Wildwood College Life

In the next part of God's unfolding plan for humanity, we study the Age of the Promise and the Age of the Law. John Abernethy, our Care Pastor, has the students line up in a timeline and walks us through what it would be like to relate to God in each era.Reflection Questions:Do you resonate with some of the confusion people feel when trying to understand the Old Testament; esp. the sacrifices and the Law?How does understanding the Old Testament help you understand the New Testament; esp. Jesus's words and actions?God uses two imperfect, even unwilling, men and keeps His promises to them. How does that make you feel about His using you for His glory?How might learning about the Tabernacle and the mercy seat help you understand and appreciate more the sacrifice that Jesus completed on the cross?

This is the first of a three part series on the history of a God that redeems. Kevin walks us through God's plan for His relationship to humanity through the seven ages of Scripture. Through the ages, God's righteousness becomes clearer as his plan unfolds progressively.

We have a tendency to compartmentalize our lives, picking and choosing what parts we want to devote to God and which we want to devote to ourselves. Yet, salvation urges us to see that every part of our lives matter because God has chosen us to represent His heavenly interests.The love of Christ should determine our decisions, alter our identity and create our calling.

How we view the resources we have will deeply impact our heart connection to God. Stewardship is generously and wisely managing the resources entrusted to us to reflect the grace of God to a broken world.What has God entrusted you with? How can you increase your trust and reliance in God with resources you desperately want to call "mine" to?

Chris and Chanae Abernethy show us through a progression of God's "temples" throughout Scripture how radical it is to understand that we are now God's dwelling place. After exploring how God dwelled on earth at Creation, in the tabernacle & temple, in Jesus & us, and then in Revelation, we see how this reality has huge implications for our lives. We see that we can draw near to God with full access to Him, live holy as He is holy, and walk in step with the spirit instead of our flesh.

Kevin Bradford, our Global Outreach Director, taught through Genesis 12, Exodus 19, Matthew 28, and Acts 1 to outline God's Plan for the Nations to bring Him glory. We learned that we are blessed to be a blessing to the nations, called to be priests and lead others to Christ, make disciples of all nations, and be a witness to the ends of the earth.

The definition of hope by the world's standards is a temporory feeling sought after to accomplish a goal. The Hope of Jesus is a permenant reality of assurance in God's promises, character, and pursuit of us. We can live in that type of hope today.

Studying the context, words, and implications of Luke 2, Mike Beckham encourages us with the reality of God coming to earth in a shocking way. Reflection questions: What do the circumstances of Jesus' birth reveal about the relationship God desires with you? How will more embracing these truths (that Jesus was a servant King & empathizes with us in every way) impact your relationship with God?

On Family Weekend, Kevin taught on repentance and the act of making Jesus the Lord of our life. We saw that we cannot obey God on our own, but how salvation should lead to obedience. In Romans 1 and Luke 6, we see that God's grace helps us withstand life's storms and motivates our obedience.

In our 3rd week breaking down the good news, or "Gospel," Mike Beckham teaches on Grace and Mercy.

In Week 2 of our series on the Gospel, Kevin teaches on Genesis 2, 3, and 5 to show us why we truly need a Savior. The fact that you have never met a "good person" comes from the fact that all of us fall short and "sin" against God's perfect standard. The result is physical, spiritual, and eternal death and separation from God. However, God created a way through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection to save us.

During week 1 of our series on the elements of the Gospel, Kevin answers the question: Who is God? Our response to God depends on what we believe about Him. If God is our Creator, we should revere Him. If He is our Provider, we must thank Him. Since God is our Ruler, we should trust Him. God is our Savior, so we praise Him! Kevin uses Acts 17 to show us how Paul describes God to the Greeks in Athens.

As the school year begins, Kevin teaches on the importance of committing to a body of believers. In Romans 12, we are encouraged and commanded to use our God-given gifts to build up the Church. Wherever God leads you to call your church family, we believe God desires you to look for ways to serve, not to be served. Find a local church and start investing today!

At our Fall Kickoff, Kevin dives into what the "College Life" should look like: not a self-centered "experience," but a real encounter with God that leads to loving Him and His people.

Taking a break from our series on 1 John, Kevin Choate teaches through 2 Corinthians 5:13-21 on Christian's new identity as strangers on earth. We are now Christ's ambassadors, fueled by His love, with a powerful message to tell others as we walk in obedience.

Kevin Choate teaches through 1 John 3:10-24 on Christian brotherly love. This kind of sacraficial love is marked by what it isn’t (v. 10-15), by the example Jesus gives (v. 16-18), and the assurance it provides (v. 19-24).

Callahan Kelly, one of Wildwood College Life's summer Residents, teaches through 1 John 2:3-11. Obedience does not justify us, but a life patterned after God's Word should be naturally produced by God's Spirit after salvation by grace through faith. Love must be our defining characteristic as followers of Jesus, as we model our lives after Jesus' perfect love.

Erin Gawne shares her story of life change when Jesus brought her out of darkness and into the light with His love at an early age. By studying 1 John 3:16-24, Erin teaches on loving others in truth and action. The good news of the gospel reminds us that when we constantly fall short of this command, we can remain in God's love and remember His faithfulness.

