Nathan Wakefield
Senior Pastor of Southview Baptist Church. Before ministry I directed first-year mathematics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; PhD in mathematics, University of Colorado Boulder. I love building up local churches by discipling leaders, preaching, and teaching.
Personal site: wakefield.2timothy2.org
Pages
- 2 Samuel 24 - My God
Big Idea: What made David different from so many others was not his personal righteousness, wisdom, or pedigree. What set David apart was his consistent commitment to making God his own personal God.
October 14, 2026
- 2 Samuel 18:1-18:33 Priorities Shape Us
Big Idea: What you make a priority will shape your actions, your relationships, and the way you respond to God’s purposes. God’s plan will come to fruition, but your priorities will determine how you interact with His will as it unfolds.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 16:1-17:23 Wisdom Often Means Stepping Back
Big Idea: True wisdom refuses to seize control, choosing instead to trust God to accomplish His purposes. Christ Focus: Jesus is the perfectly wise King who entrusted Himself to the Father’s will rather than seizing power or retaliating against His enemies.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 15 Is God Still God When the Walls Crash Down?
Big Idea: Because God remains sovereign even when our world falls apart, we must respond to catastrophe with faithful trust rather than despair. Christ Focus: We can depend on God even in catastrophe because we know that the ultimate victory was already secured in Christ.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 14 Grace and Justice Are Meant to Be Held Together
Big Idea: Because God perfectly unites justice and grace, His people must pursue both with humility and wisdom. Christ Focus: Jesus Christ perfectly embodies both grace and justice. At the cross, God did not ignore justice in order to show grace, nor withhold grace in order to satisfy justice.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 13:23-39 There Is a Right Way to Deal With Sin
Big Idea: The wrong response to sin often creates even greater devastation than the original offense.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 13:1-22 Choose to Deal with Sin Before It Becomes a Problem
Big Idea: When the warning signs of sin appear, we must take swift action to stop it. Sin rarely erupts suddenly; instead, it grows when we refuse to deal with it early. Christ Focus: Amnon, a son of David, used his position to exploit and destroy the vulnerable.
September 28, 2026
- 2 Samuel 19 — Focus Matters
Big Idea: Keep your focus on what matters, even when life gets messy. Christ Focus: Jesus never lost sight of the Father's purpose, even when surrounded by complicated, sinful, and self-focused people.
September 28, 2026
- Romans 16 The Gospel — God’s Invitation to Significance
Big Idea: People long to feel significant, but true and lasting significance is found in belonging to God and His people. Christ Focus: Jesus secures our significance by bringing us into God’s family and giving us a place in His mission.
August 13, 2026
- Romans 15:14-33 The Gospel — God’s Invitation to Share in His Purpose
Big Idea: In the church, we often talk about “calling,” but Scripture shows that every believer is already called — to a life of humble service, gospel purpose, and shared mission.
August 13, 2026
- Romans 15:1-13 The Gospel — God’s Invitation to Unity
Big Idea: The Gospel is an invitation to be united through Christ, empowering us to live for one another and engage in worship that glorifies God together.
August 13, 2026
- Romans 14 The Gospel — Gods invitation to consider others
Big Idea: Because the Gospel brings us into Christ-centered relationship, we willingly limit our freedom to build up others. Christ Focus: Jesus Christ did not please Himself but gave Himself for others; in Him we see that love willingly lays down rights for the good of others.
May 11, 2026
- Romans 13 The Gospel — Gods invitation to live as citizens of Heaven
Big Idea: When we receive Christ as Savior, our citizenship is transferred to Heaven — and that new identity reshapes how we live on earth. Christ Focus: Christ is the true King who establishes our new citizenship and defines how His people live under authority, in love, and in holiness.
May 11, 2026
- Romans 12:9-21 The Gospel — Gods Call to Live for Jesus, Not to Earn Salvation, But to Represent the Savior
I wonder, does anyone here actually look forward to a performance review? Or receiving a report card that is not quite perfect? I know I do not! I vividly remember the dread of getting a test back in school.
