Light of the World (part 5) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, December 24, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Matthew 5:14-16 and Luke 2:8-20. This message was part 5 in the “Light of the World” sermon series. 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 Matthew 5:14-16 & Luke 2:8-20
Is there someone in your family or friend group that has a hard time waiting for Christmas? Any particular memories along these lines come to mind?
How have you celebrated the birth of Jesus with others this Christmas season? Remember, this Good News is designed for us to SHARE with others!
Have you ever tried to reconcile the two statements from Jesus concerning the “light of the world”: (1) His statement in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world, and (2) His statement in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world? After today’s message, do you see the connection better between these two statements?
We are called to “go public” with our faith through good works done in this world. What are some ways that the “good works” of others have inspired you to have “hope” this year? What are some ways that God is leading you to do “good works” in His name so that others might glorify God as a result?
The shepherds heard and saw the Good News of Jesus birth, then shared that message with others. Who might God want to use you to share the good news of the Gospel this Christmas season?
What is one particular application you took away from this passage/message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Light of the World #5 12.24.23

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Christmas Eve 2023 Preview

I have a confession to make. It’s hard for me to wait for Christmas! Always has been.

When I was a kid, I was the kind that would sneak under the tree and hold up wrapped presents under the light to try to decipher what was inside. I am also the type that wanted to play Christmas albums in November, and buy the Christmas themed Pepsi and Coke cans as soon as they hit store shelves. That’s right. I am “one of those”!

Today this enthusiasm still exists. I get my exterior lights on the house as soon as it is socially acceptable to do so, and I have even been known to give a Christmas gift or two SUPER EARLY – because I could not stand the thought of waiting all the way to late mid-winter! One year, I gave my wife a dog for Christmas … in October … I was simply that excited!

Growing up we always celebrated Christmas as a family on Christmas Eve night after church. Upon further reflection, perhaps this was an accommodation my parents made to keep me from losing my mind as a toddler! Guess I’ll have to ask them that over Christmas dinner next week.

How about you? Are you fired up for Christmas? Are you (or someone you know) having a hard time waiting for the big day?

Well, you are in luck! Wildwood’s Christmas Eve services are just three days away! This year, we are holding 4 identical Christmas Eve candlelight services on December 24 at 9:45am, 11:00am, 4:30pm, and 6:00pm. We would love to have ALL OF YOU READING THIS to join us this Christmas Eve at Wildwood Community Church.

As we gather this year, we will sing familiar carols, light candles together, read the Christmas account from the Gospels, and reflect on how the good news of Christmas is intended by God to be shared with ALL THE PEOPLE in both word and deed. Hope you are able to join us Sunday, December 24 … and Merry Christmas! I can hardly wait.

Light of the World (part 4) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Matthew 2:1-16. This message was part 4 in the “Light of the World” sermon series. 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 Matthew 2:1-16
Who are the biggest influencers in your life right now? Who are you “following”?
In Matthew 2:1-16 we saw two kings … Herod and Jesus. Before today’s study, what did you know about the earthly leader Herod? What did you remember/know about him? What about Jesus? Before today’s message, what did you know about Him? How has your understanding of these two kings changed after our study today?
In today’s message, we saw 4 contrasts between Jesus and Herod that led to 4 applicational questions. How do you answer these questions below:
1. Are you working to build YOUR kingdom or Jesus’ kingdom?
2. Are you trying to alter God’s directives to fit your desires, or are you obeying Him?
3. Are you living to make a name for yourself, or are you living for His glory?
4. Are you relying on your own efforts for salvation, or are you trusting in His death for your salvation?
What is one particular application you took away from this passage/message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Light of the World #4 12.17.23

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Light of the World (part 3) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 1:68-79, Luke 2:22-38, & Isaiah 42:1-9. This message was part 3 in the “Light of the World” sermon series. 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 1:68-79; 2:22-38; Isaiah 42:1-9
What are the most memorable gifts you have ever received for Christmas? What are some of your other strongest memories of Christmas?
In Luke’s Gospel (chapter 1-2) we looked at 3 “other” gifts given to Jesus at His birth: Zechariah’s prophecy, Simeon’s sight, and Anna’s celebration. In all your years studying the Christmas accounts, have you ever spent much time looking at these other passages?
Zechariah, Simeon, and Anna all see such hope in Jesus’ birth based on the Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah. What do you learn from what they said and did that inspires you to worship Jesus this Christmas season by expressing similar “gifts”?
Do you consider yourself to be a bruised reed? Do you know some “bruised reeds” today? How can this picture of Jesus from Isaiah 42 bring great encouragement to those who feel tired, worn, or rejected?
Have you allowed Jesus to lead you out of the dungeon of sin and into the Light of His salvation? If not, what is preventing you from doing so today?
What is one particular application you took away from this passage/message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Light of the World #3 12.10.23

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Light of the World (part 3) Sermon Preview

OK quick … what Christmas gifts do you most remember receiving in your childhood? I was thinking about this today … and I basically came up with two big memories. The first was when I got a basketball goal for Christmas … and after putting it up, my Dad and I played a quick game of one-on-one in the driveway. The second was when I received the AT-AT walker from the Empire Strikes Back. Yeah – life was pretty good.

