Sermons by the Rev. David Wheeler

The God You Already Know Acts 17:22–31; John 14:15–21 What if faith is less about finding a distant God and more about becoming awake to the sacred presence that has been with us all along? In this sermon, Rev. David Wheeler explores a more life-giving way to understand God’s power — not as control from above, but as persuasive love within and surrounding all things. For anyone who has struggled with inherited images of a God who causes, allows, or controls suffering, this message offers another faithful way to imagine God: not distant, not coercive, but near, relational, and always calling creation toward healing, justice, connection, and life. This is a sermon for the doubting, the deconstructing, the quietly wondering, and anyone still searching for a God who looks like love. Preached May 10, 2026, at New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City, OK.

In this final sermon of our Easter season series, Learning to Trust Again, Rev. David Wheeler reflects on John 14:1–14 and Jesus’ words to troubled disciples: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.” Too often, this passage has been used as a weapon or a boundary marker. But in context, Jesus is speaking tenderly to friends who are anxious, confused, and unsure of what comes next. This sermon explores how trust does not require having the whole map. Instead, when the way ahead is unclear, Jesus gives us a pattern: love made visible. We may not always know what comes next, but we can usually recognize what love requires next. Scripture: John 14:1–14 Sermon Series: Learning to Trust Again, Part 4 of 4

Scripture: John 10:1–10 In a world full of voices competing for our attention—political, cultural, religious, and digital—how do we know which ones are actually worth trusting? In this message, Rev. David Wheeler explores Jesus’ words in John 10 and the powerful claim that not every voice leads to life. Some voices divide, diminish, and drain us. Others—even when they challenge us—lead to deeper compassion, connection, and wholeness. This sermon invites us to rethink what “abundant life” really means—not something reserved for the future, but a way of living that begins now. As New Covenant Christian Church marks two years as an Open and Affirming congregation, we reflect on how choosing to trust voices that lead to life has shaped who we are—and who we are still becoming. The question isn’t just, “Who are you listening to?” It’s: “What are those voices doing to your life?”  

What do you do when trust is broken and hope feels like it belongs in the past tense? In this message from Luke 24:13–35, Rev. David Wheeler explores the story of the road to Emmaus and how trust is not restored in a single moment—but rekindled along the way. Long before the disciples recognize Jesus, they are already walking in the way of honesty, community, and searching for meaning. This sermon also includes a powerful personal reflection on stepping away from ministry due to disillusionment and unexpectedly finding a path back—reminding us that failure, doubt, or distance never disqualify us from the journey. If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “We had hoped…” this message is for you. Because the good news is this: you can lose your way… without losing your place in the way. Scripture: Luke 24:13–35 Series: Learning to Trust Again (Part 2 of 4) Speaker: Rev. David Wheeler Church: New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Oklahoma City

In this first message of the Learning to Trust Again series, Rev. David Wheeler explores one of the most misunderstood parts of faith: doubt. Drawing from John 20:19–31 and the story of Thomas, this sermon reframes doubt not as failure, but as honesty—and even as the beginning of trust. What if doubt isn’t the opposite of faith, but part of it? What if the questions we carry are not something to hide, but the very place where something deeper can begin? This message invites us to stop pretending, to tell the truth about where we are, and to discover that we are met there—with grace, with compassion, and with the possibility of learning to trust again. Scripture: John 20:19–31 Series: Learning to Trust Again (Part 1 of 4)

In this Easter Sunday message, Rev. David Wheeler explored Matthew 28:1–10 and invited us to see resurrection not just as something that happened long ago, but as a living, ongoing reality in our world today. Moving beyond debates about how the resurrection happened, this sermon asked a deeper question: do we have the eyes to see it now? Through story, scripture, and reflection, we were reminded that God has always been in the business of bringing life out of what looks like the end—and that this pattern of resurrection is still unfolding all around us. From quiet acts of courage and compassion to communities showing up for one another, signs of new life are everywhere if we learn how to look. This message culminated in a powerful, embodied moment of worship set to Bruce Springsteen’s The Rising, as the congregation was invited to respond—whether in joy, in hope, or simply by remaining open to the possibility that resurrection might find them in time. Because the good news of Easter is not just that Christ was raised… but that life is still rising.

