Wawasee Bible Sermon Audio

We begin a new series looking at the life of Joseph in Genesis 37 through 50. At age 17 he experiences rejection and betrayal by his older brothers, who, in their jealousy, sell him into slavery. Joseph's path starts with deep pain, confusion, and setback. (And there would be more in his life yet to come.) But in God's providence, Joseph's suffering and setback becomes God's set-up. God would use it to work redemption for his people and in Joseph's family, reconciling generations of dysfunction. Whether you're in the middle of a setback or walking out of one, it's worth asking: could this pit you're in actually be the ground where your future is being cultivated?

It's often said that the Christian Life is more of a marathon than a sprint. Paul uses the metaphor of running a race when he talks about it, because it requires perseverance, focus, and resilience. Maybe we should think of it more as an ultra-marathon, even. So many things could distract and pull us off course—and sometimes they do!—but the call of the Spirit on our lives is to keep running. Even when falls and failures happen along the way, the defining mark of success is rising again and continuing the race, powered by the resurrection strength of Jesus. God is not concerned with our perfection, he's concerned with our progress. Do you ever feel like the race is too hard and wonder whether you're still on course? If so, you're not alone—and there's powerful hope to keep moving forward. This is the way to run.

Jesus's resurrection shows he is the way through—he walked through suffering, endured the silence of the grave, and emerged victorious to call each person by name into new life. Just like seeds that must die before they can bloom, Jesus' death was necessary to give way to transformation for all who trust in him. His suffering paid our debt in full, completely and finally—there's nothing left to add, no shame left to carry. Even when life feels silent and God seems distant, he is still at work, preparing hearts for what's to come. Jesus is calling you, not generically, but personally—he knows your name, your pain, your situation—and invites you to newness, not just a better version of the old but a brand new life that begins in faith and trust in him. Friday's suffering paid your debt, Saturday's silence readied tour heart, and Sunday's resurrection calls your name.

Message from Josh Weiland on April 13, 2025

We begin a new short series called "This is the Way," looking at Jesus who said he himself is the way, and shows us how to follow him. It all begins by being born again. Jesus spoke of two deaths and two births. He taught that we'd all experience birth and death a total of three times—physical birth and physical death, then we'd each choose which we'll experience a second time: spiritual birth or spiritual death. This second birth isn't something one can earn or accomplish through religion, rituals, or good moral behavior. Jesus explained this to Nicodemus, a religious leader who had all the outward signs of faith but lacked a living relationship with God. Religion alone leads to spiritual dead ends and ultimately a second death—eternal separation from God. But through believing in Jesus, trusting in what he accomplished on the cross, and allowing the Holy Spirit to give new life, anyone can experience a second birth that opens the door to eternal life. Have you truly been born again, or are you just following the rules, hoping it's enough?

After a life marked by deception and struggle, Jacob experiences a profound transformation when God reminds him of the new identity he's been given—no longer the deceiver, but Israel, one God fights for. This shift reflects the deeper truth available to all who turn from sin and toward Jesus: God gives a renewed identity not based on performance, but on his grace. Jacob's life turns on a moment of grace where he's called to live as who he really is, not who he was. It's a call echoed to everyone—put away idols, turn from what enslaves, and live in the freedom of who God now says you are. There's a challenge in remembering and walking out this new reality, especially when the past clings tightly or the struggles don't vanish overnight. But the truth remains: when we are in Christ, we are made new, adopted into family, and called to live each day from that truth. When we repent, God gives us a new identity and makes us family.

Jacob's journey reveals the dangers of both passivity and unchecked vengeance. After finally acknowledging God as his own, Jacob fails to protect his daughter, Dinah, from tragedy, remaining silent instead of defending her. His sons, fueled by rage, take justice into their own hands, enacting brutal revenge. How do you respond to wrongs? Do you remain passive, or do you let bitterness consume you and seek revenge? — OR do you lean into the difficult but essential call to forgive? Jesus calls his followers not just to trust him, but to actively follow him, displaying faith through actions. Jacob's passivity and his sons' vengeance after Dinah's humiliation remind us to follow Jesus after turning to him.

