Sermons by the Rev. David Wheeler: Recent Episodes
None
Audio recordings of sermons by the Rev. David Wheeler. He currently serves as Senior Minister of the New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Rev. Wheeler attempts to provide some tools and encouragement for spiritual growth. For more info, he recommends Brian McLaren’s book, “Faith After Doubt,” which he references extensively in this sermon.
Click here to listen to the audio version of Rev. Wheeler's sermon from February 5, titled, "The Mind of Christ," based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. He says that the place faithful knowledge and action and attitude meet—that is the Mind of Christ.
Here is the audio version of the sermon by Rev. Wheeler from 1/29/2023. Based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, it discusses how life brings us critical moments where we are faced with letting go of some things and holding onto others. How do we decide? God's wisdom, Rev. Wheeler suggests, is often different from what we have often learned from our surroundings.
Based on 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, this sermon by Rev. Wheeler addresses conflict resolution and unity within the life of the Church. In the middle of the sermon, he includes an interview with the Rev. Kelly Becker, Senior Minister of Disciples Christian Church (DOC), in Bartlesville, OK.
Click here to listen to Rev. Wheelers sermon from January 15, 2023. Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, this message reflects on what it means for us to “be saints together.”
In his sermon on January 8, Rev. Wheeler suggests the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 is a story of following stars and chasing dreams, of finding Light in places and people that seem foreign to us, and a story about taking enormous risks. Click to listen to the audio. Feel free to share!
Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon, part 3 in the "Close to Home," Advent series in worship at New Covenant Christian on Dec. 12, 2021. Based on Luke 3:1-18, he brought together the theme of "joy" with "repentance." Joy is found, he suggests, as we do God's work of inclusion at the margins.
Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon in worship on his first Sunday at New Covenant Christian Church (DOC), Sunday, December 5. It is part 2 in the Advent series, "Close to Home," and is based on Luke 1:57-80 and deals with finding one's voice (like Zechariah) and the traditional Advent theme of Peace.
Rev. Wheeler offered this "sermonette" to New Covenant Christian Church (DOC) on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 by video. This is part 1 in the Advent series, "Close to Home." It draws on the traditional theme for the first week of Advent-- hope.
This was Rev. Wheeler’s final sermon as pastor of Weatherford Federated Church and First Congregational UCC of Norman. Based on John 18:33-37, he offers an explanation of what some Christians might mean when they say, “Christ is King!”
In this sermon, Rev. Wheeler uses the apocalyptic story from Mark 13:1-8, to discuss how the “signs” of the times often signal the beginning of something new and not just the end of something familiar.
What makes a “saint” a Saint? Rev. Wheeler uses Revelation 21:1-6a as a springboard for wrestling with this question on this All Saints’ Sunday.
What does the Greatest Commandment actually look like? Rev. Wheeler examines the connections between loving God, neighbor, and self in this sermon from Oct. 31, 2021.
What happens when we finally have that breakthrough we have been hoping and praying for? Based on Mark 10:46-52, Rev. Wheeler examines this healing story to “see” things in a different light.
Rev. Wheeler shared this message as part 5 of 5 in the “By Popular Demand,” series. What if our image of Jesus needs expanding? Would we better understand some of his “difficult” teachings?
Rev. Wheeler delivered this message on Oct. 3 on World Communion Sunday in response to the “popular demand” of his congregations. Part 4 of 5 in this series.
In this sermon from Sept. 26, 2021, Rev. Wheeler discusses the “substitutionary atonement theory” and what is meant when Christians speak of the death of Jesus as a sacrifice.
Where did the Bible come from? What do we mean when we say it is “inspired?” How do modern Christians interpret it? Rev. Wheeler deals with these and other questions in the sermon given today. Part 1 of 5 in the series, “By Popular Demand.”
Rev. Wheeler shared this message in worship on September 5, 2021. Based on Mark 7:24-37, this sermon takes a look at the incredible work hope does in our lives.
Rev. Wheeler discusses what it means to stay focused on the most central and important issues of our time in light of a familiar story from Mark 7 (selected verses).
