On Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 9:10-17.  This message was part 8 in the “Feeding the Flock” 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:

1. Pray
2. Read Luke 9:10-17
3. Have you ever gone on a mission trip before?  Share that experience with your group.
4. When the Apostles returned from their trip, Jesus listened to their report and created space for them to process and be encouraged.  Are you currently serving others in Jesus’ name in some way?  How is it going?  What are some of the ways you are seeing God work?  What are some of the ways you may be experiencing discouragement?
5. What was Jesus trying to teach the Apostles through the feeding of the 5,000?  What do you think He is trying to teach you and me through this experience?
6. What do you have to give as you serve Jesus?  Your time?  Your talents?  Your treasure?  Though these things may seem small in our hands, what might we trust God to do through our offerings to Him?
7. How can you make abiding in Christ and continuing to depend upon Him an active part of your preparation to serve Him and others in His name?
8. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To access the Luke Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion, click here.

To listen offline, click the link below to download audio:

Feeding the Flock 8

 

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To watch the service, use YouTube online:

Have you ever gone on an international mission trip?  Ever gone to another country for the purpose of telling others about the hope that is inside you because of the God who bled, died, and rose again for you?

Over the years of my life I have been blessed with many ministry opportunities on foreign soil.  On those trips, I was able to see God do amazing things.  In familiar environments we are tempted to trust in ourselves … when we are playing an “away game” we often have a more acute sense of our need.

At the end of the mission trips I was a part of, we often had a “debriefing.”  The debriefing was a time to reflect on the trip with our team, recount the ways we saw the Lord work, and rehearse how to best share these experiences with others when we returned home.  A short week-long mission trip may have a debrief that is little more than an organized conversation while waiting at the gate at the airport for the flight home.  A longer mission trip may have a debrief that lasts a few days, since there is so much more to process.

But in my experience on mission trips, I have never seen the debriefing be more memorable than the trip!  The post-trip meeting never exceeds the mission!

But my experience is not everyone’s experience.  Take the mission trip that Peter, James, John, and the rest of the Apostles took in Luke 9:1-6.  They went into all the Galilean region proclaiming the truth about Jesus and performing miracles in His name.  In Mark 6:12-13 we learn that on their mission trip the disciples “proclaimed that people should repent” and “they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”  This was quite a trip!  But beyond that summary statement in Mark, we know of no specific account of how things actually unfolded as they toured Galilee in Luke 9:1-6.  Surprisingly, though, ALL 4 GOSPELS (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) record with great detail the DEBRIEF after the trip.  As it pertains to the disciples’ mission trip in Luke 9, the post-trip MEETING did (in fact) leave a bigger mark than the MISSION!  What makes this even more impressive is that the post-trip debrief is the only detailed scene in Jesus’ life that was recorded in all 4 Gospels, with the exception of events related to His crucifixion and resurrection.

What happened during this debriefing?  Well, Jesus fed 10,000 – 15,000 people with just a few fish and loaves!

This Sunday, we will see how this famous event in the Gospels unfolds, and what Jesus was teaching the disciples (and us) through this miraculous display.  See you Sunday in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service at Wildwood Community Church as we explore Luke 9:10-17 in the 8th and final installment in the “Feeding the Flock” sermon series.  We will worship, pray, study God’s Word, encourage one another, and share the Lord’s Supper together.  See you there … and bring friends!

On Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 9:1-9.  This message was part 7 in the “Feeding the Flock” 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:

1. Pray
2. Read Luke 9:1-9
3. Why do you think Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs to do ministry WITHOUT HIM at this point of His earthly ministry?
4. Have you ever gone on a short term (or long term) mission trip?  What was that experience like?
5. In what sense do you feel “sent” by Jesus today?  What part of His mission are you a part of today?
6. Are you relying upon His Spirit to empower you for your Christian life and witness today?
7. Have you ever experienced rejection while sharing your faith?  Did that rejection cause you to shrink back from being bold in talking about Jesus?
8. What are some opportunities the Lord has opened up for you today?
9. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To access the Luke Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion, click here.

