Westside Church: Recent Episodes
Westside Church
Welcome to the podcast of Westside Church in Vancouver BC. We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. To learn more visit our website at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Erin and Pastor Matt discuss Moses formation in the wilderness, the modern hymns we sing in the church, and why we only seem to be preaching from the book of Acts and the Gospel of John.
In this weeks text well see how easy it is to miss God in the present because were stuck searching for Him in the past. Yet, the good news is that God doesnt meet us where He wasHe meets us where we are.Series : ActsSpeaker : Nathan HarrisonDate : November 10, 2024Text : Acts 7:44-50To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Erin sits down with Pastor Matt to talk about Israels proclivity to turn back to their former chains of slavery over the presence of God, and how we often choose to do the same.
"In this sermon well see the importance for Jesus people to love His presence "Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: November 3, 2024Text: Acts 7:35-43To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Erin sits down with Pastor Aaron Rose to discuss questions we have received from the church about Halloween and whether or not christians should engage in activities such as trick-or-treating, dressing up in costumes, and going to events and parties on Halloween.Links to resources referenced in this episode can be found at wchurch.ca/halloween.
As we continue in Acts 7 well see what marked the transition in Moses life from being called by God to being sent by Him.Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 27, 2024Text: Acts 7:30-34To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Matt and Erin continue the conversation responding to your questions about roles in marriage, being unequally yoked, intimacy in friendships, and the purpose and place for land acknowledgements. This is part two.
As we continue in Stephens speech well see that, regardless of calling, there is no power without the presence of God. Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 20, 2024Text: Acts 7:23-29To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Erin sits down with Pastor Matt as he shares the heart behind the name change from Westside to Centre Church and responds to questions about the timeline, timing, funding, and logistics that we have received from the church over the past few weeks.
As we continue in Stephens speech well see that Jesus was born to set us free from slavery and nothing can compromise the plans and purposes of God.Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 13, 2024Text: Acts 7:17-22To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Matt and Erin talk about many of the questions we have recently received from the church about the name change, prioritizing Jesus in our careers, how to navigate justice vs forgiveness in our prayers. Oh and a bit about Matts dog. This is part one.
As we continue in Acts seven well unpack Gods call of Joseph and see how God still shows us grace even when we miss what He is calling us toSeries: ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: October 6, 2024Text: Acts 7:9-16To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode Matt and Erin chat through the latest questions we have received about sexuality, sin, discipleship, and loving well.
As we continue in Acts six well unpack Gods call of Abraham and see how we can also live as friends of God. Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 29, 2024Text: Acts 7:1-8To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This is part two of a two part series where Matt, Cliff and Erin sit down and talk through the sermon questions we have received over the summer about marriage, the Church, making mistakes and persecution.
"As we continue in Acts six well see that living as Jesus disciples will necessarily include suffering with Him. "Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 22, 2024Text: Acts 6:8-15To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This is part one of a two part series where Matt, Cliff and Erin sit down and talk through the sermon questions we have received over the summer about marriage, the Church, making mistakes and persecution.
As we continue in Acts six well see that Jesus vision for His church includes every one of His disciples engaged in the work of ministry.Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 15, 2024Text: Acts 6:1-7To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Matt and Erin respond to your questions about free will, the necessity of Jesus atoning work on the cross, and the exciting new things happening in Gospel Communities this fall!
As we get back into Acts well start with an overview of what it means to step into Jesus vision for his church.Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 8, 2024Text: Acts 6:1,7To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This is part three of a three part series where Matt and Erin sit down and talk through many of the questions we have had over the summer regarding theology, complementarity, progressive christianity, Side B theology and much more.
This is part two of a three part series where Matt and Erin sit down and talk through many of the questions we have had over the summer regarding theology, complementarity, progressive christianity, Side B theology and much more.
What if we miss what Jesus is saying even if He is speaking clearly?Series: JohnSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: September 1, 2024Text: John 16:25-33To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This is part one of a three part series where Matt and Erin sit down and talk through many of the questions we have had over the summer regarding theology, complementarity, progressive christianity, Side B theology and much more.
In this passage Jesus turns His attention to how His disciples are processing what Hes been saying to them. He will work to draw their attention back to His presence and purpose.Series:JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: August 25, 2024Text: John 16:16-24To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Alisa unpacks the popular slogans like live your truth, follow your heart, you are enough, you are the boss of you, and youre perfect just as you are," that are flooding our social media feeds. In many cases, even materials marketed as Christian promote these ideas. But are they biblical? Listen as Alisa addresses three specific lies of our culture, demonstrates the wrong thinking underneath them, and reveals a much better story in the pages of Scripture.
In this passage Jesus turns His attention to how His disciples are processing what Hes been saying to them. He will work to draw their attention back to His presence and purpose. Series: JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: August 18, 2024Text: John 16:1-15To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Alisa explains what deconstruction is, where it comes from, why it is compelling to some, and how it disorients the lives of so many. You will be challenged to think through the main issues around faith deconstruction and explore wise and loving ways to respond from a biblical worldview.
Today we are encouraged to push our relationship beyond the level that were comfortable with so we can have the type relationship with Jesus that we want and that He wants with us.Series: JohnSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: August 11, 2024Text: John 15:18-27To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Alisa explains the history, key beliefs, and key figures of the movement of progressive Christianity, and ultimately shows how progressive Christianity is at odds with historic Christianity, even disagreeing with Jesus on what the Bible is, what Jesus accomplished on the cross, and the definition of the gospel.
This week well not only see how loving others in the way Jesus has loved us is central to experiencing life in Jesus, but also how this flows from our identity as His friends.Series: JohnSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: August 4, 2024Text: John 15:12-17To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Alisa shares her story of growing up in a Christian home and having a very sincere and genuine Christian faith only to be propelled into a faith crisis after attending a class facilitated by a progressive Christian pastor. She details her journey of discovering the essentials of the faith, and what she calls historic Christianity.
Today we are encouraged to push our relationship beyond the level that were comfortable with so we can have the type relationship with Jesus that we want and that He wants with us.Series: JohnSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: July 28, 2024Text: John 15:1-11To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This is part 2 of last week's episode where Alisa Childers sits down with In-doubt podcast host Andrew Marcus to answer our questions on deconstruction and progressive christianity and how we can walk alongside loved ones who are walking away from the faith.
How do we find peace? This week well see how real peace cannot be separated from Gods presence. And that the courage to be obedient comes from Jesus promise to give us not just peace, but Himself.Series: JohnSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: July 21, 2024Text: John 14:25-31To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this episode, Alisa sits down with In-doubt podcast host Andrew Marcus and answers our questions on deconstruction and progressive Christianity and how we can walk alongside loved ones who are walking away from the faith. This is part 1 of 2
In this passage Jesus will connect loving Him, obeying Him, and the experience of life in His Holy Spirit. Series:JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: July 14, 2024Text: John 14:15-24To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Matt Menzel and Alisa Childers sit down to discuss deconstruction and progressive christianity: it's impact on Jesus' Church and how we should respond.
In this passage Jesus explains that He has come to bring those who believe in Him into the heart, love, and life of His Father.Series:JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: July 7, 2024Text: John 14:7-14To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Matt Menzel sit down to discuss the sermon about John 14:1-7 and getting back into the book of John, identifying genres in the Bible, surrendering our spiritual gifts and passions, and the importance of understanding Gods character accurately.
In our text Jesus begins explaining to His disciples what He is about to accomplish for them through the cross. Jesus is opening a brand new reality and a new way of life to all those who believe in Him.Series:JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: June 30, 2024Text: John 14:1-7To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Matt Menzel sit down to discuss the sermon about Acts 5:33-42 and the true gospel and what Jesus' call for obedience reveals about His heart
Our text begins with the religious leaders offended by the gospel, enraged, and wanting to kill Jesus Apostles. Well see what it looks like to trust every outcome to Jesus and rejoice when were counted worthy to suffer for Him. Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: June 23, 2024Text: Acts 5:33-42To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Cliff Ursel sit down to discuss the sermon about Acts 5:21b-32 and the metrics of trusting faith, the call to do hard things, and how God's goodness is not always what we think it should be.
Faith is Jesus is more than an intellectual exercise, it is also transformative and we cannot change as people unless we trust that what Jesus is calling to is good.Series: ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: June 16, 2024Text: Acts 5:21b-32To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Matt Menzel sit down to discuss the sermon about Acts 5:17-21a, the difference between religion & true faith and why you cannot negotiate with God.
In this text well see the difference between knowing all about God and yet loving the world and exchanging everything the world offers to walk with God.Series: ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: June 9, 2024Text: Acts 5:17-21aTo connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Cliff Ursel sit down to discuss the sermon about Acts 5:12-16 and how the Spirit desires to move among Jesus' people in His Church today
In this conversation, Marc Willerton and Erin Ursel discuss their personal experiences with deconstruction and the importance of watching our lives and doctrine closely.
Its hard to know what to do after a church scandal. Todays text shows us what Jesus does following a church scandal.Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: June 2, 2024Text: Acts 5:12-16To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
This week, Erin Ursel and Matt Menzel sit down to discuss the sermon about Acts 4:36-5:11 and if Ananias and Saphira were true christians and how our love for the world makes us enemies with God
In this passage well witness God publicly execute two members of the early church. Well talk about why this was done and what it means for us. Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 26, 2024Text: Acts 5:1-11To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this passage were given a picture of Jesus church as it was intended to be and were invited into that life for ourselves.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 19, 2024Text: Acts 4:32-37To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see how Peter and John respond when they are released from prison and what that means for the people of Jesus today. Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 12, 2024Text: Acts 4:23-31To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
Todays text shows us that Knowing Jesus has a profound effect on us and that profound effect doesnt stop with us but moves to those we are in proximity with.Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: May 5, 2024Text: Acts 4:13-22To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: April 28, 2024Text: Acts 4:5-12To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as the religious leaders respond to Peter and John preaching Jesus.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 21, 2024Text: Acts 4:1-4To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 14, 2024Text: Acts 3:22-26To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 7, 2024Text: Acts 3:17-21To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:EasterSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 31, 2024Text: Acts 3:11-16To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: March 24, 2024Text: Acts 3:11-16To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 17, 2024Text: Acts 3:1-10To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well glimpse a vision of what Jesus desires to do through His people in the world.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 10, 2024Text: Acts 2:43-47To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see what it looks like when Jesus people are devoted to the priorities God has for His church.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 3, 2024Text: Acts 2:42To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see Jesus exalted at the right hand of the Father and understand why He poured out His Spirit on us from there. Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: February 25, 2024Text: Acts 2:37-41To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: February 18, 2024Text: Acts 2:25-36To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well listen in as Peter begins preaching the gospel to thousands who are about to come to Jesus.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: February 11, 2024Text: Acts 2:22-32To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
How would you respond if you saw peoples lives completely upended by God in a good way? Would you want that for yourself? Series:ActsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: February 4, 2024Text: Acts 2:14-21To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 28, 2024Text: Acts 2:1-13To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus disciples begin preparing themselves for the fulfillment of Jesus promise.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 21, 2024Text: Acts 1:12-26To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well listen in as Jesus prepares His disciples for the greatest outpouring of His Spirit the world had ever known.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 14, 2024Text: Acts 1:6-11To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
As we open the book of Acts well see how Jesus continues His work in our world today.Series:ActsSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 7, 2024Text: Acts 1:1-5To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
Its easy to feel tossed about these days. Todays text gives us confidence to navigate these days in a way that we dont just scrape by, but with our heads up and a smile on our face.Series:Stand-Alone SermonsSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: December 31, 2023Text: Ephesians 5:15-20To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this Christmas Eve sermon well look at one of the ways Jesus displays the hospitality of God.Series:Heaven To EarthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 24, 2023Text: Luke 2:1-21To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
What if wishing someone Merry Christmas had nothing to do with the kitschy hallmarks that Christmas is usually associated with? What if wishing someone Merry Christmas was something that reminds people of power and encounter?Series:Heaven To EarthSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: December 17, 2023Text: Micah 5:2To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see how the love of God leads to our invitation to live through Jesus. Series:Heaven To EarthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 10, 2023Text: 1 John 4:9To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the ways Jesus came to bring us peace, not only through the cross but in His life. Series:Heaven To EarthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 3, 2023Text: Isaiah 9:2-7To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well begin a walk through the incarnation of Jesus by setting our hearts to encounter the God who came for us. Series:Heaven To EarthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: November 26, 2023Text: Colossians 1:15-20To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon, well close our series in Ruth by focusing on how the emptying of Naomi and the redemption of Ruth became a means of grace and love for the world. Series:RuthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: November 19, 2023Text: Ruth 4:13-22To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
As the book comes to a close, were still asking How will this story play out? This week, we find out as we join Boaz at the city gate. Its here that well see that theres only one whos willing to pay the cost of redemption.Series:RuthSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: November 12, 2023Text: Ruth 4:1-12To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
What do you do when many of societys anchor points that are supposed to bring security seem to be breaking down?Series:RuthSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: November 5, 2023Text: Ruth 3:1-18To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Ruth continues to experience radical grace. Well see what that means for us as Jesus people. Series:RuthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 29, 2023Text: Ruth 2:14-23To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Ruth sets out with an expectation of finding grace. Well see how we can position ourselves for a first or an ongoing experience of grace through Jesus.Series:RuthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 22, 2023Text: Ruth 2:1-13To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see Gods heart to bless those whove walked away from Him and through them to bless the world.Series:RuthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 15, 2023Text: Ruth 1:19-22To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
How far does Gods grace go? In this weeks text, well see from the story of Naomi and Ruth that God desires to extend grace in unexpected places and to unexpected people, all so that He can bring hope and life.Series:RuthSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: October 8, 2023Text: Ruth 1:6-18To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well open our study in the book of Ruth and see how Naomis emptying is actually the hand of God moving to bless her. Series:RuthSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: October 1, 2023Text: Ruth 1:1-5To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well talk about the third of our three values: Jesus Kingdom. Well see that the call to holiness for us as a church is the call to live for the will of God.Series:VisionSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 24, 2023Text: Acts 2:1-13To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well talk about the second of our three values: Jesus Image. Well see that the call to holiness for us as a church is the call to become like Jesus.Series:VisionSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: September 17, 2023Text: Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; 9:31To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well talk about the first of our three values: Jesus Presence. Well see that the call to holiness for us as a church is the call to be set apart entirely to Jesus.
Series:Vision Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 10, 2023 Text: Acts 2:1-13
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
What do you do when many of societys anchor points that are supposed to bring security seem to be breaking down?Series:Speaker: Cliff UrselDate: September 3, 2023Text: 2 Kings 6:8-23To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well take a look at three reasons why one of Jesus fiercest disciples, Peter, struggled so much in walking with Him. Well see that these three obstacles to life with Jesus are still a major reason for so much of the joylessness in those who claim to know Him.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 27, 2023 Text: John 13:36-38
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
If youve ever felt stuck because of how people have hurt you this text will encourage you as it shows what Jesus did right after his betrayal was confirmed.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 20, 2023 Text: John 13:31-35
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
Its a heavy moment as Judas time with Jesus and the disciples comes to end around the dinner table. And its here that well see that the way we respond to the love of Jesus determines whether or not we experience the life that he came to give.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: August 13, 2023 Text: John 13:21-30
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
We tend to assume that the sign of a successful life is that you are moving from one degree of status to the next. That happens as we take on tasks and responsibilities associated with that new position. But as Jesus sits around the table with his closest friends, he does something that shows that His kingdom works very differently. And in fact, he shows that the only way forward is down.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: August 6, 2023 Text: John 13:12-20
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
We know that Jesus loves everyone, but in todays text we see that Jesus has a special love for his disciples.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 30, 2023 Text: John 13:1-11
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
How do you respond when someone rejects your best intention for them - How do you respond when its a pattern of rejection? In this sermon we see Jesus last words to the people who have rejected him.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 23, 2023 Text: John 12:44-50
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus public ministry comes to an end in what looks like failure; when in reality it is the fulfillment of Gods word.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 16, 2023 Text: John 12:36b-43
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon Jesus will give us a theology of the cross. Well see why He had to die and what it means for those who follow Him.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 9, 2023 Text: John 12:27-36a
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In John 12:20-26, Jesus says that the hour has finally come for him, the Messiah, to be glorified before the world. But why now? And whats it going to look like? The answer to these questions set up the great paradox of the cross of Christthat life comes through death.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: July 2, 2023 Text: John 12:20-26
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see that the most basic call of every christian is to bear witness to Jesus power over death and proclaim Him Lord.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 25, 2023 Text: John 12:9-19
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well witness Marys radical act of love for Jesus.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 18, 2023 Text: John 12:1-8
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon, we see things looking really bad for Jesus and what that means for you and me.
