Wellsburg Community Church: Recent Episodes
Wellsburg Community Church
When God called Moses to be a great leader, Moses asked a common question: Who Am I? God didn't answer his question, but instead told Moses Who HE Himself was. That is the strongest basis for identity.
Do you ever wonder why some people, including Christians, never seem to get off "the treadmill" of discouragement and defeat? Or why some don't seem to ever hear God's voice? This passage from Exodus 3 gives us a clue as to why.
Moses' call to leadership was in the context of having committed a crime and running from the scene. His "doctorate of theology" took place over 40 years in a desert. This passage from Exodus 2 teaches us that God can use our most idiotic mistakes as "ministry preparation."
We continue in our journey through the Bible in Exodus 1, where we learn about the king "who did not know Joseph." What's it like to live in a world where you are not recognized and valued, but are judged on the basis of things that don't define who you actually are? It's hard! But the wonderful news is that there is a King Who knows you fully, and loves what He sees.
In this Palm Sunday message we are reminded that Jesus came as a very different Messiah than the kind the Jews were expecting; He is still, today, a very different kind of King than even many Christians want.
The famous "Woman at the Well" did something extraordinary; she left her water pot at the very well at which she came to satisfy her thirst. How might this act speak to us today?
Judah plays a very important role in the story of Joseph; his role as intercessor for his brother Benjamin foreshadows Jesus and sets an example of the kind of love God wants us to have for each other.
Matthew 18 contains a parable about forgiveness that gives us perspective on why we can forgive others.
Part of Joseph's "character formation" was learning how to deal with disappointment when it comes from people. This is one of the greatest tests of spiritual maturity!
As we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis, and the sudden "detour" his life took, it's important to keep three things in mind for ourselves when the unexpected happens.
In this New Year's message, Faith preaches from Revelation 3:7-8, with a message for the church, and for each of us personally.
In Genesis 32 Jacob is "greatly afraid and distressed." How does God respond? By challenging him to a wrestling match! Find out the meaning behind this strange account in scripture.
King David's three mighty warriors famously stood their ground while everyone around them fled in the face of difficulty. What can we learn from them? Pastor Dave tells us in this inspiring message.
In Mark 10:17 a young man is faced with his own answer to this question every believe needs to come to grips with: Is it worth it to follow Jesus?
Is there hope for those who've been "less loved" than they should be in life? We look to the story of Leah in Genesis 29.
In this powerful sermon our guest speaker, Pastor Peter DeArruda of NYSUM, uses a miraculous incident from Mark 2 to show us what is to be our whole approach to people who are "laid low" in any way. As a minister in NYC, Pastor Peter even points out that the immigration crisis is independent of and separate from the individual immigrant; how does God want the church to view and treat such people? We are to have an "uncommon" response!
While Jacob is on the run from a brother who wants to kill him, God shows up in a powerful and personal way.
In this sermon from Genesis 25 and 27, we see what was in Esau's heart concerning his inheritance, and connect his story to how we value our spiritual "birthright."
In this "talk" Faith gives a recap of a trip she and Dave took to visit a friend's church in Erie, PA. The experience was a reminder of what God really wants in a church.
In this stand alone podcast episode, Faith Bogdan interviews her daughter Sarah about her eye-opening experience looking for a home church when she went away to college. This was recorded in February, 2022.
Rebekah possessed a certain quality that made her God's choice for a bride for Isaac. This story parallels God's "search for a Bride" for His Son. What is Jesus looking for in a "Bride" (the church)?
Genesis 22 is one of the most disturbing stories in the Bible, and one that atheists commonly point to in their objections to Christianity. But understanding the context of Abraham's calling and relationship with God helps us understand why he could obey such a radical command by God.
In Genesis 16, Sarai thought her good idea was God's idea; we are still seeing the consequences to her mistake, played out on the world stage! What "good thing" are you contemplating that may not actually be a "God thing?"
Ruth and Rebecca Bogdan share a refreshing approach to evangelism, and tell us where the church gets it wrong, and how to correct our approach to, and view of, people.
What does circumcision in the Old Testament have to do with our relationship with God as New Testament believers? Today we take another look at Abraham and how his life connects with Christ and the Cross.
What do the split animals in Genesis 15, the split hoof in Deuteronomy 14, and the "warring natures" in Romans 7 teach us about our identity in Christ? How can this truth set us free from the guilt and condemnation that comes even after we've repented?
In this first lesson on the life of Abraham, we look at the covenant God made with him in Genesis 15. God alone was the responsible party in this promise agreement, but Abraham himself had four parts to play.
"The Lettuce People" is a sermon about the Tower of Babel. If Adam and Eve tried to "save" themselves through self-preservation, and Cain tried to "save" himself through self-effort, then the builders of this tower represent those who try to "save" themselves through self-glorification.
As we continue our journey through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, we look at an old familiar story, Noah's Ark, but from a different angle. This sermon is a challenge to leave the past behind.
In this unique episode, Pastor Dave starts his sermon with a skit in which he enters the sanctuary wearing a 150-200 lb heavy equipment chain, voicing his woes about the bondage he is in. Use your imagination to picture the scene!
This Father's Day sermon sets out to do two things: challenge men in the church to become spiritual fathers, and encourage those who never had one.
Most sermons from the book of Ruth focus on Ruth and Boaz, but today Faith highlights Naomi, a mother who endured great tragic loss. This is a message of encouragement for anyone, not just mothers.
