Dr. Phil Wilkes, 2 Cor. 9:15

What gift have you ever received that left you speechless or filled with incredible joy? Was it something you got for Christmas as a child? Maybe a birthday present or gift from a friend. Perhaps it is a gift given to you by a family member or your spouse.

When it comes to God giving us Jesus, Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:15 “thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” What compelled Paul to write this description of Jesus? There are several reasons why Paul says that Jesus Christ is the Indescribable Gift.

He reminds us that God is with us. Jesus entered into our world to deliver each of us from sin's control. Jesus came and lived the perfect life as one of us. Therefore He could be the sacrifice that takes our place on the cross. Through Jesus you can experience God's grace instead of judgment. Through Jesus you are forgiven, adopted into God's family, filled with the Holy Spirit and given His peace to guard your heart and mind. Yes, Jesus really is the indescribable gift to every person.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 2:7-15

People can respond differently to the same news. It was that way back when Jesus was born.
Some had to trust God when doing so just didn't make sense. It wasn't easy for Mary to become pregnant while unmarried. Their travel to Bethlehem wasn't good news. Travel was hard, there was the expense and they ended up in a cattle stall. Yet through their obedience God did something amazing—Jesus was born. God was among us.

The Shepherds, Magi and Herod all made responses to the news of Jesus being born. The same is true today. As you listen to how they responded perhaps you will find encouragement to make the choice to say yes to all Jesus wants to do in you and through you.

Today the Gospel is good news but some do not respond positively to it. Others do and their lives are forever transformed by God's grace. How will you respond to God this year?

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Rev. Paul Harrington, Luke 2:7-15

To come.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22-23

Waiting. It is something we are all familiar with in our lives. You wait at the doctor, the post office the week before Christmas, the gas station and on the phone to speak with a real, live person. Waiting can be frustrating and discouraging.

We are a nation of doers. Yet sometimes the best thing a person can do is to wait on God in their lives. Now please understand waiting on God is not sitting and doing nothing. It is an active waiting. In this message there three reminders to help you wait on God in your life.

When you have a need or crisis you want God's intervention and help right away. But often God's timing is not our timing. So here are some reminders of how God will even help you wait on Him as he does his good work in you in his time.

God gives us his promises in Scripture. God gives us his presence in Jesus Christ. God also gives us provisions to meet our needs in life. Wait on God.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians “Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” As we approach Thanksgiving it is a good time to stop and reflect on all that God has and is doing in your life. In Psalm 23 David writes about how the shepherd takes care of those in his flock. Usually Psalm 23 is used to bring comfort to someone who is suffering or perhaps when a family experiences death.

This Thanksgiving I want to focus on Psalm 23 as we examine some reasons to be thankful. David tells us about how the shepherd cares for the flock, protects them, gives direction and meets their needs. Jesus tells us in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd.”

When you have a relationship with Jesus Christ as your Lord you are under the care of the Great Shepherd, Jesus. You can give thanks for: your salvation, Jesus care in life, strength for temptation and hard times, wisdom for decisions and assurance of eternal life in God's kingdom when this life ends. We have many reasons to give thanks. Take time this week to do just that with the Lord. Talk with Him. Then share with others how the Lord Jesus is helping you and how Jesus can help them. Happy Thanksgiving.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 8:32

Jesus says knowing the truth will bring freedom. When you are a child it is easy to believe things that really are not true. As one gets older you would think that a person would not believe something that is false. Yet it happens all too often to even adults.

Some believe they just need more to be happy. Yet God's word tells us that true peace comes from Christ. There are those who believe working their way up the career ladder and having others serve them defines success. Jesus says the greatest among you are those who serve. Some will tell you to look out for yourself because no one else is going to do so. Jesus says those who try to save their lives will lose them and those who give themselves away in serving Christ will find true life.

This morning our children have reminded us that God's word is a steady guide through all of life's ups and downs. Jesus says that by embracing God's truth you will find true freedom. Allow God's word to shape your life. Then you will be truly free.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 6:10-18

The Apostle Paul writes to the church at Ephesus encouraging them to be prepared for the spiritual battles that they face. Paul uses the imagery of armor that every Roman soldier wore to go into combat. Yet Paul declares that the real enemy is not another person or group or nation. The real enemy is satan and his demons.

Paul instructs Christians to use all of the resources or “armor” that God provides in this spiritual conflict. Christ has already defeated satan when he died on the cross and rose again. The enemy is a defeated foe whose time is limited. Yet he seeks to destroy as many people as he can before God's final judgment is carried out.

Keep your focus on Christ and make use of all the resources God has given to you. Remember, “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Acts 2:5-13

The disciples moved into the community after being filled with the Holy Spirit. They were empowered by the Holy Spirit so that people from many regions heard them in their own language. People were amazed and were basically asking “What's happening here?” “How can they do that?”

