did not know what it all meant.Jesus was a historical figure . . . Christianity was a subject.It was not until Easter Sunday 1990 that the Spirit of God convicted me of my sin and I turned to Jesus as my rescuer from sin and judgment.I have been following Him ever since.
The third event came when I was baptized upon profession of faith in 1998.At the time I was an Associate Pastor at a church in Coppell, Texas.I decided to be baptized at that time because as I studied Scripture, I saw a pattern emerge: people believed in Jesus, then they were immersed in water baptism.This was the pattern of the early church, and it was consistent with the teaching of Jesus.The Scriptures were clear (in my mind) about the pattern of baptism, but in order to be baptized I had to clear a few hurdles:
I needed to talk to my parents.I was so thankful for the legacy of following Jesus that they had passed on to me.I did not desire to reject that heritage by being “re”baptized.However, my desire to follow the clear teaching of Jesus trumped my risk of offending my family, so I decided to be baptized.I called my parents to tell them about my decision.I also wanted to tell them THANK YOU for the spiritual investment they made in my life.They were so gracious and celebrated this decision with me.
I needed to talk to my Pastor.As I mentioned, I was already serving as an Associate Pastor at a church.I was afraid that my Pastor might react negatively to the notion that one of his staff wanted to be baptized!I met with him and told him what God had been teaching me.He graciously celebrated this decision with me and together we planned to baptize me at a friend’s swimming pool during a youth group meeting that next Wednesday night — a youth group meeting I was LEADING!I also had the privilege of baptizing my wife (who had come to a similar conviction) right after I was baptized by Pastor Wayne.What a night!
I needed to talk to Jesus.No one’s salvation depends on the act of being immersed in water.Salvation is by grace through faith, and not as a result of works (including water baptism!)However, the New Testament is really unfamiliar with the idea that an adult could be a Christ follower and yet intentionally choose to NOT be baptized with water.If I were to reject His command of baptism, I would be saying “no” to the One who bled and died for my sins.In prayer, I expressed my decision to be baptized as an outward expression of my inward faith.I declared to Jesus that I was not baptized in order to BE SAVED, but as an expression of the salvation that was already given.
Friends, I write this note today to encourage everyone who reads this to consider water baptism.In our culture, sometimes we think baptisms are for children or students (since many of those baptized are younger in age.)However, the New Testament does not put an age parameter around baptism.People of ANY age are baptized . . . after they have professed faith in Christ.
Like me, you may be a college student or adult who has not been baptized since trusting Christ.Like me, you may have avoided baptism because of the 3 conversations I mentioned above.You may fear talking to your parents about a christening that happened in your early years.You may fear talking to me, because you don’t want to appear as someone who does not “have it all together.”You may have never considered that NOT being baptized was actually saying “no” to Jesus’ command.Whatever your story, I want to encourage you today with a few thoughts:
Take this opportunity to thank your parents or grandparents for the investment they made in your life.Being baptized since trusting in Christ is not an affront to your family, it is a public declaration of who you are following today.
Talk to me (or one of our other Pastors/staff) about this.We will absolutely THROW A PARTY!We love celebrating any step of faith God is leading you towards — including water baptism!
Take this opportunity to talk to Jesus about it.Baptism does not save you, but it is a step of faith in following Him!
To help facilitate all of these things, we have a web form found at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism .Fill that out and we will get back in touch with you ASAP.We even have some classes about the biblical teaching of baptism that we offer on Sunday January 26 (for children, students, and adults) for all who are interested.We look forward to hearing from you in preparation for our next baptism service at Wildwood Community Church on March 8.Hope to hear from you before then!
Three times each year, we dedicate an entire worship service at Wildwood Community Church to celebrating new life in Christ. The way we celebrate this new life is through water baptisms. The celebration (i.e. the water in the tank) does not CREATE new life, it merely CELEBRATES IT through the same gift Jesus gave to the church at its inception 2,000 years ago when He commanded us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
This Sunday, November 24, 2019, we will celebrate the new life in Christ of 15 individuals! They will be baptized in the following services:
9:45 Service:
Brooklyn Crowell
Beau Follis
Isaac Williams
Cooper Grave
Harris Volentine
Maddox Volentine
Gracie Warren
11:00 Service:
Eli Adams
Laini Akram
Tinsley Joy Arnold
Miranda Waterman
Bailee Whorton
Emery Williams
Michael Glessner
Samantha Putman
Additionally, at the 9:45 worship service, we will be commissioning High School Minister Abe Mahner for Gospel Ministry.
As is our custom on Baptism Sundays, we will not have any of our Adult classes, student ministry classes, or elementary classes meeting (though our nursery, toddler, and preschool rooms will be running). The reason we do this is to encourage participation in the main worship services as we all come together to celebrate what God has done.
