Rewind

This message launches the Rewind series by inviting us to slow down and rediscover what it truly means to follow Jesus. Looking at Jesus’ call to Matthew - a despised tax collector - the sermon shows that Jesus didn’t begin with rules or requirements, but with a simple invitation: “Follow me.”

The message reminds us that following Jesus is about relationship, not perfection. Sin, doubt, or lack of belief do not disqualify anyone; in fact, recognizing our need is where following begins. The central question for the series, and for each of us, is not “How religious am I?” but “Am I following?”

This message continues the Rewind series by showing that following Jesus often happens in stages, not all at once. Through Luke’s account of Jesus calling the fishermen, the sermon highlights how their journey began by listening, then inconveniencing themselves to help Jesus, and finally taking a small step of trust that led to a life-changing encounter with Him.

The sermon applies this story by outlining four phases of following Jesus: sit and listen, loan Him the boat, take Him fishing, and leave the nets. The challenge is to recognize which stage you’re in and take the next step, trusting that even a small act of obedience can open the door to God’s greater purpose.

We have no need to fear when we follow Jesus.This message continues the Rewind series by asking a crucial question: What is the payoff of following Jesus? Looking at Jesus’ words to His disciples in Matthew 10, the sermon explains that following Christ is not a promise of an easy or pain-free life, but an invitation into a deep confidence in God, even in the face of fear, opposition, and uncertainty.

Jesus leads His followers to a faith that overwhelms fear, rooted in the assurance that the Father knows, values, and is present with His children. The message challenges us to consider how our decisions would change if we were fully confident that God is with us, reminding us that true freedom to love others - and live boldly - comes when faith is bigger than fear.

In this Rewind message, Wes asks a hard question: What happens when our wants get in the way of what Jesus wants? He looks at the night Jesus was arrested and shows how many of His closest followers walked away. Their failure is easier to understand when we see how often fear, pressure, and disappointment affect our own faith.

Wes highlights three examples. The disciples ran because of fatigue and fear. Peter denied Jesus because of arrogance and intimidation, even after saying he never would. Judas betrayed Jesus out of greed and disillusionment. The key difference is how each responded afterward. Peter repented and was restored. Judas gave up. The message is clear. We will fail at times, but Jesus still invites us to return, reset, and keep following Him.

Who do you say I Am?

In this Rewind message, Wes looks at the “fine print” of following Jesus in Mark 8. After Peter declares that Jesus is the Messiah, Jesus makes it clear that following Him is not just about benefits. It means denying yourself, taking up your cross, and choosing God’s will over your own. Salvation is free, but real discipleship will eventually cost you something.

Jesus asks a powerful question: What good is it to gain the whole world but lose your soul? Wes challenges listeners to think about the defining moments when faith requires saying no to personal dreams, comfort, or opportunity in order to say yes to Christ. Those moments may feel like loss, but in the long run they shape who we truly are and secure what matters most for eternity.

This message centers on Jesus’ command in John 13 to love one another as He has loved us. It reminds us that Christianity is not about rule-keeping or appearances, but about reflecting God’s love in real, visible ways. Since God is love, those who follow Him should be marked by that same love.

Using Colossians 3, the sermon explains that Jesus’ followers should “clothe” themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These qualities do not come naturally, but they are what truly identify someone as a follower of Christ and make a lasting difference in the world around them.

Wes finishes the “Rewind” series by teaching from John 6. After Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowd followed Him for more signs and more food. But when Jesus said He is the Bread of Life, many people decided the message was too hard and they walked away.

Jesus then asked the Twelve if they would leave too. Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go?” Wes said this question matters most in transitions, relationship pressure, and hard times. When following Jesus feels costly or confusing, do not walk away. Jesus alone has the words of eternal life.