Series:Zeal: The Book of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 11, 2023 Text: John 11:45-57
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead as a display of Gods glory.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: June 4, 2023Text: John 11:38-44To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see how Jesus responds to the grief of Martha and Mary and what that shows us about what He came to do for us all.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 28, 2023Text: John 11:17-37To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see how Jesus responds to the confusion of His disciples as He gets set to lead them toward danger instead of away from it.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 21, 2023Text: John 11:5-16To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well begin to walk through the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Well see the importance of receiving the love of Jesus in an ongoing way and how to understand His pursuit of His own glory in light of His love for us.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: May 14, 2023Text: John 11:1-6To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
When Jesus walked the earth, he both proclaimed the good news with his mouth and demonstrated it through works of powercasting out demons, healing the sick, freeing from sin and more. But do we really believe that he still works in the same way today? In this weeks text, well see that not only does he continue these good works, but they are one of the primary ways that he draws people to himself.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: May 7, 2023Text: John 10:31-42To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon, we see why a Christian could expect to have peace in troublesome times.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: April 30, 2023Text: John 10:22-30To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see why the Good Shepherd came to lay down His life for His sheep. Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 23, 2023Text: John 10:11-21To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon we will see how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, desires to lead us into abundant life.Series:Zeal: The Book of JohnSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 16, 2023Text: John 10:1-10To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
On this Easter Sunday well unpack Hebrews 2:14-15 and see why an encounter with Jesus is essential to our experience of life. Series:Easter 2023Speaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 9, 2023Text: Hebrews 2:14-15To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
The last chapter of Nehemiah reveals the extreme limitations of the people of God to restore themselves. But their limits under the law reveal Gods power in grace. A new wave of restoration of Jesus people in our city will be born out of fresh encounters with the gospel of grace!Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: April 2, 2023Text: Nehemiah 13:1-31To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon, we see a big shift in who God is stirring up. Up to this point God has been stirring in a few hearts, but this week He shifts from moving in a few to moving in the masses.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: March 26, 2023Text: Nehemiah 12:27, 43To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the next step ancient Israel took in their restorative process--the repopulation of the city. Well see why the city mattered to God and what that means for a church planted in the downtown core of our city today. Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 19, 2023Text: Nehemiah 11:1-2To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see four characteristics that God desires for the community of Jesus people. Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: March 12, 2023Text: Nehemiah 10:1-39To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
The Spirit has been breathing new life into the people of God as they restore their city. But now the work of restoration and renewal turns from the external city walls to the very personal internal world of the people. In this we see that at the heart of the Spirits work of renewal is a response of confession from Gods people.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: March 5, 2023Text: Nehemiah 9:1-38To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon, we see a big shift in who God is stirring up. Up to this point God has been stirring in a few hearts, but this week He shifts from moving in a few to moving in the masses.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: February 26, 2023Text: Nehemiah 8To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see some of the ways Jesus calls His people to be set apart for the sake of the world.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: February 19, 2023Text: Nehemiah 7:1-73To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch how Nehemiah and the people of God respond to the rage of their enemies. Well see God glorified through the completion of the wall as Nehemiahs stands firm in his God-given assignment.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: February 12, 2023Text: Nehemiah 6:1-19To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as the enemies of Gods people attack those working for restoration. Well see how the enemy of our soul attacks us today and how we can experience victory no matter what is thrown at us.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: February 5, 2023Text: Nehemiah 5:1-19To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as the enemies of Gods people attack those working for restoration. Well see how the enemy of our soul attacks us today and how we can experience victory no matter what is thrown at us.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 29, 2023Text: Nehemiah 4:1-23To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well watch as Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem, is immediately opposed, and begins to gather the people for the purpose of restoration.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 22, 2023Text: Nehemiah 2:9-20To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the results of Nehemiah contending for the restoration of Gods people in prayer.Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 15, 2023Text: Nehemiah 2:1-8To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well begin our study in Nehemiah. Well look at the current state of our church and our God given opportunity to join Him in the restoration He desires for us. Series:NehemiahSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: January 8, 2023Text: Nehemiah 1:1-11To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
The words of Scripture speak not only to a freedom that comes from knowing Jesus, but to a new life found in the family of God. But what happens when the experience of that life of being a son or daughter of God feels like a distant reality? Where do we turn? How do we come to experience that life? Thats what Paul highlights in the words of our text this week.Series:RoyaltySpeaker: Nathan HarrisonDate: January 1, 2023Text: Galatians 4:4-7To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well unpack the Christmas story and see that God still works in the miraculous, still speaks, still saves, and still desires closeness with us. Series:RoyaltySpeaker: Cliff UrselDate: December 25, 2022Text: Galatians 4:4-5To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the classic Christmas story and see Gods heart for us to encounter Him today. Series: Good News of Great Joy for All PeopleSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 24, 2022Text: Matthew 1:18-25 To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well see what the restoration of all things mean for us.Series:Good News of Great Joy for All PeopleSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 18, 2022Text: Rev 21:1-5To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the power of Jesus blood to redeem us and what that means for the cities we love. Series:Good News of Great Joy for All PeopleSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 11, 2022Text: Luke 4:16-21To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at our fall from communion with God through the lens of Jesus temptations at the hand of Satan.Series:Good News of Great Joy for All PeopleSpeaker: Matt MenzelDate: December 4, 2022Text: Matthew 4:1-11To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca
In this sermon well look at the very beginning of the gospel story and see why Jesus is good news of great joy for all people.
Series:Good News of Great Joy for All People Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 27, 2022 Text: John 1:1-5, 9-14
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The prayer is that talking about the wisdom of God will compel us to press into Jesus like never before.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: November 20, 2022 Text: Isaiah 55:8-9
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The entire Christian life is meant to be a constant flow of Gods grace and love both to us and through us. So when it comes to the practice of Sabbath, its no surprise that this is exactly what God has always intended it to be. Reflecting his heart of mercy and love, the Sabbath is not only a day that exists for our good, but also for doing good.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: November 13, 2022 Text: Mark 2:23-3:6
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In this sermon well set ourselves up to experience the love of God in greater ways because of the person and work of Jesus.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 6, 2022 Text: Romans 8:31-39
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Most of us, on some level, realize that we are stuck in a cycle of buying and accumulating. But most of us dont realize what that is doing to our souls. What if all of it is moving us farther away from God than we think? Thankfully, in embracing a Sabbath rhythm, we find an invitation to resist what the world would have us become, and are able to step into the life God has for us.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: October 30, 2022 Text: Deuteronomy 6:10-15
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Most of us, on some level, realize that we are stuck in a cycle of buying and accumulating. But most of us dont realize what that is doing to our souls. What if all of it is moving us farther away from God than we think? Thankfully, in embracing a Sabbath rhythm, we find an invitation to resist what the world would have us become, and are able to step into the life God has for us.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: October 30, 2022 Text: Deuteronomy 6:10-15
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In this sermon well unpack what it means that God is jealous and what His jealousy means for those who love Him.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 23, 2022 Text: Exodus 34:11-14
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In this sermon well unpack what it means that God is jealous and what His jealousy means for those who love Him.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 23, 2022 Text: Exodus 34:11-14
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In this sermon we look at why we can experience joy when we Sabbath.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: October 16, 2022 Text: Exodus 20:8-11
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In this sermon we look at why we can experience joy when we Sabbath.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: October 16, 2022 Text: Exodus 20:8-11
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In this sermon well look at the incredible nearness of God and the reason for a sense of divine remoteness that so many feel.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 9, 2022 Text: Psalm 139: 1-18, 23-24
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In this sermon well look at the incredible nearness of God and the reason for a sense of divine remoteness that so many feel.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 9, 2022 Text: Psalm 139: 1-18, 23-24
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For human beings, called to bear Gods image, the sabbath is a repeated opportunity to reflect that image in our own pattern of work and rest. This gets to the heart of the sabbath as worshipful rather than simply usefulno matter how beneficial it may be. The issue at the core of the Sabbath is What (or who) is worthy of our praise? The answer that the Sabbath always proclaims is, the God of creation and redemption.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: October 2, 2022 Text: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15
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In this sermon well try to glimpse the incomprehensible holiness of God.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 25, 2022 Text: Revelation 4:1-11
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In this sermon well try to glimpse the incomprehensible holiness of God.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 25, 2022 Text: Revelation 4:1-11
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In this sermon well see Gods heart for our rest in creation, the fall, redemption in Jesus, and the promise of the restoration of all things.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 18, 2022 Text: Luke 13:10-17
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In this sermon well see Gods heart for our rest in creation, the fall, redemption in Jesus, and the promise of the restoration of all things.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 18, 2022 Text: Luke 13:10-17
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In our time together this week well position ourselves to taste and see the goodness of God
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 11, 2022 Text: Exodus 33:12-19, 34:4-8
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In our time together this week well position ourselves to taste and see the goodness of God
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 11, 2022 Text: Exodus 33:12-19, 34:4-8
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In this sermon well look at God as our Father and unpack some of what it means to be His children.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 4, 2022 Text: Matthew 11:11, 25-30
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In this sermon well look at God as our Father and unpack some of what it means to be His children.
Series:Knowing God Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 4, 2022 Text: Matthew 11:11, 25-30
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Why would a loving God reward the blind mans spiritual awaking and confession of faith with persecution and excommunication? Good news the story doesnt end there - there is still an Act III!
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 28, 2022 Text: John 9:35-41
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After Jesus heals the blind man people are trying to understand what, and how this happened - and it comes by way of an interrogation of sorts.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 21, 2022 Text: John 9:8-34
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Christians celebrate when someone professes faith in Christ - in todays text Jesus response to people coming to faith is very unconventional but very necessary
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 14, 2022 Text: John 9:1-7
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This passage encourages us to know that Jesus' words matter today as much as they did back then and they will continue to matter tomorrow.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Vinh Doan Date: August 7, 2022 Text: John 8:48-59
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How seriously do we take the words of Jesus? Are they like speed-limits to us, providing nothing more than suggestions ready to be broken whenever we feel like it? This week well see that there is only one option for anyone who desires to follow Jesus. Anything else and the devil might be our father.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: July 31, 2022 Text: John 8:39-47
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Christians celebrate when someone professes faith in Christ - in todays text Jesus response to people coming to faith is very unconventional but very necessary.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 24, 2022 Text: John 8:31-37
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In most cases the path to peace comes from wrestling. Todays text shows us how wrestling leads to meaningful peace.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 10, 2022 Text: John 8:21-30
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Chaos and darkness seem to be a reality of the human condition. The question is, What do we do about it? In John 8:12-20, we see how, in Jesus, the real antidote to chaos has come. A way has been made through the darkness, found only in following the true light
Series:Zeal Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: July 10, 2022 Text: John 8:12-20
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How would your spiritual life look like if you believed that Jesus would fight for you? Fight to give dignity, value and restoration?
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 3, 2022 Text: John 7:53, 8:1-11
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Encountering Jesus will bring division, and we shouldnt expect otherwise.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Daniel Markin Date: June 26, 2022 Text: John 7:40-52
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Jesus is saying not only is He the means by which we are saved, He is also saying when we are saved we will encounter God the Holy Spirit in a way that is profound and positive.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 19, 2022 Text: John 7:37-39
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In todays text we see that Jesus is brave, but we also see why He is brave..
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 12, 2022 Text: John 7:25-36
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In todays text we see Jesus showing us that our metrics for discernment might be off.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 5, 2022 Text: John 7:14-24
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In John 7, we learn that if we are truly for the world and desire to see it redeemed by Jesus, then well be willing to face rejection and tension just like Jesus did. But as the apostle John helps us see, for that to happen we have to know where we stand.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: May 29, 2022 Text: John 7:1-13
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As we wrap up chapter 6 we look at the difficult choices we as disciples must make when faced with the invitation to follow Jesus
Series:Zeal Speaker: Matt Shantz Date: May 22, 2022 Text: John 6:60-71
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In todays text we see Jesus agitating a group of people and it begs the question why.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: May 15, 2022 Text: John 6:52-59
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In todays text we see how people respond when Jesus reveals Himself as God and everybody goes through the same process.
Series:Zeal Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: May 8, 2022 Text: John 6:41-51
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As we head back into the Gospel of John, we come to perhaps one of the most famous sayings of Jesus, I am the bread of life. Here we learn that every single person who receives rather than rejects the bread will be filled and receive life. But will God force-feed His children?
Series:Zeal Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: May 1, 2022 Text: John 6:35-40
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This sermon is the last in our True Power series. This series brought up some heavy issues, but it didnt stop there. It ends with encouragement, hope and redemption.
Series:True Power Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: April 24, 2022 Text: 1 Corinthians 16
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In this sermon well walk through the rest of 1 Corinthians 15 and look at the gifts God desires to give us through the resurrection of Jesus.
Series:True Power Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 17, 2022 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
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In this sermon well unpack four aspects the Holy Spirit tells us about the resurrection bodies everyone in Jesus will one day inherit.
Series:True Power Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 10, 2022 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:42-49
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As we continue in 1 Corinthians 15 we see that Jesus resurrection plays a huge role in our eternity.
SeriesTrue Power Speaker Cliff Ursel Date April 3 2022 Text 1 Corinthians 1535-41
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There is often a difference between what we say we believe and what we live. This can be true no matter your religious affiliation. But for Christians what happens when we claim to believe in the resurrection but live a life void of its power? 1 Corinthians 1529-34 is a call back to resurrection life to let the truth and the power of the resurrection consume all that we are and all that we do.
SeriesTrue Power Speaker Nathan Harrison Date March 27 2022 Text 1 Corinthians 1529-34
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As we continue in 1 Corinthians 15 the conversation shifts to the moment of Jesus return and three specific things that He will accomplish at His coming.
SeriesTrue Power Speaker Matt Menzel Date March 20 2022 Text 1 Corinthians 1520-28
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The bodily resurrection of Jesus and the coming physical resurrection of those in Him is such an important part of the gospel that to deny it hollows out the gospel and empties our faith of its substance.
SeriesTrue Power Speaker Matt Menzel Date March 13 2022 Text 1 Corinthians 1512-19
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The gospel or good news of Jesus isnt theory to be known its life to be experienced. At the heart of the good news is our own physical resurrection when Jesus returns but to understand what were hoping in we need to start with Jesus own resurrection.
SeriesTrue Power Speaker Matt Menzel Date March 6 2022 Text 1 Corinthians 151-11
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Many of us believe that theres something out there that will satisfy. Thats why we do most of what we do. But what happens when even the best things that we seek leave us frustrated and searching? And what if we feel the same way even when we try to seek after Jesus? This weeks text shows us why this happens and how theres still more for us in Jesus.
SeriesZeal Speaker Nathan Harrison Date February 27 2022 Text John 622-34
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The limitations that we put on Jesus are roadblocks to receiving and experiencing the ZOE life He gives. Todays text shows how Jesus removes limitations and roadblocks so we can receive and experience ZOE life.
SeriesZeal Speaker Cliff Ursel Date February 20 2022 Text John 616-21
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Jesus and His disciples are tired head away to find rest and are met by thousands of hungry people. As they eat a meal in the wilderness were invited to eat the Bread of Life for ourselves.
SeriesZeal Speaker Matt Menzel Date February 13 2022 Text John 61-15
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As Jesus closes out this conversation with the religious leaders He wants them to know why they cant receive Him believe Him and their best attempts at life are only leading to death.
SeriesZeal Speaker Matt Menzel Date February 6 2022 Text John 541-47
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Jesus is calling us to once again experience his presence. This passage is here for Jesus to show us that the only way for this Zoe/eternal life is to come to him To trust him.
SeriesZeal Speaker Daniel Markin Date January 30 2022 Text John 530-40
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The religious leaders were upset that Jesus talked like He was equal with God. Jesus showed them that His relationship with the Father is not one of equality but complete submission and perfect love.
SeriesZeal Speaker Matt Menzel Date January 23 2022 Text John 519-29
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When Jesus healed the man at the pool of Bethesda He asked a seemingly ridiculous question. But that question uncovers what stands in the way of our ongoing encounters with His healing power.
Series: Zeal Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 16, 2022 Text: John 5:1-18
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As we get back into John we'll take a week out to talk about how we can continually receive fullness of life from Jesus.
Series: Zeal Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 9, 2022 Text: John 5:25-26, 20:30-31
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The prophet Habakkuk had a profound encounter with God that allowed him to process his frustrations and move to a place where he not only had faith, but peace, contentment and even joy.
Series: Habakkuk: Frustration to Faith Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: January 2, 2022 Text: Habakkuk 3:2, 17-19
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Through the lens of Habakkuk the prophet, we gain a glimpse of what it looks like to doubt God, wrestle with Him, and yet remain with Him through it all.