Fellowship with God leads to a holy life. Because God demonstrates his love for us by dwelling within us, we testify to this truth by obeying Him. Walking with God happens by walking in the light, which happens as our sin is brought to the light. Christ's righteousness covers our darkness and gives us power through the Holy Spirit to pursue holiness.

Brayden Weber shares his story of life change when he realized Jesus was worth following, not just knowing about at a distance. He teaches through part of 1 John 4, which reveals the active relationship that Jesus offers. Following Jesus is not a passive thing; when you realize what He has done for you, you have to respond with intentional commitment. We are compelled to follow Jesus after He saves us through Scripture, prayer, and community.

Chris Corbly shares his story of life change when he realized just how deeply he needed a Savior. He teaches from Ephesians 2:1-10 with deep personal conviction of how God's mercy brings us from death to life for a purpose. It is only by grace through faith, to do good works for His glory.

The first half of this message got deleted, but Kevin dives into Mark 16:15-18 in this second part. Listen for an encouraging and miraculous truth about the Holy Spirit that God gives to all believers after His resurrection and ascension.

When we read of the death of Jesus in Mark 15:33-37, we learn that because of Christ’s atoning (forgiving) sacrifice, we can have peace with God and peace with others. We can praise Him for fulfilling ancient promises, while defying expectations, justifying us, and showing us how to now live justified. Discussion questions: Why does God’s forgiveness to us compel us to be radical forgivers? Read Philippians 2:1-11; what does this passage say about unity and forgiveness in Christ? Read 1 John 1:8-10 and 1 John 2:9-11. What does being “in Christ” mean in the way we live today?

When studying Exodus 12:12-14, Mark 14:17-26 and 1 Cor 5:7, we see that because Jesus is the perfect Passover Lamb, we can celebrate the eternal forgiveness of sin that He provides through his sacrifice. In the Old Testament, we still see salvation provided by substitution. But now the good news is that God provided mercy through his Son Jesus, the perfect substitution. We look at the history and shadows of the OT, see how Jesus fulfilled the Passover in the NT, and how he instituted the new covenant we live in today. Discussion Questions: Read Romans 3:21-26; What does this passage reveal about God’s character? Specifically his patience (forbearance), his justice, and his mercy? Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. For those who have trusted in Christ, we are “in Christ” or have received his righteousness. Why does this matter today, in the here and now? Why does holiness matter in the Christian life?

As we read Isaiah 53; Mark 10:35-45; John 20:1-30, we see a different type of Savior than the people expected. Jesus was the perfect and promised, yet unexpected Messiah, whose message and example show us how to live today. Jesus showed us that the Christian Life is countercultural. It’s not about authority, it’s not about power, it’s not about being first. It’s about being a Servant. And the Messiah, the King of Kings, lived this life perfectly.It was always the plan for Jesus to die on the cross to pay for sin. But the plan also always included Jesus not staying dead! By his death and resurrection, He made a way for restoration back to God. Jesus gave his life so that we might live. For those of us who are in Christ, we have resurrection power living within us. Meaning, the same power that resurrected Jesus lives in us. That’s incredible!! Jesus made a way for any who believe in him to “not perish, but have everlasting life.”

This series starts our journey through the book of Mark. Mark 1:1 opens with the “gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” The "Gospel" is the good news that Jesus made a way for us to be restored back to God. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus by “proclaiming a baptism of repentance & forgiveness of sins” (v. 4). He proclaimed that we need a Savior. Then Jesus is baptized & the “heavens opened & the Spirit descended on Him like a dove” (v. 10). God confirms & blesses the start of Jesus’s ministry on earth! After this glorious moment, Jesus spends 40 days being tempted in the desert by Satan (v. 13). He defeats Satan & his words! Jesus’s message as He starts His ministry is that “the kingdom of God is at hand; repent & believe in the gospel” (v. 15)! Let us repent and believe today, turning from our sin & trust that Jesus saves!

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to understand and live out Scripture. This episode gives a brief definition of the Spirit, a quick timeline of how the Holy Spirit has worked, how He illuminates the Word, and how He empowers believers today. The Holy Spirit helps us study the Bible by giving us the desire to read Scripture, opening our eyes to understand, and giving us Godly wisdom. We study John 16:7, 14:25-26, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14, 3:16, 2 Timothy 1:8-10, and other key verses about God's Spirit. We also hear from our friend Ishani, praising God for the way the Holy Spirit has radically changed her life.

How do I study my Bible? Kevin walks us through 3 simple steps to accurately "spend time in the Word." We first observe by asking, “What do I see? What is here?" We must search the Scripture as you would for treasure (Proverbs 2:1-5) and take notice of the structure, what comes before and after the passage, genre, & context. Then, we interpret the text by asking, “What does this mean?” The Holy Spirit is our primary source for this answer. Secondary sources (like commentaries & podcasts) can help evaluate the text but not shape our understanding. Finally, we apply the text by asking, “How should my life change in response?” In our every day lives, the Bible is our foundation. When we know more about God, we realize our weakness & become aware of sin. The truth in the text can always be applied — in decision making, producing humility, in praising God.

Before reading the Bible, we must understand that it is a revelation from God, about God, and is divinely produced. We then view it as truth, especially since Jesus, the prophets, & apostles say it is! If the Bible is God's revelation and completely true, we must live as though it is authoritative, with the right to define what we are to believe and how to live.