Wells Creek Church Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes
Wells Creek Church
Guest Speaker Bill Smith preaches on the theme of God's enduring faithfulness, as the congregation celebrated 140 years since the church was founded by German immigrants.
In 2020, illness and social unrest have brought the fear of death to the fore in many people's thoughts. Pastor Tim reminds us from Scripture that Christ has conquered death - and promises life to all who follow after Him.
Karl Seele looks into the makeup and structure of the church - one body of many members - as described in Corinthians.
Karl Seele explains that one of the prime purposes of the church is to equip the saints to minister.
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
In a year when people are fearful of so much, and hungry for safety, we turn to the absolute security of the Word of God.
When our nation faces troubles, there is a way God expects us to act. And that is to pray.
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
A series on Psalm 73, written by David's worship leader Asaph. The Psalm explores themes that we're seeing now: where is God when everything seems uncertain? How do we react when sinners succeed and the saints suffer?
Easter Sunday, celebrated under Covid restrictions. Mercifully, God is still sovereign, and Christ is risen indeed.
Continuing the series on Psalm 37, focusing on God's promises and faithfulness as the beacon of certainty in uncertain times.
Continuing the exposition of Psalm 37, Pastor Tim shows us ten commands we can obey to turn away, and have victory over, worry.
As we continue through the unusual times brought by the COVID-19 epidemic, Pastor Tim takes us to Psalm 37, to remind us of God's prescription for an uncertain future.
Do you find your satisfaction in God? Pastor Jim Keller asks this challenging question, then shows from Scripture how our satisfaction with God is core to our walk with Him.
One of the hardest things to do is at the core of what it means to be Christian - forgiveness. Opening the teachings of Jesus, Pastor Tim shows us both how difficult and how essential - and amazing - forgiveness can be.
In his letter to the Phillipians, Paul shares how he was content in difficult circumstances because of his faith in Christ. Can we say the same?
On this sermon preceding a communion service, Pastor Tim opens 1Corinthians 11 to share a warning passage about the responsibility we each have as we approach communion.
Doom and gloom are the refrains of the news. Disease, war and even deeply personal disasters are everywhere. Why? From the words of Christ to the Old Testament patriarchs, the Bible resounds with the message that God is sovereign, He ordains everything, and His plan is for the best. In turn, we must respond in faith.
What do we do with our time? We have a choice, and our choices either honor God... or they do not. Pastor Tim opens scripture to show us a path to learning how to best use our time for the glory of God.
Angels appear throughout the Christmas story. As God's messengers, they have a diving message to share - but also set an example for how we are to behave as human followers of Christ.
We are called by Scripture to "be thankful in all things"... but how, and why in the face of so much that is wrong in our lives? Pastor Tim shows us the simple yet profound answer.
In his gospel, John shows the divinity of Jesus. Karl Seele dives into this oft-told story to show us anew the amazing truth of Christ coming to us as a child.
If our lives were summarized in an epitaph, what would it say? What would it say if God were writing it? Join Pastor Tim as he examines the life of King Herod, and finds lessons for how we should live showing that how we live now will have an eternal impact.
Not one word of the Gospels is out of place or random. They all show a different revelation of Christ. Together they reveal the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ.
It is a sad and sobering truth: it is well possible to know God and His word, yet resist obeying him. In our continuing series in Hebrews, Pastor Tim calls us to identify and put aside these behaviors in our lives.
James in his epistle rightly asks, "What is faith without works?" Pastor Tim continues his teaching based on the previous sermons, showing from Scripture the imperative to not only follow godly examples but also actively imitate them.
Building on the last sermon, Pastor Tim shows us a deeper aspect of being coachable - seeking after godly examples to follow.
A characteristic measure of the best athletes is not their ability- but that they will take advice and leadership. In the same way, are we coachable as Christians, following after Christ and imitating the godly?
What we think of prayer, and what we ask God for tells us a lot about how much we trust in Him. Pastor Tim shows us how.
There are times when life simply runs us over. Pastor Tim shows us from God's word how faith in Christ is our sure hope, even when life seems to be too much.
The most unique name God gave for Himself has been "I am!" Jesus used this phrase consistently in His ministry. Karl Seele takes us on a tour of the many times Jesus said "I am!"
Continuing on the theme of service - do we serve like a soaker hose, letting everyone around experience God's love indiscriminately? Or do we withold service and sacrifice, depending on our mood or whims?
Pastor Tim shows us from scripture what true service looks like, and how we should be willing to live.
At the Last Supper, Christ's disciples argued over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus responded with a powerful and humble object lesson - he washed their feet.
As we continue our pursuit of the 90 day service challenge, Pastor Tim expounds on this pivotal text to show us what it really means to serve one another.
The temptation to sin is an unpleasant reality in the Christian life. Pastor Jim Keller walks us through some key Bible passages to help explain what temptation is, and how the Christian can be victorious despite it.