When the Holy Spirit takes residence in your life you are empowered to serve God. Jesus knew the disciples could never take the gospel to others until the Holy Spirit filled them. Today you receive the Holy Spirit when you give your life to Jesus Christ. Christ cleanses your sin and God seals you as his own by placing His Spirit in you. You are created for relationship with the Father. You are redeemed by Christ to be in relationship and you are filled with the Holy Spirit to live your faith.

God's Spirit works in and through you in times of trouble and when you are weak. You become powerful in God's hands as you keep in step with God's Spirit.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Romans 8:15-17

What could turn a group of timid, fearful and untrained men into a bold, fearless group preaching the gospel despite threats to kill them? The disciples abandoned Jesus when our Lord was arrested. Peter even denied knowing Jesus. They were behind locked doors after Jesus ascension, partly out of fear they might be the next to get arrested. But then the Holy Spirit came upon them. These disciples would never again be the same. These disciples became bold in preaching, unashamed of Jesus even when it meant arrest and death, and met physical needs of people through Jesus name.

Every Christian receives the Holy Spirit when you come to faith in Christ. The Spirit will work through you today just as he worked through the disciples in the first century. Whether it is dealing with temptation, confronting evil or witnessing to someone, the Spirit will empower Christians to do kingdom work. The challenge is to be aware of those things that can hinder your intimacy with the Lord. Several obstacles can damage one's fellowship with God and the activity of the Holy Spirit. It is important to recognize these challenges and be prepared to avoid them. As a follower of Jesus you can live your faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 16:12-15

How do you know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? What can help you discern the Spirit's voice in your life? It is important to understand some of the ways God speaks through his Spirit. Otherwise you can be led down pathways that are not of God. This message offers some ways to help you understand when the Lord may be speaking His truth into your life or giving you direction.

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Rev. Daryn Marsh, Proverbs 1

1. What is wisdom?
2. What the world thinks of wisdom.
3. Understanding wisdom.
4. We all need wisdom!

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Acts 2:38

From before you are a Christian until you go home to be with the Lord the Holy Spirit is at work in your life. God's Spirit brings conviction of sin and draws you to Christ. As a Christian the Spirit works to shape your character and equip you for service. The Holy Spirit also deals with Christians when they sin against God. Paul cautions us to not “quench the Spirit.” We choose whether or not to follow the Spirit's direction. The Holy Spirit enables a Christian to persevere in life, regardless of one's circumstances. God's Spirit becomes a permanent presence in a believer's life and is ready today to work in you until you go home to be with the Lord.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 19:13-15

It was a common practice to take children to the local rabbai or priest for a blessing. Traditionally the priest or rabbai would lay hands on the child’s head and pronounce a blessing on him or her from God.

We don’t know who brought the kids to Jesus on this day. It could have been parents, relatives, neighbor or a friend. But they cared enough about the kids to take them to see Jesus and receive his blessing.

This passage we see Jesus welcoming children into his presence. He takes time for them. The Lord wants to bless the kids. There is a special blessing that he will give to every child. It’s important that we remove the obstacles that keep kids from getting to know Jesus.

Set a good example for them. Develop quality activities for them to participate in when they come to church. Prepare well to welcome kids and teach them.

The receptiveness of the kids contrasted with the refusal of the religious leaders. The trust of a child toward Jesus is the same trust necessary for any of us to become a child of God.

The Lord lets us know kids are important to him. In the first century, children and women were little more than property. Jesus raises the standing and importance of both groups of people. One Christian author has called the Gospel “scandalous” because of how the gospel welcomes whoever will come. How are we doing in making church a place where children can come be loved, valued and cared for? How are we doing in helping kids fall in love with Jesus? Will you be ready to welcome “whosoever comes” this Sunday?

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Acts 2:1-4

The Holy Spirit is God. You receive the Holy Spirit when you put your trust in Jesus Christ to be your Savior and Lord. You are baptized only once with the Holy Spirit, at salvation, but every Christian needs constant filling with God’s Spirit to live the Christian life effectively. That’s why the Apostle Paul cautions Christians “do not quench the Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit enables you to live for Christ. The Spirit of God marks and seals you as belonging to God. God places his Holy Spirit in you as a downpayment for all that is to come for those who know Christ.

Character is shaped by the Holy Spirit. Paul describes the work of God’s Spirit in transforming a person into the image of Christ. The evidence of the Spirit’s activity in a Christian is the good fruit described in Galatians 5:22-23 It is also the Holy Spirit that equips you to serve Christ and other people through the local church. Spiritual gifts are placed in each Christian just as the Spirit decides.

Trying to live the Christian life without the empowering of the Holy Spirit would be like trying to travel in a car without gas to fuel it.