Series: Habakkuk: Frustration to Faith Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: December 26, 2021 Text: Habakkuk 1:1-2:5
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Today we see how to receive a promise that allows us to experience hope, joy, and peace.
Series: Emmanuel God With Us Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: December 19, 2021 Text: Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:31-33
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In this sermon we'll unpack the importance of Jesus' virgin birth for our hope, joy, and peace.
Series: Emmanuel God With Us Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 12, 2021 Text: Matthew 1:18-25
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In this sermon we'll unpack another ancient prophecy fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.
Series: Emmanuel God With Us Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 5, 2021 Text: Micah 5:2-5a; Matthew 2:1-12
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In this sermon we'll see that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to shine light into our darkness.
Series: Emmanuel God With Us Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 28, 2021 Text: Isaiah 9:1-2; Luke 2:22-32
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In this sermon we'll give an overview of the spiritual gifts of tongues, the interpretation of tongues, discernment of spirits, and miracles.
In this sermon we'll look at Jesus' own use of spiritual gifts and some of the ways that operating in our spiritual gifts may create tension between us.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Jon Thompson Date: November 14, 2021
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In this sermon we'll look at the purpose and practice of the spiritual gifts of prophecy, words of knowledge and wisdom.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 7, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
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In this sermon we will look at something that we might overlook God calls the most excellent way - Love.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: October 31, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 13
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In a world of competition and comparison, spiritual gifts can easily become another opportunity to divide. But we are called to humbly embrace our gifts and the gifts of others so that together we can be the body of Christ.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: October 24, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
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In this sermon we'll look at the spiritual gifts of faith and healing.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 17, 2021
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As we begin to look at the "variety of gifts" as "manifestations of the Spirit," we'll start with the gifts of administration, mercy, helps or serving, and giving.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 10, 2021
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As we begin to look at the "variety of gifts" as "manifestations of the Spirit," we'll start with the gifts of administration, mercy, helps or serving, and giving.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 3, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
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In this sermon we'll be introduced to the person of the Holy Spirit and a guiding principle for the use of any and all spiritual gifts.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: September 26, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
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In this sermon we'll be introduced to the person of the Holy Spirit and a guiding principle for the use of any and all spiritual gifts.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 19, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
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It's impossible to come to the Lord's table and remember Jesus in a church divided. But division isn't something we need to accept. Jesus moves to heal and invites us to participate.
Series: Spiritual Gifts Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 12, 2021 Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
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We all have to navigate shifts in life. This text gives us some insights to consider as we navigate our current shift.
Series: Stand Alone Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: September 5, 2021 Text: Ephesians 5:15-21
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As Paul closes out the letter to Timothy he does it with a call to handle our material wealth and the knowledge of God in ways that lead to "that which is truly life."
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 29, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-21
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We're all fighting and striving for something. But the call is to fight for what will last.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: August 22, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
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We are equipped to discern what is harmful to us and what is good for us so that we can have rich experiences with Jesus and with His people.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 15, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
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The church needs to be unified so that it can be effective in the mission to know Jesus and to make Jesus known.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 8, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 6:1-2
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The church needs to be unified so that it can be effective in the mission to know Jesus and to make Jesus known.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: August 1, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 5:17-25
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The love of God is an incomprehensible reality but we get a glimpse of it in the description of Jesus' people as the 'household of God.'
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 25, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 3:15
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There's no greater need in the christian life than to continually encounter the love of God for us in Jesus.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 18, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:5
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Most of us desire to be a positive influence on those around us. Today's text gives us practical tools to do just that.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 11, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-16
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In this sermon we'll unpack the identity of Jesus' people as servants.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 4, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 4:11-16
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We live in a world where we self diagnose and self prescribe all the time. Today's text is a call for church leaders and church members to trust God and in doing so, come to see the goodness of God's heart.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 27, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-10
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Today's text we look at the differences between authentic church leaders and imposters and why some people fall for the ploys of false teachers. If you've ever been seriously harmed by 'church leaders' today's text might help you understand why and maybe even help you move towards healing.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 20, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
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As Paul transitions from the first major section of teaching, he'll transition by stopping to worship. We'll look at the nature of the church and the great gospel of Jesus Christ.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 13, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
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Jesus is the head of the church, every christian is a priest, and yet the Holy Spirit calls some into specific leadership offices. In this sermon we'll look at the calls and qualifications for elders and deacons in the church.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 6, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
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In this sermon we'll continue walking through the Holy Spirit's correction and call for women in the ancient Ephesian church. We'll see how women are called to image God uniquely and profoundly in their femininity.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 30, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 2:11-15
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In this sermon we'll unpack some calls specific to men and women as we come together for worship.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 23, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 2:8-10
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The Apostle Paul challenges the Christians to do some hard things because they lead to good things.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: May 16, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
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The Apostle Paul calls Timothy to "wage the good warfare" and as he does we learn several dynamics of spiritual war for the christian life.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 9, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:18-20
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We all need renewal, which is time with Jesus that allows for refreshing and resetting.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: May 2, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
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What are we supposed to do with the law of God as Jesus' people? How do we handle a standard for life with God that none of us can live up to?
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 25, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
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How can we identify and confront false teaching in ways that honour Jesus and keep relationship with Him at the centre of all we are and all we do?
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 18, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:3-7
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As we open this study of 1 Timothy we'll see that human flourishing begins with surrender to the counterintuitive and often counter-cultural commands of God.
Series: Ordinary Church Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 11, 2021 Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-2
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An encounter with the resurrected Jesus is a life-changing reality. But do we really want to change?
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 4, 2021 Text: Philippians 3:7-11
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Psalm 133 describes the beauty, power, and extreme value of God's people unified in worship. What makes unity so important and powerful? And how can we experience it?
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 28, 2021 Text: Psalm 133
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Pride, arrogance, and god-like self perceptions are hidden noise machines in our lives that never let us rest. Jesus offers a new kind of life for anyone tired and worn out from the old one.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 21, 2021 Text: Psalm 131
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We all experience pain in life and most of that pain is a mixture of what happens to us and how we respond to it. The pain is real but healing is available.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 14, 2021 Text: Psalm 130
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In this moment, we have every reason to give up following Jesus. But Psalm 129 reveals that what we're willing to remember and hold to will determine whether we will ever make it to the end of our lives still abiding in Him.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Nathan Harrison Date: March 7, 2021 Text: Psalm 129
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Joy is something that everyone seeks after, but there is only lasting, eternal joy found in Jesus.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Jer Adrian Date: February 28, 2021 Text: Psalm 126
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Because of COVID, every single one of us is needing some kind of help. Today we look at ways to avoid dangerous proclivities and embrace a better way.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: February 21, 2021 Text: Psalm 121
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As we come together to sing the first Psalm of Ascent we're invited to express the distress inherent in knowing Jesus; the dissonance that exists for every disciple of Jesus and pilgrim on his or her way to God. We're invited to lament.
Series: Psalms of Ascent Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 14, 2021 Text: Psalm 120
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In this week's sermon we'll take a look at the opening of the book of Acts, and discuss how what Jesus came to do, and what Jesus died to give us, impact the mission that God has for us.
Series: Standalone Speaker: Josh Dool Date: February 7, 2021 Text: Acts 1:1-8
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This week we'll close out our vision series with an emphasis on the third of our three core values. We'll talk about what it means to humbly pursue Jesus' presence; being continually formed into Jesus' image, for the good of our city as Jesus' kingdom comes.
Series: Vision Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 31, 2021 Text: John 18:33-38, 19:12-22; Mark 1:14-15
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This week we'll unpack the second of our three core values: formation into Jesus' image.
Series: Vision Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 24, 2021 Text: John 15: 1-13
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This week we'll unpack the first of our three core values: the humble pursuit of Jesus' presence.
Series: Vision Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 17, 2021 Text: Revelation 2:1-7
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We begin our vision series with a call to confession and repentance as a church.
Series: Vision Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 10, 2021 Text: Revelation 2:1-7
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Today we look at practical ways we can get our lives back on track with God and live lives of meaning and purpose..
Series: Haggai Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: January 3, 2021 Text: Haggai 2
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As we journey through the moments of our lives considering each step, may we find that the only eternal joy to be found is in Jesus.
Series: Haggai Speaker: Jer Adrian Date: December 27, 2020 Text: Haggai 1:1-15
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This Christmas can possibly be the most meaningful Christmas of our life, if, we can trust that Jesus is our Glorified Lord. He is the Lord of all.
Series: Humble Glory Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: December 20, 2020 Text: Philippians 2:9-11
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Jesus has a vision for His Church. He has a call on His people. And His Spirit is ready, willing, waiting to empower them for it. It's a vision that begins with embracing divine emptying.
Series: Humble Glory Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 13, 2020 Text: Philippians 2: 5-8
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As the Apostle Paul begins one of the most beautiful descriptions of Jesus' humility and glorification in all the Bible he starts with the high calling for Jesus' people to be a people of relational peace.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 6, 2020 Text: Philippians 2:1-4
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A man comes to Jesus desperate for his dying son to be healed. Jesus heals but as He does, He exposes the real disease underlying our sickness.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 29, 2020 Text: John 4:46-54
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Today concludes the conversation Jesus has with a woman who was sinful, but now being 'born from above' discovers has a voice of healing and redemption.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: November 22, 2020 Text: John 4:31-45
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Jesus meets a woman at a wall and invites her to imagine a kind of water that would remove her thirst once and for all. Why does He do this and how can we experience this living water for ourselves?
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 15, 2020 Text: John 4:1-30
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As we study this interaction between John's disciples and the questioning Jew, we'll see how the author is setting up a Comparison, an Invitation, and concludes with an Imperative that challenges believers and non-believers alike.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Josh Dool Date: November 8, 2020 Text: John 3:22-36
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A religious leader came to Jesus at night to have a dangerous conversation. Jesus pointed him to the one thing he needed, to be born again. An impossibility made possible for all of us.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: November 1, 2020 Text: John 3:16-21
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A religious leader came to Jesus at night to have a dangerous conversation. Jesus pointed him to the one thing he needed, to be born again. An impossibility made possible for all of us.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 25, 2020 Text: John 3:1-15
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This is the second 'sign' John gives to reveal Jesus to us. As Jesus makes His way into Jerusalem for Passover we'll see His authority and His zeal put on display. We'll see Jesus' passion for His Father's house to be all that it should be.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 18, 2020 Text: John 2:12-25
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As we unpack Jesus' first 'sign' in John's account of His life, we'll see the lengths He went to to secure our joy today and forever. And we'll see exactly how we can taste that joy starting right now.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 11, 2020 Text: John 2:1-11
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In the story of Jesus' encounter with two early disciples, Jesus tells what happens to us when we surrender to His call on our lives. When we begin to grasp what He is saying we cannot but want to follow Him wherever it is He wants to lead us!
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Darrell Johnson Date: October 4, 2020 Text: John 1:43-51
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In this text we watch as the first disciples take their first steps in following Jesus. But He's no ordinary Rabbi, Guru, Prophet, Priest, or King; He's the Messiah. Following Him means answering His question, accepting His invitation, and identifying with His promise.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 27, 2020 Text: John 1:35-42
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We become what we behold. Last week we 'beheld' Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. But that's only the first half of the Good News. As we look again we'll see that Jesus is also the one who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 20, 2020 Text: John 1:29-34
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As we move into a brand new season of life and ministry there's only one thing that really matters. One thing Satan, the enemy of our souls, would love to distract us from; beholding Jesus. Seeing Jesus. Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 13, 2020 Text: John 1:29
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John the Baptist was chosen by God to reveal Jesus as the long awaited Saviour to a watching and waiting world. Today isn't just about a great man, it's about us finding fulfillment and purpose in difficult times.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: September 6, 2020 Text: John 1:19-28
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In this sermon we will come to the very centre of the prologue or overture in John 1:1-18. We'll see the implications of God taking on flesh and dwelling among us in Jesus.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 30, 2020 Text: John 1:14-18
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In this sermon we'll unpack what the Revelation of Jesus as the 'True Light', discuss why so many people reject him, and talk about how we go about engaging with the life he came to give.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Josh Dool Date: August 23, 2020 Text: John 1:9-13
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The Apostle John continues to answer the question, 'Who is Jesus?' by pointing to a brand new kind of life and light.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 16, 2020 Text: John 1:4-8
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As the Apostle John sets out to answer the question, 'Who is Jesus?' he takes us back, before the beginning, to reveal the essential nature of the God of love.
Series: Zeal - The Gospel of John Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 9, 2020 Text: John 1:1-5
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We'll look at Matthew 5:13-16 and see what Jesus says about the identity, mission, and cost of being his disciples today.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: August 2, 2020 Text: Matthew 5:13-16
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In this sermon we will unpack Paul's call for the women in Corinth to wear head coverings as they prayed and prophesied in the church gathering. We'll unpack what was behind that call and what it means for us today.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 26, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
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As we consider Paul's challenge to the Corinthian church to imitate him as he imitates Chris, we ask ourselves, "Who do I imitate?" and "Who is imitating me?".
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 19, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 11:1
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This week we will examine three principles that govern our freedom in Christ, and discuss how we live out Paul's command to 'glorify God in everything we do'.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Josh Dool Date: July 12, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
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The first part of 1 Corinthians 10 the Apostle Paul makes a big observation that could lead to catastrophe if not addressed. Today's text is the prescription and the motivation to make the changes.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: July 5, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22
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There are obstacles as we train to live as Jesus' Kingdom people. Obstacles that are highlighted by Paul in three spiritual realities: our spiritual heritage, our propensity to rebellion, the fact that we're not strong but we are protected.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 28, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
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After helping the Corinthians understand the priority of love over knowledge, Paul now moves to use his own life as an example of laying down our rights. In this sermon we'll see three ways the gospel of Jesus transforms our lives: drudgery to joy, stewardship to reward, and self-interest to love.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 21, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
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The Lord's Supper is an integral part of life in community as Jesus' Kingdom people. It's a gift, a celebration, and a proclamation of Jesus' death until He comes again. Far more than merely symbolic, the bread and the wine become a unique place of Jesus' presence with us. In this episode Matt and Josh take some time to discuss the meaning of the meal and answer a few questions that have come in from the body.
Host: Matt Menzel Guests: Josh Dool
Welcome to the podcast of Westside Church in Vancouver BC. We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. To learn more visit our website at www.wchurch.ca
Why is love at the centre of life in Jesus' Kingdom? And how can we, as a church, embody His love for the world the way He embodied His love for us?
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 14, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
The heading in your Bible might make you think we are going to be talking about 'food offered to idols' though we will talk about that we will see that this text uses 'food offered to idols' as a springboard to talk about today's sensitive issues while at the same time providing perspective, hope and a solution.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: June 7, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 8:1-6
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
Welcome to the podcast of Westside Church in Vancouver BC. We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. To learn more visit our website at www.wchurch.ca
Host: Matt Menzel Guests: Jonathan Bryden, Kyla Gillespie
Welcome to the podcast of Westside Church in Vancouver BC. We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. To learn more visit our website at www.wchurch.ca
Host: Matt Menzel Guests: Jonathan Bryden, Kyla Gillespie
The role that single people are invited to play in Jesus' Kingdom signals a shift in how we experience God's favour, live out our purpose, and respond to divine love.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 31, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
The gospel changes us radically. And yet, even when undergoing that radical change for most of us much of who we are and what we do remains the same. In this message we will look at three aspects of the gospel - the good news story of Jesus - and see how it changes everything while it calls us to remain where we are all for the sake of Jesus.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 24, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
Welcome to the podcast of Westside Church in Vancouver BC. We exist to know Jesus and make Him known. To learn more visit our website at www.wchurch.ca
Host: Matt Menzel Guests: Jonathan Bryden, Kyla Gillespie
After seeing the ways in which our bodies and our sexuality are intended to worship Jesus, we move to the interpersonal implications in marriage, divorce, and singleness.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 17, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
The Bible places an extreme level of importance on the human body and infuses it with all kinds of divine purpose. In this sermon we'll see what those purposes are.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 10, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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Today, like never before, we acknowledge a serious sense of discord between our authentic selves and our physical bodies. What does a christian theology of the body mean for us as followers of Jesus and the world we live in?
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 3, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-13
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In todays sermon we examine an interpersonal grievance that erupted in the Corinthian church and consider how Paul's instruction applies to us.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Josh Dool Date: April 26, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
A church's loving and redemptive responsive when sexual immorality leaks into the church.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: April 19, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 12, 2020 Text: Ezekiel 37:1-14
In this sermon we will drop into the middle of a vision that the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel recorded. We'll explore what a valley full of dry bones has to do with resurrection and God's plan for the renewal of His people and the restoration of all things.
