Wingfoot Church

In this sermon from Genesis 2:25–3:13, we explore the surprising first effect of sin in the Bible: shame.Before violence.Before injustice.Before death.There was hiding.Why does sin immediately lead Adam and Eve to cover themselves? Why do we still hide today? And why is it so hard to even talk about sin?This message unpacks:The difference between sin and sinningThe difference between guilt and shameHow shame traps us in cycles of isolationHow confession breaks the power of shameWhy the cross of Jesus is the only place shame truly diesDrawing from voices like Brené Brown, Curt Thompson, Karl Barth, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, this sermon invites us out of hiding and into healing community.If you've ever felt exposed, unworthy, or afraid of being truly known—this message is for you.There is no shame at the foot of the cross. Only forgiveness. Only grace. Only freedom.

What's really wrong with the world?In Genesis 3, we see the first human rebellion—but more importantly, we see how sin actually works. It doesn't show up with horns and a pitchfork. It begins with subtle denial:Denying God's authorityQuestioning God's goodnessForgetting our purposeAnd yet, even in the moment of failure, God draws near.In this message, we explore:Why sin is more than moral failureHow denial keeps us stuckThe healing power of confessionThe three questions God still asks us todayThis is the beginning of a Lenten series on sin, redemption, and the God who moves toward us instead of away from us.This teaching was given as part of our Ash Wednesday service.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a divided and volatile world?In this message from 1 Peter 2:11–17, we explore the identity of the church as an exiled and immigrant people - citizens of God's kingdom living within earthly nations.How should Christians relate to government?Is the church political?What does it mean to “honor the emperor” without fearing him?Drawing on Scripture and the witness of voices like Martin Luther King Jr. and Stanley Hauerwas, this sermon calls the church to faithful public discipleship - neither partisan nor passive, but formed by the way of Jesus.Honor everyone. Love the community of brothers and sisters. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Marriage was never meant to be easy—it was meant to be holy.In this sermon from Ephesians 5, we explore God's design for marriage, the roles of husbands and wives, and how our relationships are meant to mirror Christ's love for the Church. This message challenges cultural assumptions and invites believers to step into God's original design with humility, obedience, and faith.

Loneliness is one of the defining struggles of our time—and it hasn't spared the church.In this teaching from John 17, we wrap up our series on the DNA of the church by looking at Jesus' longest recorded prayer and his deep desire for a unified, loving community. From the Trinity as the origin of community, to eternal life as relationship, to the everyday practice of hospitality, this message explores what it truly means to live life together.We'll talk about:• Why we're more connected yet more alone than ever• How community reflects the very nature of God• The real barriers that keep us from meaningful relationships• Why hospitality—not perfection—is the pathway to unity• How loving one another is how we experience the love of GodThis isn't about ideal community or quick solutions. It's about keeping the table open, making space for real people, and trusting that God's love becomes visible when we choose to live together.

"Discipleship" is often imagined as Christianity 2.0. But in Jesus' way, to be a disciple is to be a student of Jesus' life and teachings, being formed to be like him over a lifetime of apprenticeship under him.This requires a paradigm shift in how we imagine discipleship in the church and a collective practice around a shared set of practices.

The church has a mission: to make disciples. But how we go about accomplishing that mission is as important as that we accomplish it. The church is to be sent in the same way Jesus is sent: as flesh-and-blood, real people with integrity, intentionality, and invitation.

What is the one thing you can do to make this year better than last year? According to Proverbs 4, it's get wise. But what is wisdom and how do you actually go about getting it? We kick off the year with an exploration of how to get wisdom and how it will change your life.

Luke tells us that Mary “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” This Christmas Eve reflection invites us to slow down, sit with the mystery of Jesus' birth, and discover how God often works beneath the surface of our expectations.