On Palm Sunday, Rev. David Wheeler explored a deeper layer of the story—moving beyond simple celebration into courage, tension, and choice. What if there wasn’t just one parade that day, but two? One representing power and control, the other humility and love. Through this lens, the sermon invited listeners to consider what it meant to follow Jesus not just in belief, but in action. With timely connections to our world today, we were reminded that the good news isn’t just something we celebrate—it’s something that inspires us to act. Scripture: Mark 11:1–11

Matthew 19:13–15 | Deuteronomy 24:17–22 This week, guest preacher Rev. Nancy Hodgkinson reflects on one of the clearest threads in Jesus’ ministry: a deep, unwavering commitment to protecting and caring for the most vulnerable among us. In a world that often prioritizes power, status, and self-preservation, Jesus turns our assumptions upside down—welcoming children, centering those on the margins, and reminding us that we have all known vulnerability at some point in our lives.  Through scripture, story, and reflection, Nancy invites us to consider what it truly means to embody the good news—not just by avoiding harm, but by actively creating communities where all people are protected, valued, and able to flourish. What might change if we took seriously the call to care for the “least of these”? And how might that calling shape the life of the church today?

Who gets access? Who is welcomed, protected, and allowed to belong? In this sermon from Matthew 19:13–15 and Deuteronomy 24:17–22, Rev. David Wheeler explores how Jesus challenges the quiet systems that decide who matters and who doesn’t. When the disciples tried to push children aside, Jesus interrupted them—placing the most vulnerable at the very center of God’s kin-dom. From ancient laws that protected strangers, orphans, and widows to the pressing questions of our own time, this message invites us to imagine a different kind of community—one that refuses to guard the gates and instead opens them wider. Because in God’s kin-dom, those standing at the edge of the crowd are not turned away.

Guest preacher Drew Southworth brings the message for the Third Sunday in Lent in our series “The Good News Is…”. In a world that often pushes people away from the table, the gospel invites us to pull up chairs instead. Through simple acts of welcome, shared humanity, and courageous love of neighbor, we discover that when communities choose belonging over division, the impossible begins to become possible.   This sermon invites us to imagine what could happen if ordinary people committed themselves to widening the circle—making room for one more story, one more life, one more seat at the table.

Luke 7:36–50 | Matthew 25:35–40 On this Second Sunday of Lent, Rev. David Wheeler explores the story often titled “The Sinful Woman” and Jesus’ teaching that whatever we do to “the least of these,” we do to him. What if the real failure in Luke 7 isn’t scandalous behavior — but withheld welcome? What if the most dangerous sin is not what we do, but the love we refuse to give? Preaching in the midst of U.S. military action toward Iran and rising global violence, this sermon names the tension between empire and the kin-dom of God. It reflects on power, national identity, soldiers who carry out orders they did not choose, and the human cost of turning people into categories. The question at the heart of the gospel is not “Were you respectable?” or “Did you win?” It is far simpler — and far more disruptive: Did you love? This message is both lament and hope — an invitation to see differently, to love courageously, and to refuse to let any human being become invisible.

John 2:1–11 | Matthew 13:31–32 | First Sunday in Lent At a wedding in Cana, the wine runs out. Instead of shame or scarcity, Jesus brings abundance. Instead of tightening boundaries, he widens the table. In this Lenten sermon, we explore what the miracle at Cana and the mustard seed parable reveal about joy, justice, and the kin-dom of God. What does it mean to practice joy as resistance in a culture shaped by fear? How do we embody courageous love for immigrants, students, and neighbors in uncertain times? The good news isn’t fragile. It’s disruptive. It’s abundant. And it still catches us by surprise.

James 2:1–9; Matthew 23:23–24 Not every Bible verse carries equal weight. In this sermon from The Bible They Never Told You About series, Rev. David Wheeler explores what Jesus called the “weightier matters” of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. How we read Scripture shapes who gets a seat at the table — and who gets pushed to the margins. The Bible has been used to defend power and to proclaim liberation. Same text. Different lens. In a time of political anger, polarization, and spiritual exhaustion, this message wrestles with forgiveness without surrendering justice — and asks what happens when we choose love, not fear, as our interpretive lens. If your faith feels strained by culture wars, this sermon offers a deeper way forward. Love as the lens. Justice as the weight. Mercy as the measure.

What do we do when the Bible seems to contradict itself? And what happens when Scripture is used not to heal—but to harm? In this sermon, Rev. David Wheeler explores two foundational questions many people are quietly asking today: how to read biblical contradictions with honesty, and how to confront verses that have been weaponized against LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and women. Drawing from Genesis 1–2 and Acts 15, this message shows how the Bible itself models faithful disagreement—and how the early church chose love over control when Scripture was contested. We examine how certain passages have been misused to justify slavery, racism, exclusion, and patriarchy, and why those interpretations were always more about power than faithfulness. This sermon is especially for: • People who love the Bible but struggle with it • Those who have been hurt by how Scripture was used against them • Anyone seeking a faith they won’t need to deconstruct from later Rather than defending or dismissing the Bible, this message invites listeners into a more honest, humane, and life-giving way of engaging Scripture—one rooted in justice, humility, and love. Because love is the point.

