Dive into the heart of a century-old battle for the soul of the church! In this gripping second lecture, we unpack J. Gresham Machen’s explosive 1923 critique of modern liberalism—a movement he accused of replacing historic Christianity with a creedless, nature-loving substitute. From dishonest seminaries to the rejection of doctrine, discover how Machen’s warnings echo in our own divided times. Can a church survive when it trades the Cross for the Golden Rule? Tune in to find out!

Lecture Notes:

Download the class handout here.

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Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

In this sermon, we explore Revelation 5, where a strong angel asks, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” Discover why no one in creation is worthy, why John weeps, and how the Lamb who was slain redeems us all. Learn how this heavenly liturgy inspires our worship and empowers us to say “Amen” to God’s plan, as seen in recent victories against an adult-themed club in Terryville and harmful legislation in Connecticut.

Sermon Handout:

Download the sermon handout here.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

What happens when a church loses its courage to fight for truth? In 1923, J. Gresham Machen published Christianity & Liberalism, a book that shook the foundations of American Protestantism. In this first lecture, Pastor Dell dives into Machen’s blistering critique of modernism and liberal Christianity—a critique that feels just as urgent today. From the “low visibility” fights of conflict-averse churches to the spiritual sinkholes on every Main Street in modern America, we’ll explore why Machen called for a new Reformation. Join us as we uncover what it means to stand sharply and clearly for the Gospel in a world that’s forgotten how to fight for its soul.

Lecture Notes:

Download the class handout here.

Download the supplement here.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

Are we living in the end times? With rumors swirling about ancient prophecies and the recent passing of Pope Francis, many are wondering if the clock is ticking towards the end. In this powerful sermon, we dive into Revelation 1:4-8 to uncover what God’s Word really says about the end times and our role in them. Discover why there’s no need for a “Plan B” escape plan and how Jesus Christ, the ruler of kings on earth, calls us to live boldly as kings and priests in His kingdom now. Join us as we explore the unchanging truth of God’s love, Christ’s victory over death, and our mission to consecrate the world around us.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

Have you ever wondered if the resurrection of Jesus is just a 2,000-year-old conspiracy? In this powerful sermon from Acts 10, we dive into Peter’s bold preaching to a Roman centurion named Cornelius. Skeptics might demand, “Show us the body!” but this message reveals something even more compelling: the doctrine of Christ—His role as judge and forgiver of sins—is the true proof that transforms lives. Join us as we explore how this ancient truth challenges us to rethink history, confront our doubts, and embrace a faith that bears fruit today.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

This week, we’re diving into Palm Sunday—when Jesus rode into Jerusalem as King, and the crowd couldn’t be silenced. But what happens when the Church goes quiet? In Luke 19, the Pharisees demanded silence, yet Jesus said, ‘If these were silent, the stones would cry out.’ Join us as we explore why the truth can’t be stopped—and why the Church today must find its voice in a world of lies.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

Picture this: a tense supper in Bethany, the air thick with the threat of betrayal. Jesus is there, just days from the cross. Then Mary steps forward with a pound of costly ointment, pouring it on His feet and filling the house with fragrance. Was it just an act of devotion—or something more? In this week’s sermon, ‘The Fragrance of Hope,’ we uncover how Mary’s worship echoes an ancient peace offering, foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice, and offers hope for the hopeless. From Judas’ treachery to the promise of redemption for all, join us as we explore a story that still scents the Church with grace.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

What happens when a son’s betrayal should end in exile—but his father runs to him instead? In this week’s sermon, we unpack the Prodigal Son’s story—a tale of reckless sin, costly grace, and a family left wrestling with forgiveness. It’s a mirror for us and the Church: can we return to our first love before it’s too late? Discover how God’s prodigal mercy defies justice, pays our unpayable debt, and calls us to a reunion we don’t deserve. Tune in for a raw look at sin, redemption, and the Father who won’t let go.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

The loss of memory—both personal and corporate—can be devastating, leading to a loss of identity and purpose. For the Church, forgetting her first love (Jesus) and her covenant with God results in spiritual disaster, but remembrance, repentance, and the power of Jesus’ Name can restore her.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.

The sermon explores the theme of sacrifice and restoration through the imagery of the holy seed and dead branches. Jesus, the ultimate holy seed, had to die to bring life, just as Abram’s descendants endured suffering before their redemption. The church today faces both internal and external challenges—failing to grow when it lacks faith and withdrawing from its public mission. Worship itself is a political act, shaping the world around us. The key to flourishing is faith in Christ, the true vine, which overcomes fear, restores the broken, and calls us to active trust in God’s promises.

Stay Connected:

Follow Pastor Jake on X at https://x.com/jakedell73.

Subscribe to Experimental Sermons at https://jwdell.substack.com/.

Join us for Sunday worship at https://firstchurchwoodbury.org/.