In this sermon we'll begin to explore both a cultural and a biblical view of human sexuality while unpacking how Jesus' people are meant to respond to sexual brokenness inside the church.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 5, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 5:1-5
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this text we're going to see Paul address three strategies that threaten to diminish and defile the image of Christ in the corporate church, and distract us personally from faithful service to Jesus.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Josh Dool Date: March 29, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 4:8-20
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this text we'll explore the uniqueness of the christian call and opportunity in moments of disruption.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 22, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 4:1-7
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
As we step into this unique season together we're reminded of the essential nature of the church. Specifically, what it means that we're the temple of God.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 15, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this sermon we discover that we are uniquely gifted by Christ to build the church and asked the simple but hard question: Are you?
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Cliff Ursel Date: March 8, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this sermon we'll explore the empowered, released, rewarded, and glorified life that Jesus invites us into.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 1, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this sermon we'll explore the difference between merely being saved by Jesus and living a life abiding in Him.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 23, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
This morning we'll look at Paul's description of 'The Wisdom of God', discuss how this wisdom should affect our lives, and address some of the things that threaten our engagement with it.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Josh Dool Date: February 16, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this sermon we'll unpack the reality that to abide in Jesus and live full of His Spirit we'll need to embrace our weakness.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 9, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this passage Paul will address the first error in the church of God at Corinth. As he does we'll be confronted with one of the most deadly diseases in Jesus' Church today. A sickness that threatens to stifle the power of God.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 2, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-31
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
This sermon will close out Paul's greeting to the Corinthians with one primary question: How could he be so thankful for such a messed up and broken church? We'll examine the movements of the Living God among His people both then and today; movements that come together in the form of an invitation for us all.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 26, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
In this sermon we will begin our series entitled 'True Power' by examining the cultural pressures of worshipping Jesus as Lord in ancient Corinth or modern day Vancouver. We'll see that there are forces at work more powerful than culture and that only one Lord can follow-through on an offer of grace and peace.
Series: True Power - 1 Corinthians Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 19, 2020 Text: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
To connect with us or find more resources visit us at www.wchurch.ca.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: January 12, 2020 Text: Psalm 23
As we examine the shepherding motif of Psalm 23, we'll see how The Lord is my Shepherd provides comfort to us through our valleys and mountaintops, and how we use this psalm as a prayer for our journey.
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: January 6, 2020 Text: Psalm 96
In this sermon, we discuss Psalm 96; why it was written, how it points us to Jesus, and how can use this Psalm to pray God's heart for the nations.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 29, 2019 Text: Psalms 42 & 43
Although lament is one of those practices often spoken of in the Scriptures there is much confusion and hesitancy surrounding it. In this message kicking off the series, Praying the Psalms, we look at four features of psalms of lament and discover why lament is important for us all.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 24, 2019 Text: Matthew 2:1-12
In this sermon we will unpack Matthew's account of Jesus' birth announcement in Jerusalem. We'll see why the people who longed most deeply for a new Kingdom weren't ready when the King was born and how we can build our lives on the hope of Jesus' return.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: December 22, 2019 Text: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
In this fourth servant song of Isaiah we'll unearth the gospel in vivid clarity by beholding Jesus - the servant that God sent! We'll then examine the prophesies of the service that he would perform and the salvation that he would purchase for mankind.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 15, 2019 Text: Isaiah 50:4-11
In this sermon we'll unpack the third Servant Song from Isaiah. We'll see that Jesus has been given a word for weary people; a word for those living in a world riddled by the constant threat of shame. We'll see how this word was given to Him and what word He offers to speak over our lives to set us free.
Speaker: Mark Burch Date: December 8, 2019 Text: Isaiah 49:1-13
In this sermon we'll unpack one of Isaiah's ancient prophecies of Jesus. We'll see that God's vision for restoration is far broader than just the Jewish nation of Israel - but a beautiful mosaic of all peoples, languages, and nations! May it be in Vancouver as it is in heaven!
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 1, 2019 Text: Isaiah 42:1-9
In this sermon we'll unpack one of Isaiah's ancient prophecies of Jesus. We'll see that God intends to totally restore all things including us. We'll see how Jesus has already ushered this restorative justice into our world and left us here to be people of renewal until He comes again!
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: November 24, 2019 Text: Psalm 16:5-11
In this final week of our 'Become' series we'll look at how the purpose of the disciplines is that they would lead us to deeper joy in Christ, and how God's desire is that this joy would manifest itself through the discipline of Celebration.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 17, 2019 Text: Psalm 51:1-19
In this sermon we will unpack confession, a classical spiritual discipline that Jesus had no need of but invited us to practice for our own joy. We will see that the ongoing practice of confession is a path to true freedom, a way to walk out our hope in Jesus, and a doorway to our God-gifted purpose in life.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: November 10, 2019 Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
As we examine the Spiritual Disciple of Service we'll see how God uses it to remake us so that we are more oriented around God and others than ourselves. We'll take a look at how service overflows from the heart as a result of feasting more on the treasures of eternity than the treasures of today, and examine how/why we should engage in the discipline of service.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 3, 2019 Text: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In this sermon we will unpack one of the faulty stories of our culture that has many of us living for attention from others instead of relationship with God. Jesus invites us to live out of a better story (the Gospel) and cultivate new desires through the spiritual practice of secrecy.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 27, 2019 Text: Psalm 150:1-6
In this sermon we'll unpack the nature of true worship and explore why we should hunger to worship in spirit and truth.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 20, 2019 Text: Luke 12:22-34
In this sermon we will explore Jesus call to seek his Kingdom before anything else. What does that mean in a world as obsessed with accumulation as ours? What truths are Jesus' followers meant to build their lives on to show the world what real life looks like?
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: October 13, 2019 Text: Acts 2:42-48, 1 Timothy 4:7b
In this sermon, we are continuing the Become series and exploring the spiritual disciplines of study and meditation. These disciplines primarily focus on the Bible's central role in the life of a Christian and how we might continue to train ourselves for the purpose of godliness as we leverage our lives to know the God we are called to make known to others.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: October 6, 2019 Text: Matthew 4:1-11
In this sermon we'll examine the spiritual discipline of fasting, the feast that God has prepared for us, and the things that we are often tempted to satisfy our appetites with.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 29, 2019 Text: Matthew 6:9-13; Daniel 9:17-19
In this sermon we'll examine the obstacles of praying as Jesus taught us and the power of prayer in setting us free.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 22, 2019 Text: 1 Kings 19:1-14
In this sermon we'll examine the purpose and practice of silence and solitude in the Christian life.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 15, 2019
In this sermon we'll focus on the nature of our 'labour' as disciples of Jesus by unpacking a brief theology of spiritual disciplines.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 8, 2019 Text: Matthew 22:34-40; Joshua 22:5; 24:14-15
This sermon will explore what we want to become as a local church in this time and place. We'll lean on our two recent series through Matthew and Joshua to see our call to become a people who love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Who live as conduits of Jesus' presence on earth. And who labour toward the renewal of all things.
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: September 1, 2019 Text: 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
Today's sermon answers the question, "How do I know I am a Christian?" by digging into 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 25, 2019 Text: Joshua 24
In this final sermon of the series we'll watch as the people of Israel gather with Joshua one last time. He'll call them to a moment of decision and warn them before sending them off to live their lives. In this chapter we'll be faced with the reality that the law we love will crush us if we try to live by it.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: August 18, 2019 Text: Joshua 23
As we near the close of the book of Joshua, we will see that just as there is something threatening the possession and enjoyment of the Promised Land for the people of Israel, there is something threatening our participation and enjoyment of the life Jesus came to give us. We'll examine three charges that Joshua gives in order that we would more fully engage in the promised inheritance God has for us.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 11, 2019 Text: Joshua 22
Joshua 22 begins the fourth and final major section of the book. After entering the promised land, taking the land, and dividing the land the people turn their attention to living in the land. But the first obstacle they face is not what they had hoped for. In this sermon we'll be called as a church to step into the role we've been given as minsters of grace in each other's lives.
Speaker: Mark Burch Date: August 4, 2019 Text: Joshua 21
God has always given leaders to His people; to care for them, provoke them to godliness, and most importantly, to continually point them back to God. They are identified as "gifts" to the people of God. A key responsibility for every church today is to be looking for and calling out the next generation of leaders. What a joy to see young leaders stepping out to follow God's calling!
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: July 28, 2019 Text: Joshua 20
In this sermon we will look at how God's justice and mercy are on display through the cities of refuge, and examine how Jesus being our place of refuge presents a call and a challenge to the church today.
Speaker: Mark Burch Date: July 21, 2019 Text: Joshua 13-19
In Joshua chapters 13-19 we see the Israelites now "in the land" but not yet enjoying the "rest" they have longed for. Israel is an example to us that it is possible for the people of God to miss out on God's best. We can be "saved" but not "fully free." As such, we would be wise to take the admonitions of Hebrews 3:7-8 seriously: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion..."
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: July 14, 2019 Text: Joshua 10-12
This week's sermon walks through Joshua 10, one of the most difficult chapters in the Bible, reminding us of the sovereignty of God, the severity of sin, the judgment that we deserve, and the offer of mercy that God extends to us only through Jesus. We will explore Genesis 15 and 18 in order to set the stage for looking at the events of Joshua 10-12, as we seek the light of the Gospel in the darkest of chapters.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 7, 2019 Text: Joshua 8:30-9:27
After Joshua and the people deal with their own propensity for self-sabotage through confession and repentance the scene immediately shifts back to the enemies around them. But instead of a head on attack the battle requires the discernment of deception. How does the deception come? Why do the people lower their guard? And what does this mean for followers of Jesus with a very real enemy in this world?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 30, 2019 Text: Joshua 7:1-26
Joshua chapter seven is the first time we see Israel suffer defeat since the handoff from Moses to Joshua. What happened to their divine defence? What was it that got in the way? And what can we, as Jesus followers today, learn about cultivating a life in the presence of God through it?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 23, 2019 Text: Philippians 1:3-11
In what is my last sermon as a pastor at Westside I want nothing more than to express my thanks to the Lord and to the Body of Westside and do so by borrowing from Paul and Philippians 1:3-11.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 17, 2019 Text: Joshua 6:1-27
Joshua 6 records the battle Joshua and the people of God fought against Jericho. But a battle fought by faith, and in faith, and in obedience to the promises of God.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 9, 2019 Text: Joshua 5:1-15
As we turn our attention to Joshua five we're going to be faced with several beautiful realities of the gospel. That those who come to Jesus no longer belong to themselves, that the God who leads us is a God of perfect provision, and that our worship in Spirit and truth is the way to dismantle strongholds and push back the darkness. As Jesus' people are marked more and more by these realities Jesus fame will spread through our city, province, country, and world!
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 2, 2019 Text: Joshua 4:1-24
In Joshua chapter 4 the people of God finally set foot in the Promised Land. In this message we dig deep into the call of God on them to memorialize this move across the Jordan and what the meaning and message is to us today.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 26, 2019 Text: Joshua 3:1-17
After receiving an incredible report from the two spies Joshua had sent into the land, the people make their way to the Jordan river. But before they cross they're given specific instructions on how to follow the Lord into this new land. In this sermon we'll look at how the leading of Jesus works in our lives and how we can position ourselves to be lead by Him throughout our lives.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 19, 2019 Text: Joshua 2:1-24
Before heading across the Jordan River as a nation Joshua sends two spies into the land. They immediately fail in their mission but God rushes to meet them anyway. Through a woman named Rehab they experience the provision, presence, and grace of their God.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 12, 2019 Text: Joshua 1:10-18
After being commissioned by the Lord to lead with strength and courage Joshua finally steps into his new role. As he does we'll remind ourselves of the reasons behind his strength and courage. We'll notice the renewal that takes place under new leadership and watch as the people of Israel respond to all that's taken place so far.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 5, 2019 Text: Joshua 1:1-9
We begin a new series on the book of Joshua. In this kick of message we consider who Joshua was and what God told him as he took over leadership of the Jewish people upon the death of Moses.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 28, 2019 Text: Matthew 28:11-20
We finish off our long journey in Matthew by hearing Jesus' great claim, commission and comfort to His disciples.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 21, 2019 Text: Matthew 28:1-10
The resurrection of Jesus can be ignored, written off, rejected, or considered. In this sermon we will consider the resurrection from the perspective of a small group of women who went to the tomb expecting to find a corpse but instead found hope, life, and joy.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 19, 2019 Text: Matthew 27:51-66
There's something we all share, our love of access. This Good Friday message unpacks the access granted to all people by way of Jesus' work on the cross.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 14, 2019 Text: Matthew 27:27-50
On this Palm Sunday we take time to notice four characteristics of Jesus in the lead up to the cross: what type of King was Jesus, what kind of power did He display, what kind of trust did He hold and how did He secure our salvation?
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: April 7, 2019 Text: Matthew 27:15-26
In this sermon, we follow one of the themes that we have been tracing throughout the book of Matthew (the envy of the religious leaders towards Jesus) to its final conclusion as demonstrated through Jesus' trial before Pilate. In so doing, we see both a warning and an invitation for us, today, culminating in our final question: Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 31, 2019 Text: Matthew 27:1-10
There is a beautiful tragedy tucked away in these verses that leaves us with a profoundly important question. How is it that Judas, who walked with Jesus for three years, was unable to find restoration after his sin? How is it that his grief over sin lead to death instead of life? And how do we guard ourselves against the same thing? How do we access the radical grace of God and find freedom from the crushing weight of guilt, sin, and shame?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 24, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:69-75
Next to Jesus the disciples took their cues from Peter. He was a born leader: strong, courageous, and had the will to back it up. But on the night of Jesus' arrest and trial Peter turned on Jesus. He denied ever even knowing Him. How could this happen? How could such a strong man fall so completely? In this sermon, we will see how the location of Peter's confidence, the longing of Peter's enemy, and the love of Peter's God all conspired to lead him to such a terrible and gracious collapse.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 17, 2019 Text: Hebrews 10-12
How do we move from domesticated and safe to expectant and faithful in our journey of faith? We address that question in depth in this message coming out of Hebrews 10-12.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 10, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:57-68
In this sermon we will focus on the events immediately following the surrender of Jesus to His Father in the garden. We will watch as the power of darkness rages against him. We'll see the crimes of passion committed against Him. We listen to the sound of His silence as He stood trial. And we will examine ourselves for the theatrics of deception that were performed that night.
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: March 3, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:45-55
In this sermon, we explore the betrayal of Judas, and how Jesus responds and what we can learn from His response.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 24, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:36-46
A slightly different message where we'll use this text to consider the depth of Jesus' agony and sorrow in the garden and the causes for it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 17, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:30-35
Why did the disciples all flee from Jesus on the night of His arrest and what can we learn from them to help in our moments of testing? And most importantly, what are we to know of Jesus in those moments of failure? That's what this sermon addresses.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 10, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:26-29
In this sermon we will unpack what Jesus meant when, at the last supper, He said the bread was His body and the wine, His blood. What did He mean by all of that? And how are we supposed to eat and live out the communion meal today?
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: February 3, 2019 Text: Missions Sunday
This week we will take a look at how 'Making Jesus Known' is not just the mission statement of Westside, but the purpose and mission for all of humanity and even God himself. We'll see how the plan of God from before the world began was to reveal himself through Christ, and how we can more faithfully engage in the mission of 'making him known'.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 27, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:17-25
As we continue Jesus' walk toward the cross we'll take some time to slow down in the upper room during the last supper. What can we learn about our own hearts and lives as Jesus' disciples are confronted by the sin of Judas?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 20, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:6-16
In this message we drop in and witness the extravagant display of Mary's love for Jesus and show how Judas betrayal of Jesus serves as a harsh contrast to her.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 13, 2019 Text: Matthew 26:1-5
In this sermon we will set the stage for the last three chapters of Matthew. We'll look at four unmistakable realities of Jesus that make our total surrender to Him vital for any who want to experience life in Him.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 6, 2019 Text: Isaiah 57:15
In this sermon we will kick off the new year with a look at the biblical concept of revival. What does revival mean? Why should we care about it? And how can we experience it personally and as a church?