What happens when faith steps out of the sanctuary and onto streets marked by fear? After traveling to Minneapolis to witness the impact of immigration enforcement firsthand, Pastor David reflects on what he saw — and how two ancient scriptures suddenly felt urgently alive. Drawing from Micah’s call to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” and Jesus’ surprising list of who is truly blessed, this message explores what discipleship looks like when real lives are at stake. It's not about politics. It's about following Jesus when mercy and courage matter most.

In part 1 of this Advent series, Rev. Wheeler suggests that in every era, the world has had leaders, like Herod, who led unjustly, hoarded wealth and power for themselves, and let the real needs of their people go unaddressed. In times like these, we long for God to "break in" and set the wrongs to right. But what if God has already been breaking in? What if God works through us instead of through proverbial lightning bolts from the sky?

This was Rev. Wheeler's Reign of Christ/Christ the King Sunday sermon on November 23, 2025. Based on Luke 23:33-43, he suggests that the world will never be transformed by the love of power; only the power of love can transform it! Christian Nationalism and other coercive forms of attempts at change do nothing but add to the noise and division. Can we love our way into a better world?

In this final sermon (part 4 of 4) in the Rooted and Rising series, Rev. Wheeler uses Isaiah 43:18-19 and John 15:1-5 to make the case that God is always doing a new thing. Can we trust that as we do our part today, new growth and fresh fruit will flourish for generations to come through our whole community's active participation?

In part 3 of the Rooted and Rising series, Rev. Wheeler draws from Isaiah 40:28-31 and John 16:33 to encourage the church to be a daring community that serves boldly, stands for justice, and embodies compassion in tangible ways. Courage is expressed when we use our resources, voices, creativity, and hands to build ministries that reflect God's love in the world.

In part 2 of the Rooted and Rising series, Rev. Wheeler draws on Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 3:16-19 as illustrations of how the early Christian communities lived out their faith together. Our own roots are deepened when we show up for one another, bring our diverse gifts to the table to be shared, and embody love in action.

Rev. Wheeler presents Part 1 of the new "Rooted and Rising Series," based on Psalm 1:1-3 and Colossians 2:6-7, this sermon explores grace as the soil that nourishes us. Offering our gifts of time, talents, and treasures, we provide a countercultural witness that roots us deeply in grace, giving us strength to resist shallow religiosity and live out a deeper discipleship.

Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon on October 12, 2025, to offer some words of hope and healing to those who have been “othered” by the church in the name of religion. Based on the healing story of the 10 Lepers, he suggests that those who return to the church are our prophets and actually offer healing to the church. 

This is part 4 of 4 in the "What Might Jesus Say," series. In this sermon, Rev. Wheeler draws from Amos and Matthew to offer praise and critique to each of these three groups of voters in an effort to encourage staying focused on the "weightier matters of faith," Jesus was talking about in Matthew 23:23.

In part 3 of the "What Might Jesus Say," series, Rev. Wheeler offers this sermon about the abortion debate. Drawing from Genesis 2:7 and Mark 5:25-34, he suggests that Jesus' Jewish upbringing would have influenced Jesus' views on this topic. He also suggests that most pro-life and pro-choice folks are not as far apart in their convictions as the loudest voices in our culture war would have us believe.

In this sermon, Rev. Wheeler addresses the moral crisis American Christians are facing in regard to our broken immigration system. Drawing on Leviticus 19:33-34 and Matthew 25:35, he suggests that how we welcome or neglect the stranger is how we welcome or neglect Christ. This is part 2 of 4 in the series, "What Might Jesus Say."

Part 1 of 4 in this new series, "What Might Jesus Say..." Rev. Wheeler presents a biblical, theological, moral, and ethical perspective on the presidency of Donald Trump and offers his ideas on what Jesus might say to this POTUS. Presented 9/14/2025 at New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma City, OK.

In this sermon from June 29, 2025, Rev. Wheeler suggests that gentleness might be the most forgotten Fruit of the Spirit. While challenging listeners to identify the lack thereof in the Christian Nationalist movement, he also encourages those who are willing to reflect on how we incorporate gentleness into our own lives while caring for the most vulnerable citizens in our society.

