
Ed Wrather
- Sermons
- Bio
Cleanup Time
1PSA 51:10MAT 11:28PHP 3:81PE 5:61JN 1:9Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of decluttering our lives, both physically and spiritually, by surrendering our junk and clutter to God. He emphasizes the need to confess our sins and surrender our anxieties to God, trusting in His faithfulness and care for us. Through the analogy of selling items on eBay, he encourages us to identify and let go of things that hinder our relationship with God, such as unfulfilled desires, selfish ambitions, and sinful strongholds, and exchange them for God's blessings and guidance.
Finding Stability
0MAT 6:33PHP 4:62TH 2:15Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of finding stability in the midst of life's changes by holding onto our spiritual heritage, as God remains constant and unchanging. Using the example of Madeline Vaughn's remarkable 60-year job stability, he encourages putting Christ first in our lives to maintain spiritual stability and peace, even in the face of uncertainty and transitions.
Begin the Upward Spiral
0JHN 1:12ROM 8:31ROM 8:37Ed Wrather preaches about the downward spiral of destructive behaviors that lead to hopelessness and the need for a change in direction towards an upward spiral of blessing. By receiving Jesus as Savior, one becomes a child of God, part of the royal family of the King of kings and Lord of lords, with an unbreakable bond of love. Living as a child of God empowers believers to overcome excuses and failures, knowing that with God on their side, they are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Reluctant Servants
0EXO 3:11JDG 6:15EST 4:10EST 4:13PSA 27:1ISA 41:10MAT 10:28LUK 12:72TI 1:7Ed Wrather preaches about the reluctance of Moses, Gideon, and Esther to fulfill the call of God in their lives, despite being well-equipped and prepared by God for their missions. Moses, Gideon, and Esther all faced fear and reluctance due to the potential risks involved in obeying God's call, yet they were chosen and prepared by God for specific purposes. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own fears and hesitations in responding to God's call, urging them not to let embarrassment, financial concerns, or opposition from others hinder them from experiencing the blessings of obedience.
The Madness of Sin
02PE 3:9Ed Wrather emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's path, drawing parallels between the story of Balaam's rebellion and the destructive behaviors exhibited by individuals under the influence of substances or engaged in criminal activities. He highlights God's mercy and longsuffering, as seen in the case of Balaam and in modern-day testimonies of individuals miraculously spared from death despite their reckless actions. Wrather urges listeners to heed God's warnings, repent from their sins, and embrace the grace and forgiveness offered by God before it's too late.
Why?
0PRO 22:6JHN 15:14ROM 3:231TI 5:8JAS 2:17Ed Wrather reflects on the tragic school shooting at Columbine High School, highlighting the questions of 'why' and the need for prevention of such tragedies. He emphasizes the fallen nature of humanity, citing Romans 3:23, and the impact of a lack of faith in Jesus Christ in families. Wrather stresses the importance of being committed Christians to prevent criminal behavior and guide our children away from violence, ultimately pointing to being true friends of God as the best way forward.
Easter Is Coming!
0JHN 10:10ROM 5:8ROM 8:28PHP 3:7Ed Wrather preaches about finding hope in the midst of tragedy by focusing on the Christian holiday of Easter, which symbolizes the hope we have in Jesus Christ and God's great love for humanity. He emphasizes that despite the corruption and bad things in the world, Jesus came to give us abundant life and eternal life through His suffering and death on the cross. Wrather reminds believers that just as God turned the terrible event of Jesus' crucifixion into the most wonderful thing through His resurrection, God can bring beauty out of the bad things that happen in our lives, ultimately showcasing His love and power.
Determined Steadfastness
0PSA 51:10PSA 112:61CO 15:58Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of determined steadfastness in our relationship with God, using the story of a woman in Florida who, despite a car accident, a swim in a canal, and a narrow escape from alligators, still made it to work on time as an example. He challenges the listeners to reflect on their own level of commitment to God and encourages them to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord.