Christians are urged to be sure that our hearts are pure before God. Sinful habits ignored or sin unconfessed will destroy a Christian’s witness and ability to serve others effectively. Let us keep in step with the Holy Spirit and then good fruit will overflow in your life.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 14:16-18, Acts 1:4-5

Do you remember being taught the five basic questions to ask about something you read? The five basics are “Who, What, When, Where, and Why.” We will use this format as we explore who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in your life.

The Holy Spirit has many functions in the life of a Christian. When God places his Spirit in you then you are equipped and enabled to live for Christ and serve in ministry.

It is God’s Holy Spirit that helps you share your faith with others. The last instruction Jesus gave to his followers was “go and make disciples.” Before they could go, however, Jesus told them to wait for the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is vital to your Christian life. We will explore the ramifications of this third person of the trinity over the next several weeks.

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Joshua Brownfield, Phillipians 4:10-20

As Paul closes the letter to the Philippians, he thanks them for the gift they sent him. But, he is careful to explain his thanksgiving. He knows that they did not have an opportunity for a long time to support him.  He reminds them that he is content no matter his circumstances. He wants them to know that their gift was greatly appreciated. Finally, he does not want them to interpret his thanks as a desire for additional money. Because of Christ, we too can find contentment in God regardless of our situation as well. God is the one thing in the entire universe that continually satisfies our desire to worship and be in awe.

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Rev. Paul Harrington, Exodus 4:1-4

Do we truly know that God is preparing us for his purposes and his work? When God made himself known to Moses at the burning bush, Moses argued that he was not the guy for the job God had in mind. And God said responded by showing Moses that God had uniquely prepared him for the journey ahead, and that He would do extraordinary things through such an ordinary person. God has uniquely prepared each one of us; we need to recognize that, and commit whatever we have to God's great purpose, to participate in the work of the kingdom of God.

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Dr. Jim Ramsey, Mark 2:1-12, John 8:1-11

One of the most important things we must learn to deal with in life is how to handle our mistakes, failures and sins. Our tendency is to cover them up, deny them or blame someone else. None of these ways provide for a meaningful relationship with God and mental well being. God would have us to admit our failures, seek his heart of forgiveness and experience the joy of being set free. Our only hope for dealing with feelings of sham and guilt is the forgiveness of God.  He sets us free from the past to be fully engaged in the present and future. 1 John 1:9

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus tells us to store our treasures in heaven. Our Lord then says that where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will focus. The average Christian gives only 2% to their church and to Christian ministry. That’s normal. But normal isn’t working.

Grasping that all you have comes from God and is on loan to you will change how you manage what is in your care. God blesses you to be a blessing to others, not to consume it all on yourself. Becoming generous is not normal.

You can plan to be generous by how you manage the resources God has entrusted to you. By cutting back in other areas you will have more to give to God’s work through his church. Giving generously pleases God. It indicates you are taking on the characteristics of your heavenly father.

God promises to take care of your needs when you are giving joyfully and generously to his work. Scripture tells us that the Lord will meet your needs. Our problem sometimes is we confuse needs with wants. This isn’t a scheme to get wealthy by manipulating God. By giving generously you are telling God you trust Him to take care of your needs as you invest in his kingdom. God will do far more than you could ever imagine as you trust Him and become a hilarious giver.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

There is a lot of bad theology when it comes to managing what God gives to each person. Some have manipulated scripture to fit their theology instead of allowing God’s word to define their beliefs. Here the Apostle Paul describes how to give in such a way as to see a great harvest.

Did you know you are rich? Everyone in America is rich, even though we may not always feel that way. God has given you some great opportunities. Craig Groschel, in his book Weird, writes “normal people figure out how little they can give. It’s the weird people who give generously and by doing so experience God’s best in their life.” Giving generously imitates our Heavenly Father.

In order to manage well all God has entrusted to our care guard your heart. The affections of your heart will determine what you do with the resources God has given you. It will define your use of your time, your skills, spiritual gifts and finances. Transformation in giving begins with a transformation of your heart by Jesus. Then you move from being a normal consumer to what Craig Groschel calls “a weird manager.”

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Proverbs 24:16

What do you do when you fall down? Not literally, because I know that hurts, but in life. What happens when you don’t succeed at work, school, on a team or in some other way? It is easy to give up, to start feeling sorry for yourself.

The good news is that God believes in you. God says he will finish the good work that has begun in you through Jesus Christ. God sees who you can become. He sees your potential and is patient with you to develop you.

God equips you to follow and serve Him. Continue to trust God, even when you fail. You can have confidence that God will do his awesome work in your heart and life. Your efforts are needed to share his love and grace with so many others. As you allow God to redeem your defeats and failures you become a beacon of hope to others.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Mark 2:1-12

Have you ever had a day where you were stressed, maybe fearful, worried or filled with anxiety because you were not sure what to do? Maybe you felt your situation was hopeless. Then you can probably relate to this fellow who was paralyzed and could not walk. If you have received help from someone then you know what a difference their presence and caring made in your life.