At the very first Christmas, Mary didn't just receive a promise—she sang a song. And her song wasn't gentle background music. It was a declaration that God was turning the world upside down.In this message from Luke 1, we explore Mary's Magnificat as the first Christmas carol and discover what worship really is, where it comes from, and where it leads. Worship isn't just something we do with our voices in a church service—it's what happens when we lift something up in our hearts and look to it for meaning, security, and belonging.Mary's song shows us that true worship is rooted in memory—remembering God's power, holiness, and mercy—and that when worship takes hold, it doesn't stay private. It leads to lives shaped by mercy and pulled toward justice. The proud are humbled, the lowly are lifted, and the hungry are filled.This is the kind of worship Christmas invites us into: a life oriented around Jesus, transformed by the gospel, and participating in God's great reversal in the world.

Why was Mary chosen - and what does that say about God's blessing for us? In Luke 1, we discover that God's blessing doesn't come from being impressive or deserving, but from receiving God's lavish grace with humility and faith.This teaching explores where the blessing of God comes from, how we receive it, and how those who know they are blessed become a blessing for others.

Discipleship is a journey of being formed by the life of Jesus. Just as Mary bears the life of Jesus within her until he comes out of her, so too are we called to bear the life of Jesus until his life comes out of us. But what does that look like and how does that happen?

Mary the mother of Jesus isn't just a decoration to the story of Christmas. She is the first disciple of Jesus, the first to hear and receive the good news of God breaking into our world. Her journey in receiving the good news and making room for Jesus serves as a template for our journey of discipleship through the season of Advent.

The most famous letter in Revelation gives the most stark image: Jesus spitting lukewarm Christians out of his mouth. But is that really what the letter is all about? The letter to the church in Laodicea is a stark reminder that Jesus isn't moved by wealth, status, or comfort, but by simply abiding with him.

Jesus has opened the door of salvation to any and all who will come in. Disciples are called to keep the door open, even on those who oppose the way of Jesus, in hopes that they might enter through the door as well. Keep the door open.

The church in Sardis is called to stay alert in the face of the comfort of reputation and status that would lull them to sleep.

Jesus' challenge to his church is single-minded devotion in a world that offers an array of functional gods. He doesn't just want your habits; he wants your heart.

When outright opposition doesn't undermine our faithfulness to Jesus, subtle distortions on the truth will. The church in Pergamum (and today) is called to discern truth from error and to hold fast to the Scriptures and the way of Jesus. In return, Jesus promises us a true satisfaction, a true belonging, and a true identity in him.

Will you stand out as a disciple of Jesus in a culture that pressures you to conform and punishes you if you don't? That's the question faced by the church in Smyrna who faced significant economic, social, and political pressure to conform to the will of Rome. This pressure, however, is not a problem but rather a sign of progress - the kingdom of God advancing against the kingdom of darkness.

The church in Ephesus was a church of great cultural and social impact and deep orthodoxy. Yet Jesus says they have lost their "first love" and risk being removed. A church without love is no church at all. How does a church's love fade and what can we do about it?

The meaning and significance of the presence of Jesus in the opening scene of Revelation to the seven churches.

Revelation recalibrates our imaginations with the story of God.

The peace of God is a communal reality experienced in the context of navigating conflict together. Contrary to what we might think or feel, it is as we seek out reconciliation that we experience the peace of God in and among us.

Prayer and anxiety both have to do with where our attention is: anxiety on the unchangeable past or the unknowable future; prayer on the awareness of God's presence in the present.This teaching was given as part of our annual outdoor service and fifth anniversary celebration Sunday.

God's nearness invites us to bring our anxious hearts and bodies to trust in his love, producing a gentleness in us toward ourselves and others.

Pastor Lon concludes our series on the mission of God in Revelation, showing how the end of all things is a picture of God's heart for reconciliation and justice.

Following Jesus means following the Jesus-like leaders he has placed over us to lead us and guide us.

Pastor Lon continues his series by inviting us to view The Book of Revelation not as a code to be deciphered, but as a revelation of God's judgment on evil. He elaborates on the idea that Revelation is not solely about future events, but also about how God is actively working in the present. The pastor also highlights the challenge of resisting societal conditioning, a task he presents as crucial for aligning our lives with God's will.

