Deep + Wide (part 3) Sermon Preview

You have heard me say this before … “big” and “small” are relative terms. I grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. At a population of 35,000, Bartlesville was the “big city” for those who lived in nearby Dewey (population 3,400) or Ramona (population 500). However, Bartlesville is a “small town” to those who lived in Tulsa (population 411,000) … and Tulsa is a small town to those who live in New York City (population 8.25 million)! I could keep going, but you get the idea.

Occasionally, when people hear that I am a Pastor they will ask me what size of a church Wildwood is. “Is it a big church?” some will ask? Well, that depends on your experience.

Wildwood is the biggest church I have ever been a part of, so to me, Wildwood is “big.” Last Sunday, we had about 2,000 people attend our church. To many that is a “big” church. Since the average American church has 70 attenders each weekend and 2/3 of American churches average less than 250 people per Sunday … many might think that Wildwood Community Church is a “big” church.

But do you want to know which church makes Wildwood look “small”? Well, it would be the very first church that ever existed … and it would be that church on its VERY FIRST DAY. That’s right, on “launch day” for the very first church, it had an estimated 3,500 people!

Wildwood has been a church following Jesus and shining His light in our community for 57 years. God has been faithful to grow our church steadily over that time to the size it is today. The first church in Jerusalem in the book of Acts, though, grew from 500 to 3,500 after its first public service!!!!! WOW!

Jesus said He would grow His church, and He has done that. From 12 to 500 to 3,500 to over a million Christians by 250 AD to a cumulative estimated total of 14 billion Christians over the past 2000 years! JESUS. IS. BUILDING. HIS. CHURCH!!!!!!!

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, we will look at “Launch Day” for the very first church, the church in Jerusalem that was born when the Holy Spirit indwelt the first followers of Jesus on the day of Pentecost. We will dive into Acts 2:37-41 to see how Jesus was building His church Deep and Wide from the very beginning. Join us in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 services for part 3 of our “Deep + Wide” sermon series. We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. See you Sunday … and bring friends!

Deep + Wide (part 2) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Philippians 4:14-20. This message was part 2 of the “Deep + Wide” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video from the message to listen to/watch, download or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Philippians 4:14-20
What are some of the best teams you have been a part of? In what ways did you partner together? On those teams, did you experience the sentiment, “If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together?”
One of the ways we partner together with other Christians for the gospel is with money. We can give money together to help fund different causes. Why do you think it can be hard for Christians to talk about money together?
Paul talks about the gift that the Philippians gave brings fruit back to their account. What are ways you have been blessed through giving financially to gospel causes?
Giving also is an act of worship … a fragrant offering before the Lord. Have you stopped to remember recently that all you have is from the Lord? Take a moment to thank Him for His provision now.
Would you take some time to pray together as an individual or with your group about how you might be involved in the Deep + Wide Campaign financially? What would God have you do? Want more info? Visit wildwoodchurch.org/build
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:

Deep & Wide #2 1.12.25

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Deep + Wide (part 2) Sermon Preview

I love being a part of teams. As the old saying goes, “Want to go fast, go alone. Want to go far, go together.” I have found this saying to prove true (both on and off the field).

On the field, the examples are myriad. Yes, Michael Jordan is the best basketball player of all time, but he didn’t win a title until Chicago had more Bulls in the stable. When their organization was well built top to bottom, they won 6 world championships in 8 years. Now, the OKC Thunder are in the midst of building a dynasty, but they are doing it by connecting all the pieces from the front office through their roster … not just giving multi-million dollar contracts to “stars” that never align. They are built to “go far” not just “win now.”

Off the field, we see this also with companies who are “built to last” not just sell a product. Companies that recognize and empower the giftedness of their employees are companies that attract and keep great talent and sustain growth over time. And even families … families who recognize and celebrate the contributions and unique gifting of all members seem to weather better the storms of life, and choose to be together, even when they don’t have to.

If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.

This principle is also true in the church. Jesus is building His church, and He is building it to function together. He created us as a team, placed strategically inside His Body so that we would partner together; leaning on and following Jesus, as we live for His glory. We may be able to be a part of some things on our own, but together as a church, we can do even more as we rely on His Spirit that is at work within us.