May 11, 2026
- Luke 9:51-62 - Seeking Willing Servants
Big Idea: Christ calls us to a life fully lived and submitted to Him.
April 21, 2026
- Luke 9:37-50 - Seeking Consistent Reliability
Big Idea: We are called not just to be present when it works for us but to be constantly ready to go, to serve, and to submit.
April 21, 2026
- Luke 9:28-36 Seeking Observant Followers
Big Idea: In the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to focus on Easter and miss the point. We must realize that this is all about Jesus.
April 21, 2026
- Luke 9:18-27 Seeking Informed Consent
Crowds cried “Hosanna!” — but many did not understand what kind of King they were welcoming.
March 30, 2026
- Luke 9:1-17 Seeking Active Participants
Big Idea: We are not passive observers of God’s plan, and simultaneously, it is all the work of God. This is the tension in which we must serve and celebrate.
March 17, 2026
- Romans 12:1-8 The Gospel - God's Invitation to Truly Worship
Big Idea: Worship is not really what we do with our voices alone, but how we offer our very person to the service of our Lord.
March 11, 2026
- Romans 11:25-36 The Gospel - Gods call to turn from hard callousness to submissive awe
Theological Proposition/Focus: God's saving work in the gospel leaves us with no neutral ground: when we truly grasp what He has done, we will either grow hard and resistant—or humble, surrendered, and worshipful.
March 1, 2026
- Romans 11:1-24 The Gospel - Gods offer of salvation to Jew and Gentile
Nathan Wakefield / General Adult
February 22, 2026
- Romans 9:30-10:21 The Gospel - The simple means of having a relationship with God
Theological Proposition/Focus: The gospel really is a simple message, but that doesn't mean it is something that everyone believes.
February 16, 2026
- Romans 9:1-29 The Gospel - Gods promise to sovereignly save people
Theological Proposition/Focus: The question in Romans 9 is less about "who is predestined" and more about "how we respond right now to the merciful call of God."
February 8, 2026
- Romans 8:31-39 The Gospel - Gods promise to always be there
Theological Proposition/Focus: We cannot overstate the significance of God's promise to always be with us. Through the love of Christ, we have been brought into an unbreakable, eternal relationship with God.
February 2, 2026
- Romans 8:18-30 The Gospel - Gods promise to fully redeem sin
Theological Proposition/Focus: The world is broken, but God's plan is not just to fix the brokenness like we would patch a tire but rather to completely restore brokenness into something unimaginable.
January 26, 2026
- Romans 8:1-17 The Gospel - Gods promise to be our Father
Theological Proposition/Focus: In the gospel, God relates to us as a loving Father, giving us both the tools for victory over sin and the privilege of a real, vibrant relationship with Him.
January 19, 2026
- Romans 7:7-25 The Gospel - Gods solution to the problems law could never solve
Theological Proposition/Focus: The Law is good, but it can't conquer sin. Only the Gospel breaks sin's power.
January 11, 2026
- Romans 6:15-7:6 The Gospel - Gods invitation to righteous living
Theological Proposition/Focus: In the Gospel, we are fully invited into Christ-likeness, and we receive the power to live righteously because of our union with Christ.
January 5, 2026
- Light for the Nations - Hope for All People
Theological Proposition/Focus: Christ is the hope not just of Israel, but of all nations.
December 11, 2025
- Rachel Weeping - The Pain of Rejection
Theological Proposition/Focus: Though Christ came as Savior, His coming was met with rejection and hostility by some — a foreshadowing of the cross.
December 11, 2025
- Born of a Virgin - God With Us
Prophecy: A virgin will conceive and bear a son called Immanuel.
December 8, 2025
- The Seed of Abraham - The Blessing to All Nations
Theological Proposition/Focus: Even in the smallest detail, God is at work bringing His plan to fulfillment.
December 1, 2025
- The Seed of the Woman The First Promise
Prophecy: The protoevangelium. The offspring of the woman would bring God's solution to the problem the serpent brought.
November 24, 2025
- Don't Stop Giving
Theological Proposition/Focus: Generous giving is a joyful response to God's abundant provisions, reflecting our faith, trust, and commitment to His Kingdom.