Pastor Lon begins his 3-part series by opening the book of Revelation and laying a solid foundation for the journey ahead. He takes a realistic perspective on what the word “soon” could mean in reference to the Apocalypse, encouraging listeners to consider the timeless relevance of the text. He outlines that Revelation is much more than a prophecy; it is a blessing of hope and a challenge to live faithfully. This and much more will be explored in this week's Wingfoot Church sermon. 

Steve walks us through the first twelve verses of James chapter 3 to show how believers are called to use their voices. As the half-brother of Jesus Christ, James had a uniquely personal understanding of our Savior's will, offering insight that few other biblical authors could. He vividly illustrates the conflicting nature of the tongue using the images of a spring and a fig tree. Steve explains that our ability to speak life or death is a sobering responsibility. He also offers practical guidance for ensuring our words bless both God and our neighbor. Are you speaking from the heart of Christ or from the desires of self?

If you were to list all the names and titles of God, how long would it take for you to describe Him as your refuge? In this message, Dan invites us to consider what it truly means to be with God and to experience the deep peace our souls long for in His stillness. He challenges us to reflect on what we're really seeking when we turn to vices or distractions instead of to Christ. Drawing on the story of The Lord of the Rings, the significance of Egypt in Scripture, and key Old Testament passages, Dan shows that the God who created all things longs to be our refuge, not just in moments of crisis, but always. How might your life and prayers change if you truly believed that?

Teaching from Paul's testimony before King Agrippa in Acts 26, Jordan highlights the transformative power of our own stories. Just as Paul went from persecuting followers of Jesus to becoming a bold messenger of the Gospel, God uses our lives to tell His story. To prepare our hearts and minds to share what Christ has done in us, Jordan challenges us with three key reminders:1. Don't kick against the goads – Resist the urge to fight God's direction and trust His leading. 2. Know God's story – Immerse yourself in Scripture and delight in the character of your Creator.3. Know your own story – Remember your deep need for Christ and how His grace has met you personally.By embracing this framework, Jordan encourages us to become more faithful, loving, and effective ministers of Christ's perfect gospel.

Olivia concludes our study of 2 Corinthians chapter 3 by unpacking Paul's illustration of the New Covenant through the image of Moses' veil. In Exodus 34, Moses veils his face so the Israelites won't see the fading glory reflected from his encounter with God. Paul uses this moment to show that the Old Covenant was never meant to save, but to reveal our deep need for Christ. Olivia explains that while ignorance of the gospel can be met with Spirit-empowered boldness, hearing the gospel doesn't always lead to faith. Some remain veiled by sin, rejecting the truth and even responding with hostility toward God and His people. Only through Christ can the veil be removed, just as the temple curtain was torn at His crucifixion. Olivia emphasizes the heart of the gospel: it is only by the blood of Jesus that souls are restored. Do you believe Jesus is the only way to true freedom? Have you put your hope in Christ, trusting that His sacrifice is sufficient?

Olivia walks us through 2 Corinthians 3:1–11, where Paul defends his apostleship, declares the sufficiency of Christ, and introduces the ministry of the New Covenant. After being challenged by false teachers, Paul reminds the church that his authority comes from the Spirit—not from letters of recommendation or human approval. Olivia unpacks how, through Jesus' death and resurrection, we're freed from the law and made sufficient in Him. As ministers of this New Covenant, our confidence isn't in ourselves but in the lasting glory of Christ. What areas of your life are you trying to fix without Jesus? Where can you admit the insufficiency of anything apart from the cross?

To conclude our study of Isaiah chapter six, Darnell focuses on the call God gives to Isaiah: “Go! Say to these people…” (v. 9). In verses 8–13, the Lord commissions Isaiah to be a light in a dark and unresponsive world. For us today, this reveals our calling as believers: to reflect God's glory throughout the earth for all time. This divine mission echoes the same message found in all four Gospels. Darnell also challenges the idea that simply being “nice” is the same as being a light. If the power of God's plan rested on human kindness alone, there would have been no need for Jesus to die in our place. The power of the gospel flows from the Creator Himself—we are merely instruments of His grace. All who are in Christ Jesus are called to live life on mission, bringing His light into every corner of darkness. The only question that remains is: will you go?

