Topic: Transformation

Pastor Wes’ sermon drew from the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, challenging common misconceptions about her character.  He paralleled her encounter with Jesus to the old song “There’s a Hole in My Bucket,” demonstrating that simply having knowledge doesn’t guarantee transformation.  The sermon emphasized that Jesus’ conversation with the woman was not about shame or marginalization but rather about renewal, hope, and deep spiritual connection. Through her dialogue with Jesus, the woman becomes and evangelist, leading others to faith. The message encouraged listeners to consider their own spiritual exhaustion and to open themselves to Christ’s renewing presence, just as the woman at the well did.

Pastor Wes reflected on Matthew 6:1-15, exploring five foundational practices of faith: faithfulness, forgiveness, fasting, generosity, and prayer. He shared a childhood memory of a bedroom sign listing daily rules, comparing it to how Jesus’ teachings might feel like a set of regulations. However, he emphasized that Jesus calls for deeper reflection and transformation, not just rule-following.

He contrasted these spiritual practices with society’s focus on fame, wealth, and success, challenging the congregation to consider how these values shape their lives. Encouraging both personal and communal commitment, he invited everyone to embody these practices daily as a way to live out their faith.

Pastor Wes’s sermon, based on selected verses from Acts 10, emphasizes the theme of inclusivity in the early Christian church. He reflects on his childhood experience as a safety patrol member, drawing parallels to the apostle Peter’s adherence to Jewish dietary laws. In Acts 10, Peter receives a vision from God, instructing him to eat foods previously considered unclean, symbolizing the breaking of traditional boundaries. Despite initial resistance, Peter learns that God’s love transcends cultural and religious barriers, as exemplified by the inclusion of Cornelius, a Gentile and Roman centurion, into the faith community. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to examine their own “badges” or unwritten rules that may hinder embracing others fully, urging them to draw the circle wider and practice a faith that is both curious and creative.

Pastor Wes’s sermon on Acts 9:1-19 emphasizes the transformative power of divine encounters, as exemplified by Saul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. He highlights the pivotal role of Ananias, who, despite initial hesitation, obeys God’s call to heal and baptize Saul, demonstrating courage and faith. Pastor Wes encourages self-reflection on our own life experiences and the influences that shape us, likening them to contents stored in a Tupperware container. He challenges us to consider who serves as an Ananias in our lives, guiding and supporting our spiritual journeys, and how we can embody that role for others within our community.

Pastor Wes reflects on the transformative encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch as described in Acts 8:23-36, 38. He emphasizes the unexpected nature of their meeting, highlighting Philip’s obedience to God’s call to travel a wilderness road without a clear destination. This journey leads Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official searching for spiritual understanding. Their interaction, culminating in the eunuch’s baptism, serves as a powerful example of breaking societal and religious barriers. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to consider their own journeys, the friendships formed along the way, and the importance of embracing inclusivity and belonging within the church community.