In this story in Mark we are shown what can happen when God’s people choose to get involved in making a difference in someone’s life. Choosing to help, making the decision to sacrifice your time, finances and skills to help someone else is not normal.

In this message you will learn what it means to be “weird.” There are people around you this week who need some “weird” people in their lives. What do I mean by “weird”? Listen to the message to find out.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Isaiah 26:3

Meditation. Did you know that we are encouraged to meditate on God? The question is what do you focus on? The things you think about the most will influence what you hold important and how you invest your time, finances and talents.

Transformation happens when you begin to meditate on God’s word and allow God’s truth to shape your mind and heart. As you take in God’s word you will begin to see more of how God is at work in you and around you.

As you meditate on God’s truth you will become more aware of God’s presence in your life. It’s easy to celebrate good things as Gods blessings. But knowing Christ is with you becomes critical when you don’t “feel” him. When life is caving in, others criticize, and attack you need to know, not just feel, that Christ is with you.

Transformation in how you think and perceive life is critical. God’s word will sensitize you to his ways and activity around you and in you. Begin today to allow the Lord to transform your mind and heart.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Romans 12:1-2

How do you help someone who has been a Christian for 50 plus years but shows no evidence of spiritual growth or maturity? What needs to take place for Christians to actually produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their lives as defined in Galatians 5:22-23?

Paul begins Romans 12 with great expectations for all those who claim to know Jesus and be his disciple. You are to be transformed by your encounter with Christ and the Holy Spirit. There are two subtle dangers that can cause Christians to actually settle for far less then authentic transformation.

One danger is to settle for the minimum. What does it take to get into heaven? Know the answer and when you get to the pearly gates you gain admittance. Unfortunately this is the case in churches across our nation too many times. Often this is all we ask of people. They know the words. They know what their standing before God is based on. But transformation is absent in too many people in our churches.

Jesus never said, "Now I'm going to tell you what you need to say to get into heaven when you die." The gospel writers make it clear that Jesus' good news was that we no longer have to live in the guilt, failure, and impotence of our own strength.

The second counterfeit that poses for authentic transformation is outward appearance. Conforming to boundary markers substitutes for authentic life transformation by Christ. Instead people create measurements that they can achieve but that will also keep others out. This way they feel good about themselves and that they have high standards in their faith. It is a subtle but dangerous counterfeit.

Doctrine, behavioral standards, and even sanctified peculiarities may identify who's in the club, but they also present a façade of pseudo-transformation, masking an unchanged life within. Authentic transformation happens a different way.

Spiritual transformation is a life time endeavor that involves you and God. It is cooperating with the blowing of God’s Spirit in your life. You can be a new person in Christ. Paul urges you to become a living sacrifice. As you move with the Spirit of God and seek to live your faith you will discover God doing greater works in you and through than you ever thought possible.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Ephesians 6:1-3

The Apostle Paul writes about how parents and children are to relate to one another. In doing so Paul elevates the status of children to one of importance. By addressing the kids directly he places high value on them. Children are instructed to obey their parents.

The Apostle then writes to the parents. It is vital that the needs of kids are taken care of by parents. This includes not only physical and emotional needs, but also spiritual needs. Children need instruction about life and about the Lord.

Paul also assumes that Godly parents are setting a good example for kids to follow. It is important that mom and dad are living out their trust in Christ in the home. Kids know whether a parent’s faith is real or not. Authentic faith will make an incredible impact in the lives of children.

Dads have a particularly important role to play in the lives of their kids. I hope your dad (and mom) modeled their Christian faith at home. Thank them for doing so. If they are deceased, give thanks to God for them. Even if your dad and mom were not Christians or did not care for you well, your Heavenly Father will love you unconditionally and Jesus will always keep his promises to you.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 15:11-24

The son who left home found himself destitute and doing a job despised by the Jewish people. He was feeding pigs and eating what pigs ate. At this low point in his life he decides to return home. What made this rebellious son think his dad would take him back? What can you do for your kids that will let them know that whatever they face, that you will always welcome them back home?

Perhaps it is because the dad had built a solid foundation in his sons while they were little. He probably experienced unconditional love growing up from his parents. As he crests over the horizon his dad spots him and runs to him. Dad immediately offers forgiveness and restores his son to the family.

Today our kids need to know home is a place where they will be loved and when they make mistakes they can be forgiven. Parents need to build a foundation in kids lives that will help them navigate through life in healthy ways. We see in this dad some principles that will help you relate in Christ honoring ways to your family.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1John 2:1-11

It is easy to tell someone you love them. You can declare your love for God with words. John says that authentic love for God and for people is proved by one’s actions. It’s one thing to say you love someone. But is there evidence that this love is authentic?

John helps us discover what it means to truly love God and love others. In I Corinthians 13:4-6 the Apostle Paul describes what this love does. This love is a by product of being filled with the Holy Spirit. In Galatians 5 the Apostle describes the activity of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life. He says the Holy Spirit produces fruit which includes as it’s first characteristic “agape” love.