Kindness and service are hallmarks of those who follow Christ. Pastor Tim opens scripture to show us this truth anew and offers a challenge to put faith into action.
Focus Verse - Romans 2:4 Worship Reading - Galatians 6:6-10 Scripture Reading - Luke 6:32-36 Sermon Text - Galatians 5, Genesis 28
Pastor Jim Keller is our guest this week. His topic is God's plan for marriage - the foundations, the practice and how we as Christians should live out this institution.
We return to the story of Jacob, finding him far from home - alone and afraid. There he is met by God, and given three promises - promises that we can rely on ourselves, today.
Pastor Tim reflects on his 25 years of pastoral ministry and the challenges facing a pastor. What keeps a man going in ministry? The answer is found in the ministry of the the Apostle Paul, standing on God's promises that he might finish well.
Guest pastor Bob Wittstruck shows us portraits of faith in action - what it looks like, and how it should look in us.
"This is the new Covenant..." Jesus said as He lifted the bread and the cup for the first time. What does that mean? What is a covenant? What covenant did it replace? And how should we live in covenant with Christ?
Jacob ended his life faithful and obedient to God, but the first part of his life was anything but. As Tim continues to dig in to the story of Jacob, we're treated to a vision of God's divine persistence for dysfunctional people.
Continuing the series, we look at Jacob's father - Isaac. The child of promise, spared sacrifice on the altar - what sort of man did he become? What kind of father?
Following on the series on Laban, Pastor Tim turns our attention to Jacob. It's a study in contrast, as we see a man with a wholly different relationship with God, and an utterly different legacy. We are given a divine picture of God's grace coming to fruition in life's mess.
Focus Verse - 1 Corinthians 10:11
Worship Reading - Hebrews 11:17-22
Scripture Reading - Romans 9:6-24
Text - Gen 50, others
Tim looks at this regular, in some ways ordinary, sacrament - showing the deeper meanings and realities behind it.
We are saved by grace, we sing about amazing grace... but do we understand how far-reaching God's grace truly is?
Pastor Tim examines God's grace at work - in Old Testament kings, New Testament apostles and even some modern situations - to paint a picture of a grace truly greater than any sin.
Continuing to look at the difference between Jacob and Esau, Pastor Tim brings out the decisions we make in our life, habits and choices - even in the daily details of life - and how that builds a foundation. This foundation will one day be revealed - eternal and unshakeable? or just temporary and washed away?
- Focus Verse - Rom 15:4
- Worship Leader - Matthew 7:24-27
- Scripture Reading - 2 Timothy 3:10-17
- Sermon Text - Genesis 24-32
Father's Day 2019, Pastor Tim contrasts the life of Jacob with that of his uncle Laban. What kind of influence will a father have - is what he leaves to his children temporary? Or eternal?
- Focus Verse - Romans 15:4
- Worship Scripture - James 2:1-8
- Scripture Reading - Luke 6:27-36
- Sermon Text - Genesis 24, 28 and others
AWANA Regional Director Joel Culberson brings us word about his role and the exciting work AWANA is doing to reach children (and even start churches!) around the world. He finishes with a encouraging exposition of 2 Timothy 4.
As the series concludes, Pastor Tim points out how confession leads to consecration. We are restored to a right relationship with God, but more than that - we are restored to the ministry He has called us to do.
The consequences of sin are personal, relational and pervasive. Continuing with Psalm 51, Pastor Tim shows us the bleak reality of sin, if it is not confessed to God.
Sin needs to be taken seriously. It corrupts and poisons all aspects of our lives... but if we apply God's cure, there is hope.
- Text: Ps 51
- Focus Verse: Ps 139
- Worship Leader: Gal 5:22-23
- Reading 2 Samuel 12:1-13
Communion as Christ ordained is part of our regular practice of church. So familiar... but perhaps too much so? Pastor Tim begins a new series of Communion sermons, exploring what Communion is and how it should be lived out by us.
Text - 1 Corninthians 10
Worship Reading - James 5:16-20
Reading - 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
There are some very unsettling statistics about the dwindling role of Christianity in our culture. As Christians, we are still called to be salt and light... and the way we speak to and about others is a key part of that. Does the way we live provoke others to ask the question: what's different in your life?
We tend to overlook the crown of thorns, thinking it as just one more way Christ was humiliated and tortured before death. But in truth the Crown is part of a Divine drama, written before time began...that has a message for us today.
The Bible is clear - if we are forgiven by God, then we must also forgive others. This is not easy, but it is both right and good. Pastor Tim builds on this commandment from the book of Philemon.
Text: Philemon 8-21
Focus Verse: Ephesians 4:32
Reading: I Corinthians 13:1-8
Can we discern the truth? Can we recognize the truth about Jesus Christ? Can we share that truth with our skeptical friends and neighbors?
This week, our church is being blessed by a visit from the congregation of Grace Bible Church of Washington, IL. They have graciously taken on some major rennovation at our church, with no cost to us...and no visible benefit to them. But Pastor Adam Kipp shows us from Christ's example the WHY behind serving one another.
