On Good Friday Night, April 10, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church, I led a service that was Part 8 in the “Defeating Death” series, covering Matthew 27:45-66.  Below you will find the video from the service to watch via YouTube:

As a kid, I played hours and hours of basketball in my driveway.  In fact, I even “invented” a one on one and two on two basketball league for the kids in my neighborhood that we called the Youth Outdoor Basketball Association (YOBA).  We had a schedule, season, playoffs, and I even wrote a newsletter about the league, though (admittedly) circulation and readership was poor!

When I wasn’t playing official YOBA games, I would play games in the driveway against pretend opponents . . . imagining each possession as we staged epic comebacks ALWAYS ending with me hitting the winning shot.  Now, when I say “ALWAYS ending with the shot going in,” I am not implying that I always made the shot . . . I am simply saying that in an imaginary game, any missed shot could be corrected by the declaration “HE WAS FOULED!” resulting in free throws, and any missed free throw could be corrected with a fake lane violation.  In a make believe world, you always get a do-over.

The sad reality is, though, that real life does not always seem so forgiving.  Sometimes, you miss your shot . . . sometimes the other team wins.  This is not just true in sports, it also applies to our moral life.  In our imaginations, we may always be the hero – our actions always justified and noble – but upon further review, we are often selfish and sloppy and sinful.  In fact, personally, I lose a lot — can anyone relate?

Wouldn’t it be great if we were to find out that what often looks like the “end of the game” is not really the end at all?  Wouldn’t it be amazing to find out that when it looks like we are dead and buried, hope rises from the ashes?  AND, wouldn’t it be even more amazing if this kind of hope was not confined to our imaginations, but actually resurrects in the real world?

Think about it . . . what if the affair that led to so much loss was not the end of the game?  What if the web of lies you are telling that lies below the surface of your life could be replaced by a firm foundation?  What if your broken dreams could be replaced with the brightest future? What if the loved you you lost, you might be able to see again one day?  What if . . . 

At the end of Matthew 27, the followers of Jesus felt like the game had been lost.  Some had deserted Him.  Some had denied Him.  All had watched Him die . . . and be buried . . . and the tomb was guarded.  Their dreams and fantasies of the Kingdom seemed lost.  No “do-overs” seemed possible or allowed.  But then . . . God shook the world at its foundations.  Then Jesus rose from the dead!  Then the disciples were given a new shot!  Then the “Game” that looked lost was forever won!  The resurrection changed everything.

It changed the fate of the disciples.  It changed the necessary loss that our sin demanded.  The enemy of death was defeated forever, and you and I have a chance to live out this fantasy in the real world because Jesus is . . . well . . . JESUS!  He has defeated death and made a way for you and I to do the same.  And it happened in the real world . . . in history . . . so that our future could really be changed forever!

This Easter Sunday (April 12), Wildwood Community Church in our 11AM Livestream (found at wildwoodchurch.org/live ) will be celebrating this victory.  Jesus “Defeated Death”   . . .He is RISEN, just as they said.  Make plans to come . . . and invite friends to do the same. 

On Sunday, April 5, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Matthew 27:27-44.  This message was part 7 in the “Defeating Death” sermon series.  Below you will find questions related to this message for personal reflection or group discussion.  Also, you will find the audio and video from this message to listen to/watch, download, or share.

Sermon Questions:

1. Pray
2. Read Matthew 27:27-44
3. Think of the dramatic ways people’s view of the “cross” have changed over the past 2,000 years.  Is this “change” something new for you to notice?  What does it tell you about Jesus Christ and the significance of His life and death?
4. What are some specific ways you can honor Jesus as King this week?  — by making Him a priority, by obeying Him, by depending upon Him, by the way we talk about Him?
5. Have you ever been persecuted for your faith in Jesus in any way?  How does the discussion of this in today’s message encourage you or challenge you?
6. Think of the different ways in which the mockers mocked Jesus on the cross.  What were their claims?  Were they right or wrong in voicing their comments?  What are the kinds of mistakes that they are making?
7. Are you believing in Jesus Christ today as your rescuer from sin?  If not, why not?
8. What stands out to you most from this passage?  Any particular takeaway?

To download these questions in pdf format, click here.

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

Defeating Death #7 4.5.20

To listen online, use the media player below:

To watch the service, use YouTube online:

Imagine for a moment that we were able to achieve time travel.  Instead of going back in time, what if we brought forward in time a person living in Jerusalem in 30 A.D. Now, imagine that we were to take this person from 30 A.D. and walk them around Norman, Oklahoma.  What would surprise them?