This message will help you consider how you are going to live out loud your love for God and for others.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Exodus 18:1-12

Perhaps one of the most difficult places to share your love for Christ is in your home with family members. The tendency for some is to distance themselves from extended family members who are not Christians. Why not build the relationship? Continue to love them and treat them with the same kindness and respect that you desire. Pray for them each day. Ask the Lord to soften their heart to the gospel. Continue to allow Christ to do his work in you. When they ask how you handle problems you have an opportunity to share how Jesus is making a difference in your life. As you pray for them God will work to soften their heart. When they are ready you will be able to help them take the next step of giving their life to Christ. Be patient. Be faithful in praying for them. Continue to love them. God will work through you to draw them to his son, Jesus Christ.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Isaiah 43:1-7

Sometimes life in a family is not easy. It can be hard and painful. The Israelites had become spiritually blind and deaf to God and his ways. It resulted in them living selfishly. When facing problems in your family, start with yourself. Ask God to show you what might need to change in you. Be sure your life is adjusted to God’s truth in scripture. Seek his wisdom. As you do you can be assured God will work in you and those around you. God will care for you every step of the way. Along the journey God will even use the struggles and hardships to mature you as his child. God will not abandon you. You can trust Him to be at work in you even when you feel like heaven is silent.

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Rev. Paul Harrington, Hosea 2

In the Bible, marriage is the most commonly used metaphor to demonstrate the covenant between God and man.  In today's message, we explore two passages of scripture to explore the concept of covenant.  Our typical experience of life, even in marriage, is to approach relationships from the point of view of contracts - to ask, "What is the least I have to do to hold up my end of the bargain?"  But God seeks covenant with us, and he yearns for us to covenant together.  

Covenant relationships do not come easily or naturally to us.  As we explore Hosea and Colossians today, we will look at both how we get stuck in managing relationships, especially marriage, as if they are contracts, and how to move from that mindset to one of covenanting together to create something new.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Exodus 2:1-8

We honor our moms today. They sacrifice, love unconditionally and do whatever they can to help us. In Exodus 2 we find a mom who goes to great lengths to protect her newborn son. Because Pharaoh felt threatened by the growth of the Israelites he ordered all male babies thrown into the Nile river. But Moses mom couldn’t bear to see her son killed. So she hides him and then puts him in a basket on the river. Pharaoh’s daughter finds him and decides to keep him.

Be willing to do whatever is necessary to protect your children and family. Ask God to help you have wisdom to know what is best in their lives. Make a priority of training your children. You can have incredible influence in those God entrusts to your care. Continually remind your children that they are made in the image of God. Invest in them. Encourage them to develop to their full potential. Continue to pray for them every day. You can make an eternal difference in their lives.

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Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 28:16-20

The resurrection was now a reality for the disciples. Jesus met with them after he was resurrected. His charge for the disciples was to go and preach the gospel, baptize new believers and make disciples.

The culture in which Jesus sends them faced many challenges. Women were viewed more as property than a partner in marriage, divorce was a problem, babies with birth defects were abandoned and often government officials could be bribed.

Into this environment Jesus sends his disciples to preach the gospel. He tells his disciples to go, preach and baptize those who put their faith in Christ. Then they are to help these new Christians grow and mature. Finally Jesus says he gives them the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower them as they go. Living the gospel will make an incredible impact in those who do not know Christ.

The directions given to the disciples by Jesus are also valid for us. Go and make disciples. Develop your faith and help new believers mature. Demonstrate your faith by your actions. Jesus promises to be with you and empower you as you go.

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Tags: Easter

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 28:1-10

It seemed that the political and religious leaders of Jesus day had won. Jesus had been crucified. Yet that wasn’t the end. Very few could grasp what would be happening in just 3 days. Christ would not stay in the grave. As the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus body they discover something amazing. The stone in front of the tomb had been moved and an angel greeted them. Jesus was no longer in the tomb.

Easter declares to us that Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be. He is the Son of God and Messiah. Because Jesus did everything he said he would do we need to pay attention to what Jesus told us. For example, Jesus declared "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

The resurrection declares that Christ is alive. God moved the stone in front of the tomb and the Lord is still moving stones today in people’s lives. The resurrection tells us that God keeps all his promises to you. Yes, Jesus is alive today and He is still transforming lives, bringing hope and giving help to those who open their lives to Him.

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Tags: Easter

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Mark 15:21-41

As we move toward Easter we cannot bypass the cross. Jesus knew that he was sent by the Father to accomplish something that we could not accomplish for ourselves. Paul writes in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” The only one who has lived a perfect, sinless life is Jesus Christ. He came and was willing to take your place and my place on the cross.