Rev. Wheeler addresses the rather cannibalistic sounding John 6:51-58 passage to point towards a much deeper truth. Jesus was calling his followers to build a better world; one that leaves room for a true taste of grace.
Rev. Wheeler offered this message based on John 6:35, 41-51, in worship services on August 8, 2021. He asks, “What if we saw ourselves as the bread God uses to feed a hungry world?”
Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon in worship on August 1, 2021. Based on John 6:24-35, this sermon explores what it means to seek truly significant, fulfilling things in life, versus the superficial things that always leaving us wanting for more.
Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon based on John 6:1-21 in worship on July 25, 2021. Does being faithful mean we are always “positive?” Is there room for some doubt, exhaustion, or even negativity among the would-be faithful? He suggests that there is.
Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon in worship on July 18, 2021. Based on Mark 6:30-34, 53-56; He makes the case for finding rest as we continue to endure the journey towards the “new normal” following the global pandemic.
Rev. Wheeler gave this brief talk to the Weatherford Federated Church on June 27, 2021.
Part 3 of 3 in the, "Lessons From Lockdown," series. Given by Rev. Wheeler in worship at First Congregational UCC in Norman, OK on June 20, 2021.
This is part 2 in the series, “Lessons from Lockdown,” offered by Rev. Wheeler in worship on June 13, 2021.
Part 1 of 3 in the series, “Lessons From Lockdown.” Given by Rev. Wheeler in worship on June 6, 2021
In this Trinity Sunday message given in worship on May 30, 2021, Rev. Wheeler discusses the idea of the Triune God as an expression of Divine Community. "Divinely Relational," based on Romans 8:12-17, emphasizes our need for one another, in community, and how together, we experience God as we live out this calling.
Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon for Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021. If COVID could spread around the world, can the Holy Spirit help us spread something positive and truly transforming? Based on Acts 2.
Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon in worship on May 16, 2021, based on John 17:6-19. If you could have Jesus pray just one thing for YOU... what would it be?
Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon based on John 15:9-17 in worship on May 9, 2021. We have the opportunity to create a "home" for all those who need to know the power of unconditional love.
Click to listen to this sermon shared by Rev. Wheeler in worship on May 2, 2021. Based on 1 John 4:7-21, this message takes a look at what love requires from us. Living out a life of love is certainly easier said than done!
Rev. Wheeler preached this sermon in worship on Sunday, April 25, 2021. Based on Acts 8:26-39 (Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch), this sermon explores the part of this story we are NOT told in the text. Could it be that this Eunuch was actually the one INCLUDING Phillip? And, could it be that the Eunuch may have even saved the Church?
Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon during worship on April 18, 2021. Based on 1 John 3:1-7, this sermon takes a look at how we view life and salvation. In addition, he offers a pastoral response to the recent mass shootings and instances of police violence.
Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon in worship on April 11, 2021. "Doubting Thomas," gets a bad wrap, Rev. Wheeler suggests. A healthy skepticism can be a good thing as long as one keeps their heart and mind open, like a door, to new information. Based on John 20:19-31.
Click to listen to the final part of this, "Again and Again," series. Rev. Wheeler draws on the Mark 16:1-8 account of the Easter story to proclaim, "Again and Again, The Sun Rises."
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler's sermon from worship on March 28, 2021 (Palm Sunday). This was part of the Lenten series, "Again and Again," and is based on John's account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler's sermon from worship on March 21, 2021. This was part of the Lenten series, "Again and Again," and is based on Jeremiah 31:31-34.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler's sermon from worship on March 14, 2021. This sermon was part of the Lenten series, "Again and Again," and is based on John 3:14-21.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler's sermon from worship on March 7, 2021. This is part of the Lenten series, "Again and Again." This sermon is based on John 2:13-21.
Click here to listen to this message from worship on February 28. On this 2nd Sunday in Lent, we will continue our worship series, “Again and Again.” Rev. Wheeler will share a message he is calling, “Again and Again, We are Called to Listen,” based on Psalm 22 and Mark 8. He addresses how cultural conditioning to violence and self-interest often inhibit our ability to embody the gospel in our own settings and offers what he believes to be a healthy way forward in living out the teachings of Jesus.