To listen offline, click the link below to download audio.

Feeding the Flock 7

 

To listen online, use the media player below:

To watch the service, use YouTube online:

“He sent them out …”  This is what Luke 9:2 tells us.  Jesus sent the twelve Apostles out on a mission trip.  Mark’s Gospel let’s us know that Jesus sent them in pairs (so six sets of two), but NONE of those pairs included Jesus.  Jesus stayed at a home base, and sent His disciples out on a special project.

Why would Jesus do such a thing?  After all, His ministry was going extremely well!  Everywhere He went in Galilee people flocked around Him.  Many, many people had been healed from disease or delivered from demonic possession by His very capable hand.  Every message Jesus preached was PERFECT.   After all THE WORD preaching the Word would be pretty amazing!!!  And yet at the zenith of His Galilean ministry, He sends the disciples out to do His work.  Why?

There was NO ONE like Jesus.  He was (and is) the unique Son of God.  No one could teach like Him, love like Him, care like Him.  He is in a league of His own.  Why not have the disciples secure a booking at the large amphitheater at nearby Beth Shean for Jesus to address thousands in one setting?  Why decentralize the approach?

Why did He do it?  Well, He did not just do it once in Luke 9.  HE IS STILL DOING IT TODAY.  The Luke 9 mission trip lasted only a few days, but today, Jesus has sent out His followers on mission for 2,000 years (and counting!!)  That’s right … we are a SENT PEOPLE.

In Luke 9:1-9, Jesus continues to prepare His disciples (and by proxy you and I) to carry on His mission now that He has ascended to heaven.  This Sunday, we will dive into these verses together at Wildwood Community Church in part 7 of our “Feeding the Flock” sermon series.  We will see what Jesus was sending the Twelve to do, and what connection that has to you and me as His followers today.  Join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service on Sunday.  See you there … and bring friends!

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 8:40-56.  This message was part 6 in the “Feeding the Flock” 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:

1. Pray
2. Read Luke 8:40-56
3. When do you tend to ask someone for help?  What are some areas where you are hesitant to ask for help?  What are areas where you quickly ask for assistance?  Do you hesitate to ask God for help?
4. Think through the comparison between Jairus and the woman.  What stands out to you most about the differences between these two people?  Do you relate more to one than the other?
5. None of us are anonymous before God.  He knows your name, your story, and your life.  How does this impact you?  Does it encourage you?  Frighten you?
6. Today we looked at a quote from Darrell Bock, “We often struggle to understand God’s timing.  In fact, much of faith is related to accepting God’s timing for events.”  Jairus had to endure Jesus’ “delay” which even appeared to have Jesus’ response be too late.  Has there been a time in your life where it was difficult to keep faith in God because of God’s timing?
7. Death is temporary (from God’s perspective).  We will one day be resurrected (either unto eternal life with Him or unto damnation).  Have you ever considered the fact that what we know of as death is not the end … a comma more than a period?
8. Are there signs of spiritual life that you are exhibiting at this time?  (Signs in our speech, our walk, our appetites, and our sense of identity?)
9. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To access the Luke Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion, click here.

To listen offline, click the link below to download audio.

Feeding the Flock 6

 

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To watch the service, use YouTube online:

 

When do you know you need help?

Many times we don’t recognize our need until we face dramatic circumstances, and the threshold will vary for different folks. For instance, in a construction project, I hit my limits pretty quick.  I can hang a picture without assistance, but building cabinets or hanging a door moves me to seek the aide of a professional!  For others, the “ask for help” comes later only when plumbing or electricity is involved.  We all have our limits.

With my health, I can put a bandaid on a cut, but go to the doctor if I need surgery!  To say it another way, I can administer my own eyedrops but doing lasik vision correction requires a professional!  Some may be more adventurous in their own medical care, but would still seek help at some point.