Jesus went through unspeakable torture just to get to the cross. As he moved through the streets the 39 lashes had taken their toll. Jesus could not carry his own cross. Yet Jesus is the one who can help you carry yours.

On the cross Jesus could have called down legions of angels to rescue him. But he could not save himself if he was going to save you. In John 10 Jesus told us that he is the good shepherd who lays down his life for us.

Jesus experienced separation from the Father on the cross when your sins and my sins were put upon him. He had never known separation from his Father. But Jesus took your sins on himself so that you would not face eternity separated from God.

You cannot get around the cross. God allowed his son, Jesus, to die so that we might have life.

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Tags: Easter

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Mark 14:32-42

As we move towards Easter we can only get there by way of the cross. Before Jesus went to the cross he took 3 of his closest disciples with him to the garden of Gethsemane. Prayer had been vital for Jesus all through his public ministry. The Gospel writers let us know that often Jesus would go off to be alone with his Heavenly Father.

It is not surprising to find Jesus in prayer in the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus was in agony as he struggled to obey the Father and go to the cross. He needed the support of those 3 disciples yet they fell asleep. While Jesus had to struggle alone you never do. Whatever life throws at you does not have to be dealt with by yourself. You have a Savior who not only knows how hard life can be, but has overcome. He will never abandon you.

Jesus understands that obedience to the Father can be costly. The Lord, himself, struggled to obey. His flesh was in agony at the thought of the pain he would face on the cross . He also knew that the sins of every person would be thrust upon him as the perfect sacrifice. Sometimes obeying Jesus is easy. But often it calls for sacrifice or a realignment of one’s priorities. Our Lord told us that being his disciple meant taking up one’s cross and following him.

Prayer is the key. In prayer you find the power to overcome temptation. In prayer you are given courage to do God’s will. Through prayer the Father is shaping you into the image of his son. Prayer is powerful. Do you have a Gethsemane? A place where you can be alone with the Father? Wherever that is, visit there often with God. In your Gethsemane the Father will continue to work his perfect will in your life. In Gethsemane you find the courage and power to obey. In Gethsemane you are reminded that whatever is happening, Christ is with you.

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Tags: Easter

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 26:1-13

What is the craziest thing you have ever been asked to do? What is the craziest thing that you really have done? What would you think of someone who took a year’s salary to buy a very expensive bottle of perfume and in one motion poured the entire contents on the head of one man? Crazy? Wasteful?

That’s exactly what the disciples of Jesus said about the woman who poured the entire bottle of an expensive perfume on Jesus head. It cost her a year’s worth of wages. Some of the disciples complained that the perfume could have been sold and the money given o the poor.

Mary was moved to act and she did not allow cost to factor into her devotion for Jesus. Becoming a Christian is easy. Becoming a disciple will take a lifetime. When you commit your life to Christ be willing to use your time to serve the Lord and others. Find ways to use your talents and skills to build up and meet needs. Give of your finances to support God’s work through your church.

Mary gave her very best to Jesus. What can you do right now that will reveal your love for Christ? What does your best look like today?

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Tags: Easter

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hosea 2:14-20

Hosea was one of God’s prophets. God wanted to convey how much he loved his people even when they were being unfaithful to Him. Did you know that even when you drift away from Christ that He still loves you very much.

God asked Hosea to go marry a woman who would be unfaithful. Hosea was going to live out what God had been experiencing with the Israelites. They were unfaithful just as Hosea’s wife was unfaithful. Despite that Hosea continues to pursue her and brings her back home.

The Gospel is about second chances. Even when you sin, even when you go your own way, God does not quit on you. He will come after you to bring you back to Himself. Sometimes he may have to let you hit rock bottom before you will pay attention to Him, but God never stops loving you. Even when you are at your lowest, even when you have blown it and think God could never care about you, He comes reminding you how passionate He is for you.

You can start over. You can be forgiven and renewed in your relationship with God. Hosea reminds us of the incredible lengths God takes to draw you and I to himself.

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Tags: Hope

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Isaiah 43:18-25

Life can be hard enough without creating more problems for oneself. Yet scripture tells us in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Our culture may ridicule the idea of sin but God takes it very seriously. The Lord knows that sin causes pain, suffering and heartache. God hates sin because of what it does to people. Every person is made in the image of God and God loves every person. However, sin separates a person from God. That’s why Jesus came to earth and died on a cross. Jesus provided a way for each person to be forgiven of sin and adopted into God’s forever family.

The good news of the gospel is that sin does not have to be the last word. Christ offers forgiveness and healing. Jesus invites us to come to Him and experience forgiveness, cleansing and a new life. It doesn’t matter what you have done, Jesus is ready to forgive you when you ask Him. He waits for the invitation to do his good work in your life. You do not have to remain a prisoner to your past. Jesus can set you free. The Lord has good plans for your life.

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Tags: Hope

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Psalm 30

This is the first of three messages that remind people regardless of what they are dealing with that there is hope. Hope is not wishful thinking. It is a confident expectation that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.