After 20 years with Laban, Jacob is finally on his way back to the promised land. At the outset, he sees and knows God's presence in Genesis 32, but when faced with the prospect of meeting his estranged brother Esau, fear took hold. Jacob panicked a bit, forgetting the security of God's promise to him. In his anxiety, he tried to control the situation, sending gifts ahead to appease Esau. But while Jacob was wrestling with fear, God showed up to wrestle Jacob so that he'd trust God's strength and not his own. What fear or anxiety are you wrestling with these days? Are you grasping for control and trying to manage outcomes like Jacob? Or will you slow down and rest in God's presence and promise?

Have you ever wondered what might make God angry? It's fair to say that the biggest trigger is when we ignore his call on our life. Moses's experience at the burning bush gives us a clear example of this. Despite being met by God in an extraordinary way and being clearly called by him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responds with a series of excuses, each revealing his insecurities and fears. God patiently addresses each excuse, assuring Moses of his presence, power, and provision. However, when Moses ultimately refuses and asks God to send someone else, God's anger is kindled. While we may often see our insecurities as obstacles, God sees them as opportunities he will use as he sends us.  

Life is full of plans—some well thought out, others rushed, and sometimes even schemes to get ahead. The story of Jacob and Laban in Genesis 30-31 is a perfect example of how human plans, no matter how clever, are always subject to God's greater purpose. Jacob, known for his scheming ways, tries to outmaneuver his equally deceptive father-in-law, Laban. Both men attempt to manipulate circumstances for their own gain, but in the end, it is God who directs the outcome. Jacob, for the first time on record, realizes that his success was not due to his own efforts but because of God's faithfulness. This realization marks a turning point in his life, as he begins learning to trust in God's plan rather than his own.(But he still has a long ways to go!) Our best laid plans are superseded by Gods; so hold yours loosely and his always.

Life can be messy, full of struggles, and sometimes even chaotic. But even in the middle of all that, God is still at work, shaping a future and keeping his promises. Looking at Jacob's life in Genesis 29, it's clear that he was no stranger to deception, family dysfunction, and personal failures. He tricked his brother Esau, was deceived by his uncle Laban, and ended up in a complicated marriage situation that led to rivalry and bitterness between his wives, Leah and Rachel. Yet, through all of this, God was still working. He was forming the twelve tribes of Israel, fulfilling his promises, and using even the brokenness of Jacob's family for his greater plan. The same is true for us—our struggles, failures, and even the chaos in our lives don't have the final say. God's grace does.  

After all of the events surrounding Jacob scheming with his mom to get his dad's blessing (stealing it from his brother Esau), Jacob finds himself in a mess and on the run. His brother Esau wants to kill him, and he's no longer safe at home. Under the guise of going to find a wife, Jacob is on his way north when God meets him in a dream and promises to be with him and bless him. Jacob was surprised at God's nearness, but wasn't ready to trust him on his terms and instead lays out some of his own. No matter the mess or how far we run, God still pursues us so that we would trust him on his terms.

Esau and Jacob had some deep sibling rivalry—think kids tussling over toys, only way more intense. Theses two brothers took rivalry to a whole new level, from fighting in the womb, trading birthrights for soup, and scheming for blessings. Chasing what we want can mess with what God's got planned. Esau was all about instant gratification, trading something huge for a quick bite, while Jacob keeps plotting and deceiving to secure his own gain. Yet, despite all that, there's a thread of grace—God still pursues them, and us, even in our mess. We're all like Esau and Jacob in different ways. Sometimes we despise God's grace, sometimes we scheme for our own gain; yet God chooses to pursue us still.