We partner together in many ways as a congregation … but one way in which we partner together is financially. We can give funds to help those in need, send missionaries to distant cultures, support Pastors in their work, and offer ministry to reach the lost and disciple the found in our community. But on occasion, we also can partner together to invest funds from this generation to build buildings that can be used for ministry that will impact generations to come.

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, in part 2 of our Deep + Wide series, we will look at Philippians 4:14-20 as we reflect more about how we can go far together by partnering financially for a gospel purpose. Hope to see you Sunday in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 service … and bring friends!

Deep + Wide (part 1) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, January 5, 2025, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Matthew 16:13-19. This message was part 1 of the “Deep + Wide” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video from the message to listen to/watch, download or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Matthew 16:13-19
What are some “gambles” you have taken in life? How did they work out?
Jesus asks His disciples the most important question ever … “Who do you say Jesus is?” How would you answer this question today?
Jesus promises to build His congregation and nothing will be able to stop it. What do you think Jesus was implying when He said these words?
Jesus wants to grow us both DEEP and WIDE. What are some ways in which you have seen God grow you (and those around you) deeper in your/their relationship with Him over time?
What are some of the ways you have seen the church grow “wider” over time (reaching new people for Christ)?
Mark presented today in rough terms (more info coming in the weeks ahead) the plans for facility expansion at Wildwood. What are some ways you can imagine these spaces being used by God to allow Wildwood to grow DEEPER and WIDER? Spend some time praying and asking God for direction for you about how you might be a part of this plan.
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:

Deep & Wide #1 1.5.25

To listen online, use media player below:

To watch online use YouTube:

Deep and Wide (part 1) Sermon Preview

Gambling. According to the Oxford dictionary, this word means “an enterprise undertaken or attempted with a risk of loss and a chance of profit or success.” By this definition:

* Playing the stock market is a gamble.
* Playing Blackjack at the casino is a gamble.
* Going for two when you are down one in a bowl game is a gamble (too soon?).
* Taking a new job and switching careers at the age of 42 is a gamble.

All of these situations meet the gambling standard: something you do with a significant chance of profit or loss. The stock could rise or fall. The hand could win or bust. You could win the game or lose it (again … too soon?) Your new career could be a great fit or a mismatch. The point is, you don’t know how it will turn out when you take action.

In truth, many things in our lives are gambles. BUT, you know what is absolutely NOT a gamble? Jesus’ work in the world. That is no gamble at all. It is a sure fire winner. What do I mean by that?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus famously says, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Jesus was making a promise that He would build His congregation of followers and that nothing would stop its advance. Jesus was saying that betting on the Church was no gamble, because it’s success was guaranteed.

Now, when Jesus said that, He was not saying that any specific church organization had a guaranteed future. Sin, changing demographics, hard hearts, or various circumstances have stunted the growth or “removed the lamp stand” of many particular churches. Jesus was not saying that “Mark’s church” or “Luther’s church” or “John’s church” had a guaranteed future as an organization. What Jesus is saying is that HIS congregation will GROW and nothing can stop it! People who trust in Jesus, confess Him as Christ, and abide in Him are a part of something that has an eternal future that is ultimately up and to the right.

So what is the growth that Jesus talked about? I believe Jesus wants to grow His church both DEEP and WIDE.

What do we mean by that statement? How does Jesus grow His followers DEEP and WIDE? Well, that is the subject of a new series we are kicking off Sunday at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 worship services. As we begin the New Year, we will spend 10 weeks surveying a number of New Testament passages helping us reflect on the growth Jesus brings to His church.

And here is something exciting … not only are we reflecting on what Jesus has done in history, we will also be talking about what Jesus is doing TODAY through Wildwood! Jesus is building His church at Wildwood both Deep and Wide … we will be sharing how we believe a building expansion at the church will be a great tool the Lord can use to further His mission in our community and beyond. This Sunday in part 1 of “Deep and Wide,” not only will we be looking at Matthew 16:13-20, but we will also reveal what is included in this facility expansion, and how we all can be a part of this ministry here at Wildwood.

Hope to see you this Sunday … and bring friends! Let’s follow Jesus together and live for His glory in the year ahead.