November 17, 2025
- Understanding Baptism
There are few things that bring me as much joy as watching someone get baptized. When we baptize an individual we are witnessing their public confession of faith while participating in a church tradition nearly 2000 years old.
November 14, 2025
- The Epistemology of C.S. Lewis
A significant element of apologetics is grounded in one’s ontological and epistemological stance. In fact, it is often the case that a key point of one’s apologetic is defending one’s ontological and epistemological stance.
November 14, 2025
- Newsletter Samples
I write monthly newsletters for our church a few samples are included below.
November 14, 2025
- Is Progressive Sanctification Optional?
This paper will attempt to answer the question, “Is progressive sanctification optional, that is, is salvation (justification) without sanctification or receiving Christ as Savior but not as Lord an open option?” Within protestant theology, theologians often classify the options on sanctification…
November 14, 2025
- Commentary on Romans 10:5-13
For Moses writing with respect to the righteousness which comes from the law, writes that “the one doing the commandments of the law will live by them.” But righteousness from faith speaks in this way, “do not say in your heart, who will ascend into heaven?” That is to bring Christ down.
November 14, 2025
- AI and Ethical Concerns
How can Christians wisely consider the advances in technology and AI in particular.
November 14, 2025
- Modeling and Cognition in Homegroups
Audience: Home Bible Study Leaders Length: 45 minutes Goal: Equip leaders to understand how group dynamics, cognitive processes, and modeling behavior impact learning and spiritual growth in homegroups.
October 21, 2025
- 2 Samuel 11-12 How will you respond to sin in your life?
Theological Proposition/Focus: David, despite all his greatness, was a sinner. What set him apart was his response to sin.
October 20, 2025
- 2 Samuel 7 My will or Gods will?
Theological Proposition/Focus: God may not call you to do the task you desire. The real question is: are you content to embrace the task He has given you?
October 13, 2025
- 2 Samuel 6 Don't just do right, do it right
Theological Proposition/Focus: Doing the right thing in the wrong way leads to devastating consequences.
October 6, 2025
- 2 Samuel 3-4 The Way of Grace
Theological Proposition/Focus: When power, anger, and opportunity collide, most people act on impulse—but David chose a different path. Even when he could have taken revenge or exploited weakness, he chose grace.
September 29, 2025
- Productive Struggle in Homegroups
Audience: Home Bible Study Leaders Length: 45 minutes Goal: Equip leaders to intuitively recognize when learners are in productive struggle and to respond wisely—allowing growth while stepping in when the struggle turns unproductive.
September 25, 2025
- 2 Samuel 2:1-3:1 We Never Arrive
Theological Proposition/Focus: David had just ascended to the throne, yet he needed to move carefully and methodically at God's pace rather than rushing ahead.
September 22, 2025
- 1 Samuel 31 - 2 Samuel 1 What Does Complete Loyalty to God Look Like?
Theological Proposition/Focus: Loyalty to God transcends personal loss and disappointment. In moments of sorrow and hardship, our relationship with God is vital and can guide us through our darkest hours.
September 15, 2025
- 1 Samuel 30:1-31 The God Who Provides in Every Chapter
Theological Proposition/Focus: God was with David even before he was king and he demonstrated his provision in the midst of chaos.
September 8, 2025
- 1 Samuel 28-29 Be Wary of Compromise
Theological Proposition/Focus: God's unchanging standards are the guardrails that keep us from the fatal crash of compromise, and His grace is the only power that delivers us when we stumble.
September 1, 2025
- 1 Samuel 25:1-44 - Let God Handle It
Theological Proposition/Focus: David makes the right choice in allowing God to fight on his behalf instead of allowing a bad situation to escalate to worse. In moments of conflict, we must choose to trust God's wisdom and timing over our desire for immediate vindication.
August 25, 2025
- 1 Samuel 24:1-22 The True Cost of Submission
Theological Proposition/Focus: Genuine honor for God is expressed through our treatment of others, including our adversaries, revealing our trust in His divine plan.