If you were to tell the story of your life, where would you start? As we begin to consider Jacob's life in Genesis, we're starting with his grandpa and his parents. Life is a tapestry of ordinary moments, shaped by decisions and events that often seem mundane. Yet, God works through these ordinary moments to fulfill his extraordinary plans. Will you trust him in the ordinary of life? As we learn to do so, God shows his faithfulness. He overcomes obstacles, dysfunction, and limitations. How will you trust God in the ordinary of life so that he might work his extraordinary plans in and through you?

What is the “good life”? People have explored that question for millennia. Jesus tackles it as well. He emphasizes the importance of generosity as a key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. Luke 12 is one of Jesus's longest teachings on money and wealth, and in the parable of the Rich Fool he gives us a vivid warning not to trust in the uncertainty of riches. Life is short, and we're to be generous with what we have. Sharing what God has entrusted to us is one of the ways we're to care for it! In fact, sharing with those in need and giving to our church and other gospel endeavors brings freedom from fear and anxiety over money, as well as from greed and materialism. Pastor Josh lays out some practical ideas to start or grow in the practice of giving. Jesus is clear that God's economy is eternal, and when we understand that we see that giving is truly gaining and sharing brings freedom.

What is the “good life”? People have explored that question for millennia. It can be argued that Jesus tackles it as well. All of Scripture points to the truth that God is the owner of everything—all we have belongs to God! He simply entrusts it to us to steward—to be the caretakers of his stuff. When we embrace this truth, it frees us to live a life of generosity, no matter our station or income level. Scripture doesn't give us detailed instructions on how much we should give, but it does contain some practical principles for us to follow. Therefore we must each individually listen to God's Spirit and discern his leading for us as it relates to stewardship.

What is the “good life”? People have explored that question for millennia. When we look at Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, one of the key conclusions that can be drawn is that the “good life” is found in giving and being generous. This week, we look at the role of generosity in combating greed and helping us be content. Contentment is when I'm satisfied with what I have and who I am, rooting it all in Jesus. Wealth is neither good nor bad, but it's not neutral—it's very powerful and often deceptive, drawing us away from putting our hope and finding our contentment in God. When I'm content, I recognize there is more gain in giving and more abundance in simplicity.

What is the “good life”? People have explored that question for millennia. It can be argued that Jesus tackles it as well, especially in his Sermon on the Mount. One of the key conclusions that can be drawn is that the “good life” according to Jesus is found in giving and being generous. Through the lens of generosity, we uncover the joy and contentment that comes from treasuring what lasts and being willing to share with others. Jesus' teachings emphasize the importance of having a generous eye and not letting money or possessions become our masters. So, how can we shift our focus from accumulating wealth to embracing a lifestyle of giving and sharing with others? Start by practicing generosity, even on a small scale. When we learn to treasure what lasts we'll be generous with what doesn't and increase our joy!

Pastor Dave teaches from Revelation 21:1-7.

We're tracing the way Hope Unfolds in Scripture this Christmas. This week Pastor Josh explores the message of hope from the book of Titus. Biblical hope is centered on having a firm confidence in God's promises. Because of Jesus's sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead, saving grace is available to all! For those who know Christ, we should live in anticipation of his return, being transformed by grace to lead godly lives today. Because Jesus came the first time, we know he'll return and can live with hope today.

We're tracing the way Hope Unfolds in Scripture this Christmas. This week Pastor Bob Blahnik looks at the role of hope when we suffer and struggle as we navigate life. Biblical hope—the confident assurance that God will keep every promise he has made—is transformative in the midst of suffering as we cling to God's promises and character. God himself promises to be with us in our suffering, to comfort us, and to help us keep going and trust him.

We're tracing the way Hope Unfolds in Scripture this Christmas. This week, Pastor Josh dives into the way Jesus is uniquely God with us, Immanuel. His solidarity with those of us who have trusted Christ is unwavering and eternal. Additionally, we look at the importance of Jesus's incarnation and why the doctrine of the Virgin Birth is essential to Christianity and cannot be ignored. To save us, God came to be with us, put on flesh, and took our place.