He Penalty for Kindness
0Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of showing kindness and love even to those who may not appreciate it, using the example of two girls who faced a lawsuit after delivering cookies to a neighbor. Despite the negative response, they continued to show kindness and prayed for the person who sued them, following Jesus' teachings to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. Wrather emphasizes that there is a reward in being kind, as it reflects our identity as children of God.
Stealing the Swimming Pool
0ROM 3:23Ed Wrather emphasizes the universal reality of sin, highlighting that whether one commits a seemingly small or significant transgression, they have fallen short of God's glory and are in need of a Savior. Using examples of stealing a swimming pool or a small knife, Wrather illustrates that all sins, regardless of size, are violations of God's law. He stresses the importance of recognizing our sinful nature and the need for redemption through Christ, as the penalty for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.
Spiritual Superglue
0MAT 6:22EPH 1:182PE 2:141JN 2:15Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of guarding our spiritual eyes against lust, comparing the damaging effects of lust to putting superglue in our physical eyes. He highlights how lust, whether for material possessions, power, or other desires, can blind us spiritually and hinder our relationship with God, as mentioned in Matthew 5:28 and 1 John 2:15-16. Wrather urges believers to be vigilant in protecting their spiritual eyes from the allure of lust, which can lead to significant spiritual harm.
Avoid and Abstain
0PRO 4:14PRO 13:20ROM 12:21CO 10:131CO 15:33GAL 5:16EPH 5:111TH 5:22JAS 4:71PE 5:8Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of abstaining from every form of evil, using real-life examples like a deputy sheriff getting into trouble while soliciting a prostitute and the high number of injuries in bar fights involving alcohol or drugs. He highlights the practical wisdom in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, urging listeners to avoid situations that may lead to trouble and to abstain from anything that even appears to be evil. Wrather stresses the need to make wise choices, such as avoiding pornography by using filters and changing circles of friends to steer clear of illegal substances, even if it means giving up comfortable friendships.
Stealing the Shower
0PRO 10:2PRO 22:1EPH 4:28PHP 4:191TH 4:11Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of ceasing from stealing and instead working with one's hands to provide for oneself and others in need. He emphasizes that stealing goes against Christian values of giving, servanthood, kindness, and goodness, diminishing self-worth and devaluing others. Wrather acknowledges the challenges some face in finding legitimate employment but encourages faith in God's provision and guidance to transition away from dishonest means of living. He shares personal experiences of trusting in God's faithfulness when faced with uncertainty, highlighting the need to believe in God's promises and rely on His sufficiency.
The Silver Lining
0ROM 8:28PHP 4:4PHP 4:131TH 5:16Ed Wrather preaches about finding joy and gratitude in the midst of life's darkest moments, emphasizing the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances as God's will for us. He shares stories of individuals facing adversity but discovering silver linings through God's intervention and promises, illustrating how even in the most challenging times, God works for the good of those who love Him. Wrather encourages believers to trust in God's love, presence, and strength, reminding them that through Christ, they can find the courage and endurance to overcome any trial.
Stealing the House
0JHN 10:101CO 6:19Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that we no longer own ourselves but were bought at a price by Jesus Christ. He uses the story of a man moving into a house he did not own to illustrate how the devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our lives when we allow him to take control. Wrather urges believers to invite the Holy Spirit back into their lives, kick the devil out, and experience the abundant life promised by Jesus.
You Can Do the Impossible
0JER 32:17MAT 19:26MRK 9:23LUK 1:37ACT 16:61CO 1:27EPH 3:20PHP 4:13Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of attempting the impossible, drawing parallels between the incredible winning shot made by Jordan Snipes in a basketball game and the apostle Paul's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading in spreading the gospel. He highlights how the impossible only becomes possible when one takes the initiative to try, echoing the words of various thinkers who caution against labeling things as impossible. Wrather challenges the congregation to consider what they deem impossible in their lives, whether it's witnessing, teaching, preaching, writing, or making positive lifestyle changes, and encourages them to step out in faith and attempt these tasks.