August 17, 2025
- 1st Samuel 21-23 An Easy Life is not Guaranteed
Theological Proposition/Focus: David was the anointed king, but that did not mean life would be easy. The one who has committed themselves to God should not expect things to be easy.
August 10, 2025
- 1 Samuel 20:1-42 Selflessness in Action
Theological Proposition/Focus: True friendship and support in Christ are marked by selflessness, vulnerability, and unwavering faithfulness, challenging us to reflect Christ's love in our relationships.
August 4, 2025
- 1 Samuel 19:1-24 The Spiral and the Shield: Gods Intervention in Human Collapse
Theological Proposition/Focus: Divine disruption and deliverance. When we allow self-focus to control our actions, we risk losing our sense of purpose and connection with God and others; yet, Christ offers a path toward restoration and hope.
July 23, 2025
- John 15:1-27 Agents of Christ V2
Theological Proposition/Focus: as agents of Christ, believers are called to serve with undying loyalty to bear witness to the world, drawing their strength from Christ, their network from his people, and their mission from his command.
July 16, 2025
- 1 Samuel 18:1-30 Check that your Focus is on God
Theological Proposition/Focus: There is a profound contrast between the lunacy of self-focus and the peace of God focus.
July 14, 2025
- 1 Samuel 17:38-58 Take a Stand for God
Theological Proposition/Focus: We must have the faith and courage to stand up for God's reputation, trusting that He empowers us to face and conquer the giants that threaten His glory and our witness.
July 7, 2025
- 1 Samuel 17:1-37 Place your Confidence in the Lord
Theological Proposition/Focus: It took a young boy to remind the people that their confidence was misplaced and needed to be returned to confidence in the Lord.
June 24, 2025
- 1 Samuel 16:14-23 There are no Coincidences
Theological Proposition/Focus: God's sovereignty means that you are not accidentally in the right place at the right time but rather intentionally being prepared for whatever God has for you next.
June 22, 2025
- Acts 14:26-15:4 Share God's Work
Big Idea: Local churches have responsibility to send those called to go out and those called to go out have responsibility to report on God's work to the local church.
June 9, 2025
- Send Them
Theological Proposition/Focus: The local church has been tasked with the job of actively working to send people out to preach the Gospel.
June 2, 2025
- 2 Timothy 1:3-5 Invest Where it Counts
Theological Proposition/Focus: Our legacy is defined by how we invest in the lives of others, particularly in discipling the next generation to know and follow Christ, who empowers us for this crucial task.
May 27, 2025
- Nehemiah 12:27-47 Dedication
Theological Proposition/Focus: We should dedicate our actions, spaces, and lives to God as an act of worship and obedience, and embrace the joy that comes from such dedication.
May 19, 2025
- Ezekiel 2:1-8 Dont Neglect Your Call
Theological Proposition/Focus: In the midst of serving God we must remember that we serve God and none other.
May 11, 2025
- John 20:24-29 Dispel Doubt
Theological Proposition/Focus: Doubt can be a catalyst for faith, leading to powerful declarations of who Christ is in our lives: my Lord and my God.
May 5, 2025
- John 20:19-23 Dispel Anxiety
Theological Proposition/Focus: The overwhelming grace of the Gospel transforms our fear into peace and empowers us to fulfill our calling through the Holy Spirit.
April 28, 2025
- John 20:11-18 Dispel Sorrow
Theological Proposition/Focus: The resurrection of Christ transforms our deepest sorrows into lasting joy and hope, illustrating that grief does not have the final word in the life of a believer. The resurrection takes the teeth out of sorrow.
April 21, 2025
- John 20:1-10, Dispel Death
Theological Proposition/Focus: In light of Christ's resurrection, we are called to transition from passive observers to active participants in sharing the hope of the Gospel, knowing that death is defeated and life is renewed in Him.
April 14, 2025
- John 20:1-10, Dispel Debt
Theological Proposition/Focus: While the crucifixion is a monumental event in history, it is also a personal encounter with Christ's love and mercy. Each believer must comprehend and take ownership of their salvation, realizing the heavy cost Christ endured on their behalf.