In this sermon from April 13, 2025 (Palm/Passion Sunday), Rev. Wheeler explores some of the traditional themes of that first Palm Parade through the lens of sounds (or the lack thereof). This is part 6 in the Sanctified Art series, "Everything In Between."

In this sermon from April 6, 2025, Rev. Wheeler raises the question, "Would you rather be RIGHT(eous) or MERCIFUL?" Can we be both? The story of Zacchaeus, as found in Luke 19:1-10 is the starting place for this important conversation. This is part 5 in the Sanctified Art series, "Everything In Between."

Rev. Wheeler continues the Lenten series with this sermon based on Luke 15:1-7. Can something be lost AND found at the same time? 

In part 2 of the series, “Everything in Between,” Rev. Wheeler uses the familiar story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 to discuss the relationship between faith and works. Are they really opposite? Are they equally valid expressions of one’s faith and personhood? 

Rev. Wheeler draws from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to begin this Lenten series on moving past easy, binary, answers to find God in the often messy middle where nuances abound. This sermon asks, “are our neighbors enemies to be feared or friends to be loved? Or is it a bit more nuanced?”

Based on 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Rev. Wheeler attempts to provide some tools and encouragement for spiritual growth. For more info, he recommends Brian McLaren’s book, “Faith After Doubt,” which he references extensively in this sermon.

Click here to listen to the audio version of Rev. Wheeler's sermon from February 5, titled, "The Mind of Christ," based on 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. He says that the place faithful knowledge and action and attitude meet—that is the Mind of Christ.

Here is the audio version of the sermon by Rev. Wheeler from 1/29/2023. Based on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, it discusses how life brings us critical moments where we are faced with letting go of some things and holding onto others. How do we decide? God's wisdom, Rev. Wheeler suggests, is often different from what we have often learned from our surroundings.

Based on 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, this sermon by Rev. Wheeler addresses conflict resolution and unity within the life of the Church. In the middle of the sermon, he includes an interview with the Rev. Kelly Becker, Senior Minister of Disciples Christian Church (DOC), in Bartlesville, OK.

Click here to listen to Rev. Wheelers sermon from January 15, 2023. Based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, this message reflects on what it means for us to “be saints together.”

In his sermon on January 8, Rev. Wheeler suggests the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12 is a story of following stars and chasing dreams, of finding Light in places and people that seem foreign to us, and a story about taking enormous risks. Click to listen to the audio. Feel free to share!

Rev. Wheeler shared this sermon, part 3 in the "Close to Home," Advent series in worship at New Covenant Christian on Dec. 12, 2021. Based on Luke 3:1-18, he brought together the theme of "joy" with "repentance." Joy is found, he suggests, as we do God's work of inclusion at the margins.

Rev. Wheeler offered this sermon in worship on his first Sunday at New Covenant Christian Church (DOC), Sunday, December 5. It is part 2 in the Advent series, "Close to Home," and is based on Luke 1:57-80 and deals with finding one's voice (like Zechariah) and the traditional Advent theme of Peace.

Rev. Wheeler offered this "sermonette" to New Covenant Christian Church (DOC) on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021 by video. This is part 1 in the Advent series, "Close to Home." It draws on the traditional theme for the first week of Advent-- hope.

This was Rev. Wheeler’s final sermon as pastor of Weatherford Federated Church and First Congregational UCC of Norman. Based on John 18:33-37, he offers an explanation of what some Christians might mean when they say, “Christ is King!”

In this sermon, Rev. Wheeler uses the apocalyptic story from Mark 13:1-8, to discuss how the “signs” of the times often signal the beginning of something new and not just the end of something familiar.

What makes a “saint” a Saint? Rev. Wheeler uses Revelation 21:1-6a as a springboard for wrestling with this question on this All Saints’ Sunday.

What does the Greatest Commandment actually look like? Rev. Wheeler examines the connections between loving God, neighbor, and self in this sermon from Oct. 31, 2021.

What happens when we finally have that breakthrough we have been hoping and praying for? Based on Mark 10:46-52, Rev. Wheeler examines this healing story to “see” things in a different light.

Rev. Wheeler shared this message as part 5 of 5 in the “By Popular Demand,” series. What if our image of Jesus needs expanding? Would we better understand some of his “difficult” teachings?

Rev. Wheeler delivered this message on Oct. 3 on World Communion Sunday in response to the “popular demand” of his congregations. Part 4 of 5 in this series.

In this sermon from Sept. 26, 2021, Rev. Wheeler discusses the “substitutionary atonement theory” and what is meant when Christians speak of the death of Jesus as a sacrifice.

Part 2/5 in the, “By Popular Demand Series.”