But you know what is wild? Though I received gifts every Christmas growing up, these were the only ones that sprang quickly to my mind. If I thought long enough and hard enough about it, I know I would remember others, but these were the only ones that came to mind quickly.

But as I thought about this, you know what I remembered much more of? Conversations with family. Sitting around the dinner table for way too long, eating way too much, and enjoying every minute of it. Game tournaments with the visiting relatives. These personal moments shared are the memories that have endured the longest. They are what I treasure the most.

I think this is the way it is. Though MUCH is made of the “stuff” we give and get at Christmas, it is the other “gifts” of time and presence and relationship that mean the most. I think this dynamic was also true for Jesus’ mother Mary. Why do I think that?

Well, for starters, Luke’s Gospel contains the most information about Jesus’ birth from Mary’s perspective. Given the detail, I have little doubt that Mary herself was one of the eyewitnesses Luke interviewed when compiling His Gospel … and in it we find out what Mary “treasured” and “pondered” in her heart.

And you know what she didn’t mention? The three gifts of the Magi.

Now, I am not saying that the gifts were not appreciated and celebrated; they almost certainly were – possibly even being sold to fund their life-saving escape to Egypt when Herod sought to kill Jesus and the rest of the infant boys in Bethlehem. What I am saying is that the memories that first sprang to mind in Luke’s Christmas account included three OTHER Christmas gifts. These three “gifts” were not material in nature, but were statements from three lesser known figures in the Christmas account: Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79), Simeon (Luke 2:25-32), and Anna (Luke 2:36-38).

This Sunday morning at Wildwood, we are going to look at these three other “gifts” and then we will explore Isaiah 42:1-9 (a passage written 700 years before the birth of Jesus) to see WHY these gifts were given and why they were so important. We will do this in part 3 of the “Light of the World” sermon series. Make plans to join us in the 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 worship service!

Also, note that this Sunday our children will be singing in the services at the end of the 9:45 and 11:00 services. We LOVE this Sunday each year. Make plans to be with us December 10 … and bring friends!

Light of the World (part 2) Sermon Questions, Audio, and Video

On Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Isaiah 9:1-7. This message was part 2 in the “Light of the World” sermon series. 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 Isaiah 9:1-7
When was the last time you were in need of help from a PERSON … were you able to find it? When was the last time you cried out to God in need of a Savior?
In Isaiah 9:1-3, we see God replace “darkness” with “light.” What are some reasons for “gloom” or “darkness” in your world this year? What would it look like for God to trade those gloomy things for glory and light? If you KNEW God would replace your gloom with glory, what kind of celebration would you want to throw?
In Jesus, God has done SO MUCH for us! And, when Jesus comes again, EVEN MORE blessing will flow in the direction of those who are trusting in Him. Because of these reasons, it is absolutely appropriate for us to celebrate Jesus and MAKE MUCH OF HIM this Christmas season and always. Make a Christmas list … this one a list of things that Jesus has done or will do for you. How does looking at THAT LIST inspire you to worship Him more this year?
What is one particular application you took away from this passage/message?

To access these questions in pdf format click here.

NOTE: I have prepared a 30 Christmas devotional tied to Christmas Carols. You can access that devotional by clicking here.

To listen to message offline, click the link:

Light of the World #2 12.3.23

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Light of the World (part 2) Sermon Preview

Our world today attempts to make us self-sustaining (at least in a way). At one point, you had a “milk man,” now you pick up a carton at Wal Mart, and check-out without aid of a cashier. Once upon a time you had a banker, now you have an ATM. Once there were secretaries, now there are cell phones and email systems. Travel used to be planned through agents, now there is a website.

These steps towards autonomy are convenient, enabling us to take care of most items OUTSIDE of “normal business hours.” Technology is helpful … until it isn’t.