No one is exempt from crisis and problems. No one is exempt from being hurt. Whether hurt in your life is caused by your own sin or by the actions of others, the tendency is to see yourself as “tainted,” and some would conclude about themselves they are worthless.

This Psalm shows what can happen when you reach a turning point in your life. It is turning away from self-reliance and turning to God as your source of strength. David said...(v. 8) To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy.”

The Lord will hear you and respond to you when you call on Him. He will do a good work in your life. Life doesn’t have to overwhelm you. Put your hope in God and see what a difference He will make in you.

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Tags: Hope

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Hebrews 12:1-14

The Bible tells us that God loves every person unconditionally. God’s love for us is so great that He gives the freedom to people to decide if they want Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord. God will not force anyone to worship and serve Him. That’s why the decision is yours. Someone else cannot make that decision for you. Each person must decide for themselves to surrender their life to Jesus and ask Him to forgive their sin and be their Savior.

The author of Hebrews writes to encourage those who choose to follow Jesus to not allow anything to hinder their relationship with Christ. In verse1 Christians are to throw off anything that is interfering with them growing in their relationship with Jesus. That means taking ownership of sinful lifestyle choices and repenting. Repentance means to agree with God that something in your life is sin and then dealing with it.

He instructs believers to keep their focus on Christ. Crisis, temptation, outside influences, other people can all cause a Christian to turn away from following Christ. The author says keep focusing on the Lord. He reminds us that Jesus himself is familiar with obstacles and pain. The Lord understands and wants to help you run the Christian race effectively.

The choice is yours. What will you do with Jesus? The Lord wants to have an intimate, growing relationship with you. For those who choose Christ, the path is not always easy but Jesus assures you that He is with you every step, supplying everything you need for this journey called life.

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Tags: Holiness

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Philippians 2:12-13

In I Peter we read that God is holy and that Christians are called to be holy. Paul writes in Philippians 2:12-13 to “work out your own salvation.” It is true that only God is holy in the sense of being free of any and all moral evil. God is set apart from his creation. He is perfect in every way. While we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) Christ makes us pure and removes our sin. So if Christ makes you pure, if Christ forgives your sin, then what does it mean to “work out your own salvation” or “be holy”?

As a follower of Jesus you are called to live out your salvation each day. The Holy Spirit works in your life to produce good fruit and gives you strength to live out your faith. Holy living creates intimacy with God, strengthens your prayer life, and God will work through you to draw others to Himself.

Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. Your faith in Christ is to make a difference in daily living. You become a light to people in darkness. You become the hands and feet of Jesus to people in need or crisis. As you “work out your salvation” God will do far more than you could ever ask or imagine.

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Tags: Holiness

Dr. Phil Wilkes, 1Peter 1:15-16

Peter quotes a passage out of Leviticus when he writes, “be holy because I am holy.” God spoke this truth to his people in the Old Testament. Peter reminds us that the God we serve is holy. God is perfect in every way. Verses 15-16 remind us of the nature of God. We also need to understand the importance of walking in obedience. Sin is always destructive. Our world today scoffs at the notion that something is sinful. Yet God tells us that sin will negatively impact your life. That’s why Peter urges believers to walk closely with the Lord. When you come to faith in Christ you take on the characteristics of your Heavenly Father. Your life will become a beacon of hope to others trapped in destructive lifestyles. Christ will make his appeal through you as you allow God to set you apart for his purposes.

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Tags: Holiness

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 19:1-10

Grace comes from God. You cannot earn grace. You cannot buy grace. Yet God offers you grace through Jesus Christ as a free gift. Grace also has the potential for abuse. Paul asks in Romans 6:15 “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!” Coming to Christ gives you a new nature and focus. Your life is now in Christ. So what do you do now? Just as you have received grace from Christ you are to give grace to others. This message suggests some ways that you can show grace to others in the same way God has shown grace to you when you came to know Christ.

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Tags: Grace

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 19:1-10

Someone said that “life is stranger than fiction.” I am sure Zacchaeus could not have anticipated what was going to happen in his life on the day described in Luke 19. Jesus was passing through town. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a Jew working for the Romans collecting taxes from his own people. That made him very unpopular. Tax collectors were known for using their position to get rich at the expense of others.

As Jesus makes his way through the town, Zacchaeus makes his way up a tree to get a better view. Being a short man he could not see the road and none of the crowd would be inclined to help a tax collector. Seeing Jesus in the tree, the Lord declares that He will be a guest at Zacchaeus home. Unbelievable. Shocking. Murmurs go through the crowd. Why would Jesus go to eat at the home of a tax collector?

Grace. While others gave up on Zacchaeus our Lord came to seek and to save those who were separated from God. Because of his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus entire life is transformed.

