Shows
Wesley Church SermonsThe Good Samaritan | Lucas RamirezThe parable of the Good Samaritan reveals Jesus as the ultimate rescuer who crosses boundaries to save us. While often interpreted as a simple moral lesson about helping others, the deeper meaning shows Christ himself in the Samaritan character - an outsider who pays a debt, heals with symbolic elements, and promises to return. This story challenges us to see beyond the surface, recognizing that Jesus came to rescue us when we were his enemies. Rather than asking 'Who is my neighbor?' we should ask 'How can I be a neighbor?' and replace 'not my problem' with...2025-07-2823 min
Wesley Church SermonsSeeds of the Kingdom | Lucas RamirezThe Parable of the Sower reveals how different hearts respond to God's Word, represented by four types of soil: path soil (where the devil steals the Word), rocky soil (where faith lacks roots), thorny soil (where worldly concerns choke growth), and good soil (where the Word produces abundant harvest). Becoming good soil requires spiritual maintenance—removing obvious sins, addressing hidden issues, and continually weeding out distractions. As believers, we're both soil receiving God's Word and sowers spreading it to others, with the freedom of knowing that while we plant and water, God brings the growth.2025-07-2122 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Great Banquet | Lucas RamirezJesus' Parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14 challenges us to examine our commitment to God. The story depicts a host inviting guests who all make excuses to avoid attending, leading him to invite the marginalized instead. These excuses—checking a new field, trying new oxen, or recent marriage—represent how we prioritize possessions, make illogical justifications, or manipulate religious rules to avoid full commitment to God. The parable reminds us that God's invitation extends to unexpected people, while warning against half-hearted responses. True discipleship requires not just attendance but complete transformation, exchanging our excuses for wholehearted commitment.2025-07-1520 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Mustard Seed Mystery | Steve TemmerThe kingdom of God operates like a mustard seed—starting small, growing slowly, and ending gloriously. Jesus used this parable to illustrate how faith begins with seemingly insignificant acts that eventually transform into something magnificent. We shouldn't despise small beginnings in our spiritual journey, whether they're quiet prayers, unnoticed sacrifices, or faithful attendance. God is growing something in us so He can grow something through us. Our consistent, everyday acts of obedience often lead to the most significant growth, and we need community to nurture our faith along the way.2025-06-3029 min
Wesley Church SermonsGreatness is Overrated | Devlin McGuireThe sermon focuses on Matthew 5:5 - 'Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.' The pastor explores the true meaning of meekness, not as being weak or mild, but as 'not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance.' Using examples from his work as a professor in Colombia, he illustrates how true meekness manifests in faithful service rather than pursuing worldly greatness.The message challenges the cultural obsession with greatness and individual achievement, arguing instead that Christians are called to faithfulness rather than greatness. Jesus and Moses are presented as examples...2025-06-2324 min
Wesley Church SermonsMeals of Hospitality | Lucas RamirezThe story of King David and Mephibosheth demonstrates extraordinary biblical hospitality, where David invited his enemy's grandson to eat at his table permanently. True hospitality involves seeing others beyond our busy lives, elevating them by treating them with dignity, and feeding them both physically and spiritually. Unlike 'counterfeit hospitality' that accepts everything without transformation, biblical hospitality invites people to experience God's presence, which inevitably changes us. As Christians, we're called to practice 'unreasonable hospitality' because God has first shown it to us—seeing us, elevating us, and feeding us spiritually.2025-06-1627 min
Wesley Church SermonsWilderness Walkers | Lucas RamirezJesus is revealed as the 'Greater Moses' - a fulfillment of ancient prophecy that brings deeper meaning to the Last Supper. Just as Moses led Israel from slavery through the wilderness toward the Promised Land, Jesus leads us from sin toward the new creation. Today, we find ourselves in the wilderness stage of God's story, called to lean into community, remember our identity as God's children, and walk in the authority of the Holy Spirit. As wilderness wanderers following the Good Shepherd, we're commissioned to nourish others spiritually and physically until we reach our final destination.2025-06-0930 min
Wesley Church SermonsWhat Happens During Communion? | Lucas RamirezCommunion is more than a ritual—it's a profound encounter with God that transforms our spiritual lives. During this sacred supper, we remember Christ's sacrifice and God's promises while proclaiming the Lord's death to the world. Something mysterious happens as we partake of the bread and cup, experiencing a spiritual encounter at the threshold between heaven and earth. When we approach the communion table, we join ourselves to Christ's sacrifice, becoming living sacrifices ourselves as we surrender fully to God's transforming work in our lives.2025-06-0921 min