Speaker: Joseph Peterson Date: December 30, 2018 Text: Psalm 73
How do we become a community of contentment in a culture of consumerism and discontentment? We do this by looking to our King and his vision for the Kingdom of God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 24, 2018 Text: Isaiah 6:1-7
As we finish off this Advent Series we look at the final name of the Messiah Jesus and ask: how can Jesus be called the Prince of Peace when there seems to be such little peace in the world?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 23, 2018 Text: Isaiah 6:1-7
In this sermon we will look at the third title for Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6 -- Everlasting Father. What does it mean that Jesus is Everlasting Father? And if He is, how should we feel about approaching Him?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 16, 2018 Text: Isaiah 6:1-7
In this second of four Advent messages coming out of Isaiah 9:6 we look at the name Almighty God and consider how Jesus could be both God and man and what the implications of that are for us.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 9, 2018 Text: Isaiah 6:1-7
In this sermon we begin or Christmas series entitled, 'Messiah.' In this four week series we will walk through the ancient prophesies in Isaiah nine and unpack the four titles that were given to the promised Messiah who we now know came in the person of Jesus! This sermon will focus on the title, 'Wonderful Counselor' and set us up with a framework for understanding "The fear of the Lord [as] the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10).
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 2, 2018 Text: Job 3-42
We finish off this series with a 40 chapter flyover of Job where we'll consider Job's regret and God's response to him and His restoration of Job thereafter.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Nov 25, 2018 Text: John 15:1-17
We take a one week break from our current series and consider three questions coming out of John 15:1-17 and Jesus' call to abide in Him.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Nov 18, 2018 Text: Job 1:13 - 2:10
In this sermon we begin a three-part journey into the heated topic that comes with the presence of evil and the supreme rule of God. This week, which begins the process, we look at Job who suffers, by the will of God, while being blameless and upright.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Nov 11, 2018 Text: Job 1:1-12
In this sermon we will begin an examination of the life of Job. More specifically, we'll focus on the conversation that God has with Satan as a back drop to the events recorded for us from Job's life. How are we to understand the person and work of Satan in our world? What's at stake as he disguises himself to deceive? How can we not only resist him but overpower him and become an argument against his lies in the world?
Speaker: Aaron Boswell Date: Nov 4, 2018 Text: Genesis 50:19-21
How does the Bible call us to forgive and extend grace to those who commit evil against us? What do we learn from the life of Joseph that helps us understand this? And is this possible for us? That's what this message addresses as we wrap up the last few weeks of studying the life of Joseph.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Oct 28, 2018 Text: Genesis 39:20-40:23
What do you do when your commitment to righteousness and good works takes you from bad to worse? That's what this message addresses as we look at Joseph as he's thrown into prison under false accusations of attempted rape. We see how he responds and how, most importantly, he was able to carry on in spite of the great trial he was going through.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Oct 21, 2018 Text: Genesis 39:1-23
In this sermon we will continue our exploration of the life of Joseph. We'll watch as God leads him into blessing, temptation, and a whole host of other life-altering realities. Ultimately we'll see that Jesus is the one who walked through each of these things fully and completely on our behalf. And we'll wrap things up with a celebration of those placing their faith in Jesus!
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Oct 14, 2018 Text: Genesis 37
In this sermon we will begin looking at the story of a boy named Joseph. We will see the extreme measures that God used to call him and the great cost, suffering, and service that call lead him into. We will also see that Joseph wasn't alone in this call as every disciple of Jesus has been called in the same way and to the same things.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Oct 07, 2018 Text: Jonah 4:1-11
We wrap up our look at Jonah in this message with three takeaways that have weaved their way through the book and culminate in chapter 4. In doing so we will once again be confronted with the reality that we are more like Jonah than we may care to admit and need God's grace as much as he did.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Sept 30, 2018 Text: Jonah 3:1-10
In this message the call of God on Jonah comes a second time. But unlike the first, this time, Jonah goes and calls out to Nineveh and a city is turned upside down in light of God's mercy and grace.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Sept 23, 2018 Text: Jonah 2:1-10
In last week's message we entered a storm that came about because of Jonah's fleeing. Today, in chapter 2, we learn from Jonah the right response to our storms and how Jesus is the ultimate rescuer from them.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Sept 16, 2018 Text: Jonah 1:1-17
In this kick off message to the series, Trial and Trust, we look at Jonah, his call and the effects of his unfaithful response. We end by noticing how God overwhelms Jonah's sin with grace and mercy.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Sept 9, 2018 Text: John 17:17-26
In part two of 'Life and Labour' we will head back to Jesus' prayer for the Church in John 17. What would it look like for disciples of Jesus to be aligned with the heart of God in our time and place? How can we make sure that the values at the centre of God's heart are the same ones at the centre of our lives?
Speaker: Joseph Peterson Date: Sept 2, 2018 Text: John 17:14-16
In part 1 of this series, we will unpack John 17 by looking at following Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus. Put another way, we're answering the question, "If I follow Jesus, what should I expect?" "Based on the life and teaching of Jesus, what sort of life does He call his followers to?" Is it a giant list of do's and don'ts, is it easy, or comfortable, make your life better, awesome, terrible, or something different altogether? What should mark us as citizens of the Kingdom of God living in Vancouver?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 26, 2018 Text: Matthew 25:1-46
In this sermon we will bring our time in Matthew 25 to a close by asking the all-important question, 'how?' How can we become the people of radical love that Jesus calls all of His disciples to be? How will the love of Jesus be formed in us? And how should we respond to everything God has shown us through His Word over the last three weeks?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 19, 2018 Text: Matthew 25:1-46
In this sermon we will go back to Matthew 25 to see what it looks like to live lives of radical, sacrificial, and practical love. What does it cost to live lives like that and what shifts are we required to make in order to become people marked by the love of Jesus?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 12, 2018 Text: Matthew 25:1-46
In this sermon we will unpack three parables that Jesus told to describe what will happen when He returns to set up His Kingdom. Jesus will introduce us to the ordinary and completely counter-cultural life of those who are living with a heightened sense of anticipation for that day.
"I know that God loves me because ..." - We may naturally answer this question based on our performance, success, health or a myriad of different ways. But is there a more solid ground for our hope that we are loved by God? 1 John teaches that the answer is a resounding YES. Specifically, we know that we are loved by God through God the Son, Jesus, manifesting the love of God through his life and, supremely, through His death on the cross in our place. God's love has been clearly manifested through Jesus, and as this love grounds and transforms our hearts, we love others with a self-sacrificial, humble love as a response. And as we love one another as we have been loved, we reveal God's love for those around us who desperately need it. In so doing, we make Jesus Known.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 29, 2018 Text: Matthew 24
One of the key doctrines of the Christian faith is the return of Jesus - as certain as His first coming is His second. This sermon out of Matthew 24 addresses what the signs are that mark His return and what the church is to be up to in the meantime.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 22, 2018 Text: Matthew 23
Chapter 23 of Matthew is a crescendo chapter. Not only does it record the last public discourse of Jesus, it culminates thousands of years of history with Jesus pronouncing a series of woes on those who led those away from Him.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 15, 2018 Text: Matthew 22:41-45
Some questions are more important than others but there is one that trumps them all. In this message we look at a question that is posed by Jesus, a question that is paramount for our eternal security rests on how we answer.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 8, 2018 Text: Matthew 22:34-40
In the ongoing frontal attack on Jesus, He is asked this time what the greatest of all commands is. In His answer Jesus affirms what we need to give ourselves to first and how else flows from it.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 1, 2018 Text: Matthew 22:23-33
In this sermon we will come across a group of religious leaders called Sadducees. We'll look at the reasons they rejected the God they claimed to worship and the power they missed out on because of it. We'll see that the same dynamics exist today and that Jesus made a way for us to experience more life and more power than we could ever imagine.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 24, 2018 Text: Matthew 22:15-22
As we near the end of Matthew and as the cross looms, the tension between Jesus and the religious establishment has reached a heightened state. In this message we look at the first of what will be several questions posed to Jesus by the religious leaders in hope that they're able to trap and entangle Jesus in His own words.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 17, 2018 Text: Matthew 22:1-14
In this passage Jesus finishes off a triad of parables by comparing the kingdom of God to a wedding feast. This message seeks to not only explain the parable but understand some of the characteristics of our Heavenly Father, the Son He sent and what heaven will be like.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 10, 2018 Text: Matthew 21:23-46
In this sermon Matthew shifts our focus from the liberating work of Jesus to the response of the religious leaders. As Jesus is opposed He won't defend Himself but instead, as the Great Physician He is, diagnose their illness and work to help them understand that if left treated their condition is terminal.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 3, 2018 Text: Matthew 21:1-22
In this sermon we will look at Jesus' into Jerusalem. He knew execution was in front of Him, so why did He keep walking? What was it that drove Jesus to lay down His life? What salvation does He offer us today?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 27, 2018 Text: Matthew 20:17-34
In this message, we come to the end of Jesus' fourth of five discourses recorded by Matthew. As Jesus wraps up things before entering Jerusalem for the last time He reminds and recounts how greatness is viewed and evaluated by God and what is to be true of those who are a part of His kingdom. It's a lesson that's those then and we today struggle to understand and live out.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 20, 2018 Text: Matthew 19:27-20:16
In this sermon we will see Jesus' disciples response to His conversation with the rich, young ruler and the ways in which we are confronted by God's grace. Why is it that we have such a tough time accepting grace? And how can we move from a works-based life to the life of grace?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 13, 2018 Text: Matthew 19:13-26
There is no more important question than, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" In this passage, we look at the question through the eyes of someone who had everything this world can offer but was still lacking what he - and we - needed most.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 6, 2018 Text: Matthew 19:1-12
This text addresses the topic of marriage and divorce but in reality, it addresses something much more significant than even that. That being, hearts that are hard towards God and His call to go above and beyond, empowered by Him to do so.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 29, 2018 Text: Matthew 18:21-35
In this sermon we will unpack Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant. We'll ask what role forgiveness plays in the lives of Jesus' followers, what it means when we find ourselves unable to forgive, and the provision Jesus has made for people who find forgiveness as tough as we do.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 22, 2018 Text: Matthew 18:15-20
"This sermon dives into the oft misunderstood topic of church discipline. Why and how are we to carry out church discipline and what are some of the common objections to it? That's what this message seeks to address."
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 15, 2018 Text: Matthew 18:1-14
In this message, we pick up our series in Matthew that we broke away from in December. The theme of this message is that greatness in the kingdom of God comes by humbling ourselves like a child with humility showing itself thereafter in how we accept, care and seek out one another.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 8, 2018 Text: Ephesians 1:20-23
As we wrap up our series, 'Perspectives On the Cross' we will look more closely at the power of the resurrection. Does the resurrection of Jesus still have power today? If so, what is it doing and how can we experience it?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 1, 2018 Text: Luke 23:55-24:12
In this Easter Sunday message, we gaze at the cross of Jesus through the eyes of three women who observed things first hand. Through their eyes we consider what keep us from fully accepting the reality and implications of the cross today.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 30, 2018 Text: John 19:38-42
In this Good Friday message, we view the cross through the eyes of Joseph and Nicodemus, two Jewish socialites who remind us that the cross calls, costs and comforts.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 25, 2018 Text: Mark 15:33-39
In this sermon we will begin our series, 'Perspectives On the Cross' by looking at the perspective of the Roman Centurion who supervised the crucifixion of Jesus. We'll consider how he might have thought about Jesus as the day began and the radical paradigm shift he experienced only hours later.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 18, 2018 Text: Genesis 3:20-24
We wrap up this series by seeing how the gospel is depicted in the closing verses of Genesis 3. Specifically, we are going to see how the faith, covering and assurance of Adam and Eve, along with the trials promised to them, point ahead to the good news story of Jesus and the assured hope we can have in Him.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 11, 2018 Text: Genesis 3:8-19
In this week's sermon we will continue walking through the story of sin entering our world. We'll see how sin has affected us radically by altering the nature of our relationships. We'll look at God's response to our sin and the way He made for us through it.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 04, 2018 Text: Genesis 3:1-7
In this week's sermon we come to the entrance of sin into creation. We will look at the pattern of thought and action that led to the rejection of the Creator, how it repeats itself even today, and how we can be free from it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 25, 2018 Text: Genesis 2:18-25
In this week's message, we go back to the first marriage of the Bible - the marriage of Adam and Eve. A marriage that Jesus points back to in Matthew 19 as serving as the prototype for all marriages to come.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 18, 2018 Text: Genesis 2:4-17
Although this message addresses four aspects found within the text - the gardener, the garden, the call on the gardener and the command to the gardener - it's main emphasis is on the topics of work and freedom. God puts Adam in the garden to work and God puts Adam in a garden that comes with a choice - to eat or not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. It's these two topics where you should spend most of the time in your CG's.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 11, 2018 Text: Genesis 2:1-3
In this sermon we will walk through the seventh day of creation. We'll ask the questions: Why did God rest? Where did His rest come from? What does His rest look like in us? And How can His rest become our reality?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 04, 2018 Text: Genesis 1:26-31
In this, the fourth message in our Eden series, we address the topics of mankind being created in the image of God and what this means in terms of our role and relationship with the rest of creation. In addition, we address the topics of gender, race and our call to multiply.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 28, 2018 Text: Genesis 1:6-25
In this sermon we will walk through days two to five of the creation account. We will unpack the way this story confronts the primary origin story of our culture, points us to what's good, and leads us to worship.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 21, 2018 Text: Genesis 1:2-5
In this message we consider why the Genesis 1 account of creation begins with an unfinished earth and what God wants us to see by His shining light into it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 14, 2018 Text: Genesis 1:1
We kick off our Eden series in Genesis 1:1 in this message by observing what it tells us about God and God, specifically, as Creator. The message concludes by addressing how what we see and observe in our world and beyond demonstrates more convincingly the existence of God than anything else.
Speaker: Norm Funk Text: 1 Kings 19:1-2, 9-16 Date: January 07, 2018
The greatness of the prophet Elijah is without debate; few were more committed to the glory of God than he. However, even Elijah was prone to fear, anger and despondency. This sermon investigates how the restoration of Elijah from places like those takes place and what we can learn from it.
As we end 2017 and look forward to 2018 we'll look at Paul's encouragement to consider everything we could put our hope and confidence in outside of the finished work of Jesus as garbage for the sake of knowing Jesus and being found in Him.
As we end our Christmas Series on this Christmas Eve, 2017, we revisit the most well-known verse in the Bible - John 3:16 - and look at how three great wonders found in that explain why Jesus came.
In this sermon we will unpack an ancient prophecy about Jesus and specifically the four titles given to Him: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. What do each of these mean? Why do we resist them? And what would it look like to know Jesus in these ways?
In part 2 of our Christmas Series, Light Has Come, we discover what John wants us to know most of all about the coming of Jesus. We call it John's Trifecta in this message, three aspects of Jesus' coming that are paramount to understand.
In this message we begin a series focused on the light of Christmas. In Jesus, the light of the world has come, but as His followers we have been called to be ministers of light. This message digs into what that means for us.
In this sermon we will walk with Jesus as He descends from the mountain of transfiguration and toward the cross. The question in front of us is, 'Why did Jesus have to leave the mountain in the first place?' As we look at the reasons Jesus had to enter "the valley" we'll be shown the nature and purpose of the freedom we have or can have in Him.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 19, 2017 Text: Matthew 17:1-13
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 19, 2017 Text: Matthew 17:1-13
The transfiguration of Jesus was a mountaintop experience like no other. In it, Jesus visibly demonstrated that past, present, and future are ultimately and only secure in Him. Never again will the lows of this life be able to destroy us or the highs of this life limit us.
In light of last Sunday's mass-shooting in a Texas Church, we take a break from our series in Matthew and address the topic of "The Existence of God and the Presence of Evil."
In this sermon, we seek to help one understand why the way of Jesus - the way of the cross - must be the Christian's way too. We do this by focusing on the three reasons Jesus gives and affirming the great need for our love of Jesus and commitment to bringing Him glory undergirding everything.
Matthew 16 marks a dramatic change in the earthly ministry of Jesus where He ends His work in Galilee and sets His face towards Jerusalem. Tied to this transition is the most important of questions: who do you say that I am? In this message, we look specifically at Peter and seek to discover by way of his response to Jesus what in his life should be true in ours and those things we should be wary of as well.
In this sermon we will consider the opposition to Jesus that exists within those of us who consider ourselves Christ-followers. We will see some of the ways we can twist the shut off valve to God's power in our lives by opposing the life and salvation that Jesus came to give.
In this sermon we will unpack another account of Jesus miraculously feeding thousands of people. In this story we'll get a clearer picture of the salvation Jesus offers and what He requires from any and all who live to enjoy it!
In this sermon we will unpack the story of a woman with a spiritually oppressed daughter who sought freedom in Jesus. We will consider what spiritual oppression looks like today and what we can learn about finding freedom in Jesus from the example of this woman.
As we return to our study of Matthew we pick things up in chapter 15 where in the midst of multiple conflicts Jesus teaches the people then, and us today, the depth of our defilement, the only means of cleansing our defilement and what cleansing brings.
