Wesley Church | Springfield, MO

Gratitude isn't just a feeling—it's a posture that shapes how we see the world. Following Jesus' example, we can maintain thankfulness even in difficult circumstances by recognizing God's constant presence rather than waiting for perfect conditions. The Apostle Paul instructed believers to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances—not for everything...

All Saints Day reminds us that death doesn't have the final word in our story. When Jesus told his troubled disciples not to be afraid, he wasn't asking them to ignore their pain but to trust in something greater than their circumstances. His promise of many rooms in his Father's house speaks to our deep need for belonging and permanence. Even in our darkest moments of grief, we are ne...

All Saints Day celebrates our eternal connection to the vast family of faith spanning across time and eternity. A saint is simply someone who loves God with all their heart and loves others as Christ loves us. This includes not just famous church figures, but every faithful believer who has gone before us—our parents, friends, and mentors who showed us what it means to walk in God's light. Whe...

Halloween's true origins trace back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was transformed by early Christians into All Hallows' Eve, the night before All Saints Day. Rather than being anti-Christian, Halloween was actually created by the church to honor the saints who have gone before us. The original Celtic tradition involved communities gathering around fires to remember loved...

Halloween is actually a Christian festival called All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints Day. While it has Celtic origins from Samhain, early missionaries transformed this pagan celebration into a Christian holiday, just as they did with Christmas and Easter. The real issue isn't Halloween's history, but the church's defensive posture toward darkness. Jesus declared that the gate...

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

The early Christian church demonstrated that true generosity goes far beyond financial giving—it's a transformative way of life. After Pentecost, believers created authentic community (koinonia) by sharing resources, forming deep connections, and ensuring no one faced hardship alone. Their generosity wasn't driven by obligation but flowed naturally from their spiritual transformation. This...

The early Church in Acts 2 devoted themselves to five essential practices: worship, prayer, teaching, communion, and giving. While we've traditionally recognized the first four as spiritual practices, we've mistakenly categorized giving as merely financial. In reality, giving is just as spiritual as the others—it's a theological statement about who we believe God is. Jesus taught that...

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church. Questions? Email us at PODCAST@WESLEYMETHODIST.COM Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Jesus consistently demonstrated that love was His first move, even when it wasn't deserved or carried risk. In John 8, when religious leaders brought a woman caught in adultery to trap Him, Jesus created space by writing on the ground rather than reacting immediately. His profound response - that only those without sin should cast stones - revealed that none were worthy to condemn. Jesus didn&...

In John 8:3-11, Jesus faces a trap when religious leaders bring a woman caught in adultery before him, presenting only two options: condemn her to death or disregard the law. Instead of choosing either extreme, Jesus demonstrates a third way by writing in the sand and challenging the accusers to examine their own hearts. His response diffuses the situation and offers the woman grace before account...

Discover how Jesus saw beyond societal labels in his radical calling of Matthew, a despised tax collector. In first-century Jewish culture, tax collectors were considered traitors, corrupt collaborators with Roman oppressors, and were excluded from religious and social life. Yet Jesus approached Matthew's booth with a simple invitation: 'Follow me.' Matthew's response was immediate...

Breaking Down Barriers at the Table | Jesus' Radical Approach to Love and Inclusion  Discover how Jesus challenged social hierarchies by loving first without conditions. This message explores the powerful story from Luke 5 where Jesus calls Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him. Learn why tax collectors were considered social outcasts in first-century Jewish society and why Jesus'...

In Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman bent over for 18 years, overlooked by society. While others in the synagogue barely noticed her, Jesus truly saw her - recognizing her full humanity and worth. This story challenges us to see beyond labels, biases, and agendas that prevent us from truly seeing others. When we put people first like Jesus did, we validate their existence and show them they matter...

Jesus demonstrates a radical approach to love in Luke 13 by seeing, calling forward, and healing a woman who had been bent over for 18 years. While religious leaders objected to this healing on the Sabbath, Jesus challenged their priorities, emphasizing that compassion should triumph over rigid rules. This story reveals how Jesus prioritizes the overlooked and marginalized, reminding us that true...

Hello and welcome to Wesley Church's podcast of *That's a Good Question* where we invite and encourage questions that you have wanted to ask the church. Questions? Email us at PODCAST@WESLEYMETHODIST.COM Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

“He Washed Their Feet” Scripture: John 13:1–17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet) Focus: Jesus loved through humility, even when misunderstood or rejected. Big Idea: Love isn’t loud—it’s low. Jesus shows us the power of humble service. Application: What small act of grace can you offer someone this week—especially someone hard to love? WWJD Reimagined: Jesus wouldn’t seek power or applause—He woul...

“He Washed Their Feet” Scripture: John 13:1–17 (Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet) Focus: Jesus loved through humility, even when misunderstood or rejected. Big Idea: Love isn’t loud—it’s low. Jesus shows us the power of humble service. Application: What small act of grace can you offer someone this week—especially someone hard to love? WWJD Reimagined: Jesus wouldn’t seek power or applause—He woul...

Wesley United Methodist Church - Springfield, MO www.wesleymethodist.com (CCLI streaming license 2009194)

Faith in Action examines the critical relationship between belief and behavior in the Christian life. Too often, believers divide into camps that emphasize either doctrinal purity or social activism, but Scripture presents these as two inseparable halves of the same gospel. James, known historically as 'James the Just,' directly challenges the notion that faith can exist without correspond...

What defines Christians in today's world? Too often, we're known more for opposition than support. This message explores how Jesus intended His followers to be recognized by their love, not their arguments or political positions. Drawing from John 13:35, we examine Jesus's clear instruction that love should be the defining characteristic of His disciples. We delve into James's powe...

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places | Matthew 25 Bible StudyDiscover the profound truth from Matthew 25:31-46 that when we serve those society marginalizes, we encounter Jesus himself. This powerful message explores how serving the hungry, thirsty, foreign, naked, sick, and imprisoned connects us directly with Christ. Learn why this passage isn't about works-based salvation but rather how grace...

The Humble Path: Following Jesus' Example of Selfless Service explores how biblical humility transforms our lives in a self-centered world. Discover what true humility really means—not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. Learn from Jesus' radical example of humility, from washing disciples' feet to sacrificing His life for others. This message unpacks why humility...