Wesley Church SermonsMeals of Covenant | Lucas RamirezMeals are sacred moments of connection that God uses to establish covenants and reveal Himself. Unlike contracts which are transactional, covenants are deeply relational, declaring 'I am yours.' Throughout Scripture, God establishes covenants through sacrifice, outward signs, and sacred meals—from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. When we gather around tables, whether for communion or dinner at home, we create space for God to reveal Himself. By making mealtimes sacred, inviting others to our table, approaching communion with new perspective, and looking for Jesus in our shared meals, we can deepen our relationship with God and others.2025-05-2728 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Path to Fellowship | Lucas RamirezBiblical meals serve as powerful symbols of fellowship and spiritual connection, from the Passover to the Lord's Supper. These sacred gatherings represent more than just physical nourishment - they embody koinonia, a deep spiritual fellowship that includes mutual relationships, shared participation, and genuine connection. The early church demonstrated this through devoted teaching, breaking bread together, and supporting one another. By understanding the significance of sacred meals, we can transform our own gatherings into opportunities for worship, spiritual growth, and authentic community building.2025-05-1927 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Sacrifice, Humility, and Submission of Mary | Lucas RamirezModern science has revealed fetal microchimerism, where cells are exchanged between mother and baby during pregnancy, creating a lasting biological connection. This scientific discovery parallels profound spiritual truths, particularly when considering Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the New Ark of the Covenant. Through sacrifice and submission, Mary exemplified the perfect model of carrying God's presence. Today, believers are called to be vessels of God's presence through the Holy Spirit, requiring the same willing sacrifice and submission Mary demonstrated.2025-05-1224 min
Wesley Church SermonsLimitless Potential | Steve TemmerGod has crafted unique plans for each person's life, designed to bring hope and purpose. Through biblical examples like Moses, Paul, Jacob, and Peter, we see how God transforms ordinary people into extraordinary servants. He doesn't just use our strengths, but often works through our weaknesses to display His power. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, bringing God's presence into our lives and providing the power for ministry. By surrendering to God's transformative work, anyone can unlock their full potential and fulfill their divine purpose.2025-05-0626 min
Wesley Church SermonsLimitless God, Limitless Love | Lucas RamirezGod's nature transcends all human limitations in four fundamental ways: knowledge, power, presence, and love. His knowledge encompasses everything from vast cosmic events to our most intimate thoughts. His power created and sustains all existence without diminishment. His presence fills every space completely and simultaneously. Most profoundly, His love knows no boundaries or conditions, demonstrated ultimately through Christ's sacrifice. Understanding these limitless attributes transforms our lives by removing fear, establishing our identity, and revealing our purpose.2025-04-2826 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Way, the Truth, and the Life | Lucas RamirezJesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday symbolized His victory over death and sin, even before His crucifixion. By declaring Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus established His unique role in humanity's relationship with God. Early Christians were known as followers of 'the Way,' recognizing Jesus as the only path to the Father. While many believed in Jesus, some struggled to acknowledge Him publicly, choosing human praise over divine approval - a challenge that remains relevant today.2025-04-2227 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Resurrection and Life | Lucas RamirezJesus' declaration as the resurrection and life came during the pivotal moment of Lazarus's death. After deliberately waiting four days, Jesus arrived in Bethany to demonstrate His divine power. This event served as both a preview of His own resurrection and a demonstration of the spiritual resurrection He offers to all believers. The story emphasizes the importance of moving beyond intellectual understanding to complete trust in Jesus, challenging us to examine our commitment and embrace the new life He offers.2025-04-2227 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Bread of Life | Lucas RamirezJesus declares Himself as the Bread of Life, offering spiritual nourishment that transcends physical sustenance. Through this powerful metaphor, He illustrates how true satisfaction comes not