If last week's lesson (Adam and Eve's fig leaves) was about the fallacy of self-love, this week's lesson is about the failure of self-effort. In Genesis 4 we look at Cain and Abel, and two very different ways of approaching our relationship with God, which is reflected in our relationships with each other.
The idea that self-love is the cure for the human condition is popular, but it is actually a farce? How well is it really working for us, and if not, why? And what do the fig leaves of Eden have to do with this lie that has permeated society and even the church?
This is first teaching in a long-term series in which we'll simply go through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, highlighting themes and connecting each lesson to Jesus. The purpose of these teachings are to show that the whole of the Bible contains one important message: Jesus is the Redeemer of all things. He came to redeem mankind, each of us as individuals, and planet earth.
This first lesson starts in Genesis 1 and ends in John 1, "Created to Be and to Become."
Everybody wants to make a "grand entrance" in life to some extent-- that is, to make their mark on the world, get noticed, have their purpose recognized, make a difference for the common good. Jesus made His own "grand entrance" on the first Palm Sunday, and how He did it is so contrary to human nature, but it's the best and only way to true success.
Too many Christians are "Forgiven and Miserable," that is, they have received salvation from sin, but are not living in the state of "soul rest" the Lord wants for us. Like the Israelites who were disqualified from entering the Promised Land (place of rest), they are miserable due to a refusal to surrender everything to God and rest in His ability to work on our behalf.
Guest speaker Gerald Russell shares how that since God's creative process is ongoing, He is always doing something new, and we can choose to be a part of that with Him.
Twenty-year-old Micah shares how God transformed him overnight from a depressed, suicidal young man to someone who's dramatically changed as a result of truly surrendering his life to Christ.
It takes an open mind to investigate the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and it takes and open heart to believe and embrace it, and apply that truth to our lives in transformative ways.
After Elisha spoke the truth to his servant, he recognized the need to prayer a very important prayer for him. How should we pray after we've done our part to speak the truth to someone? What prayer should we pray for ourselves when belief for the impossible is difficult?
Part 2 of "Seven Roadblocks to Answered Prayer." Which of these could be a reason you may not be seeing an answer to prayer?
Why would a military leader need a female judge to accompany him to battle? Find out why in this story from Judges 4.
Ever wonder why your prayer didn't get answered? There are at least 7 possible reasons why; today we look at the first two in Part 1 of this sermon series.
The book of Philemon contains a story about a runaway slave that poignantly illustrates just how God sees us, and the way He loves us.
The story of Uzzah in the Bible is troubling and embarrassing until we fully understand it; it serves to define "true worship."
In the parable of the Ten Virgins, Faith explains the sobering significance of trimming a lamp with no oil.
In this "talk," Faith explains God's full intent behind Communion, and shares a deeply personal story of reconciliation with a loved one.
Jesus healed ten lepers, and only one thanked Him. Are we much different from the other nine?
We live in a world of imbalance in which people tend to say "no" too often, or else "yes" too much. We look at someone in scripture who knew when to say "yes," and when to say "no."
When the world is falling apart, everyone wants to know what to do. But is that the most important question?
Similar to a message from last year, we take yet another look at Israel's first two kings, and what we can learn from them.
People define church in all kinds of ways and have various reasons for going there. What is God's definition and the motive He'd like us to have?
Faith shares humorous stories from a recent camping trip and answers the question of God's eagerness to answer the smallest (and biggest) prayers.
Baptism is a commonly misunderstood practice in the church. What three things are going on spiritually when someone is baptized?
A broken heart is not limited to grief and sadness. What are other types of "broken-heartedness?"
We look at the continuation of Judah's transformation. Was there hope for a narcissist such as this man?
Judah had series "heart health" issues; in this sermon we look at when his transformation began.
In this episode, Faith introduces a new sermon series called "Heart Health." We speak often of mental health, but have you ever considered the importance of "heart health", and its connection to mental health?
Jesus equated "plant-choking thorns" with two issues we all encounter in our lives at one time or another.
On the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, two loaves of unleavened bread are waived before God. In what ways do those loaves symbolize us?
Those three commands were what Pilate instructed the Jewish leaders concerning the sealing of Jesus' tomb. What is their significance for our lives?
The crowd on that first Palm Sunday wanted a savior, but not a master. Are we any different?
Jesus promised we've receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. What exactly did He mean by that?
Our friend Ryan Stanton teaches about the Holy Spirit, the third person of the trinity.
A look at some of the women in the Bible should encourage any woman on Mother's Day, mother or not.
What can we learn about identity through the story of these two very different brothers?
Adam and Eve hid behind fig leaves; Christ offers us something much better for our identity and security.
What difference would it make for Christianity (and for us personally) if Christ had not risen from the dead?
Jesus' so-called "Triumphal Entry" was in fact a deliberate act of abject humility. What is the significance?
Do you attend church as an observer or a participant? Which is God's desire, and what would each of those look like?
Everyone is looking for satisfaction and security in a relationship. Can God actually offer those? A "Valentine" message for anyone.
Who exactly was it who was walking on the water toward the disciples? Was it more than their rabbi and teacher?
Jesus addresses a very noisy crowd in today's sermon. Would we have been a part of this crowd?
We speak of "extremists" in other religions, but have you ever heard of a "Christian Extremist?" What would that person look like, in the most literal sense of the phrase?
Have you ever had to wait for an answer to prayer? What does God want us to do in the meantime?
What exactly did the Christmas angels mean by "the highest", and is that a realm in which we can live, daily?