Questions for Reflection: June 16, 2024

On Sunday, June 16, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Alliance Aligned Against Israel” from our ForeShadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. As a discussion opener, when you go to the movies, do you try to catch the coming attractions previews or not?  Why or why not?

2. Before diving into Ezekiel’s prophecy, it might be helpful to read Ezekiel 38:1-12; 15-16, 18; 21-23, and  39:2-8. As you do it, reflect on the fact that you are reading prophetic truth written some 2600 (26 centuries) ago!  Where did Ezekiel get his information from? [see Ezekiel 1:1-3]

3. The second indicator of the nearness of Jesus’ 2nd Coming relates to a specific coalition of nations that will arise and be hostile to Israel.  Bruce shared several reasons why both the biblical text and history indicate that this coalition is NOT one from the distant past.  Some reasons relate to phrases in 38:8 and 38:16. Some relate to historical issues.  List as many as you can remember.

4. Sometimes we can tend to view current events that develop around us—and the domino effects that proceed from them—as random events.  What does a passage like Ezekiel 38 tell us about God’s involvement with the world?

5. Sometimes people like to say regarding future prophecy, why bother?  There’s a lot of opinions out there…why should we put effort into understanding it?  What perspective can we gain from 1 Peter 1:10—11 about those who studied/inquired about the prophecies of Jesus’ first coming?

6. Bruce stated that what jumps out clearly in this passage is the sovereignty of God.  Does God ‘break into a sweat’ when he sees what is happening among the nations? (check out Psalm 2 in this regard).

7. If He’s sovereign in the affairs of the world, is He also sovereign in the outworking of our lives?  Elaborate.

8. Take some time to pray for all the nations listed in the coalition…that they may hear the Gospel and respond in faith.  Wouldn’t it be exciting to meet someone one day in heaven that you had prayed for?

Sneak Peek: June 16, 2024

Well, the heat is starting to line up for some longer stretches.  I hope you are ready for some “hot” times ahead!

Speaking of hot times ahead, the summer men’s and women’s bible studies began this week (men on Wednesdays at 7pm; women on Thursdays at 7pm).  It’s not too late to join in…a great way to stay in the Word over summer!

Also, if you have never been baptized—never given that public testimony of trust in Jesus as your Rescuer from sin and judgment—this summer can be the time!  Starting one Sunday from now, (June 23…happens to be my 51st wedding anniversary too) Wildwood will be holding baptism classes.  The class for children will be at 11am in the Downstairs Theater and the student/adult class will be at noon in Room 2.  You can sign up at wildwoodchurch.org/baptism. Hope you do!

Another “hot” thing, our College Life group is back to meeting on Sundays at 9:45am in Room 5.  Check it out!

This Sunday we will be continuing our June series entitled, Foreshadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus with part 2.  We will see a very special prophecy from Ezekiel 38 that predicts a coalition of nations that align with Israel clearly in their crosshairs.  It is a fascinating study!

See you Sunday!

Bruce

Questions for Reflection: June 9, 2024

On Sunday, June 9, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Restoration of the Nation of Israel” from our ForeShadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. Recent history has been marked by certain Bible teachers who made very detailed predictions claiming Jesus would return at a particular time or date.  Share about any experiences you may have had (or heard about) with such predictions.

2. Some folks seem to dismiss discussions about Bible prophecy as fruitless endeavors.  Why do you think that is?

Jesus spent time talking to his disciples about future prophecy as Acts 1:3-7 demonstrates.  Why do you think Scripture gives so much space to discussing future prophetic events?  List some reasons.

3. Bruce emphasized that we should avoid “newspaper exegesis”, where one simply looks at current events and then reads those events back into Scripture.  Why?

Bruce also stressed that good prophetic interpretation should start with ___________.
What term goes in that blank?

4. “The existence of Israel today is a ‘first class’ miracle.  Explain how so.

5. Since God has been faithful to His promises to the nation of Israel in much detail, it also means He will be faithful to His promises to us.  List at least two of your favorite promises that God has given us.

6. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for His faithfulness to you!

Sneak Peek for Sunday, June 9, 2024

Hey Wildwood Family!