This is part 1 in the Lenten series, "Again and Again." From worship on Feb. 21, Rev. Wheeler draws from the Covenant God made near the flood waters' receding edge after Noah's Ark and the Markan account of Jesus' Baptism, where God met Jesus near the Jordan River's edge-- to explain how God meets us today.
This sermon is from worship on February 14, 2021. Based on Mark 9:2-9, this message explores the Transfiguration story and how we can discover God's presence in the "shadows" as well as in the "sunshine."
This sermon is from Sunday, February 7, 2021 when Rev. Wheeler presented a message called, “The Vastness and Nearness of the Divine Mystery,” based on Isaiah 40:21-31. Why is it human beings have such difficulty "finding" God when God is infinitely transcendent and immanent all at the same time?
In this sermon from January 31, 2021, Rev. Wheeler draws on Mark 1:21-28, when Jesus casts out some demons at the Temple, in order to facilitate a conversation about the current "demons" of lies and conspiracy theories that are running so rampant in our nation right now.
In this message from January 17, 2021, Rev. Wheeler draws from the calling of Jesus' first disciples as found in John 1:43-51 to provide some wisdom for knowing which leaders to follow.
This sermon is from worship on January 10, 2021. Let's celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday by examining how our own perception of ourselves aligns with who God says we are. “Knowing Thyself,” is the title of Rev. Wheeler’s sermon this week, based on Mark 1:4-11. In light of the events in Washington this past week, knowing ourselves and who God says we are is certainly very timely in determining what a faithful response for each of us looks like.
Matthew gives a Christmas genealogy. Luke gives us all of the pageantry. No "Christmasy" stuff from Mark. But, John's gospel? John gives a deeply philosophical, decidedly theological, larger-than-life cosmic vision of the universe. Rev. Wheeler delivers a message here focusing on John 1:1-18 called, "And So It Begins," dealing with all of the things looming before us as 2021 begins and offers a hopeful glimpse at the New Year from a faith perspective.
Here’s Rev. Wheeler’s message from Dec. 6, 2020- part 2 in the Advent Series. “”Those Who Dream... Prepare the Way (Peace)”
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from Sunday, November 29, 2020– Part 1 in the Advent series, “Those Who Dream... Keep Awake,” based on Mark 13:24-37.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from today where he suggests that we have made faith far too complicated. Faith, he suggests, is doing the next right thing in response to the grace we have experienced. Based on Romans 4:1-5, 13-17.
Click here to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon for the first Sunday in Lent. Based on Matthew 4:1-11, he suggests that the most dangerous temptations that we face are when things are going really well.
Click to listen to this sermon on Transfiguration Sunday where Rev. Wheeler discusses the importance of BOTH “mountaintop experiences” and “the valleys.” Based on Exodus 24:12-18.
Click to listen to today’s sermon where Rev. Wheeler challenges the congregation to not give up too quickly on each other— particularly on political and cultural rivals. Based on Matthew 5:21-37.
Click to listen to the final sermon in the “Progressive Christianity” series. Is discerning truth as simple as, “the Bible says it, I believe, that settles it?” Rev. Wheeler makes the case that it is much more complex than this and that more is required of faithful people.
Click to listen to Part 4 of the Progressive Christianity series. Based on Amos 5:18-24, Rev. Wheeler makes the case that salvation, in the Scriptures, is never just about individuals— but is about both personal and social transformation.
Click to listen to Part 3 in the Progressive Christianity series where Rev. Wheeler tackles the much misused and misapplied text from John 14:1-6. Is Jesus the only way? Rev. Wheeler’s answer may surprise you.
Click to listen to Part 2 in the Progressive Christianity series. In this message, Rev. Wheeler ties together MLK, Jr.’s legacy and some ancient Christian communities who were wrestling with what it means to be faithful. “Faithfulness takes practice,” Wheeler asserts. Based on James 2:8-17.
Click to listen to part 1 in this new series on Progressive Christianity. Rev. Wheeler argues that Progressive Christianity is actually a very ancient, historically grounded expression of the Christian faith by exploring the sacrament of Baptism. Based on Matthew 3:13-17.