April 14, 2025
- John 19:17-42 - Dispel Debt
Theological Proposition/Focus: While the crucifixion is a monumental event in history, it is also a personal encounter with Christ's love and mercy.
April 7, 2025
- John 19:1-16 Dispel Delusion
Theological Proposition/Focus: Indecision about Jesus is a decision against Him; we must confront His identity and our response each day.
March 28, 2025
- Romans 6:1-14 The Gospel - Gods freedom from the grasp of sin
Theological Proposition/Focus: The resurrection of Christ is an invitation to live a life free from the bonds of sin. Through Christ's resurrection, believers have been given a new life, which empowers them to live free from the dominion of sin.
March 17, 2025
- Romans 5:12-21 The Gospel - Gods offer of righteousness.
Theological Proposition/Focus: The grace that flows from Christ's death offers more than forgiveness; it provides the gift of righteousness, transforming our identity and empowering our new life in Him.
March 10, 2025
- John 20:30-31, Luke 1:1-4 Luke 22:14-20 A Story Worth Telling
Theological Proposition/Focus: The story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is a story worth telling. We need to make sure we remember that it all really happened.
March 6, 2025
- Romans 5:1-11 The Gospel - Gods offer of peace and growth
Theological Proposition/Focus: In the Gospel, we have God offering both peace and the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness. In this passage, Paul explains how through faith in Christ, believers have been justified, which brings peace with God.
March 3, 2025
- Romans 4:13-25 The Gospel - Gods hope offered to all people
Theological Proposition/Focus: Abraham's faith, not his works, was credited to him as righteousness. This passage emphasizes the nature of faith and its role in our relationship with God, showcasing that righteousness is available to all who believe in God's promise, particularly through Jesus Ch…
February 21, 2025
- Romans 4:1-12 The Gospel - Gods consistent method through the ages
Theological Proposition/Focus: Faith has always been the means by which God has offered salvation. Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness, highlighting that salvation has always been received through faith and not works.
February 12, 2025
- Romans 3:21-31 The Gospel - Gods righteousness imputed through faith
Theological Proposition/Focus: In Romans 3:21-31, Paul emphasizes that righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe, independent of the law.
February 10, 2025
- Romans 3:1-20 The Gospel - Gods impartial judgement
Theological Proposition/Focus: God's judgment is impartial and every person, regardless of their background, is in need of salvation. True justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the Law or one's own works.
February 3, 2025
- Romans 2:25-29 The Gospel - Gods distinguishing criteria
Theological Proposition/Focus: True faith is evidenced not by external observance, but by a heart that has been transformed by God. In Romans 2:25-29, Paul emphasizes that true circumcision is not merely physical but a matter of the heart.
January 22, 2025
- Romans 2:17-24 The Gospel - Gods Mission
Theological Proposition/Focus: In Romans 2:17-29, Paul addresses the Jewish believers who prided themselves on their heritage and the Law, emphasizing that mere possession of knowledge about God does not equate to righteousness.
January 16, 2025
- Romans 2:1-16 The Gospel - Gods provision for righteous judgement
Theological Proposition/Focus: God's righteous judgment calls us to live authentically in faith, embracing His mercy while recognizing the seriousness of moral accountability.
January 6, 2025
- Simon the Zealot - Acts 1:6-14
Summary: In Acts 1:6-14, the disciples are instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. This passage highlights their confusion, anticipation, and eventual obedience as they gather in prayer, emphasizing the importance of divine timing and preparation for mission.
December 19, 2024
- Judas - John 14:15-31
Summary: In John 14:15–31, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is described as the Advocate or Comforter. This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship believers can have with God through the Spirit, who teaches, reminds, and empowers them in their faith.
December 19, 2024
- James the Lesser - Mark 15:33-41
Summary: This passage captures the moment of Jesus' death on the cross, including the supernatural darkness, His final cry, and the reactions of those present, illustrating the profound significance of His sacrifice for humanity.