Greetings to everyone on this sunny day!  Well, things are quieter now at the church facility.  VBS 2024 is completed (but cleanup is under way). A very special ‘Thank You’ to the 300+ volunteers who made this VBS a joy for some 600+ children.  It was a joy interacting with the kids and parents this week. Today (Friday) I greeted one young family and said, Welcome to the last day of VBS.  Their daughter immediately responded: I wish VBS was every day!  Another spoke with her normal WCC SS teacher and said she probably won’t be in SS on Sunday.  She plans to be at VBS again!😉

And a very BIG shout out to Children’s Pastor Brooke Harrison and her children’s team for ALL the invested energy and creativity to make VBS a joy for kids, while also teaching the gospel and leading our next generation in worship of the living God.  Great work, all!! Pray for the seeds that were planted to blossom in a big way.

On Sunday I will be launching a June series I’ve entitled Foreshadows of the 2nd Coming of Jesus. The noun foreshadow refers to ‘an indicator of what is to come.’  Too often it seems folks will label Bible prophecy as confusing, and maybe even as uninteresting.  Yet Scripture contains SO much prophecy about future events and the Second Coming of Jesus.

This Sunday’s message will focus on how Israel’s rebirth as a nation is a key sign of the nearness of Jesus’ 2nd Coming.  We will be looking at multiple Scriptures and will also offer some insight into the current issues and events we’ve all heard about recently.  I think you will find this message to be profitable.

Also on Sunday, we will share an update on the prospect of Jon Dunton joining Wildwood’s pastoral staff.  God is at work, men and women!

See you Sunday!

Bruce

Questions for Reflection: June 2, 2024

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Teaching Pastor Bruce Hess’ message is “Two Life Paths” from our Him Book series. Below are some questions for your personal or group reflection.

1. Bruce began by stating a truism…that ultimately life is about the choices we make.
What might be an unwise choice or two that you have made?  Elaborate some.

2. Bruce cited another common truism:  “the choices you make, make you.”  Do you concur with that truism?  Why or why not?

3. It was stated that both Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 were purposefully chosen to lead the Book of Psalms.  What were the reasons cited?

4. When Psalm 1 says, “Blessed is the man” what does that really mean?  Explain.

5. Bruce cited both Psalm 16:11 and Psalm 34:8. How have those verses been displayed through God’s working in your life?

6. Psalm 1 lays out a common downward spiral that can influence any life:
* Phase 1 – walking in the counsel of, starting to listen to the world’s way of thinking
* Phase 2 – standing in the way of, stopping and beginning to buy into worldly thinking and values
* Phase 3 – sitting in the seat of, settling into and identifying with worldly attitudes and behavior
What tools does the world system utilize to influence people in this way?

7. Let’s get real…Are there currently any areas in your life where the world system seems to be “squeezing you into its mold”?

8. Read out loud Psalm 1:2-3.  Also read out loud Psalm 119:15-16. What are some ways we can put the principles of those verses into practice in our everyday lives?

9.  Bruce closed the message citing Psalm 92:12-14. Pray that God will work in your life in such a way that you can still be bearing fruit in old age, being ever “full of sap and green.

Sneak Peek: June 2, 2024

Hey Wildwood Family!

Well, June arrives tomorrow! Where did the month of May go?????

The good news is that the month of June begins with a BIG bang at Wildwood.  Monday is the training day for VBS (vacation bible school) and then some 650+ kids and some 300+ volunteers will be journeying together Tuesday thru Friday at VBS. Please be in prayer for this wonderful opportunity to demonstrate to so many children that Jesus is indeed the true superhero of the universe…the one who bled and died for our sins. There will be a lot of fun, music and worship, and clear declarations of God’s truth. Exciting stuff!

June will also be interesting as a few of our world outreach partners will be visiting this month.  You’ll be able to see some of them this Sunday!