Rev. Wheeler preached this sermon today based on the brotherly murder story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4 at Phillips Theological Seminary. It was geared for his classmates but he thought some of you might enjoy hearing how preachers “preach” to one another as well as wrestling with this story of violence— especially as current events find our nation on the brink of war.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s message from Jan. 5, 2020 based on John 1:1-18. “The glory of God is a human fully alive,” he asserts. Learning to respect the inherent dignity of each and every person is a challenging endeavor, but one followers of Jesus are called to pursue.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s Christmas Eve message. He suggests that the manger could have been inside the living room of the host family that first Christmas night. What ramifications does this have for the hospitality we offer the “guests” in our lives?
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from today based on Matthew 1:18-25. Joseph had a dream and the courage of his convictions to see it through. As a result, love was born anew in this world.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from today based on Luke 1:46-55 (Mary’s Magnificat). “The Marys of this world and those whose ears can hear the joyful song of the Kin-dom of God must lead the way in the work of God’s justice,” he contends.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from today, the 2nd Sunday of Advent. Based on Isaiah 11:1-10, he makes the case that peace is intentionally built by people with the vision to see what our world could be.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s message that celebrated the Advent theme of hope. “Hope means doing the next right thing while noticing how it connects to the next right thing your neighbor is doing.” Along the way, he describes how this text from Matthew 24:36-44 has been distorted by the American “rapture” theory. “Hope means staying grounded,” he says. “Not flying away.”
Click to listen to this recording from today of Mr. Garrett King offering this timely message based on Psalm 46.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s message from today based on Luke 21:5-19. He makes the case that any expression of the Christian faith that is not connected to the folks on the margins of society needs to reevaluate its priorities. Faithfulness is linked to the care and empowerment of the poor, the marginalized, and those without power or prestige.
Click to listen to the final part in the Be the Church sermon series. Here, Rev. Wheeler makes the case that “enjoying this life,” is essential in making an impact in this world. Based on Matthew 5:1-12.
Click to listen to part 8 of 9 in the series, “Be the Church.” Here, Rev. Wheeler makes the case that loving God, for Christians, is directly tied to loving our neighbors. Based on Matthew 22:34-40.
Click to listen to part 7 in the “Be the Church,” sermon series. Here, Rev. Wheeler makes a Biblical and historical case for Christians to practice an inclusive approach to their faith that “embraces diversity.”
Click to listen to part 6 in the “Be the Church,” sermon series. Rev. Wheeler draws from Acts 2:42-47 to paint a vision of a Beloved Community where trust is the currency and love is the language.
Click to listen to Part 5 of the “Be the Church,” series. Rev. Wheeler makes a case for a Christian ethic of social justice and compassion based on Psalm 82:3-4 and various other scripture references. “Can we learn to deeply love and defend those who can do nothing in return for us?” he asks.
Click to listen to Part 4 in the series, “Be the Church,” by Rev. Wheeler. He draws on the wisdom of the Apostle Paul in Romans 10:12-13, as well as important information from sociologists to share a message that addresses personal prejudice as well as systemic racial injustice.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from Sept. 29, 2019, part 3 in the “Be the Church,” series. He suggests that forgiveness is the key that opens our hearts to healing and grace. Based on Luke 6:37-38.
Click to listen to Part 2 in the, “Be the Church,” series. Here, Rev. Wheeler makes the case that humanity is inseparably linked to Creation and therefore has a Christian responsibility “Protect the Environment.” Based on Psalm 24:1-2.
Click to listen Part 1 of 9 in the series, “Be the Church.” In this sermon, Rev. Wheeler suggests that the two fold marching orders of the church today matches the challenge Jesus handed to Peter and the Disciples: 1) be a force for the greater good. 2) resist evil and injustice. Based on Matthew 16:13-20.
Sometimes, following Jesus requires courage, toughness, a dogged sense of determination that Rev. Wheeler calls, “Spiritual Grit,” in this sermon based on Luke 14:25-33.
Humility means truly seeing all the people in our lives. Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from today offers some guidance for those willing to do the hard work of asking some tough questions of themselves. Based on Luke 14:1, 7-14.