Electricity, cell phones, airplanes?  Of course those would be amazing to the ancient . . . but those things also would be UNFAMILIAR:  items not found at all in the world they knew.  From what they RECOGNIZE, what would surprise them?  Maybe style of dress, size of home, or accessibility of running water.  But what else would be shocking?

Let’s say that our 2,000 year old friend arrived on a Sunday (and we were not under a “stay at home” order) so you took them to church.  You walk into the lobby, grab your bulletin, and head into the worship center.  At that point, the ancient Jerusalemite would SHRIEK in horror.  Why?  Contrary to what some might imagine, their jaw would drop not at the lack of a robe or tie on the preacher or the presence of drums and electric guitar on the stage.  What would shock them would be the presence of a LARGE WOODEN CROSS on the wall.  That’s right . . . the cross would freak them out.  

Why?

Well, we have not seen a crucifixion, but the ancient has.  In the first century, Rome had “perfected” this heinous form of execution.  It was such an awful form of torture that the Romans would not inflict it on their own citizens (unless ordered by Caesar himself!)  The famous Roman politician of this era, Cicero, commented that crucifixion was not something that Romans should even talk about  . . . it was so awful.

And yet, here in 2020, featured in a prominent way on the wall of our WORSHIP CENTER, highlighted by lighting and sung about in songs, is a giant wooden cross.  The ancient would look at this item and assume we were both deranged and dangerous.  Why would we celebrate such a thing?

So, what happened to change the cross from something educated people did not talk about to something people wear as jewelry and hang on the walls of hallowed halls?  

Jesus happened.

“ [Jesus] who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:6-11

By going to the cross, Jesus changed the perception of the cross forever.  Not because crucifixion became less brutal, but because the crucifixion for ONE (Jesus) brought about forgiveness, hope, and eternal life for MANY.  Through that one crucifixion, Jesus not only changed the perception of the cross, but the eternal destination of us forever.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church in our 11AM Livestream, we will be continuing our “Defeating Death” sermon series by looking at Matthew 27:27-44 in part 7 of our series.  We hope you make plans to join us at wildwoodchurch.org/live  and invite all you know to join us as well!  There are plenty of “seats” in this virtual auditorium as we will explore the most important event in the history of the world.   “See you there!” for this Palm Sunday event.

On Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church I preached a sermon based on Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1-2, 11-26.  This message was part 6 in the “Defeating Death” sermon series.  Below you will find questions related to the message, sermon audio, and sermon video.

Sermon Questions:

1. Pray
2. Read Matthew 26:57-68; 27:1-2, 11-26
3. Make a list of as many things as you know about Jesus?  How do you know those things about Him?  What is the source?
4. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, the Christ (Savior).  What evidence do you see that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world from the list you made in question 3?
5. Barabbas was a criminal . . . Jesus was perfect.  Based on Pilate’s decision, the innocent One was killed, while the guilty one went free.  Jesus died in Barabbas’ place.  The cross that was prepared to Barabbas was used on Jesus.  Jesus offers to die for our sins as well.  Make a list (privately) of the sins you remember most in your life.  Spend a moment privately confessing those sins to God . . . and THANK GOD that Jesus died to pay the penalty for those sins if we trust in Him.
6. How are you responding to Jesus right now?  Are you embracing Him as your Savior, rejecting Him like the mob in the Bible story, or trying to avoid Him like Pilate?  If you are embracing Him by faith, when did you start trusting in Him?  If you are rejecting Him or avoiding Him, why are you responding this way?  Would you consider trusting Him as your Savior today?
7. What stands out to you most from this passage?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To listen to sermon audio offline, click the link:

Defeating Death #6 3.29.20

To listen to sermon audio online, use the media player below:

To watch the video of the service, watch on YouTube online:

Who someone is really matters . . . doesn’t it?  Just think of the past two weeks.  

• Our Mayor or Governor issue instructions about the freedom of our movements and we listen to them.  Why?  Because of who they are, their words are both binding and influential.  We trust the wisdom they have because they have information and perspective we need.
• The CDC tell us to “wash our hands” and “stop touching our face” and “stay at least 6 feet from each other” . . . and we do it.  Why?  Because of who they are.  There is science behind their recommendations.
• The Superintendent of schools cancels classes, so we don’t show up.  Why?  Because of who he is.  He has the authority and power to make such a decision.

So, we are reminded again and again that who someone is really matters.  Now, let’s take this principle and apply it to our spiritual lives.  

Should we trust Jesus with our souls for all time?  Well, it all depends on who Jesus is.  If He is the Son of God who has existed forever . . . then YES!  we should entrust our souls to Him.  However, if Jesus were just some middle-eastern rabbi from two millennia ago, then we should not trust Him with something so important.  It matters who He is.