Also, this Sunday we will be concluding the Him Book series on selected Psalms.  It will be my personal privilege to close out this series by looking at the very first Psalm in the collection—Psalm 1!  Have you ever pondered:  why was Psalm 1 selected to be the first one?  I don’t believe it was a random event or even that it was the first psalm written (especially since Moses wrote one).  In fact, I believe both Psalm 1 and Psalm 2 were selected to lead the Book of Psalms for specific reasons.

Psalm 1 sets before us the vital truth that there are two life paths that each person must choose from. Thus, the title of this week’s message is Two Life Paths.  Although Psalm 1 contains only six verses, there is plenty of practical life truth crammed into those verses.  I’m excited to take us on a journey of examining this final message in the Him Book series.  One additional treat…our closing song themed on Psalm 1 was composed by our very own Greg Hill!  You can’t miss this Sunday!

See you then!

Bruce

Him Book (part 8) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Psalm 130.  This message was part 8 in the “Him Book” 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:

  1. Pray
  2. Read Psalm 130
  3. Recount a time in your life when you acutely felt your need for forgiveness before God.  Share whatever portion of that experience you are comfortable sharing with your group.
  4. Have you ever felt like you were “drowning” or in absolute desperation due to sin in your life – as you were experiencing the consequences of your actions?
  5. When we cry out to God for rescue from our sin, the Psalmist gives us 3 reasons for optimism that God will respond:  Because He is a forgiving God, because His Word provides a sure hope, and because He is a loving redeemer.  Which of these truths are the strongest source of encouragement for you today?
  6. In light of the forgiveness God has provided us in Christ, He desires that we “fear Him” (revere, depend, and obey Him) and that we have hope.  In light of this Psalm are you responding appropriately to God’s forgiveness today?   
  7. Are you trusting in Jesus as your redeemer today?
  8. 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:

Him Book #8 5.26.24

 

To listen to online, use media player below:

 

To watch online use YouTube:

 

Him Book (part 8) Sermon Preview

51 years ago, Billy Joel soared to superstardom with the song “Piano Man.”  Since that time, Joel has gone on to sell the fourth most albums by a solo artist all time in the United States.  Over 22 years (from 1971 to 1993), Joel released 12 albums, had 33 top 40 hits and had 3 go to number one.  For the past decade, Billy Joel has played a sellout show every month at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.  The man is a modern musical legend.

But, given his success in music, has Joel’s life been only smooth and tranquil?  Of course not.  In fact, in an interview he conducted recently, Joel said this, “I owe a thousand apologies to thousands of people.”  Joel’s life has been dotted with bouts of depression, a suicide attempt, and a string of divorces.

Now 75 years old, Billy Joel has once again recorded a new song (his first in 30 years.)  What is the subject of his latest hit?  Regret and a longing for forgiveness.

The song is titled “Turn the Lights Back On” and is really deep and moving.  As the song moves toward conclusion, these are the lyrics:

“I’m late, but I’m here right now.  Is there still time for forgiveness?  Won’t you tell me how?  I can’t read your mind.  But I see you now, as we’re laying’ in the darkness.  Did I wait too long, to turn the lights back on?”

Can’t you just feel his ache?  He wants forgiveness but will he ever find it?  He wants a restoration of relationship, but will it ever come?  He is in a waiting room of angst and emotion.  He has come to his senses and he wants a change … but is he too late?

Since first hearing this song a couple of months ago, I have had it regularly in the playlist.  It is truly deep and contemplative piece.  If you haven’t listened to it before (and that is your kind of music) give it a listen.  Find it on YouTube at this link.

I have never had the privilege of meeting Billy Joel, but I have met many who have struggled with this kind of regret.  Husbands or wives, parents or children, employers or employees, friends or colleagues, who have wounded those around them, want to reconcile and move forward, but wonder if they waited too long to try to “turn the lights back on.”  Perhaps you are dealing with this emotion in some relationship in your life?  Can you relate to Joel’s plea?

What is particularly striking to me about this new song is that it offers no resolution.  The song is simply a question without an answer.  To paraphrase the tone of the song, “I’ve screwed up and want to re-engage.  Is that even possible?”

As it relates to human relationships, the lack of certainty in Joel’s question is totally understandable.  After all, it takes two to tango.  One person may realize their failure and want to make amends, but the offended party may not reciprocate the desire to reconcile.