This week Top Speicher explores the profound hope found in the prophecy of a Savior, written by Isaiah nearly 700 years before the birth of Jesus. It sets the stage by describing the spiritual despair and idolatry of ancient Israel, contrasting this darkness with the promise of salvation through the coming of a perfect savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus is revealed as the light of the world and the remedy for hopelessness, sin, and brokenness in all aspects of life.

Biblical hope is the confident assurance that God will fulfill every promise he has made. Our new series is tracing how hope unfolds over the storyline of Scripture from Genesis 3:15 through Revelation. Pastor Dave starts us off, preaching from Genesis 3:15.

The story of Abraham and Isaac is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus's work on the cross. This week Pastor Josh unpacks many of the parallels between the near-sacrifice of Isaac and Jesus's death and resurrection. All of this is God's grace. It's never earned by our works but is a gift of grace obtained through faith. The near sacrifice of Isaac is all about Jesus who provides the only sacrifice that brings life!

Life is full of trials, tests, and waiting, but faith in God's promises is key to navigating them. Abraham's story shows how trusting God, even when his timing seems delayed or His commands difficult, leads to growth and allows us to successfully navigate our faith journey in a God-honoring way. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of his son Isaac, and even after that, he faced tests, including the command to sacrifice Isaac. Through it all, Abraham trusted God's timing and power. Similarly, we are called to trust God in our own trials, whether they are consequences of our actions or tests of faith. We can turn consequences into trials as we repent of our sin and embrace God's discipline. God's timing is perfect, and his power is sufficient to bring about his promises, even when we don't understand. Trusting God's promises through testing is key in our faith journey.

The Christian life is a journey full of moments of faithfulness, but also times we relapse into old patterns of sin. Our sin illustrates our faithlessness—but thankfully when we're faithless, God is faithful! The story of Abraham and Abimelech illustrates this struggle, as we all falter. But despite our failures, there is hope: God offers us grace and second chances in Jesus Christ! We must lean on God's faithful promises, the support of our church community, and the provision of Christ to help us stay on course. When we relapse into old sins, God's love and grace are steadfast, and he sovereignly keeps us.

This week, we continue studying the life of Abraham in Genesis chapters 18 and 19. Abraham bargains with God for the sake of the city of Sodom and does so according to God's righteousness and justice. By righteousness, we mean God's “rightness” in all things. He is always and altogether right. By justice, we mean “how God acts in accord with his rightness.” If his righteousness is who he is, his justice refers to how he acts in light of who he is. A key reason that God chose Abraham (and us!) is so that he (and we) would “do righteousness and justice” (Genesis 18:19). We are to do what is right, seek what is right, and appeal to what is right.

Abraham had to do a lot of waiting before God finally fulfilled his promise of a son. It can be hard to wait on God, and Abraham knew this well. He had been waiting for nearly a quarter century when God reiterated his promise in Genesis 17-18 and told him it would come to pass within the year. When we wait on God, he uses this time to refine us, grow our faith, and show his power. Even though it's hard to wait, God's Word is sure and he will keep his promises. As we wait, our role is to trust God and exercise faith, knowing he is still at work (especially in us!) and that he will reward our obedient patience!

Abram is rightfully seen as a man of great faith, yet he still struggles with doubt. This week, we continue to look at his story in Genesis 15 and 16. Despite Abram's (and Sarai's) doubts and impatience, God is incredibly patient and gracious to them, reassuring them of his promises. To do this, God makes a covenant with Abram, vividly demonstrating his commitment to fulfill his promise. God counted Abram righteous because of his faith, and he does the same with us. We're saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. While we might waver at times, God never does, and we can (and should!) have complete confidence that he will complete all that he's promised in his perfect timing.

When he returns from Egypt, Abram is again faced with a choice of whether or not to live by faith. After separating from Lot due to their growing wealth and the strife it caused in Genesis 13, Lot is captured during a conflict between kings in Genesis 14. When Abram learns of Lot's capture and the actions of these foreign kings, he demonstrates faith— trusting God's clear promises—as he gathers his trained men to pursue and defeat the kings, and rescue Lot. Genesis 14 culminates in a meeting with Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who blesses Abram, showing God's ongoing faithfulness and foreshadowing Jesus. Trusting God brings blessing in surprising ways and places.