Continuing our study of Isaiah chapter six, Darnell reflects on the bold declaration of the Seraphim in verse three: “The whole earth is full of His glory.” This overwhelming truth reveals that God's glory isn't distant or hidden—it's constantly on display all around us. Our calling, then, is to recognize it and reflect it. Darnell traces this purpose all the way back to Genesis nine and twelve, showing how God's intent has always been for humanity to fill the earth with His glory. Returning to Isaiah 6, we're reminded that it is God who prepares us for His presence. Darnell highlights how the burning coal the Seraphim presses to Isaiah's lips symbolizes the atoning work of Christ on the cross—God making us clean so we can stand before Him.

In Isaiah chapter six, we are introduced to the Seraphim—heavenly beings who worship God with overwhelming reverence. They cry out in holiness, yet their experience of God is limited compared to the deep intimacy we are invited into through Christ. Darnell explores how God's redemptive love for humanity surpasses even what these glorious beings can comprehend. If the Seraphim worship without ever knowing the joy of forgiveness, how much more should we—those who have been redeemed—lift our voices in praise and share the grace we have received in Jesus?

In Psalm 131, David illustrates the strengthening of our faith as a child being weaned from its mother. Jesus desires to wean us off of our anxieties, burdens, and weariness to be dependent on his unconditional love alone.

The Bible is meant to be read and interpreted in a community.This teaching is part of a series on Reading Scripture, one of the six practices in our community rule of life. Learn more at www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

The Bible is a story about God creating and then recreating the world through Jesus. As you read the story, the Bible invites you to participate in the story it tells, both about the world and about yourself.This teaching is part of a series on the practice of reading Scripture, one of the six practices in our community rule of life. Learn more, download a practice guide, and check out recommended resources to go deeper at www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

We often forget that the Bible was written in a different time, language, and culture. Recognizing the gaps between our world and the world of the Bible can help us navigate the confusing, difficult, or backwards sounding parts of Scripture.This teaching is part of a series on the Practice of Reading Scripture, one of the six practices in our community rule of life. Learn more and download additional resources and guides at www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

The Bible was written by both God and humans. When we emphasize one over the other, we miss the power and wisdom of the Bible. Understanding translation is essential to reading the Scriptures well.This teaching is part of a series on the Practice of Reading Scripture, one of the six practices of our community rule of life. To learn more, find additional resources, and to build a rule of life for yourself, visit www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

The Bible is written to be meditated on over a lifetime of reading, forming us to be people who give life. Through practice of lectio divina invites, we allow the Scriptures to illuminate our lives and our world with God's story.This teaching is part of a series on Reading Scripture, one of the six practices in our community rule of life. Learn more and download a practice guide for this week's teaching at www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

Opening the Bible is like looking through out a window into a wide open world charged with God. Reading the Bible is about getting it into us, not us getting something out of it.This teaching is part of a series on the Practice of Reading Scripture, one of the six practices in our community rule of life. Learn more, download practice guides, and find recommended resources at www.wingfootchurch.com/practice.

The resurrection story isn't complete until you encounter the Risen Jesus in your own story.

Mark depicts Jesus' final moments as an ironic coronation, Christ becoming King through his suffering and death.This teaching was given as part of our Good Friday Tenebrae service.

At the same time that Jesus is introduced as king we meet a rebel in chains.

Peter's denial in the midst of Jesus' trial invites us to turn our eyes off ourselves and look only to Jesus.

Jesus' silence and his confident affirmation of his identity before an unjust trial invites us to stand firm in the face of rejection.

Jesus disarms his disciples in the face of armed opposition.

Where we often expect and even demand our way, Jesus demonstrates a different way: setting aside his will and trusting God's will.