We finish off our three-week series with a message that looks at the disciples' - our - call of "being in but not of the world." What does this mean, how is this carried out and what undergirds it are the questions this message addresses.
In last's week's message in this series we looked at why Westside exists To Make Jesus Known. Today we ask how and answer by diving into the shared importance of the gathering and the scattering of the church.
As we kick off our 13th year of ministry we go back and address the reason for why the mission of Westside is To Make Jesus Known.
In this final sermon on the human experience we will look at what is arguably the most important experience of all, love. Where does our desire for love come from and why do we have such a difficult time finding the love we're looking for? How does God's love compare to all other love and how do we receive, walk in, and respond to it?
In this sermon we will unpack the human experience of fear and the opportunities offered to us through it. As God works to make us more like Jesus He uses not only the good but also the bad experiences of our day to day lives to do it. Fear is no exception. What opportunities exist to walk closer with God in the experience of fear? And how can taking those opportunities free us from the power that fear tries to wield over us?
In this sermon we will unpack the unique way Jesus offers for dealing with the human experience of regret. We'll ask questions like: What are the implications of living in a culture that avoids the experience of regret at all costs? Why is it that we fear failure and do whatever we can to distract ourselves from it? And how is it that we can be freed from the weight of regret without having to close our eyes to the reality of our own brokenness?
In this sermon we will unpack the human experience of anger. Why is anger so destructive to us and our relationships? Where does it come from? And how can we deal with the root of it as opposed to simply treating the symptoms?
In this, part 2 of a 2 part sermon on lust, desire and passion, we dive into our call to be people who pursue greatness not for our glory but for the glory of God while being aware of the pitfalls along the way.
Does God simply want all Christians to rid themselves of all desires, passions and ambition? In this first of a two-part sermon we will look at lust, desire and passion from the negative and see how we can have victory over them. Next week we will look at the same emotions from the positive and see how we can harness them for the sake of the kingdom.
In this sermon in our series, "The Human Experience," we dive deep into the topic of loneliness. Specifically, we look at Hagar, a prominent woman in God's redemptive story who experienced, full well, loneliness and longing but God graciously stepping into it as well.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 16, 2017
This week, as we continue on in our series we will be looking at 'The Human Experience' of awe. What is awe? And how does the awe that we are so used to culturally differ from the awe of God? As we unpack the awe of God we will look at what it's meant to do to us and how we can recover it if we have lost it or discover it for the very first time!
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 9, 2017
As we continue on in our summer series, The Human Experience, we dive into the topic of shame in this message and consider what brings shame, how we attempt to deal with shame and what, ultimately, can rid ourselves of it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 2, 2017
Joy is a big topic in the Bible, to say the least. Followers of Jesus are promised joy by Jesus, told that it is ours by way of the Spirit and is something that is to be pursued always. And yet, why don't we experience more than we do, how can we gain it if we lack it and how does our desire for it evidence something beyond ourselves? Those are questions this message addresses.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 25, 2017
In this sermon we will continue our exploration of the human experience by unpacking the nature of sorrow in the christian life. We will explore several origins of sorrow for those who follow Jesus and unpack some of the purposes that God has in it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 18, 2017
We begin a summer series this week where over the next 12 Sundays we will consider some of those common feelings and experiences we all share and consider how the Scriptures speak to them. We launch this series looking at apathy.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 18, 2017
We begin a summer series this week where over the next 12 Sundays we will consider some of those common feelings and experiences we all share and consider how the Scriptures speak to them. We launch this series looking at apathy.
Speaker: Matt Glezos Date: June 11, 2017 Text: Matthew 14:22-36
In Christ each Christian is blessed with a peace and comfort that brings hope into this life and will carry us into the life to come. But the mistake we sometimes make is thinking that because Jesus brings us peace and comfort, he wants us to pursue a life that is always peaceful and completely without risk. In this passage we see the comforting presence of Jesus and the call to follow him out onto the water to take a risk that will force us to exercise our faith.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 4, 2017 Text: Matthew 14:13-21
Pre-resurrection there were few events, if any, that displayed the messiahship of Jesus more than the feeding of the 5000. In this message we highlight four aspects from it that we are NOT to see. Yes, you read that right - in this great event there are four things revealed that we are NOT to see.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 28, 2017 Text: Matthew 14:1-12
In this sermon we will be introduced to Herod the Tetrarch as he comes in contact with the mighty works of Jesus. What Herod does with Jesus is a sobering warning about the attempts we make to create God in our image rather than letting God be God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 21, 2017 Text: Matthew 13:53-58
In colleges and universities around North America, homecoming is a big deal met with much fanfare. Not so with Jesus. In this message we journey with Jesus back to His hometown of Nazareth where He is received, not with applause, but offence and wilful disbelief.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 14, 2017 Text: Matthew 13:44-52
What does the "good life" look like to you? To borrow from James K. A. Smith, what does human flourishing encompass? In this message Jesus, through His ongoing use of parables, reveals the worth, value and all-encompassing nature of the kingdom of heaven and why it's worthy giving up everything for.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 7, 2017 Text: Matthew 13:24-43
In this sermon we will unpack three more parables of Jesus in an effort to discover what they teach us about the Kingdom of God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 30, 2017 Text: Matthew 13:1-23
Few things are more associated with Jesus than His parables. This message addresses what parables are, the role they serve, and why they are important. Additionally, what do we need to discover in the parable of the Sower, specifically, what makes someone 'good soil'?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 23, 2017 Text: Matthew 12:38-50
Hard heartedness is a topic that comes up often in the Bible. It's seen prominently with Pharaoh but continues on with the disciples and the Pharisees thereafter. What are the earmarks of hardheartedness - especially the more subtle ones - and how do we overcome it? That's what this sermon addresses.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 16, 2017 Text: Matthew 28
In this sermon we will take some time to look at the difference between holding to the resurrection of Jesus as theory versus reality. What does it mean to walk in the power of the resurrection today? And what differences should we be expecting this to make in our lives?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 14, 2017 Text: Matthew 27:15-26
In this Good Friday message we dive into the exchange of Jesus for Barabbas and consider how we too are like Pilate, the Crowd and Barabbas himself and therefore, how we all need Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 9, 2017 Text: Matthew 21:1-11
On this Palm Sunday we enter Jerusalem with Jesus - for the first time in Matthew - and consider deeply those characteristics of Jesus that Matthew emphasizes.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 2, 2017 Text: Matthew 12:33-37
In last week's passage we were witness to the most horrific words ever uttered: Jesus does what He does by way of Satan. In this week's text Jesus sheds light on how our words not only bear witness to who we are but why we utter them in the first place.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 26, 2017 Text: Matthew 12:22-32
We are approaching a culminating point in Matthew where not only is Jesus' popularity reaching a zenith but so too is His opposition. In this message we tackle the accusation of the Pharisees who concluded that Jesus did what He did by the power of Satan and consider the relevance for us today.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 19, 2017 Text: Matthew 12:9-21
In this message Jesus continues to press in on the Pharisees view of the Sabbath - this time by way of healing a man with a withered hand. In this message we will also address the question of whether or not Christians are to keep the Sabbath today.
Speaker: Matthew Menzel Date: March 12, 2017 Text: Matthew 12:1-8
In this sermon we will look at the invitation Jesus extended to rest in Him. What does that actually mean? How do we do it? And what does it require to be a people defined by His rest instead of our work?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 5, 2017 Text: Matthew 11:20-30
One of the sweetest invitations of Jesus is to "Come to Him." Why would we not? This message looks at some of the reasons for why many choose not to come to Jesus, the warning to those who don't, and what is promised to those who do.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 26, 2017 Text: Matthew 11:1-19
In this sermon we will examine the place of doubt in the Christian experience. As we walk through the text we'll look at where doubt comes from, the provision we've been given to walk through doubt, how God responds to us in our doubt, and finally the benefits that doubt has in the lives of Jesus' disciples.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 19, 2017 Text: Matthew 10:26-42
This message ends our study of Jesus' missionary discourse. In it we dig deep into how we can overcome our fear in the light of the promise that we will encounter trials and tribulation when we choose to bear witness of Jesus.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 12, 2017 Text: Matthew 10:16-25
In this sermon we will be unpacking three circumstances that Jesus promises His disciples will face. These aspects of calling will challenge our perception of who Jesus is, what it means to follow Him, and why He calls us to any of these things in the first place.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 5, 2017 Text: Matthew 10:5-15
In this text Jesus sends out His 12 with 11 instructions. In this message we take those 11 instructions, pare them down to five, and notice the things we share with the 12.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 29, 2017 Text: Matthew 10:1-4
At this stage in Matthew's gospel we move from the very public ministry of Jesus to Jesus calling, empowering and sending out His 12. All things prompted by Jesus' compassion towards to crowds.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 22, 2017 Text: Matthew 9:35-38
In this transition text Matthew sums up the ministry of Jesus in Galilee and shares three reasons for why Jesus had compassion for the crowds - reasons that should prompt our prayers for God to send more workers into His harvest.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 15, 2017 Text: Matthew 9:27-34
Over the past two chapters we have observed Jesus do and declare much. But what's to be our response to it all? This messages dives into the varied responses that people have to the life and ministry of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 8, 2017 Text: Matthew 9:18-24
In this message Jesus is approached by a synagogue ruler and a woman, both living in a state of grave desperation. In His miraculous response to them Jesus reveals how we share their desperation but are offered the salvation and restoration they received too.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 1, 2017 Text: Matthew 6:9-13
In this New Year's Day sermon we will take some time to talk about prayer. Specifically, how God intends to use it as a transformative gift in our lives.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 24, 2016 Text: Matthew 2:1-11
On this Christmas Eve we look at how the responses of those to the arrival of Jesus 2000 years ago mirror those of many today - we oppose, we're indifferent or we pursue and worship Him.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 18, 2016 Text: Matthew 2:1-6
As we come to the fourth Sunday of Advent we will take some time to ask why the nation of Israel was so unprepared for the birth of their Messiah while wise-men from the east were among the first to worship the infant King. Are we in danger of making some of the same mistakes? And how can we guard ourselves from them?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 11, 2016 Text: Matthew 1:1-17
In this sermon we will turn our attention to the beginning of Matthew's gospel as we move toward the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. The genealogy of Jesus that Matthew records expands on three specific titles for Jesus and the promises associated with them. What does it mean that Jesus is the son of Abraham, son of David, the Christ?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 4, 2016 Text: Matthew 9:14-17
In this message we look at how Jesus once again addresses the radicalness of His message and ministry. Jesus had not come to simply upgrade what already existed but usher in something entirely new - a teaching that uses a discussion about fasting to make its point.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 27, 2016 Text: Matthew 9:9-13
There are texts that stand out because of what's contained in them this text is one of those; a text that highlights the wondrous grace and mercy of Jesus as shown in the call of Matthew. And a text that leaves us with a call to do the same.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 20, 2016 Text: Matthew 9:1-8
In this sermon we will walk through another miraculous act of liberation performed by Jesus. As we do we will focus our attention on what it looks like when the kingdom of heaven collides with our world.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 13, 2016 Text: Matthew 8:28-34
Today's text calls us to a middle ground - where, on the one hand, we are challenged with the reality and work of the demonic yet freed up from having to live in fear of it because of the person and work of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 6, 2016 Text: Matthew 8:23-27
In this message we jump into a boat with Jesus and His disciples and discover what the storms of life reveal about our understanding of Jesus and where our hope and trust lays.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 30, 2016 Text: Matthew 8:14-22
In this message we look at the high call of following Jesus looking specifically at those roadblocks - those greater loves, commitments and passions - that keep us from doing so.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 23, 2016 Text: Matthew 8:5-13
In this sermon we will examine the faith of a Roman Centurion, a faith that made Jesus marvel. We'll unpack what was so amazing to Jesus about this man's faith and what our call is in response to it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 16, 2016 Text: Matthew 8:1-4
In this passage Matthew begins to bear witness to the claims of Jesus and does so by highlighting His miracles. In this message we drop in on the healing of a leper and discover how the leper's physical condition mirrors our spiritual one and how Jesus came to heal us from it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 9, 2016 Text: Matthew 4:12-25
In this message where we transition from the ministry of John to Jesus we take a 30,000 foot view of Jesus' ministry noting specifically that it was a ministry of fulfillment, kingdom in-breaking and calling.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 2, 2016 Text: Matthew 4:1-11
In this text we join Jesus in the wilderness and observe Him being tempted by the devil. In this message we address two questions primarily: first, what was Jesus tempted towards and second, what does Jesus' temptation mean for us?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 25, 2016 Text: Matthew 3:13-17
In this sermon we will examine the baptism of Jesus. Why was He baptized if He was without sin? And what did His baptism accomplish for us?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 18, 2016 Text: Matthew 3:1-12
As we begin our series walking through the gospel of Matthew we will take some time to consider the ministry and message of John the Baptist. We will exmine what repentance means in the life of the church as we once again prepare for the arrival of Jesus.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 11. 2016 Text: 1 Corinthians 1
As we come to the start of another ministry year we will take some time to walk through portions of 1 Corinthians 1 in order to evaluate our faithfulness as a local church.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: September 4, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:15-23
As we wrap up the series we will walk through the rest of chapter 1 and see what it means to experience every blessing.
Speaker: James Bonney Date: August 28, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:13-14
In this sermon we unpack the blessing of the presence of the Holy Spirit who both assures us of, and animates in us all the glorious blessings Jesus has provided for us. Christianity is not just a bunch a truths to believe but a supernatural life that is meant to be lived; the Holy Spirit is the one who takes these truth and makes them live.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Aug 21, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:11-12
In this sermon we will take some time to look at the inheritance that is already ours or still being offered to us in Jesus. We will look at what kind of an inheritance it is, what it includes, and what it means for our lives today.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 14, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:10
In this sermon we will look at the promised blessing of the 'restoration of all things.' What does this blessing actually consist of and how are we supposed to enjoy and live in light of it already?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 7, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:7-9
In this sermon we will explore one of the most foundational blessings in the Christian life, the forgiveness of sins. We will look at what this blessing means from a cultural standpoint and explore it's significance not only for Christians but for our world in the time and place that we live.
Speaker: Josh Dool Date: July 31, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:4-6
In this sermon we will look at the blessing of being Adopted in the Beloved. By examining this scandalous blessing we will see how this pivotal component of our salvation is also a present day reality for us to enjoy and experience.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 24, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:6,12,14
In this sermon we will look at one of the most foundational and impactful of all God's blessings. We will see how the 'praise of God's glory' is meant to be the consummation, communication, and cultivation of all of God's gifts in our lives.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 17, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:4
In this sermon we will look at the blessings of holiness and blamelessness that are available to us in Jesus. We'll see how we as people instinctively pursue these things apart from Jesus and why every one of us should run to Him for them instead.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 10, 2016 Text: Ephesians 1:1-3
As we begin looking at every blessing made available to us in Jesus we'll take some time to talk about the process involved in the daily experience of every one of those blessings.
Date: July 3,2016 Speaker: Josh Dool
Throughout the New Testament we encounter descriptions that depict the Christian Church as being The Body of Christ, and we see many instances where instructions and commands are not directed toward the individual, but rather the community. This week we look at the origin, design, plan behinds God's structuring of this community, and we encounter the purpose and mission of God in uniting Christians together in this way.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 26, 2016 Text: Revelation 22:6-21
As we come to the end of the series we will wrap it up with a call to see ourselves and our lives in light of this 'Revelation of Jesus Christ.' We will also get to hear the testimonies of twenty Westsiders as they enter the waters of baptism. There really is no better way to bring this letter to a close than with that kind of a celebration!