Bruce Dick from Evangelism Shift preached this week from Mark 5:1-20. Witnessing about Jesus is not just for the professionals, it's for everyone who calls themself a Christian. How might God use you as his witness to those you are sent to everyday of your life?

Pastor Josh discusses the story of Abram (later known as Abraham) from Genesis 12:10-20. Abram faces a life-or-death decision that tests his faith in God's promises. Instead of trusting God, twice he chooses fear and self-preservation, leading him to lie (or at least not be entirely truthful) about his relationship with his wife Sarai. Despite Abram's lack of faith, God remains faithful and protects Sarai from Pharaoh. It was entirely God's goodness, not Abram's or Sarai's that caused God to rescue them and keep his promises. What risks are you afraid to take in faith as you follow Jesus?

This week we start a new series tracing the life of Abraham. Abraham (then Abram) was called by God to leave his familiar surroundings and embark on a journey to an unknown land. His life serves as a foundation for understanding faith, obedience, and God's promises. Like he did Abram, God often calls individuals from the familiar to the unknown, providing fuzzy details but big promises. Abram's faith and actions exemplify a life of trust in God, though not one without mistakes and heartache. His faith looked forward to the promises God had made not only to him personally but all the way back in the Garden to provide a savior from our sin (Genesis 3:15). God called Abram, and Abram followed; the only question now is, will you?

Pastor Dave preaches from Colossians 3:5-17.

By 2030 the people of Wawasee Bible will engage in 10,000 Gospel Conversations and establish an Enduring Local Presence in at least two surrounding communities by meeting practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people in the Greater Wawasee Lakes Area. Toward that end, our goal for 2024-2025 if “Enduring Courage”. In order to see God use us to realize our 2030 Enduring Reach vision, we're going to need to take some big risks, which will necessitate faith-fueled courage. In 2024-2025 the people of Wawasee Bible will take three faith-filled risks in the areas of evangelism, financial giving, and comfort. By God's grace we will grow in courage and faith as we trust the Lord's lead in our lives and our church!

Numbers 13-14 gives us a glimpse of the courage of a man named Caleb. He was one of twelve men who spied out the Promised Land before Israel was about to take it. However, only Caleb and Joshua brought back a good report. The other ten failed to believe in God, and rather than step out in faith and courageously take it, they convinced the people it was a lost cause. God disciplined their lack of faith with spending the rest of their lives in the wilderness. Similarly, when we choose a lifestyle of murmuring (complaining, coveting, criticizing, doubting, rebelling), we will spend our lifetime in the wilderness. Let's be like Caleb! Caleb was full of courage because he believed the Word of God and not the fear of failure.

Dr. Rock LaGioia preaches from Revelation 3:7-13.

Pastor Collin Seitz preaches from Psalm 40:2-3 and Galatians 2:20

Craig Clapper preaches from Philippians 2:25-30.

Pastor Dave Winters preaches from Matthew 16:24-25.

Phil Bubar preaches from James 1:2-8.

Bob Blahnik preaches from Acts 8:25-40.

God's Word was written to specific people, in specific places, at specific times. And is was written FOR us. For our good, for our joy, for our life. This week Pastor Josh looks at Isaiah 43 where God writes to his people, Israel. He promises to be with them in their coming trials, but also to eventually rescue them as well because of his great love for them. In the same way Jesus rescues us to be witnesses to the only one who can save. As we go through life, we can “remember forward”. Remembering the past so that we can trust God in the present and for the future.

