Progressive Christian Sermons with Rev. David Wheeler

When the Bible Disagrees With Itself — and the Verses Used to Harm

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 God Requires. Who Jesus Blesses.

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 the Time of Herod, We Long for God to Break In

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?

Reign of Love, Not Domination

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?

Rising for the Future

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?

Rising with Courage

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.

Rooted in Community

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.

Rooted in Grace

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.