Home for Christmas (part 5) Audio, Video, and Questions

On Sunday, December 29, 2024 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on a number of New Testament passages (John 1:12-13, 14:1-6, Ephesians 2:19-22, Hebrews 11:13-16). This message was part 5 of the “Home for Christmas” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find audio and video from the message to listen to/watch, download or share.

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read John 1:12-13, John 14:1-6, Ephesians 2:19-22, Hebrews 11:13-16
When do you typically decorate for Christmas? When do you take the decorations down?
Where do you consider to be your “home”? What makes it “home”?
According to John 1:12-13 and John 3:3, how does one become a child of God? Have you experienced this inclusion in God’s family yourself?
What about you is most important? If you were to have a business card for your life, what kinds of things would you include on it that mark your true identity?
What are some of the promises of God that you have only seen “from afar” … but that you have faith will come about in eternity? What are you most looking forward to?
Are you living today like your home is in heaven or like your home is on earth? How can you tell where your true home is found?
What is one particular application you took away from this message?

To access these questions in pdf format, click here.

To listen to audio offline, click the link:

Home For Christmas #5 12.29.24

To listen to audio online, use media player below:

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

Home for Christmas (part 5) Sermon Preview

The timing of Christmas decorations at our homes is a matter of great debate. When do you put the lights UP, decorate the tree, and set out the nativity? Some argue that you should not do this until after Thanksgiving, while others begin to set out Christmas things in early November. And (even more relevant for these days post-Christmas) when do you take the decorations DOWN, box up the baubles and take out the tree? Many would say around New Year’s Day or at the time of epiphany, while others want the house de-garlanded (is that a word) by the time the sun sets on December 26. When do the decorations go UP and DOWN for you in your house?

While I understand the practicality of these comments, I have to say that I am always a little sad this time of year. I love the look of most places around Christmas-time, and things always look a little too plain to me in January. I always find myself wishing more endured from the Advent season. Anyone agree with this sentiment?

Over the past five weeks, we have been walking through a sermon series at Wildwood called “Home for Christmas.” In this series we have been talking about how we can make our home in Him, not just at Christmas, but always. We have done so by investigating a number of the locations mentioned in the Christmas account in Scripture. This Sunday, we will be in the fifth and final installment in this series. This week we will be looking at John 1:12-13; 14:1-6, Ephesians 2:19-22 and Hebrews 11:13-16 as we remind each other where our true Home is, and how we can represent our home as we live out our everyday lives.

To be clear, Wildwood’s Christmas decorations will still be up, we are still going to sing one Christmas carol in our time of worship together, and we will still be in our Christmas series of messages … but we will be talking about an important part of Christmas that we should never box up in our attic. Jesus came for us, and made the way for us to be included in His household. Let’s remind each other of this great enduring truth on Sunday as we gather at 9:45 or 11:00 worship service at Wildwood Community Church. See you Sunday … and bring friends!

NOTE: This Sunday is an “all in” Sunday where we will not have children’s ministry, student or adult classes (or our 8:30 service) but will all be gathering together in the worship center together. Our classes and the 8:30 service will return on January 5. See you Sunday!

Home for Christmas (part 4) Sermon audio, video, and questions

On Sunday, December 22, 2024 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached as sermon based on Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:1-12. This message was part 4 of the “Home for Christmas” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the sermon audio and video to listen to, watch, or share. Additionally, there is a daily devotional/Bible reading plan accompanying this series. Access it by clicking here!

To read through the Advent devotional this year on the YouVersion app in a “reading plan with friends,” click here to join a group I am hosting!