But what about with God?  What if our transgression was not just against another person but against God Himself?  After all, when we sin against someone created in God’s image, we are sinning against God also.  Upon coming to our senses, and repenting from our errant ways can we return to a relationship with Him?  Is it too late to turn His Light back on in our lives?

This Sunday at Wildwood Community Church, in part 8 of our “Him Book” series, we will be in Psalm 130 where we will see how to respond when we are drowning in despair, convicted under the weight of our sin, scared in the dark of the unknown, or enslaved and in need of freedom.  In all these situations, the Psalmist cries out to the LORD … who hears his cry.  Come Sunday, and cry out to the LORD with us, as we will find that with God, it is not too late.  His Light can illuminate our darkness today.  On this, I am absolutely certain.  See you Sunday for worship and sharing the Lord’s supper … and bring all you know who can be encouraged by this great truth!

Him Book (part 7) Sermon Audio, Video, & Questions

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Wildwood Community Church, I preached a sermon based on Psalm 103.  This message was part 7 in the “Him Book” 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:

  1. Pray
  2. Read Psalm 103
  3. Can you recall a time in your life when you found it difficult to praise and thank God due to the current circumstance of your life?  What made it difficult to praise God in that season?
  4. Have you ever stopped to consider that you can actually be a blessing to God?
  5. Have you ever spoken to yourself and instructed yourself to NOT FORGET THE BENEFITS OF KNOWING GOD?
  6. Today we talked about some of the benefits of knowing God that are enumerated in the Psalm.  We are not to forget His forgiveness, His healing, His new life, His righteous rule, His unending love, and the fact that He is worth it all.  Spend some time brainstorming some of the ways you have seen and experienced these benefits in your own life. 
  7. Spend some time now alone or in a group thanking God and praising Him for the many benefits He has extended to us.
  8. 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:

Him Book #7 5.19.24

 

To listen to message online, use media player below:

 

To watch online use YouTube:

 

Him Book (part 7) Sermon Preview

On a late July night back in 2012, I was reeling.  Earlier that day, my wife, Kimberly,  had undergone a kidney transplant in Oklahoma City.  Due to other complications, she also had to be given a trach to ensure an open airway. AND, Kimberly’s sister had donated the kidney … so late that night, I had two people I loved recovering from 3 significant surgeries – my wife was in ICU, my sister-in-law was in pain … and I was a mess.

At the end of that long day, I could hardly vocalize any words, much less pray any coherent prayers.  So I put some music on to occupy my mind.  The first song that came on was a new song (at the time) … Matt Redmond’s “10,000 Reasons.”  As the song began, the chorus encouraged, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, worship His holy name!  Sing like never before, O my soul, I’ll worship Your holy name.”

As I sang that song in the hospital that night, I wept tears of thankfulness for the provision of the previous day.  The LORD was good and worthy of praise – no matter what.  While I was singing this song, Kimberly was bleeding internally (unbeknownst to us at the time) and was truly in a life or death situation.  I am so thankful that the LORD saved her life that night, and she has made a full recovery … but no matter what had happened, the LORD was worthy of our praise.

For those familiar with the Psalms, you realize that Redman’s “new song” is not really new at all.  The powerful chorus is a quotation from Psalm 103 – a 3,000 year old song written by King David.  This Psalm’s introduction is Redman’s chorus, and it serves as somewhat of a command to our own souls.  Rather than responding to our feelings like a feather in the wind, David commands his own soul to “bless the Lord and forget none of His benefits.”

When times are going great OR in times when you are reeling, may these words roll off our tongues.  May we sing to our souls and call them to bless the Lord, no matter what, and forget not any of His benefits.

This Sunday, at Wildwood Community Church in our 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 worship services, we will be in part 7 of our “Him Book” sermon series, looking at Psalm 103.  As we gather, I am going to be encouraging us to speak to our souls and call them to bless the LORD and remember His provision no matter what.  It was true on that night in July 2012, and it is true this Sunday.  See you there … and if you know anyone who needs an encouraging reminder of what our God has done for us … bring them with you!