When was the last time you needed some help accomplishing a task. The shelves are empty in the grocery store refrigerator … and you look for an employee to assist, can you find them? You have a question about a charge on your debit card, and you call a 1-800 number to find yourself stuck in a web of automated artificially intelligent, yet often circular menus. You need to change a reservation and wonder which of the rebooking options are best, yet the options on the screen don’t understand the specific challenges you will have navigating a 30 minute layover in Atlanta with a 3 year old!

When we find ourselves in need, I mean when we REALLY are in need, we don’t just want an FAQ page or a robot voice. At some level we know that our need is not just a WHAT (a goal) or a HOW (a plan) but ultimately a WHO (we need a rescuer, a helper, a hero): Someone wiser than us, that we can trust to get us where we need to go.

We are familiar with this dynamic on the small scale of every day tasks, but this dynamic is even MORE TRUE on the cosmic stage. Is there a solution to the darkness of the world around us? Is there any hope for our weary souls?

We need more than a task or a plan, we need a Savior … we need a Messiah … we need God.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, we will be in part 2 of our “Light of the World” Christmas sermon series. In this prophetic passage written 700+ years before Jesus was born, the solution to the darkness problem is not met with an automated menu or a self-help book … but with a Sovereign Savior coming to radically change our reality. We will look at this on Sunday, December 3 before celebrating the Lord’s Supper together. Hope to see you Sunday in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 services … and bring friends!

Light of the World (part 1) Sermon Questions, Audio, and Video

On Sunday, November 26, 2023 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on John 8:12. This message was part 1 in the “Light of the World” sermon series. 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 John 8:12
What evidence of “darkness” do you see in the world today?
The backdrop of Jesus’ statement in John 8:12 is the Festival of Tabernacles. Based on our look at this festival this morning, in what way was this a good backdrop for Jesus’ statement?
By proclaiming to be the “Light of the world,” Jesus was claiming to be God … who was present with His people! Have you ever been comforted by the notion that God is with you in your time of need or struggle? Share a time when this was so.
Jesus was not just another good man, but God Himself who came to rescue us and lead us to true life. This is why we not only celebrate Him at Christmas time, but also follow Him all the days of our lives! What are some ways you can remind yourself and those in your network this Christmas that Jesus is God?
Jesus invites us to follow Him and if we do, He promises that we will not stay in darkness. Are you following Him with your life today? If not why not? Is there any “darkness” you are clinging to today instead of following Him into the light of life?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

NOTE: I have prepared a 30 Christmas devotional tied to Christmas Carols. You can access that devotional by clicking here.

To listen offline, click the link to download audio:

Light of the World #1 11.26.23

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To watch the service, use YouTube online:

Light of the World (part 1) Preview

Imagine you have a friend named Bob who owns a home but consistently was complaining about how dark it was inside. After hearing your friend complain about this for an extended period of time, you finally go over to his house for dinner one evening. Upon arriving, you notice that all the windows in the home are shut and covered, excluding the entry of any natural light. After entering the home, you see that though there are light fixtures in the house, all the light bulbs have been removed! After some small talk (in the dark) Bob again begins complaining about the darkness in his home. At this point, you can’t take it any longer.

“Bob,” you say. “I have good news for you. I think I know how to fix your problem.”

“You do?,” Bob replies. “Please share!”

“Your problem is not the dark … it is that you have shut out all the light!,” you say. “Open the shades and replace the bulbs and the darkness will disappear!”

Of course, this story is a fiction, but sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

All of us tend to complain about the darkness we see around us. Broken marriages, assaults, sexual perversion, war, and on and on. 24 hour news cycles on cable news and the internet give us plenty to remind us regularly of the “dark.” But rather than spending our lives delving in the sport of self pity or cynicism, or stuck in a perpetual cycle of lament, what if there was a way to end the darkness?

You don’t end darkness by focusing on the dark … you end it by turning on the Light.

Does such a Light exist to dispel the darkness? YES!

In John 8:12, Jesus Christ says this, “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The Light of Jesus is no 40 watt bulb! He is sufficient to light the world! If we are sick of the dark, we must open the shade and let THE LIGHT shine in.

Over the next 4 Sundays at Wildwood Community Church, we will be walking through the Christmas season under the theme “Light of the World.” By thinking of Jesus as THE Christmas Light, we will find hope in the midst of despair, direction in the midst of confusion, and clarity in the fog. I hope you will join us each week in this series as we look at the historical account of Jesus’ birth in this “light.”

This Sunday, we will be in part one of the series introducing this topic by looking at what Jesus’ meant in John 8:12 by stating that He was the “Light of the World.” Hope to see you in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 services … and bring friends!

To find out more about Wildwood’s Christmas plans, click here.