December 19, 2024
- Judas Iscariot - Matthew 26:47-56
Summary: Last week our story ended with Jesus in distress and His closest friends couldn’t even stay awake to pray with Him. Tonight our story tells of another betrayal Jesus faced.
December 19, 2024
- John - Matthew 26:36-46
Summary: In this passage, Jesus faces the impending reality of His crucifixion and exemplifies the tension between human anguish and divine purpose.
December 19, 2024
- Philip - John 14:1-14
Summary: In this passage, Jesus assures His disciples of His ongoing presence, their ultimate destination, and the power of prayer. He emphasizes not to be troubled, promising a place for them in His Father's house and revealing that knowing Him is the way to the Father.
December 19, 2024
- Andrew- John 12:20-36
Summary: This passage captures the moment when Greeks approach Jesus, highlighting an important intersection of faith and revelation. Jesus reveals the necessity of His death, using the analogy of a grain of wheat falling to the ground to bear fruit.
December 19, 2024
- James - Matthew 20:20-28
Summary: In this passage, Jesus responds to a request from the mother of James and John, who seeks prominent positions for her sons in Jesus' future kingdom. Jesus uses this moment to teach about true greatness in the kingdom, which is defined not by power but by servanthood and humility.
December 19, 2024
- Thomas - John 11:1-16
Summary: The passage in John 11:1–16 tells the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, showcasing the relationship between loyalty to Jesus and hopeful expectation.
December 19, 2024
- John - Luke 9:49-62
Summary: In Luke 9:49–62, Jesus teaches His disciples the importance of selflessness and prioritizing the Kingdom of God above all else.
December 19, 2024
- Matthew - Luke 5:27-39
Summary: In this passage, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. This leads to criticism from the religious leaders, but Jesus explains that He came to call sinners to repentance, emphasizing that there is nobody beyond redemption.
December 19, 2024
- Nathanael - John 1:43-51
Summary: In John 1:43–51, Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to follow Him. Nathanael initially doubts Jesus but is convinced of His identity as the Son of God. Through the call of Nathanael, we see that Jesus knows us deeply, calls us to follow Him, and reveals His true identity to us.
December 19, 2024
- Peter is Restored John 21:15-23
Summary: In this passage, Jesus reinstates Peter after his denial and instructs him to feed His sheep, emphasizing the restoration and redemption Jesus brings to sinners. Jesus is in the business of restoring and redeeming sinners.
December 19, 2024
- Peter Discovers the Truth About Christ Mark 8:27-38
Summary: In Mark 8:27-38, Jesus reveals to His disciples that He must suffer, be rejected, and killed, but that He will rise again. He emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of taking up one's cross to follow Him.
December 19, 2024
- The Call of Peter Luke 5:1-11
Summary: In Luke 5:1-11, we see Jesus calling His first disciples, demonstrating His love and authority over their lives. The call of Jesus in this passage reflects the divine love and sovereignty of Christ, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice on the cross for humanity's salvation.
December 19, 2024
- Homegroup Notes
Homegroup is more than a Bible study—it's a way of living life together authentically. Our focus is on building meaningful relationships, growing as disciples of Christ, and applying Scripture to our daily lives.
December 19, 2024
Documents
- Set Aside Self-Glorification (sermon outline)
PDF · July 1, 2021
- When the Going Gets Tough (sermon outline)
PDF · July 1, 2021
- Nathan Wakefield CV
PDF · May 22, 2021
- Jeremiah2913
PDF · May 19, 2021
- SampleHebrewWriting
PDF · May 19, 2021
- Score Card
PDF · November 5, 2018
- Simple Target
PDF · November 5, 2018
- Circle Target
PDF · November 5, 2018
- Tsuru wiki
PDF · September 12, 2018
- DenialLines
PDF · June 11, 2018
- DenialNameTags
PDF · June 11, 2018
- 2018 TBC VBS daily schedule
Word · May 29, 2018
- RomansRoadSlips
Word · May 22, 2018
- Classroom diagram
PDF · May 21, 2018
- Map
PDF · May 21, 2018
- Example
Word · May 10, 2018