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 19, 2016 Text: Revelation 21:9-22:5
As we continue looking at John's vision of the eternal Kingdom of God we will be prompted to ask a number of questions including: What is it that makes the Kingdom of God so different from the Kingdom of man? Why can't God's Kingdom and the Kingdom's of this world simply co-exist? And finally, how is God leading us to live in light of these realities?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 6, 2016 Text: Revelation 21:1-8
As we come to chapter 21 John's vision transitions to a picture of the eternal home God has prepared for His children. There are five specific aspects of Heaven that we will look at in this sermon that are meant to strengthen us to faithfully follow Jesus until He returns.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 5, 2016 Text: Revelation 20
In this message we investigate the thousand year period known as the millennium. We consider whether it's a time in the future or something now. We end by looking at some major reminders for all.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 29, 2016 Text: Revelation 19
With the fall of Babylon the multitudes cry, "hallelujah." This message looks at why they cry out, what makes the destruction of Babylon so certain and ends by asking whether or not the battle depicted in chapter 19 should be viewed as a literal and physical battle or as something else.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 24, 2016 Text: Revelation 18
Where chapter 17 focuses on the deception of Babylon, chapter 18 focuses on its destruction. Why it's destroyed and how followers of Jesus are to live in light of its certainty is the focus of this message.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 15, 2016 Text: Revelation 17
In Revelation 17, John records a vision that personifies the forces of evil at work in our world. How do we see them at work around us today? And what tools have we been given to stand against them?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 8, 2016 Text: Revelation 15:5-16:21
Revelation, chapters 6-19, include some of the most sobering chapters in the Bible. What are we to see and how are we to respond to the plans and purposes of God's judgment as depicted in them? This message considers those questions and more.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 1, 2016 Text: Revelation 15:1-4
Before looking at the 7 bowls being poured out in chapter 16 we slow down in the first four verses of chapter 15 and look deeper at the follower of Jesus as conqueror and singer.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 24, 2016 Text: Revelation 14
Few, if any, topics in the Bible are most hesitantly approached as the topic of hell. And yet, if we ignore the sobering horror of hell we will never fully appreciate the gracious goodness of Jesus and His sacrifice for us. In this message we look at hell, it's reality and our only hope of being saved from it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 17, 2016 Text: Revelation 13
In Revelation 13 we encounter two beasts, two beasts empowered by the dragon (Satan). In this message we look at how and to what end are these beasts empowered by Satan and how Christians stand against them. We also consider why some churches undergo such great persecution while others languish in spiritual apathy in the midst of great prosperity.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 10, 2016 Text: Revelation 12
After the finality of chapter 11 this sermon, coming out of chapter 12, doubles back and answers three main questions: why is Satan so angry, what are his tactics and how do the people of God conquer him?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 3, 2016 Text: Revelation 11
Revelation 11 brings us to the end of a major section in the book. As this section wraps up we will see the call and identity of Jesus' Church in this period of redemptive history.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 27, 2016
On this Easter Sunday we look at Jesus' post-resurrection encounter with Thomas where Jesus tells us why it's more blessed to not see and believe.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 25, 2016
On this Good Friday we go back to the early hours of the first and join Jesus in the garden where we see His agony and temptation as well as His strength that fortified Him for the cross.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 20, 2016 Text: Revelation 10
In Revelation 10 we begin another interlude in the flow of the book. In the midst of increasingly intensifying imagery our attention is briefly redirected so that we can remember the place and purpose of the Church in the middle of all of this.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 3,2016 In this address at the 2016 Multiply Conference in Vancouver Norm gives a brief history of Westside Church and the things learned along the way.
Speaker: Mark Clark Date: March 13, 2016 Text: Revelation 9
In Revelation 9 trumpets five and six are blown. The judgments released are more intense than anything seen to this point. How are we to understand God's hand in all of this? What does it mean to have the seal of God on our foreheads? And what role does Satan play here as the vision unfolds?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 6, 2016 Text: Revelation 8
As we turn our attention to Revelation 8 we will be faced with more images of God's judgment. How are we to understand who God is in light of these things? What do these divine judgements tell us about the one who sits on the throne?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 28, 2016 Text: Revelation 7
Chapter 6 ends with the most appropriate of questions: who can stand? Who is able to stand, in their own strength, before God on the throne and the wrath of the Lamb? In this message that takes us through chapter 7 we discover the answer.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 21, 2016 Text: Revelation 6
In this message we consider first off the doctrine of the rapture before seeing Jesus remove the first four seals of the scroll of God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Febuary 14, 2016 Text: Revelation 5
In this message we transition from looking at the throne of God in chapter 4 to the Lamb of God in chapter 5. More specifically, we recognize four aspects of the Lamb - the Lamb's worthiness, weakness, way and worship of Him thereafter.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 7, 2016 Text: Revelation 4
As we come to Revelation 4 the vision John sees changes. He looks and sees a throne in heaven, occupied and surrounded by worshipers. But what does all this mean? How is the existence of a throne in heaven meant to change our lives today? And what is revealed about the one who sits on the throne?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 31, 2016 Text: Revelation 2-3
In this message, which is in response to last week's, we look at the ways Jesus strengthens the church for the battle we wage against our chief enemy, Satan himself.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 24, 2016 Text: Revelation 2-3
The book of Revelation is written originally by Jesus through John to 7 churches located in Asia Minor. In this message we do a flyover of chapters 2 and 3 and discover what Jesus tells them then - and us today - about Satan's tactics used in opposition to the church.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 17, 2016 Text: Revelation 1:4-20
When John was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, what did he see? This message breaks down the wonder of Jesus - the Son of Man - and why He calls us to not be afraid.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 10, 2016 Text: Revelation 1:1-8
In this kick off message to our series on Revelation we lay the ground work for understanding the genre - apocalyptic - the book was written in. As well, we unpack the first three verses of chapter 1 setting the stage for what comes next.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 3, 2015
After seeing the origin of and the solution to the unrest in our world we will now turn our attention to the act of rest in the Christian life. How are we supposed to be people of rest in the midst of so much unrest? And how can we effectively offer the rest that God has given us to the people in our lives?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 27, 2015
As we come to the end of one year and get ready to begin another we'll do a little bit of reflecting on the events of our world in 2015. How does the Bible help us understand the unrest in ourselves and our world? And how can we move through the unrest to a place of ultimate rest?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 24, 2015
In this Christmas Eve message that finishes off our "To Us a Son is Given" series, we see how the names of Jesus aren't merely used to identify Him but explain who He was and what He came to accomplish.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 20, 2015 Text: Galatians 4:4-7
Last week we saw that the primary motivation for God in sending His Son to us was incomprehensible love. Today out of Paul's letter to the Galatians we will look at part of what God's love, expressed in Jesus, has accomplished for us.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 13,2015 Text: John 3:16-21
We begin a short Christmas Series today entitled, To Us a Son is Given. In this message coming out of John 3:16-21 we look specifically at what kind of love it was that spurred the sending of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 6, 2015 Text: Exodus 15
As we conclude our study of Exodus chapters 1 to 15 we consider the role of worship, specifically the role of singing, as a response to what God has done for us and in us through Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Nov 29, 2015 Text: Exodus 13:17-14:31
Few events in the Bible are more well known than the crossing of the Red Sea. But what makes it most extraordinary and wondrous is what it reveals about God's salvation. This message highlights three of them.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 22, 2015 Text: Exodus 12:33-13:16
With the tenth and final plague of Passover complete what does God call His people to next? What does God want to ensure that His people give themselves to first? He calls them to remember. Remember who they were and what He had done. This message delves deep into the question, why? Why does God want us to remember and what does it birth in us, His children?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 15, 2015 Text: Exodus 11-12:32
As we wrap up the account of the ten plagues we come to the moment of Passover. How does this powerful act of God move us from slavery to worship? And how are we to live in light of it?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 8, 2015 Text: Exodus 8:20-10:29
God, Himself, calls the plagues harsh. Who would argue? But He also commands us to share with generation after generation the harshness of them. Why? What do they display and show that's so all-important for us to see?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: November 1, 2015 Text: Exodus 7-8:19
As we come to chapter seven the story of the Exodus begins to focus on God's incredible display of power as He moves His people from slavery to worship through the plagues.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 25, 2015 Text: Exodus 6
In spite of God's promises what keeps us from believing and living in light of them? That's the main question that gets addressed coming out of Exodus 6.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 18, 2015 Text: Exodus 5
What do you do when your faithful obedience to God is only met with resistance and disdain? How do you respond, where do you turn? Additionally, how do negative reactions to God and His Word serve God's ultimate purpose and plan? We address those dilemmas in this week's message.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: October 11, 2015 Text: Exodus 4:18-31
As we continue on in our series through the book of Exodus we will take some time to consider what means to be called by God when our lives (unlike Moses') seem to be completely ordinary.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 4, 2015 Text Exodus 3:11-4:17
In last week's message we considered the call of God on Moses' life and how we too are called to go to a hurting and enslaved people. In this week's message we consider that not only are we called like Moses was but often times respond to God's call like Moses did too.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 27, 2015 Text: Exodus 3:1-10
One of the great and wondrous teachings in the Bible is that God calls us but He doesn't only call us to salvation but to kingdom service. In this message we look at the call of God on Moses, a call that comes from a God who reveals Himself first.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Sept 20, 2015 Text: Exodus 1-2
As we kick off this series we begin by looking at what Exodus highlights about God and His intimate involvement in it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Sept 13, 2015 Text: Matthew 16:13-23
On a Sunday where we celebrate 10 years of ministry we look at the promises of Jesus to His Church.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 6, 2015 Text: John 11:1-53
As we finish off this "I am" series we look at Jesus' great claim, "I am the resurrection and the life", a claim that calls us to move from a head belief about the hereafter to a heart's affection towards Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 30, 2015 Text: John 10:11-21
In John 10: 11 and 14 Jesus claims to be the good shepherd. In this message we look at what Jesus points to as qualifying Him as being the good shepherd and what the implications for us are thereafter.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 23, 2015 Text: John 10:1-10
In week 4 of this "I Am" series we look at Jesus' declaration, "I Am the Door." But what kind of door is Jesus and why does anyone need a door at all? In this message we look at 4 characteristics of the door that is Jesus.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 16, 2015 Text: John 8:12
We've seen that Jesus is the 'I AM,' and that He's the 'Bread of Life.' In this sermon we turn our attention to Jesus as the 'Light of the World.' But what does this mean to our culture today? Is anyone even looking for the light anymore?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Aug 9, 2015 Text: John 6:35
As we continue our series looking at the I AM statements of Jesus we come to John 6 where Jesus claims to be the Bread of Life. But what does that mean and how are we supposed to live in light of it?
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 2, 2015 Text: John 8:58
In this series we will ask one primary question, 'Who is Jesus?' We'll start by taking a look at a few kinds of answers that exist for that question and we will close with a call to respond to Jesus' own answer.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 26, 2015 Text: James 5:13-20
As we come to the end of the book of James we will be reminded that every man and woman who has received the grace of God has been called to live as a conduit of it into the lives of those around them.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 19, 2015 Text: James 5:7-12
As we begin wrapping up our series James calls us to patience but patience towards what? This sermon delves into that question as James reveals three categories that require our ongoing patience.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 12, 2015 Text: James 5:1-6
Few topics are more sensitive to delve into than the topic of money and wealth. Yet, ironically, few things are addressed more frequently and prove to be more dangerous to one's faith than money and wealth. In this message we ask four questions to help us consider how our faith is interacting with the riches around us.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 5, 2015 Text: James 4:13-17
As we have seen throughout this series, the theme of James is faith working itself out. In this message James reveals how our faith should interact and respond to God's will.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 28, 2015 Text: James 4:11-12
Few instructions are more misunderstood and ignored than the call to judge. In this message we look at what right judging looks like and the warning against the opposite.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 21, 2015 Text: James 4:1-10
As we enter chapter 4 James addresses the main causes for relational discord and the reasons and the remedy for lives that have veered off course.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 14, 2015 Text: James 3:13-18
In today's passage James doubles back to the topic of wisdom and answers the questions: what wisdom is, what wisdom isn't and what wisdom produces in us.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 7, 2015 Text: James 3:1-12
There is no letter in the Bible that addresses the power of the tongue - positively and negatively - more than James does. In this message we explore the three things the tongue enables and why not many of us should become teachers.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 31 Text: James 2:14-26
As we come to the end of chapter two James will drive the main point of the chapter home with a discussion on the relationship between faith and works.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 24, 2015 Text: James 2:1-13
Why is partiality and favoritism wrong? In this message we delve into the question and and answer it in view of the gospel.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: May 17, 2015 Text: James 1:26-27
As we come to the end of chapter one James will continue with the theme of spiritual self-deception. In these two verses he will lay out three practical evidences of whether the faith one professes is worthless or pure and undefiled before God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 10, 2015 Text: James 1:19-25
As people who have been born again how do we then live? In this message James calls us to hear, heed and hold on to the Word and by so doing live a life that is pleasing to God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 3, 2015 Text: James 1:12-18
Although trials and tests come by way of God and are for our benefit they bring with them the temptation to resist and sin. This message addresses the root of temptation and how to resist them when they arise.
As we continue in our series through the book of James we are going to get some practical help with the exhortation given to us in the first four verses. Namely, how can we count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 12, 2015 Text: James 1:1-4
In this kick off message to this series we look at what real faith looks like when confronted with trials and tests.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 5, 2015 Text: Philippians 2:1-11
In this final message of this series we look at the reward, response and reason for the exaltation of Jesus.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 3, 2015 Text:Philippians 2:1-11
On Good Friday we remember the death of Jesus and its implications in our lives by turning our attention to a hymn of the early Church in Philippians 2.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 29, 2015 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
In this final message coming out of I Corinthians 15 we look at how Paul addresses some final resistance regarding the resurrection and by so doing discover how the resurrection of Jesus, and ours thereafter, strengthens us for life now.
How are the dead raised, with what type of body do they come? These are the questions Paul answers in this section of I Corinthians 15, while warning us against earthly presumptions and presuppositions.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 22, 2015 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
How are the dead raised, with what type of body do they come? These are the questions Paul answers in this section of I Corinthians 15, while warning us against earthly presumptions and presuppositions.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 15, 2015 Text: 1 1 Corinthians 15:20-35
In this week's text Paul moves from the negative to the positive and reveals how the resurrection of Jesus serves us in three dramatic ways.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: March 3,2015 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:11-19
As we continue unpacking 1 Corinthians 15 we will begin to see exactly why the physical resurrection of Jesus as a guarantee of our own is such a critical component of the gospel.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: March 1, 2015 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
This message kicks off a series on the resurrection and focuses on the evidence of the resurrection and the role it plays in the larger gospel message.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 22, 2015
As we close our series looking at the person and work of the Holy Spirit we will take some time to unpack the Holy Spirit as guide and empowerer. What does it look like to be empowered by the Spirit? How does that affect our lives? And how can we know if we are truly being led and empowered by Him?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 15, 2015
In this message we look at the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: February 8, 2015
As we continue our series examining the person and work of the Holy Spirit we will take some time to unpack His teaching ministry and His role of comforter in our lives.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: February 1, 2015
In this ongoing series on the Holy Spirit we look this week at the Spirit's relationship with Jesus as glorifier and exalter.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 25, 2015
What brings the follower of Jesus comfort and assurance? This message addresses the topic by looking at the Holy Spirit as Witness, Seal and Guarantee.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 18, 2015
As we move to part 2 in our series on the Holy Spirit we look at the promise and sending of the Holy Spirit and what makes the time in which we live unique in all of history.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: January 11, 2015
As we begin our series on the Holy Spirit we begin by addressing the Holy Spirit's personhood and deity.
Holy Spirit Discussion: Part 1 Date: January 15, 2015
Norm Funk and Matt Menzel discuss some questions about the Holy Spirit sermon series.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: January 4, 2015 Text: 2 Peter 3:1-13
As we close out our 'Remember' mini series we will unpack some of the Apostle Peter's writing and focus in on one particular aspect of the gospel that doesn't usually get a lot of attention but that we are to be in constant remembrance of and that is meant to alter everything about our lives.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: December 28, 2014 Text: Psalm 77
As 2014 comes to a close we will seek to put this past year in right perspective by examining what it means to live our lives in remembrance of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 14, 2014 Text: Luke 1:26-38
As we continue this Advent series we arrive at Gabriel's encounter with Mary, an encounter that reveals the wonder of how the Creator became creation and the Word became flesh.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: December 7, 2014 Text: Luke 1:5-25
As we begin this Advent Series we look at Gabriel's exchange with Zechariah that reminds us that when God came in flesh He came to enter our barrenness, fulfill His promises and press in on our doubts
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 23, 2014 Text: Genesis 38
Although the story of Tamar and Judah is a strangely unique one it reminds us of how God breaks through our sin by the sending of His Son.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 16, 2014 Text: Daniel 6
Few stories are more well known than Daniel and Lion's Den yet perhaps not as appreciated as it should be in its foreshadowing of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: November 9th 2014 Text: Esther 1-10
The book of Esther doesn't mention God one time. Yet, He is all and everywhere in her story. This message considers the many ways God shows up in spite of His invisibility and what that means for us.
Speaker: Bill Hogg Date: November 2, 2014 Text: Genesis 30:1-20
When we are first introduced to Joseph he was seventeen years old. He lived with his family in the land of Canaan and was spoiled rotten by his father, because he was the first son born to his father's greatly loved wife,Rachel. Not surprisingly, one brother finding more love in the eyes of their father than ten others created a very tense and embittered environment in the home.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Oct 26th 2014 Text: Genesis 12-21
The story of Sarah is a very interesting one. She isn't the primary focus of the texts that tell us about her and all of the interactions with do have with her display a general weakness of character. And yet God uses the story of this barren woman to highlight His grace. Over and over again we see that God is the hero of Sarah's story and through it we're compelled to trust Him with our own.