Pastor Jim Keller opens James 1, showing us the meaning of trials and temptations - and God's prescription for dealing with each.
Sin is a reality - but so is forgiveness in Christ. And in this forgiveness is our joy and our freedom.
Sin is a reality - one that believers acknowledge, and unbelievers will do almost anything to deny. How we acknowledge and deal with our sin reveals much about our relationship - or lack of one - with God.
"In everything, be thankful..." Paul writes. Pastor Tim looks at Ephesians 5 and other passages to draw out how this works in the day-to-day life of the Christian.
"I pause once and a while in my ministry; to make sure that what I frequently mention in passing I emphasize enough to know we all hopefully, prayerfully understand: Christ died for our sins according to Scripture, that He was buried, He rose again and whosoever shall call upon his name shall be saved."
On the issue of abortion, scripture is not silent. Pastor Tim shows from the Old Testament and the New what is God's standard for caring for the unborn; and what Christians should do in the face of modern culture.
What can we learn from the book of Joshua? From this fascinating history, Pastor Tim brings us five lessons we can learn and apply in our own lives.
We've looked at many aspects of the Christmas story. In this message, Tim shows us from the Bible that the foundation of it all is God's love. An amazing, transforming love that will change us..and should be our hallmark.
When the Christmas story is looked at closely, it becomes clear that there was little joy to be found in the lives of the participants. Yet the angels declared "Joy to the Earth"... what is this joy? Pastor Tim opens the gospels to reveal the joy that comes with Christ, and how that joy can change our lives.
We often gloss over the details of the Christmas story in the gospels, leaving it seem happy and comforting. But Pastor Tim calls us to the details, every one of which was ordained and recorded for us by our wise and loving Father.
Among Jesus' many names is Prince of Peace. The angels sang: "Peace on earth..."
What is this Peace? How do we know if we have it... and if not, how can we experience it?
Pastor Tim shows us lessons from Joseph's life that give us a map for living in God's Peace.
"Greetings, o favored one..." the angel said to Mary. Looking at this pivotal moment in Luke 1, Pastor Tim challenges us to consider what it's like to be in God's favor, and how we should respond.
John 1 teaches us a lot about why Jesus came to us, verse 16 talks about the grace He brings. How big IS grace? Pastor Tim shows us that God's grace is truly greater than any sin.
In an age of instant gratification and hasty satisfaction, Pastor Tim shows us from the Christmas story the importance of patiently waiting upon the Lord.
Learn about the history and current work of the Gideons who are sharing the Gospel in countries around the world, including some places where no others can go.
What would Jesus have us do? Pastor Tim reflects on the examples found in the Gospels to show us what following Jesus truly looks like.
What can be done to reverse the moral slide of our country? Pastor Tim continues to answer this question from the book of Ephesians; picking up from his previous sermon on this topic.
Our special guest this week is Mr. Joseph of Glory House. This is a ministry serving both Hatiain immigrants in the KC area, but also the people of northwest Haiti. Listen as he tells of the challenges, and the hope that God brings.
Pastor Tim answers a congregational question: how do we change the slide in our culture? As always, the answers are to be found in God's word; and in our obedience to it.
(Note: accept our apologies for the audio quality. We're working to fix the issue)
"...a church's commitment to prayer is one of the greatest determiners of its effectiveness in ministry." - John Onwuchekwa. In this sermon, Pastor Tim brings us a challenge to look deeply at the priority prayer occupies in our lives, and in the life of our church.
What should a leader look like? Guest pastor Bob Wittstruck opens the book of Nehemiah to show an example of a godly leader.
The Master Vinedresser doesn't merely graft us on to Christ for our own benefit. We are there to produce fruit... abiding fruit. Pastor Tim continues our unpacking of John 15 to explore what it looks like to be vines that produce abiding fruit.
How do we know we are abiding in the living Vine, Christ? We show fruit. Pastor Tim continues to unpack John 15, and invites us to look closely at our lives, so that we might truly know: are we abiding in Christ?
Continuing the exploration of John 15, we look at fruitfulness of the faithful Christian; and the means God uses to bring that fruitfulness out in us.
In John 15, Christ gives uses the analogy of tending a vineyard to call His people to abide in Him. But how do we abide in Him? And how does Christ as gardner work in us and His church to achieve a fruitful life? Listen as Pastor Tim explores these topics in Scripture.
The ebb and flow of spiritual lifecycle is not just a part of church life... it is true for our individual spiritual journey as well. "Finish well" is our goal, but even the most Godly beginning is no guarantee of a good ending, as the story of King Asa shows us.
This is not your typical sermon. Building on the historical example of the church at Ephasus, Pastor Tim leads us through an examination of research on the lifecycle of the church. This is not mere academics, because we need to ask ourselves a question: What will Wells Creek be known for? And what will each of us be known for? Will it be following Christ, and bringing his Word to the world?