Grace does that. Jesus offers to you the opportunity to have a new life or to began again. While everyone else gave up on Zacchaeus, Jesus was just getting started. Jesus wants you to experience the same grace that changed Zacchaeus.

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Tags: Grace

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Mark 16:7

Sometimes a person does something wrong and then convince themselves that God could never love them because of what they did. Peter must have certainly felt that way after denying he knew Jesus. The Lord had been arrested and was taken to the authorities. Peter followed from a distance. When Peter was asked if he was a follower of Jesus he denied knowing him. Scripture says that after the denial Peter wept bitterly.

After the resurrection, some women go to the tomb to anoint Jesus body. But they find the stone rolled away and an angel is present. The women are told to go tell the disciples and Peter...

God had not given up on Peter. Later Peter encounters the risen Lord and Jesus restores Peter. All is forgiven and Peter is given the task of sharing the gospel.

The world can do almost everything the church can do. But there is one thing the world cannot do, it cannot offer grace. Grace was what Peter needed. Grace is what we all need.

Remember that God does not give up on you even when you give up on yourself. His love for you is not changed by your sin or failure. Your sin will never have more power than God’s grace. This message will remind you that your sin can never change God’s love for you. God’s grace is always greater than our sin.

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Tags: Grace

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Matthew 20:1-16

Grace is scandalous. It is hard to accept, hard to believe and hard to receive. Most people have been taught you don’t get anything for free. You have to work for what you get and they try to apply that mentality to their relationship with God. But grace doesn’t work that way. It can’t work that way. No one can earn their way into a relationship with God. Yet God chooses to offer to each of us grace.

The parable in Matthew 20 highlights the grace and generosity of a landowner who hires workers all through the day. Jesus gives the story an unexpected turn when he says that the owner hires some workers at 5:00 P.M. to work for just one hour. When it is time to pay those hired last received as much pay as those who worked the entire day.

The story highlights how much God loves you and the grace that He offers to you. We can respond to God only because He pursued us first. "We love Him because He first loved us." (1 John 4:19 God’s grace is freely given to each of us. It doesn’t matter what you have done or not done, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are or what your background is like. God’s grace is available to you.

The landowner’s grace toward those hired at 5:00 P.M. made a positive difference in their lives. Now they could feed their families when all hope seemed to be gone.

God’s grace says you are not beyond his reach. It doesn’t matter how desperate your situation might appear, God is greater and He can reach you and pour his grace into your life to give you what is needed. Continue to trust God and wait on Him. Jesus will come to you with his grace.

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Tags: Grace

Dr. Phil Wilkes, John 8:1-12

Have you ever done something that you later were ashamed of or regretted? Most of us have. You probably could relate to a woman brought to Jesus accused of having sex with a man that was not her husband. She stands before Jesus caught in her sin. Ashamed and guilty she is waiting for the death sentence on her life. She is also a pawn in the hands of the religious leaders to try and trap Jesus.

Jesus response is not what the leaders had hoped for. The woman standing in front of Jesus probably couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew she was guilty. As far as she was concerned she thought she was as good as dead.

Grace breaks into her life. Jesus tells those who brought her let the one among you with no sin throw the first stone. Slowly everyone left. The woman is all alone with Jesus. He asks her if anyone is left to accuse her. She answers “no one sir.” Grace rolls off Jesus lips: “neither do I accuse you. Go and leave your life of sin.”

Grace at work. A second chance at life. The opportunity to start over. Grace does that for us. When you sin Jesus is ready to forgive you when you ask Him. He wants to forgive you and give you the same opportunity to start over that this woman was given.

Once you have experienced the grace of Jesus in your life you will never be the same. You can experience the forgiveness of Jesus just like this woman did. Jesus will not embarrass you or put you on the spot. He will forgive you and restore you. This grace cannot be earned but it can be received just by asking. What a Savior we serve!

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Tags: Grace

Dr. Phil Wilkes, Luke 15:11-32

Over the next 6 weeks we will look at the doctrine of grace in scripture. When C.S. Lewis was asked at a conference what was one unique belief of Christians he instantly responded, “That’s easy. It is grace.”

Many struggle with getting something for free. How can God forgive someone who has sinned greatly? That’s exactly the problem. None of us are able to fully atone for our own sins. Christ took our place on the cross. He extends forgiveness and grace to anyone who will receive it as a free gift.

Our world says everything cost something. True. Grace being offered to you cost God his only Son Jesus. Christ died on the cross so that you could receive this grace as a gift. Jesus even told a story about a son who demanded his part of the inheritance, then wasted it all in wild living. He was destitute and returns home hoping to become a laborer for his dad. His dad restores him fully as his son with all the privileges and rights that go with it. Grace.

God is ready to pour his grace out on you. He only waits for you to ask Him. God waits for each of us to come back to Him. He welcomes us into his family as a son or daughter with all the rights and privileges of being in God’s family.

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Tags: Grace