A Telephone Pole in the Kitchen
0PSA 127:1PRO 3:5MAT 7:24LUK 6:47Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation by following the teachings of Jesus, as described in the Sermon on the Mount. He compares the consequences of building on rock versus sand to the choices we make in our lives, highlighting the need to heed Jesus' words to avoid potential destruction. Wrather uses the analogy of building a house with a telephone pole in the kitchen to illustrate the potential structural damage that can occur when we ignore or disobey God's instructions.
The Unthinkable
02CH 7:14EPH 6:12PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16Ed Wrather emphasizes the urgent need for continuous prayer in the face of escalating violence and tragedies, such as shootings in schools and churches. He highlights the reality of a violent spiritual war manifesting in physical violence, stressing the importance of genuine, fervent prayer as the solution. Wrather calls for a revival of unprecedented magnitude, urging believers to pray ceaselessly to combat the darkness and protect their communities from further harm.
A Gift From God
0PRO 12:4PRO 19:14PRO 31:10EPH 5:25COL 3:18Ed Wrather reflects on the importance of having a prudent spouse, highlighting the wisdom and guidance that comes from the Lord in relationships. He contrasts a prudent wife with a reckless individual, emphasizing the impact of having Godly wisdom in one's life. Through a personal story and reflection on his own marriage, Ed emphasizes the transformative power of God in shaping character and values. He encourages listeners to seek God's guidance to develop inner beauty and prudence in their own lives, becoming a gift to others.
Stuck in a Rut
0MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MRK 10:46JAS 5:16Ed Wrather preaches on the story of blind Bartimaeus, emphasizing the need to seek God for a way out of the ruts in our lives, just like Bartimaeus sought Jesus for healing despite discouragement from others. He highlights the importance of persistent faith and reaching out to Jesus even when situations seem impossible, as Bartimaeus did, resulting in a life-changing encounter with God's power and grace.
Your Cup of Life
0PSA 139:16JHN 13:10ROM 12:1PHP 2:51PE 5:6Ed Wrather preaches on the concept of surrendering to the 'cup' of life that God has given us, drawing parallels between Jesus' acceptance of His sacrificial mission and our own acceptance of life's challenges. Through the example of Peter cutting off the high priest's servant's ear and Jesus' response, we see the contrast between worldly reactions and God's perspective. Failure to surrender to our circumstances can lead to various issues like stress, anxiety, and addiction, emphasizing the importance of yielding to God's plan for our lives.
Arise
01SA 16:7JHN 14:15Ed Wrather preaches on the theme of obedience in John 14, emphasizing Jesus' repeated call to keep His commandments and word. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience even in the face of discomfort, as seen in Jesus' interactions with His disciples, including Judas. Jesus, being God, sees the condition of the heart and confronts sin, leading to repentance and a call to move forward in obedience.
Refocus - Church
0PSA 133:1MAT 18:20EPH 4:16COL 3:16HEB 10:24Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of regular church attendance for spiritual growth, sharing the testimony of Shari whose life was transformed by her commitment to church and seeking the Lord's guidance. He highlights the impact of assembling together as a church family, stirring up love and good works, and the presence of God in the midst of believers. Wrather encourages full commitment to church attendance, regardless of the quality of preaching or worship, as it is a God-ordained place for growth and fellowship.
Refocus - Prayer
0PSA 34:17JER 33:3EPH 3:201TH 5:16HEB 4:16Ed Wrather emphasizes the power of prayer in our daily lives, urging us to approach God boldly and consistently, not just in times of desperation. Through the story of Michael Giovanetti's miraculous survival after a car accident, we are reminded of the importance of persistent prayer and trust in God's intervention even in the most challenging circumstances.
Refocus
0PSA 119:105PRO 4:25MAT 6:33ROM 12:2PHP 3:13COL 3:2HEB 12:3JAS 4:81JN 1:9Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of refocusing our lives on seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as stated in Matthew 6:33, to ensure that all other aspects fall into place according to God's plan. By considering Jesus' endurance in Hebrews 12:3, we are reminded of the dangers of losing focus and becoming weary and discouraged in our souls. The sermon emphasizes the need to realign our priorities with God's Word, especially in times of busyness and distraction, to avoid negative consequences and experience God's blessings.