from worldly pursuits but through a relationship with Him. Just as bread undergoes crushing to become digestible, Jesus underwent suffering to become our spiritual sustenance. This divine nourishment is freely available to all who seek it, requiring only humility, dependency on God, and an open heart.2025-04-0722 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Good Shepherd | Andrew JonesJesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd, establishing a profound metaphor for His relationship with humanity. Like sheep who need protection and guidance, humans require divine leadership and care. Jesus demonstrates this shepherding through His intimate knowledge of His followers, His leadership from the front, and His ultimate sacrifice. He provides both physical and spiritual nourishment, leading His people to abundant life while offering protection and guidance through life's challenges.2025-03-3131 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe True Vine | Lucas RamirezJesus declares Himself as the true vine, establishing His role as the sole source of spiritual life and fruitfulness. This profound metaphor illustrates our need for continuous fellowship and complete dependence on Christ. Through abiding in Him - maintaining a deep, ongoing relationship - we naturally produce spiritual fruit and experience transformation. This connection requires personal responsibility, direct relationship through prayer and Scripture, and total reliance on the Holy Spirit.2025-03-2630 min
Wesley Church SermonsThe Light of The World | Lucas RamirezGod's name I AM reveals His eternal nature and desire for relationship with humanity. Jesus expands on this divine identity through seven powerful I AM statements, with special focus on being the Light of the World. This light operates in three ways: as general illumination like the sun, as focused transformation like a laser, and as reflected glory through believers. Understanding these aspects helps us better grasp our role in reflecting God's light to others and maintaining spiritual vigilance against darkness.2025-03-2626 min
Wesley Church SermonsI Am The Door | Steve Temmer2025-03-2629 min
Wesley Church SermonsSacred Rhythms: Meditation & PrayerSacred rhythms and spiritual habits are transformative practices that shape our character and deepen our relationship with God. These intentional disciplines include internal practices like meditation and prayer, outward expressions like fasting and serving, and corporate activities like worship and giving. Christian meditation focuses on filling the mind with God's truth through Scripture, His works, and creation. Through consistent practice of these sacred rhythms, even starting with just 5 minutes daily, we can experience genuine spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God.2025-03-2625 min
Wesley Church SermonsSacred Rhythms: FastingIn a world constantly pushing us to want more, understanding true satisfaction requires examining our relationship with consumption and spiritual fulfillment. The human tendency to always want more often leads to diminishing returns in all aspects of life. Biblical fasting serves as a powerful spiritual discipline that helps create space for God, discipline physical appetites, and increase spiritual intimacy. When we truly accept that Jesus is enough, everything else in life naturally falls into place, leading to genuine contentment and satisfaction.2025-03-2622 min
Wesley Church SermonsSacred Rhythms: Finding Rest in a Restless WorldSacred rhythms, or spiritual disciplines, are essential practices that deepen our relationship with God. These disciplines fall into three categories: inward (meditation, prayer), outward (simplicity, service), and corporate (worship, celebration). By intentionally engaging in these practices, we create pathways for deeper intimacy with God. The main obstacles to maintaining these rhythms are noise, hurry, and crowds, but by slowing down and creating space for silence, we can develop meaningful spiritual practices that transform our faith journey.2025-02-1927 min
Daily Bible Readings With the Wesley Center at ChattanoogaDaily Bible Reading for October 7, 2022 "Big Troubles in Ft. Frederica"Today in Wesley’s DBR podcast, Charles is having the Charliest of days. “Big Troubles in Ft. Frederica” 2 Timothy 2:1-7
See the DBR video here:
YouTube
IGTV2022-10-0707 min
Lore of the SouthE5 Fort Frederica & Christ ChurchBrief history of Fort Frederica and the odd and haunting history Of Christ Church. If you have a story you'd like to have shared on the show please email me at loreofthesouth@gmail.comIV, Lewis Powell. “‘There's a Light’-Christ Church, Frederica.” Southern Spirit Guide, 24 Dec. 2018, www.southernspiritguide.org/theres-a-light-christ-church-frederica/. Cox, Dale. Christ Church and Cemetery - St. Simons Island, Georgia, www.exploresouthernhistory.com/christchurch.html. Fort Frederica National Monument (U.S. National Park Service). www.nps.gov/fofr/index.htm. Did you know that in 1943, Georgia became the first date t...2021-01-1010 min
Wesley Seminary Podcast#14 Frederica Mathewes-Green: Accepting God's Forgiveness#14 Frederica Mathewes-Green: Accepting God's Forgiveness by Aaron Perry
2018-01-0927 min