Most believe that Paul was eventually released from his imprisonment in Rome after 2 years (Acts 28:30-31). It's likely that Paul made a 4th journey after his time in Rome, and Clement seems to indicate that he may have even made it to Spain. During this time, he writes letters to Timothy and Titus. This week we look at his second letter to Timothy, whom he left to pastor the church in Ephesus. 2 Timothy is the last remaining words we have of Paul before his execution at the hands of Nero. He leaves Timothy with some final instructions on how to live, lead, and be faithful in the midst of an environment that's growing more and more hostile toward Christians. Paul charges Timothy to be courageous, insist on the Gospel, and finish well. May the Spirit help each of us to do the same!

Most believe that Paul was eventually released from his imprisonment in Rome after 2 years (Acts 28:30-31). It's likely that Paul made a 4th journey after his time in Rome, and Clement seems to indicate that he may have even made it to Spain. During this time, he writes letters to Timothy and Titus. This week we look at his letter to Titus, whom he left in Crete to care for the church there and bring some order. Crete was a rough culture in antiquity and universally seen as such. Paul instructs Titus to bring order to the church, encouraging them to embrace sound teaching and God's grace, which leads to godly living.

Most believe that Paul was eventually released from his imprisonment in Rome after 2 years (Acts 28:30-31). It's likely, then, that Paul made a 4th journey after his time in Rome, and Clement seems to indicate that he may have even made it to Spain. During this time, he writes letters to Timothy and Titus. This week, we look at Paul's letter to Timothy. It's likely that Paul dropped Timothy off in Ephesus on this journey and left him in charge of the church there. Paul writes to encourage and instruct him as a young pastor. His charge to Timothy (and for us) is to pursue sound doctrine, sound leadership, and sound living.

As far as we know the Apostle Paul never visited the church in Colossae. By the time of Paul the city was no longer a strategic hub. However, God still had big plans for Colossae. During his time as a prisoner in Rome Paul learns of the church there from the guy who likely planted it—Epaphras—and writes a letter to them. In it he encourages them to look for fullness not in the false teachings, philosophies, or rituals that appeared to be prevalent among them but in Jesus Christ. Verses 1:15-20 contain one of the best and most suscient theologies of Jesus Christ ever written. Paul emphasizes Jesus's preeminence and full deity throughout the letter, encouraging the Colossians to put off their old self with his sinful deeds and put on the new self, walking with Christ by faith (just as they received him). Jesus is supreme and sufficient, so cling to him and pursue him in all things.

The book of Acts ends somewhat abruptly. What happened at Paul's trial? What came next for the early church? What about Peter and the others? In his wisdom, God chose not to tell us any more than he did but left the story without a clear ending. And because it hasn't ended, God's story keeps going today as the Spirit moves in and through the Church to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Acts, we've seen all kinds of obstacles in this endeavor for Paul, Peter, John, and others. Today, we continue to have similar obstacles. But despite those obstacles, our lives and ministry can flourish just as theirs did. God's work is not hindered by our limitations.

Acts 28 begins with Paul and the others having reached the beaches of Malta after a treacherous journey across that Mediterranean. For over two weeks they found themselves in rough weather and lost as sea. By God's grace they made it through, and he brought them toward Malta—the same island they would have likely gone to anyway as it was part of the main trade route from Myra to Rome. Throughout their crazy circumstances, God was in control and he kept them. He does the same for us. On the island, Paul continued to live a missional life, recognizing that God had sent him to Malta, even, to love people and invite them to follow Jesus. Whatever the circumstances God has sent you to love people and invite them in the same way—first to relationship and friendship, and ultimately to follow Jesus with you.

After two years in Caesarea, Paul finally begins his journey to Rome—not as a free man, but as a prisoner. Under the supervision of Julius, a centurion, Paul begins the journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Rome. Along with Paul are other prisoners, as well as his friends Aristarchus and Luke. They board a commercial ship to Myra. In Myra they change to another, larger ship and begin their way further west, making their way to the island of Crete. And ill-advised decision to press further west along the southern coast of Crete ended in disaster. A strong storm drove them out to sea, resulting in over two weeks of peril and near death. Life's storms come for many reasons, and when they hit, where we drop our anchors will determine how we make it through.