Sermons – Wooddale Church

Dale Hummel is our speaker this weekend. Dale is the elders' recommendation to the congregation for senior pastor of Wooddale Church. Having served as a senior pastor for over 30 years, Dale has committed his life to reaching people with the Good News of Jesus Christ and seeing lives transformed. He has served in several churches of various evangelical denominations and is in his twelfth year as senior pastor of The Compass Church in Naperville, IL, an Evangelical Free Church with weekend attendance exceeding 3,000 worshipers.

As followers of Christ, we look forward to the day when we’ll be reunited with him forever. In the meantime, we are called to grow where we are planted. In his explanation of the parable of the weeds, Jesus helps those who follow him to understand that evil and those who do evil acts will be with us until his kingdom comes. How do we respond to the evil around us while pursuing holiness? How do we resist the weeds choking the joy and peace out of our lives? With God’s help, we can grow strong, even among the weeds. 

Every Christian has the privilege of introducing others to Jesus and the grace, love and forgiveness that can be found only in him.  There are many obstacles people face as they hear about Jesus, and yet God will work in the lives of many by drawing them to his love.  

We live in a world where peace is so elusive.  We live in relationships where peace is also often elusive.  And, sometimes we wonder if we can even enjoy peace with God.  The finished work of Jesus, crucified, buried and resurrected to new, eternal life gives us the opportunity to live in peace, with God and with others.  Receive his grace and forgiveness, receive his Holy Spirit and celebrate the peace of God in your life!

Peter loved Jesus and at times was a tremendous example to others of how to trust and serve Jesus.  As he began to see the tragedy of Good Friday unfold he proclaimed his faithfulness and loyalty to Jesus only to be humbled by Jesus’ prediction that Peter would soon disown him.  Jesus was correct, Peter failed and everyone scattered.  We each are given multiple opportunities to be faithful, or to disown, Jesus.  How do we handle these situations?  How can we prepare each day so we can respond faithfully?

We have only one chance at life, therefore it is important to understand how we, as believers, should live. In Ecclesiastes we find that we cannot live in the past nor can we live in the future. There is only one time in which we can live- the present. It is the only way to live. Instead of grumbling and complaining our way through life we should have encouragement and joy as we thank God for the life he has given us.

“… for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.”

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”

“… and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

“Give us this day our daily bread…” This portion of The Lord’s Prayer seems to be the most practical because we all need to eat. Most of us enjoy food and good bread is a treat. But it does seem to be out of place with talk of “his kingdom” and “God’s will” and “Our Father who art in heaven.” This bread section seems rather mundane. But Jesus instructed the disciples to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” In that phrase he teaches and reminds us of vital truths for our daily lives.

“… thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” The Lord’s Prayer is one of the most recognized of all prayers. It is also one of the most challenging and radical prayers that we will pray. As a part, Jesus taught his disciples these words, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. In these 14 words, we are called to submit our lives and mold our plans to fit God’s plan. To voice these words is to utter a wholehearted call for God’s will to be done around us and in us. As we pray, we enthusiastically anticipate God’s kingdom.

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” What is prayer? Why do we pray? Does prayer really change anything? We ask many questions about prayer, yet it seems to be hardwired into our beings. Everyone prays. Rarely do we meet someone who does not pray regularly, so we must ponder the questions about prayer. What is it? Why do we do it?