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Luke 2:8-14 and Matthew 2:1-12
Do you own any nativity sets at your house? Do any of them have special significance for you?
On the night Jesus was born, God goes out of His way to invite to the celebration “unclean shepherds,” distant “magi” and religious scribes. How does He invite each group to the celebration? Have you ever thought about the different ways God invites people to the first Christmas party? What do you make of the style of His invitations?
Have you done something that has you feeling left “out in the field” this Christmas, ashamed and alone? How does Jesus’ invitation to the shepherds encourage you to find cleansing and hope in Him?
The Magi did not come from a Jewish background and lived over 1,000 miles away. This reminds us of God’s call to take the Gospel to the nations! How can you be a part of helping shine a light on Christ among the peoples of the earth in the year ahead?
The Scribes knew the right answers (biblically) but they did not respond appropriately. Do you have any experience personally (or in the lives of those you know) of people who know the right things but have not truly ever trusted in Jesus?
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:

Home For Christmas #4 12.22.24

To listen online, use media player below:

To watch online use YouTube:

Home for Christmas (part 4) Sermon Preview

Around our home are a variety of nativity scenes. One is from Bethlehem. One was a gift from Kimberly’s parents when she was growing up. Another is a gift from my parents on one of our first Christmas’s as a married couple. Each of these nativities are meaningful to us. Each is beautiful … and each has its own style. The biggest thing these sets have in common, though, is the scene they are depicting. Unsurprisingly, they all feature statues of Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals, and Magi. In each set, all the figures “match.” They all look alike and like they go together.

The familiarity we have with the story, and the reinforcement of our decorations, however, lulls us into the false belief that this group of people ALWAYS went together. We begin to think that in the first century, at the time of Jesus’ birth, Magi, shepherds, Nazarenes, angels, and animals spent every Saturday night together … like a Augustan era eclectic bunko group. But that idea is not backed up by history. Though the figures look the same in our nativity sets, they were quite different in the eyes of the original audience.

The shepherds were not invited to religious gatherings. Though they were Jewish, they were outsiders and considered unclean because of the demands of their job. Nazarenes (Mary and Joseph) didn’t hang out in Bethlehem on the regular. And the Magi? Well, they lived 1,000 miles away in (what we know of) as modern day Iran! This group didn’t hang out normally. Unless something remarkable happened to mingle them, they would never have even met.

But … something remarkable DID happen.

Jesus was born!

And at His birth, Jesus invited ALL of them together for the celebration. He went out of His way to make sure they all knew about this moment, and were invited to the party. It was not an accident. It was not normal. It was God’s plan to invite them to come “home” to Him.

Do you wonder where your true home is? Do you wonder if God really wants you around? Do you want to know if you are truly invited to His party? Then join us this Sunday, December 22 at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 worship services as we hear again His invitation to all of us to be “Home for Christmas” in Christ in part 4 of our series, looking at Matthew 2:1-12 and Luke 2:8-20. See you Sunday … and bring friends!

P.S. In our children’s ministry on Sunday we will also have our “birthday party for Jesus” and our worship team has prepared a special Christmas “gift” for us all … the 2024 rendition of “Carol of the Bells” to conclude our services. See you Sunday!

Home for Christmas (part 3) Sermon audio, video, and questions

On Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Wildwood Community Church, I preached as sermon based on Luke 2:1-20. This message was part 3 of the “Home for Christmas” sermon series. Below you will find questions related to the message for personal reflection or group discussion. You will also find the sermon audio and video to listen to, watch, or share. Additionally, there is a daily devotional/Bible reading plan accompanying this series. Access it by clicking here!

To read through the Advent devotional this year on the YouVersion app in a “reading plan with friends,” click here to join a group I am hosting!

Sermon Questions:

Pray
Read Luke 2:1-20
What are some of the “cryptids” of the Christmas story that we talk about but are not specifically identified in the Bible?
The cave behind the house became the birthplace for Jesus Christ. This was adequate, but certainly LESS than we might imagine (surely Jesus would be born in a palace, not a stable!) But God’s purpose was well served by Jesus being born in a stable. What are some examples you can think of in your life where God’s provision has not matched your expectations? How does this passage encourage you that God can use even our “less than we can imagine” circumstances to be the venue for His purposes to be accomplished?
What are ways in which you are focusing your Christmas season on Jesus? Is there room inn your life for this? If not, can you make room for Him this season?
Jesus is the eternal Son of God. He came from heaven to earth at His birth in Bethlehem. This was a ways! How does remembering this truth help you appreciate again God’s grace and effort to save you?
Are you trusting in and relying upon Jesus today? He understands your situation and wants to help you through the temptations you face today and free you from the judgment that will come tomorrow!
What is one particular application you took away from this message?