With transportation, I can walk to a neighbor’s home, but need an airline to fly me to the other side of the world!  Some may have a higher or lower threshold for travel, but at some point, the distance required moves most of us to seek assistance.

If the problem gets large enough, and we are desperate enough for a solution, then we will actively seek the help of others.

The world in which we live is really good at exposing our needs.  Some of the needs the world exposes we feel more equipped to deal with, and try to “go it alone.”  But then other things happen that reveal our vulnerabilities and we are not certain how to move forward.  A particular medical diagnosis, a financial catastrophe, a loss of job, the death of a loved one, a seemingly inevitable divorce … these kinds of needs are more than most anyone can bear on their own.

So what do we do when help is needed?  Who can we turn to?  Not just for relief from the momentary symptoms, but also for soul-level peace.  Can anyone do something about these situations?  Does anyone care?

In Luke 8:40-56 we see two desperate people.  The current trials they are facing have bankrupted or crushed them.  One was experiencing a 12 year chronic health struggle, and the other was watching their 12 year old daughter die.  In their desperation, these people turn to Jesus.  How does He respond?  What does He do?  And what does this mean for you and me?  Join us this week at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 worship service as we look at these verses together in part 6 of our “Feeding the Flock” sermon series.  See you Sunday … and bring friends!

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 8:26-39.  This message was part 5 in the “Feeding the Flock” 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:

1. Pray
2. Read Luke 8:26-39
3. Of all the miracles that Jesus worked, what were some of the “big ones” that stand out to you?  Remember, the events of the New Testament are TRUE!  Jesus really did these things!
4. The demon possessed man is in great distress.  He is alone, naked, and inflicting self-harm.  This clearly is the product of demonic activity, but many of the effects described ALSO come from the natural consequences of our sinful choices.  What are ways you have seen these crippling effects in our world today through sinful choices or demonic influence?
5. Jesus clearly demonstrates His massive superiority to the Legion of Demons.  The Light truly outshines the darkness.  Are there ways in which you are tempted to “dabble in the dark” instead of “living in the Light”?
6. Jesus sends the delivered demoniac home to tell all what God had done for him.  As a part of the Great Commission, some will be sent “far away” to other countries, but others will be “sent home.”  ALL Jesus followers are sent somewhere!  Where has Jesus sent you?  How will you answer the question this holiday season, “how was your year?”  Think of a 2 minute way to share something of what God has done for you this year in response to that question.  Use that answer as a tool to share what He has done in your life to your family this holiday season!
7. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To access the Luke Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion, click here.

To listen offline, click the link below to download audio.

Feeding the Flock 5

 

To listen online, use the media player below:

 

To watch the service, use YouTube online:

2,700 years ago the ancient Greek poet Homer wrote the epic, “The Odyssey.”  In 2026, Christopher Nolan turned it into a major motion picture starring Matt Damon.  Nearly three millennia later, this story is still gathering an audience!

To be clear, I do not love the story of “The Odyssey.”  I actually find it kind of meandering and depressing …  but the story is filled with fanciful, mythical and memorable moments starring Odysseus and his (not so merry) men and his faithful wife Penelope.

In case you haven’t seen or read the story, I will recap (there are no spoilers for 2,700 year old stories … you had your chance!)  Odysseus emerges as a hero from the Trojan war, and begins his journey home, but gets lost along the way.  He ends up fighting a cyclops, a witch, giants, an army of the dead, sirens, and the ocean itself in his journey to return home and be reunited with his wife and family again.

This story is wild and made up … even the trojan horse was a literary invention not a historical fact … but has captured the imagination of many nonetheless.  Why? Well, Odysseus lives the life of a super-human navigating a cruel world and his own inner demons while trying to return to his true love.  It is a like a Batman origin story told by men wearing Spartan helmets!  There is some believable and relatable emotion in this yarn, but even so it is just a fairy tale.  It might as well begin “once upon a time” or “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.”  We can be entertained by this drama, but it certainly is not life-changing.

