Woodbury Community Church Sermons

We’ve all heard the Proverb, “Pride goes before destruction . . .” (Proverbs 16:18), but do we believe it? The book of Proverbs has volumes to say about pride and humility. This sermon will take a look at what embracing humility brings (honor, wisdom, freedom and grace). Big Idea: Pride is the relentless pursuit of the lifting up of self. Humility is the relentless pursuit of the lifting up of God and others. (Proverbs 29:23)

Money and power are two of the most seductive forces known to man. How we handle our finances and the blessings that God brings us says a lot about what our priorities are. With great power comes great responsibility. Living as Christians in the most prosperous and powerful nation on earth has given us a great deal of responsibility. Big Idea: Following God yields rewards that are greater than any amount of money or power that the world offers. (Proverbs 28:5-6; Various)

Full of practical wisdom and keen insight, this message gives the listener some perspective on how God views the wealth that He has given to us (especially in the USA). It is given to be a blessing to others – especially through His Kingdom work. ( 1 Timothy 6:17-19)

God has called His followers to a race that is worth running. This message encourages us to run in the right direction, run from sin and to run to the battle, encouraging us to repent, refocus and restart if we're running the wrong way. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Sin always has and always will be seductive. There is nothing that Satan desires to see as much in the life of a Christian than a life that brings dishonor to the Lord. Proverbs 6 is a power packed chapter of Scripture describing the effects that sin has on a life and how to live in victory over that sin. Big Idea: No sin, no matter how great, is beyond the capacity for God to forgive and you to live in freedom over. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Proverbs are full of practical advice regarding parenting. In Proverbs 4, Solomon paints a beautiful picture of a father giving advice to a son. Fathers and mothers could learn much from Solomon’s words in this chapter. He is passionate about handing down a spiritual heritage to his children that will help them avoid life’s pitfalls. Big Idea: Wisdom passed down from one generation to the next honors God. It is a priceless gift to the recipient. (Proverbs 4:1-2)

It’s one thing to possess wisdom; it’s quite another thing to apply it. In Proverbs 3, Solomon spells out for us the rewards that come from walking the path of wisdom. Big Idea: God isn’t a part of life, He is life. And life is better when you include Him in all you do. (Proverbs 3:1-10)

Solomon was the wisest man ever to walk on planet earth. When given the choice to ask God for anything, Solomon chose wisdom. The Proverbs are a gift to us because they contain a treasure trove of godly wisdom. Even though Solomon was given great insight, he knew that real wisdom came from above and started with the fear of the Lord. Big Idea: Knowledge minus God equals foolishness. (Proverbs 1:1-7)

She was a secret Jewish queen in a pagan land. Esther's rise to power in the palace of Xerxes is a story of daring obedinence, the providence of God, and the special calling God has on each of our lives. Big Idea: You do not live in this place during this time by an act of random chance. God created you to live for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived a life of no compromise. From the time of their captivity in Babylon, these men, and their friend Daniel, stood apart. They lived as servants of the Most High God. When their faith was put under fire, they trusted that God would rescue them from the hand of a mighty King. But, even if no rescue would come these men were willing to give their very lives in service to the Lord. Big Idea: Building a strong foundation allows us to stand when our faith comes under fire. (Daniel 1-3)

Jonathan and his armor bearer are two of Scripture's most underrated heroes. They were men who in the face of insurmountable odds believed God instead of men. Their story is an inspiration to anyone who has ever taken a risk for God. People who recognize that their life is a mist, and God is most important are willing to take courageous risks for God. BIg Idea: Courage happens when we persevere under pressure. It happens when we say, “No” to fleshly desires in order to say "Yes" to God's desires. (1 Samuel 13:16-14:15)

Hannah's story is an incredible tale of extravagent love. She wanted nothing more than to be a mother, and when finally given the chance, she gave her son to the Lord. Recognizing that her life was a mist and God's story is most important, Hannah saw God accomplish remarkable things through her son. In the midst of grief, her faith was strong, and her unwavering commitment to the Lord, no matter how hard her life was is a living lesson for us. Big Idea: Even when it feels like our world is falling apart, God is trustworthy. (1 Samuel 1:1-2:11)

We all have one life to live on this earth, and only what is done for Christ will last for eternity. So, why is it so hard to not get wrapped up in the world's system of acquiring as much as we can for ourselves? This message focuses on living our lives for God and His priorities. Big idea: God has given us everything we need to know and to live the life that He desires for us. (James 4:13-17)

John's Gospel ends with the Jesus reinstating Peter. Peter had blown it. He had denied Christ. He must have felt so ashamed. But, the Great Shepherd had good plans for Peter. Jesus would use Peter to start His church. As Jesus prepared to leave earth, He prepared those who had followed Him to lead others. Big Ideas: God can work through our greatest failures to accomplish His purposes. (John 20)

This is session four from the Women of Freedom Conference with Stephanie Wessman held at Woodbury Community Church on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

This is session three from the Women of Freedom Conference with Stephanie Wessman held at Woodbury Community Church on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

This is session two from the Women of Freedom Conference with Stephanie Wessman held at Woodbury Community Church on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

This is session one from the Women of Freedom Conference with Stephanie Wessman held at Woodbury Community Church on Saturday, April 18, 2009.

It was a day unlike any other. Grief was replaced with joy. Sin's curse had been broken. Jesus had defeated Satan. Everything in John's Gospel comes down to Easter! Easter changed everything. Big Idea: Want life? Believe. The Resurrection changes everything. (John 20)

The time has come. Everything in John's Gospel leads to this point in time. Jesus Christ, whom John the Baptist called the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world, way back in chapter two becomes the literal lamb of God on the cross. Big Idea: Jesus Christ is the only Lamb to ever willingly give His life. He gave His life so that we might find life. (John 19:1-42)