In today’s sermon, Rev. Wheeler suggests that followers of Jesus are called to speak out against religious and political systems which suppress the full human dignity of our neighbors. Based on Luke 13:10-17.
In today’s sermon, Rev. Wheeler suggests that faithful, timely action by Christians is needed in discerning the Way of Jesus as we endeavor to “Interpret the Present Time.”
Where do we turn in times of doubt or despair? How do we “act in faith” when it seems all hope is lost? What does faith look like when you’re stuck wasting around for your next step? Rev. Wheeler wrestles with these questions in this sermon based on Hebrews 11.
Rev. Wheeler offers a pastoral response to this past week of mass shootings and suggests that greed is a possibility not just with money and material possessions— but also with our personal liberties and freedoms. Based on Luke 12:13-21.
Click to listen to today’s sermon as Rev. Wheeler draws upon the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 to show how Mary and Jesus were breaking down gender stereotypes. He also offers a pastoral response to some of the divisive recent statements that have done harm to women, people of color, and the witness of the Christian faith.
“Who is my neighbor and how may I love them faithfully?” Rev. Wheeler tackles these difficult questions in this sermon based on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s message from Pride Sunday, June 30, 2019 at the Federated Church.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s sermon from Pride Sunday, 2019- at First Congregational UCC in Norman.
None of us have it all together. What if having the courage to ask for help is a sign of strength and not weakness? Rev. Wheeler suggests this is the case in this sermon based on Luke 8:26-37
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s Trinity Sunday sermon. The Doctrine of the Trinity is a metaphor for the diversity and unity that we find in God, he asserts....
Rev. Wheeler suggests here that the movement of God’s Holy Spirit always calls us to inclusion and love...Draw the Circle Wide!
Click to listen to Part 5 of 5 in Mobilizing Our Faith- Rev. Wheeler makes the case that Christian Discipleship must go further than charity. Mature discipleship also embraces social justice and advocacy for those on the margins.
Rev Wheeler offers the thought that God’s gift of peace makes it possible for people of faith to work for justice and peace at the same time in this sermon based on John 14.
Click to listen to Part 4 of 5 in the series, Mobilizing Our Faith. Rev. Wheeler makes the case that Christian discipleship is a higher calling for people of faith than national citizenship. We are called to be global leaders!
Click to hear Part 3 in the series, “Mobilizing Our Faith,” in which Rev. Wheeler makes the case that the rugged individualism that has pervaded much of American culture stands in need of a correction in favor of loving our neighbors. “Redeeming the American Dream.”
Click to hear Part 3 in the series, “Mobilizing Our Faith,” in which Rev. Wheeler makes the case that the rugged individualism that has pervaded much of American culture stands in need of a correction in favor of loving our neighbors. “Redeeming the American Dream.”
Part 2 of 5 in the series, “Mobilizing Our Faith.” Rev. Wheeler looks at the relationship between the Christian life, compassion, and justice across the centuries and then speaks to what this looks like to today’s people of faith.
Part 2 of 5 in the series, “Mobilizing Our Faith.” Rev. Wheeler looks at the relationship between the Christian life, compassion, and justice across the centuries and then speaks to what this looks like to today’s people of faith.
Drawing on the story of Moses and the “burning bush,” Rev. Wheeler offers a call to followers of Jesus today to be socially engaged, working for God’s vision of love and justice in ways that transform the world we live in. Part 1 of 5 in the series, “Mobilizing Our Faith...”
Life and faith require a bit of improvisation! Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler’s Easter 2019 sermon— “The Jazz of Easter.”
Click to listen to Reverend Wheeler’s Palm Sunday message in which he suggests that Palm Sunday may well have been the birthday of the Church.
Rev. Wheeler tackles one of the most misapplied scriptures in all of the Bible in this message and explains the inseparable connection Jesus calls his followers to have with the poor. Click to listen to this sermon based on John 12:1-8.
Click to listen to Rev. Wheeler speak on the value and demands of justice on all of life’s relationships. Based on Hebrews 13:1-19.
Click to listen to the eulogy Rev. Wheeler offered on March 14, 2019, at the funeral service of Deborah Gale.