Wesley Church Sermons

Rooted in the resurrection account from the Gospel of John and the outpouring in Acts of the Apostles, this message explores how Jesus prepares and empowers his followers through the Holy Spirit. From fearful disciples behind locked doors to bold witnesses in the streets, we see that the Spirit is not optional—it is essential. The Holy Spirit transforms hearts, produces Christlike character, and equips believers to live out God's mission in the world.

In this reflection on the Gospel of Luke Emmaus story, the sermon explores why the disciples walked alongside Jesus without recognizing him. Was it grief, distraction, unmet expectations, or simply not being ready to see? Moving through these possibilities, the message shifts to a deeper truth: Christ is most clearly revealed not through dramatic proof, but through scripture and shared table. When we open God's Word and serve one another, our eyes—like theirs—are opened, and we begin to recognize that Jesus has been with us all along.

In this episode, we explore a powerful passage from the Gospel of John (John 20:19–31), where the risen Jesus meets His disciples in the midst of fear, doubt, and uncertainty. Through the story of Thomas the Apostle, we're invited to reconsider what it really means to believe—and when Easter truly begins. What if Easter isn't just a date on the calendar or a moment in history, but something that unfolds within us? What if it's not just about the empty tomb, but about the ongoing effect of resurrection in our lives? This message challenges us to move beyond simply celebrating Easter to actually experiencing it—to discover a faith that meets us in our questions, sustains us through life's wilderness, and empowers us to live with hope, no matter what we face. Because Easter isn't just an event… it's an effect.

This episode invites us to see Easter as more than a story we revisit each year—it's an invitation into new life right now. Walking through John 20, we witness the confusion, grief, and wonder of the empty tomb, but more importantly, we're reminded that resurrection isn't just something Jesus experienced—it's something we're invited into. As we reflect on Mary's encounter with the risen Christ, we explore what it means to move from simply remembering Easter to actually living as people made new. 

In Matthew 28, Easter doesn't arrive quietly—it shakes the ground. This message explores how the resurrection isn't something to explain, but something that disrupts everything we thought was settled. If Jesus is risen, then death isn't final—and neither is anything else you thought had the last word.

Greg Porterfield, Greg Hatfield, & Aaron Talbott Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10 Resurrection celebration. Reflection Question: How does the resurrection shape the way we live today?

Aaron Talbott & Luke Amerson Matthew 27:57–66 The day between crucifixion and resurrection. Reflection Question: Where in life are you currently waiting on God?

Greg Porterfield & Jeff Wickell John 19, 11-18, 28-30 The sacrifice of Jesus. Reflection Question: What does the cross mean personally in your life?

Aaron Talbott & Greg Hatfield John 13:1-26 Communion and servant leadership. Reflection Question: Where might Jesus be inviting us to serve someone today?

Greg Hatfield & Hillary Williamson Matthew 26: 6-13 A quieter moment before events accelerate.  Reflection Question:  What is one way we can intentionally honor Jesus today? 

Greg Porterfield & Bishop Frank Beard Matthew 22 Jesus teaching and being questioned by religious leaders.  Reflection Question: How can we live out loving God and loving our neighbor today? 

Aaron Talbott & Greg Hatfield Matthew 21:12–17 Jesus driving out the money changers. Reflection Question: What might God want to "clear out" of our hearts this week?

Palm Sunday reminds us that Jesus entered Jerusalem not with power and force, but with humility and peace. As the crowds shouted "Hosanna," they welcomed a king—just not the kind they expected. As we begin Holy Week, may we open our hearts to receive Jesus as he truly is.

Greg Porterfield & Aaron Talbott Jesus entering Jerusalem Matthew 21:1–11 Reflection Question: Where might we be expecting Jesus to act one way when he is inviting us to trust him in another?

Palm Sunday isn't just a celebration—it's a choice between two very different parades. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd cheers with expectation, hoping for power and control, but Jesus reveals a kingdom marked by humility, surrender, and the cross. This message invites us to consider not just if we'll praise Jesus—but which kind of King we're actually willing to follow.

John 11:35 

Ezekiel 37 

In John 9, Jesus heals a man born blind, but the deeper miracle unfolds long after the mud is washed away. This sermon explores how the story is not only about physical sight, but about spiritual vision—about who truly sees the work of God and who misses it. As the healed man's understanding of Jesus grows from "a man called Jesus" to "Lord, I believe," we are invited to ask where we might still be blind to grace, truth, and God's activity right in front of us.

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind—but the miracle itself takes only two verses. The rest of the chapter is filled with arguments about what it means. This sermon explores how miracles aren't meant to simply make life easier; they reveal God's vision for the world and invite us to see reality differently. When God changes our lives, it may disrupt the systems and expectations around us, but it ultimately calls us to bear witness to a greater kingdom.

In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her something deeper than the water she came to draw—living water. This sermon explores how Jesus crosses cultural, religious, and personal barriers to reveal the heart of God to someone the world considered an outsider. After encountering Christ, the woman leaves her water jar behind and becomes a witness, reminding us that when we truly experience living water, we don't just stay at the well—we go and tell others.