Wilmington Reformed

What 'Christ' Really Means: The Full Weight Behind the Name

This episode explains what it means that Jesus is the Christ, tracing Old Testament titles—offspring, servant, branch of David—and how they point to the anointed, Spirit-filled Savior who suffers, defeats evil, blesses the nations, and reigns forever.Using passages from Acts, Genesis, Isaiah, and more, the sermon shows how the apostles proved Jesus as the promised Messiah and why the single word “Christ” contains the heart of the gospel.

Stephen’s Martyrdom and Call to Witness

This episode covers Acts 7:51–8:8, focusing on Stephen’s bold denunciation of the religious leaders, his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and his stoning while he prays for forgiveness for his killers. Saul approves the execution, marking a turning point for the early church.As persecution breaks out, believers are scattered and the gospel spreads: Philip goes to Samaria, where signs, healings, and conversions bring great joy. The sermon emphasizes martyrdom as witness, the call to faithful sacrifice, and the hope of resurrection.

Stephen's Sermon: Exposing the Enemies of Christ

This episode walks through Acts 7 as Stephen delivers a sweeping sermon recounting Abraham, Joseph, Moses and Israel's history to show the gospel's roots in the Old Testament.Stephen emphasizes that God's promise was never about land or temple alone but about faith in the coming Messiah, and he warns of Israel's repeated rejection of God's messengers, culminating in his own martyrdom.The message challenges listeners to focus on Christ, repent, and live by faith rather than clinging to earthly promises.

Greater than the Temple

This episode explores Acts 6–7, focusing on Stephen’s appointment as a deacon, his bold teaching about Jesus as the true temple, and the rising hostility that leads to his arrest. It traces how the early church recapitulates Jesus’ work, the shift from the temple to Christ, and the beginning of the church’s mission beyond Jerusalem.Through historical context and theological reflection, the speaker explains why Stephen’s message provoked opposition and how his witness marks a major turning point for the church’s expansion and identity.

Christ Calls Deacons

In this episode the preacher reads Acts 6:1–7 and explains how the early church appointed seven deacons to care for the needy so the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the Word.The sermon highlights church growth, cultural diversity, the importance of organized service, and the sacrificial example of deacons as the embodied love of Christ.

Rejoicing in Persecution

This sermon walks through Acts 5:33–42 and explores why the apostles rejoiced after being beaten for preaching Jesus. It highlights Gamaliel’s counsel, the biblical call to rejoice in persecution for righteousness’ sake, and practical cautions against seeking suffering or suffering for the wrong reasons.The message encourages believers to live righteously, keep their eyes on heaven, and find boldness and clarity when opposition arises, trusting God’s ultimate victory.

A Peasant King: The Humble Birth That Changed Everything

This episode examines Luke 2:1–20, focusing on Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the shepherds’ witness. It explores the historical and cultural setting that points to a peasant home rather than a stable, emphasizing the incarnation as a covenantal act.Through reflections on humility, poverty, and the reversal of worldly honor, the sermon shows how Christ’s humble birth dignifies the poor and calls listeners to awe, repentance, and transformed lives.

The Resurrection and Resistance

Acts 5:17–32 recounts the apostles’ arrest, miraculous release by an angel, and their bold return to the temple to preach the risen Christ.The passage highlights the centrality of the resurrection, the duty to obey God rather than human authorities when commands conflict with God’s will, and the liberating, life-changing power of the gospel.

Christ Our Inheritance and the Fear of the Lord

This sermon walks through Acts 4–5, contrasting Barnabas’s generous, whole‑hearted response with Ananias and Sapphira’s deceitful compromise, and explains how God’s dramatic judgment and apostolic power stirred both fear and revival in the early church.It calls listeners to recognize Christ as their true inheritance, to embrace humble, godly reverence, and to pursue wholehearted devotion that produces steady, lasting spiritual growth.

Pressing Forward in Prayer

This episode reads Acts 4:1–31 and explores how Peter and the early church respond to arrest and opposition by boldly proclaiming Jesus, praying the Scriptures, and trusting God’s sovereignty.Key themes include the apostolic church, the means of grace (word, sacrament, prayer), the use of Old Testament texts like Psalm 2, and the assurance that nothing can separate believers from Christ’s love.