Now, I want us to remember a different ancient story. This one is 2,000 years old and is set on the other side of the Mediterranean Sea.  In this story, the God/Man is saving His beloved from the giants of sin and death, while making a way for those who are with Him to overcome the sirens call so that they can return Home to fellowship with their Father.  Along the way, the God/Man overcomes the sea, miraculously feeds a hungry crowd, and even defeats thousands of demons!  This story, of course, refers to the account of Jesus’ earthly ministry in Luke 8-9.  What sets this story apart, of course, is that it is not a myth … it really happened!  His tale is as old as time and the victory He wins delivers eternal life to you and to me.

More than just entertaining audiences, Jesus is changing lives!  Jesus really embarked on His odyssey to save us, and unlike Odysseus (who lost his crew along the way), the Scripture tells us that Jesus “lost not one” of those committed to His care!  He is better in every way.  This is a case where Truth really is better than fiction.

I say all this because this Sunday we will be in part 5 of our series, “Feeding the Flock” as we will look at Luke 8:26-39 in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 services at Wildwood Community Church.  This week we will see Jesus take on a battle against thousands of demons, and we will also see Him change a man, and send him … home.  In this account we find victory, hope, strength, and purpose for our real lives.  Hope you make the journey to Wildwood Sunday to worship with us … and bring friends (don’t leave any from your crew behind!)  We will sing, share the Lord’s supper, study the Scripture, and exalt the God/Man who came to bring us Home.

 

On Sunday, October 11, 2026 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Luke 8:22-25.  This message was part 4 in the “Feeding the Flock” 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:

1. Pray
2. Read Luke 8:22-25
3. What are some of the things in this world that are scary or dangerous to others?  What is scary or feels dangerous to you?
4. The disciples lose all perspective as the boat begins to sink in the midst of the storm.  Can you think of any examples from your own life when you felt like you were on a “sinking ship”?  Was it difficult to maintain a good perspective in the midst of the storm?
5. When in the midst of the storms of life, have you ever been tempted to try to control the circumstance, escape through distraction, or find someone to blame?
6. What are some ways you can remember “whose boat you are in” when the storms of life settle in?
7. What are examples from your life or the lives of others you know of seeing faith in God shine while enduring a storm?
8. What stands out to you most from this message?  Any particular takeaway?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To access the Luke Bible Reading Plans on YouVersion, click here.

To listen offline, click the link below to download audio.

Feeding the Flock 4

 

To listen online, use the media player below:

 

To watch the service, use YouTube online:

Are there things in the world that look dangerous?  Things that feel threatening?  Things that scare us?

Yes, there are.

You may be scared of rattlesnakes or grizzly bears or mountain lions.  You may be frightened by tornados or hurricanes or flash floods.  You may be unsettled by financial ruin or job loss or social security running out of money.  You may be terrified by the state of the world or the upcoming election or a city council vote.  You could be shaken by a divorce or a wayward child or an aging relative.  You could be floored by cancer or heart disease or chronic pain.

Are there things in this world that scare us?  Yes there are, so let’s be honest about that.  There are things that are dangerous and destructive all around us.  Fear is not just “in our heads.”  There ARE frightening things in this world, so are we doomed to live our lives afraid?

The solution to our fears is not to think there is nothing to be afraid of, for that will only last so long.  As Mike Tyson said, “everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth,” and this world can throw some wicked punches.  The solution to our fears is to know how to be at peace EVEN WHEN THERE ARE THINGS TEMPTING US TO BE AFRAID.

This Sunday, October 11 at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 service we will look at Jesus’ disciples during a dangerous and scary situation as recorded in Luke 8:22-25.  As we see their struggles, we will remember we are in the same boat … but we will also remember WHO ELSE IS IN THE BOAT WITH US that tells us not to fear!  Join us for part 4 of our “Feeding the Flock” sermon series.  See you there … and bring friends!