Should we trust Jesus as the Lord of our lives . . . obeying His commands and following His lead?  Well, it all depends on who Jesus is.  If He is the author of life and the creator of all things . . . then YES!  we should obey and follow Him.  However, if Jesus is just a moral man who lived a decent life as a “nice guy” we should not always obey Him because He could be wrong.  It matters who He is.

In this week’s sermon (part 6 of our “Defeating Death” sermon series) at Wildwood Community Church, we will look at two trials Jesus went through on the morning of His crucifixion as recorded in Matthew 26:57-68 and 27:1-2; 11-26.  In these two trials, the conversation shifts from what Jesus had done to WHO HE IS.  Sadly Pilate and Caiaphas never understood, but we might learn from their interactions who Jesus really is, so that we might entrust our souls to Him and follow Him forever.  “See you” Sunday in our 11AM Livestream as we unpack these passages together.  Looking forward to the time, and invite your friends to tune in with you at wildwoodchurch.org/live

On Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Matthew 26:36-56; 27:3-10.  This message was part 5 in the “Defeating Death” sermon series.  Below you will find questions related to this sermon for personal application or group study.  Also (when available) the sermon video and audio will be posted here as well.

Sermon Questions:

1. Pray
2. Read Matthew 26:36-56; 27:3-10
3. What adversity are you facing right now?  Seriously . . . make list of all the things you feel like are pressing down around you.
4. Jesus literally had the weight of the world on His back . . . so what did He do?  He went before the Lord in prayer!  What can you learn from Jesus’ example of prayer in the face of adversity?  How are you praying through the adversity you are facing right now?
5. Seeing Jesus “in action” in 26:36-56, what stands out to you about His attitude regarding His progress toward the cross?  What does this tell you about who Jesus is and what He thinks of you?
6. In the message today, we compared genuine “faith” with the “recognition” of the mob and the “regret” of Judas Iscariot.  Faith is something deeper than either of those reactions.  How would you describe the difference between genuine faith and the counterfeit responses of the mob and Judas?
7. What stands out to you most from this passage?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

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

Defeating Death #5 3.22.20

To listen online, use media player below:

To watch the video of the service, see online below:

My son runs track and field.  Like many parents in my situation, that places me in the stands to watch meets during the spring time.  Now, I love sports.  I really do.  Almost every sport has great interest for me . . . except track.  I just don’t consider track meets the best sporting experience:  they are long, slow (for a sport based on speed, this is ironic), and repetitive (‘round and ‘round we go).

Now, that said, there are two things I do love about track:

1. Watching my son race.  (I’m a dad after all!)
2. Watching every relay.  (Relays, regardless of distance, bring an entirely different element into track that is far more enjoyable for me to watch.)

Some of you are irate at this point (I’m looking at you “track guy”).  You love this sport and my comments are offensive.  I get it.  Start complaining about the NBA, and I may question your intelligence as well.  We all have our interests and hobbies.  Whether you love track or (like me) prefer other sports, most of us do enjoy relays.

In a relay you have multiple “legs” to the race, each running equal distances, with a baton passed from person to person along the way.  This team effort adds drama and excitement to even the longest of relays . . . something new, yet connected is around every turn.

In a sense, history is a relay.  One generation receives a “baton” from those who proceeded them and then one day pass it on to those who follow.  But even in a greater, macro-level sense, history has unfolded and will continue to unfold as a relay race. Though human history is long, slow developing, and repetitive (nothing new under the sun), there has been a greater story unfolding from the start . . . and this Sunday at Wildwood as we look at Matthew 26 we will see the baton passed at a critical moment in history.  What do I mean?

• Human history began in a Garden (the Garden of Eden), where humanity first sinned (Genesis 2-3).
• Human history turned in the Garden (the Garden of Gethsemane), when Jesus stayed the course and went to the cross (Matthew 26:36-56).
• Human history finishes in the Garden (the New Heaven and New Earth), when Jesus returns people who trust in Him to their full, right, and eternal fellowship with God (Revelation 21-22).

Another way to look at this relay:

• Humanity fell  at a tree (the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) when Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3).
• Humanity is saved when Jesus hung on the tree (the cross) to pay the penalty for our sins (Matthew 27).
• Humans who trust in Jesus will one day experience eternal life around a tree (the tree of life) living in fellowship with God forever (Revelation 22:1-5).

In both of these relays (“Garden to Garden” and “Tree to Tree”) the middle “leg” is where the race is won.  This Sunday at Wildwood we will look into the Garden of Gethsemane together to see how the rest (of us) are won as Jesus confirms His decision to hang on the tree.  Make plans to join us on our livestream at wildwoodchurch.org/live this Sunday at 11AM in part 5 of our “Defeating Death” sermon series, looking at Matthew 26:36-56, 27:3-10.