As we look at the story of one of the Old Testament's most famous characters we will see a man who pursues God above all else and a man who fails in his pursuit of God regularly. We'll examine the source of David's greatness and of David's failings. In the end we will consider how a man like him could've been described as a man after God's own heart.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 12th 2014 Text: Ruth 1-4
The beauty and wonder of Naomi's story is God, and His gracious response, in light of her bitter disposition towards Him. A response we all need from Him, and one that is all ours, in Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: October 5th 2014 Text: 1 Kings 17-19, 2 Kings 1-2
What does faithful devotion to God look like? The story of Elijah answers that all-important question.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 28th 2014 Text: Ruth 1-4
On the surface the book of Ruth tells the great love story of a destitute widow and a land-barren nobleman. But when read with Jesus in mind it paints a picture of God's wonderful and redemptive grace offered to all people.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 21st 2014 Text: Judges 13-16
There are few stories more well-known than the story of Samson, a man so blessed by God yet so flawed and enticed by that which was around him. But a man, most of all, who pointed ahead to Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 14th 2014 Text: Joshua 2 & 6
As we kick off our fall sermon series called, Story, we look at the story of Rahab who serves as a model and example of faith while highlighting how God's redemptive work extends to all people.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 7th 2014 Text: Jude 17-25
An all-important yet too often forgotten is the Christian's call to persevere. In this final message of our series Jude addresses what perseverance calls us to do.
Date: August 31, 2014 Speaker: Norm Funk
Although short and often forgotten Jude offers key and altogether relevant teaching regarding the dangers of false teachers and the Christian's call in response. This is part I of a two part series that will address this topic.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 24 2014 Text: 3 John 9-15
In II John the Apostle warns about false teachers on the outside, in this sermon coming out of III John we look at John's warning about self-serving evil leaders on the inside.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 17 2014 Text: 3 John 1-8
In the first half of 3 John the apostle commends a man named Gaius in order to spur him on in his ministry. Through this ancient encouragement those in Jesus are inspired by both the heart of John and the life of Gaius.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 10, 2014 Text: 2 John 4-13
In the remainder of 2 John the apostle wants to be clear about exactly what walking in the truth accomplishes in the lives of believers. He wants his readers to understand that the truth of the gospel alters our behavior, affects our relationships, and awards us with joy.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: August 3rd 2014 Text: 2 John 1-3
The letter of second John is a powerful call for the Church of Jesus to stand for truth in a world that desires the exact opposite. As we open this letter we will examine whether the way of our culture or the way of the gospel will ultimately lead us to the universal human desires of love, unity, and salvation.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: July 27 2014 Text: Philemon 8-25
As we continue unpacking Paul's letter to Philemon we will examine the extreme request being made of him. We will notice that God's grace not only frees believers to love and forgive but it also compels them to die to self.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 20 2014 Text: Philemon 1-7
In this kick off to a new series we look at the book of Philemon, a small and unique book, that in a most personal way addresses the all important topic of forgiveness.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 13 2014 Text: Luke 7:11-17
Luke 7:11-17 records one of the greatest miracles of Jesus but the text is greater still if we see how it reveals the beautiful aspects of Jesus' ministry and why He came to us.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 6 2014 Text: Romans 16
As we close down our almost 2 year study of Romans we wrap things up by looking at Paul's final greetings, warning and doxology.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 29 2014 Text: Romans 15:14-33
With the main body of his letter to the church in Rome complete, Paul now turns his attention to some final thoughts about the ministry entrusted to him as well as an appeal for the saints in Rome to partner with him for the sake of the gospel.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 22 2014 Text: Romans 15:8-13
In this message Paul sums up his teaching on the weak and the strong and the call to welcome one another, doing so with one of the most precious benedictions in the Bible.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 15 2014 Text: Romans 15:1-7
In this ongoing discussion on the weak and the strong Paul addresses how the church is able to bear with one another and in so doing, also points out those things the church is to be known for.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 8, 2014 Text: Romans 14:13-23
The church is made up of all sorts - men, women; older, younger; rich, poor - including the weak and the strong in faith. In this text Paul instructs the strong in how they should respond to the weak.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: June 1st 2014 Text: Romans 14:1-12
In Jesus believers have received an inheritance which includes an immense amount of freedom. Freedom mishandled, however, can be used at times to mask self-centredness. How are we to know when love should trump freedom? And what aspects of the gospel show us that love for our brothers and sisters may mean limiting the amount of freedom we allow ourselves to walk in?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 25 2014 Text: Romans 13:8-14
Although we would all love to live debt free there is one debt that we are to always live under. This message addresses why.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 18 2014 Text: Romans 13:1-7
What's a Christian's response to be to those in authority? Especially to those whose authority is being abused? This message addresses those questions.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 11 2014 Text: Romans 12:9-21
Paul continues showing us what a transformed life looks like, this time in how relates to those within the family of God - the church - and how it responds, as well, to the enemies of it.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 4 2014 Text: Romans 12:3-8
What does spiritual transformation look like in the life of a follower of Jesus? It looks like service as an act of worship.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 27 2014 Text: Romans 12:1-2
A transition takes place as we enter chapter 12, a chapter where Paul calls us to an expected response in light of God's mercies.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 18 2014
This Good Friday both of Westside's campuses came together in a joint gathering at Westsides Vancouver Campus. This is the sermon audio from that event.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: April 13 2014 Text: Matthew 21:1-11
On Palm Sunday we look at Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people were expecting a conquering king to lay waste to their enemies but they never expected the Messiah to accomplish that on such a grand scale. Which begs the question, how do we respond when Jesus doesn't submit to our plans for Him?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Mar 30 2014 Text: John 13:1-17
Few events are more stunning and yet as misunderstood as the footwashing of Jesus. An event that serves as a display of Jesus' love, a symbol of His death and example for us to follow.
Speaker: Matt Menzel Date: Oct 20 2013 Text: Luke 7:41-42 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" (Luke 7:41-42, ESV)
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Oct 13 2013 Text: Matthew 16:24-27 What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: September 6, 2009 Text: Colossians 4:5-18 Summary: Jesus is supreme in our witness.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 30, 2009 Text: Colossians 3:22 Summary: Jesus is supreme as our Master.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 23 2009 Text: Colossians 3:20-21 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His glorification of His Father.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 16, 2009 Text: Colossians 3:19 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His love.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 9, 2009 Text: Colossians 3:18 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His humility.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: August 2, 2009 Text: Colossians 3:11-17 and Acts 20:36-21:6 Summary: Jesus is supreme in our fellowship.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 26,2009 Text: Colossians 3:11-17 Summary: Jesus is Supreme in His peace.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 19,2009 Text: Colossians 3:1-11 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His transformation.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 12, 2009 Text: Colossians 2:16-23 Summary: Jesus is Supreme in His Redemption
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: July 5 2009 Text: Colossians 2:8-15 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His forgiveness.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 28 2009 Text: Colossians 2:1-8 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His praiseworthiness.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: June 21, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:24 - 2:5 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His sufferings.
Speaker: Laurence East Date: June 14, 2009 Text: Matthew 24:1-44 Summary: Its been nearly 200 years now since Jesus made the promise to come and he hasnt yet. Have we become suspicious that he wont come? Or is it that our souls have become tired of waiting? That as evil and suffering seemingly increase in the world, our souls have become too weary to believe that he will come?? You see, there is a deficiency in the lives of Christ-followers today, in terms of discipleship and faith. When we look at the early church and the passion with which they lived, expecting Christs return any moment; can we really say we have that urgency and expectancy in our lives?
Speaker: Jon Imbeau Date: June 7, 2009 Text: 1 Cor 1: 18 - 31 Summary: Humans have a strange addiction to power. All our modern wisdom tells us to how to achieve, keep, or pretend to have power. You are wise these days if you know the keys to power. You can make a lot of money marketing those keys.
But this is not Gods wisdom. Therefore it is not wisdom at all.
In order to offer the power addicts of the world perfect wisdom Christians need to familiarize themselves with what God says about wisdom.
To that end we will look at a book, a verse, and a person.
Speaker: Lee Francois Date: May 31, 2009 Text: Ruth 1:1-5 Summary: If life is a highway, it is one that is filled with detours, traffic jams, and roadblocks. The temptation we face as we encounter these obstacles is to look for shortcuts that bypass all trouble. These shortcuts often appear like the perfect solution, but more often than not end up being dead ends themselves. Today we meet a family who took a shortcut that led to tragic consequences.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 24, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:21-23 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His assurance.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 17, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:15-20 Summary: Jesus is supreme over His creation.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 10, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:9-14 Summary: Jesus is supreme in His freedom.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: May 3, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:3-8 Summary: Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. Yes, but in addition, love is an overflow of one's faith in Jesus and hope in heaven. The love the Colossians had for all bears evidence to this.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 26, 2009 Text: Colossians 1:1-2 Summary: This message intros a new series on the letter to the Colossians. A letter, although written 2000 years ago, has so much relevance today. This letter hits on topics like morality, self-denial, hedonism, asceticism and assurance of faith, just to name of few. Have you ever wondered how to attain salvation. Have you ever doubted your faith? Have you ever felt like saying,
Speaker: Laurence East Date: April 19,2009 Text: Luke 4:16-21 Summary:Luke 4:16 is probably the most dramatic opening moment of any story told in the Bible, and perhaps more importantly heralds the ministry of the One who would change history. Jesus drops a bombshell on his own church and begins to explain the Kingdom of God, only it doesnt look anything they expected!
Why is it, that throughout history, God has chosen to announce his Kingdom through the most unexpected circumstances and the most unexpected people; the poor, the outcast, the excluded, the alien in our midst?
If that is true, why is the North American church today a place for the haves instead of the have-nots? This week, Laurence East shares the journey of the Metro community on the streets of Kelowna, and the revelation of Jesus among the poor.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 12, 2009 Summary: This message, given on Easter Sunday in conjunction with the baptism of 17 people, ends the series, The Cross.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: April 5, 2009 Summary: Crucifixion was cruel, ghastly, brutal, horrific and scandalous. The Jewish people considered those who died on the cross a disgrace and cursed, the Romans considered them defeated - losers died on crosses. How then does Jesus declare the event of the cross to be the pinnacle of His and His Father's glory? And how does Paul come to a place where he says he will boast in nothing but the offense of the cross? This message unpacks the paradox of the cross.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Mar 29 2009 Summary: A common question that gets raised regarding the cross is,
Speaker: Norm Funk Date Mar 22 2009 Description:Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay his life down for his friends. For God so loved that He gave. In this is love, that God sent His son. The cross is many things but none more significant than the overwhelming demonstration of God's love for us.
Speaker: Norm Funk Date: Mar 15 2009 Description:Although highly resisted by most, even those in the church, the discussion surrounding the wrath of God is key to understanding the purpose of the cross.
Speaker: John Imbeau Date: Mar 8, 2009 Text: John 15:1-12 Summary: People are under immense pressure all over the globe as we spin inharmoniously and out of control. Stimulus, stocks, and striking oil are what we garner to feed our hope. There is however an economy described in John 15 that is the perfect word for our troubled times. The harmony of the vine, its branches, and the vinedresser is a metaphor for love. That metaphor can once again become good news to those spinning without hope.
Speaker: Norm Funk Text: 1 Corinthians 15, Colossians 2 Summary: This message explores the theology behind, and the practice of, baptism.
Speaker: Norm Funk 02.01.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 Summary:One of the key aspects of studying Ecclesiastes is remembering the perspective in which it is being written. Solomon is writing about life from a God-less, non-eternal perspective and attempting to find meaning in it. However, that isn't reality, there is more to life than what is seen under the sun and therefore how we live here matters not just for time but for eternity.
Speaker: Norm Funk 01.25.09 Text: Ecclesiastes 8 Summary: Because all people have been created to worship, we all worship something. Because of that we have a great proclivity towards elevating leaders to places where they don't belong, deifying them in the process, and placing our hope in them. Ecclesiastes 8 speaks of the how to live in the in between of this world with its present day leadership and the kingdom of God to come.
Speaker: Norm Funk Text: Ecclesiastes 7 Summary: In Ecclesiastes 7 Solomon moves from talking about how abundance isn't always what its cracked up to be to suggesting that adversity isn't necessarily a bad thing either - even the grand pooba of adveristy, death.
Speaker: Norm Funk 01.04.09 Text: Ecclesiastes 6 Summary: Solomon, in his continued evaluation of a world attempting to live without God, yet still seeking joy, meaning and contentment, concludes that it's all vanity for even joy itself is a gift from God.
Speaker: Norm Funk Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Summary: Why do we teach from and through the Bible at Westside? Because to not teach from it is the sign of the utmost of arrogance.
Speaker: Norm Funk 12.21.08 Text: Luke 2:11-26 Summary: Christmas is associated with a lot of things: gifts, turkeys, family, vacations, etc. But one of the other things its associated with is waiting. But not waiting for what as much as waiting for whom. Christmas brings with it the anticipation of the coming of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk 10.14.08 Text: Matthew 16:12-26 Summary: There's an expression that goes something like, "flattery won't get you anywhere." No truer than with Jesus. Many attempt to flatter Jesus with niceties regarding who He is, been that way for 2000 years. However, in this text Jesus is most concerned with His followers having a true understanding of His nature and His mission and what we do in response to it.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11.30.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Summary: Simply, this message deals with two major crises of our time: seeing Politicians as saviors and bowing to money as our god.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11/23/08 Text: Ecclesiastes 5:4-7 Summary: Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me. What a crock. Words hurt and therefore words are important. And no one takes what we say more strongly than God - why? - for words testify to our hearts.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11/16/08 Text: Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 Summary:Our world is loud and busy, we run and chase and go hard, all the time. And this pace of life and activity infiltrates our walk with Jesus. We throw up a couple of songs on a Sunday, say a couple of quick prayers, throw something into the jar and then go and get busy again. Is that what Jesus would have for us? Is that what He wants from us? What Solomon lays out for us in this passage is that many times what God simply wants from us to stop, get quiet and listen and what He offers in return is peace.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11.09.08 Text: Exxlesaiastes 4 Summary: Ecclesiastes 4 continues with Solomon's evaluation of life lived
Speaker: Norm Funk 11.02.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 Summary: In chapters 3 and 4 of Ecclesiastes Solomon pushes back on his own evaluation of what he sees in life lived
Speaker: Norm Funk 10.26.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Summary: Have you ever laughed at a funeral? Nobody would argue that laughing is a bad thing, it's just not appropriate, most times anyways, at a funeral. There's a right time - even the hard and trying - for everything. That's the theme of chapter three in Solomon's ongoing evaluation of life lived
Speaker: Norm Funk 10.19.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 Summary: In the first part Ecclesiastes 1 Solomon lays out his conclusion of a life lived without God - it's all vanity. But, someone may ask, have you tried boozing it up or sleeping around. How about reading a good book or doing some nice things? Solomon's answer: I've tried them all and I've found them all lacking.
Speaker: Norm Funk 10.12.08 Text: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Summary: Is what you're doing going to matter a hundred years from now? In this new series on the book of Ecclesiastes that's the question Solomon, the writer, wrestles with.
Speaker: Norm Funk 10.05.08 Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11 Summary: In His high priestly prayer Jesus, in praying for us, said to His Father,
Speaker: Norm Funk 09.28.08 Text: Various, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Summary: In II Corinthians 5 Paul writes that we who have been reconciled to God have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation. The question is: how do we most powerfully and effectively proclaim that message? What we see in the early church of Acts is that it is through a community of reconciled people that the message of reconciliation is best shared.
Speaker: Norm Funk 09.21.08 Text: John 5:23,I John 2:23, Col. 1:19-2o, Col. 3:12-15, I John 4:11-12 Summary: A not so current yet still popular trend in the church today is the importance placed on community, almost to the point where community is held up to be the ultimate goal. But should it be? Or is there a purpose for community that goes far beyond the walls of the church?
Speaker: Norm Funk 08.31.08 Text: Genesis 3 and various Summary: Genesis 3 tells us that in the aftermath of Adam and Eve's sin in their shame and guilt they clothe themselves and hide from God, it's the first act of hypocrisy in the Scripture. The interesting thing is God comes along and takes away their clothing and gives Him His? Why? This message, which ends this series, addresses that question.
Speaker: Norm Funk 08.24.08 Text: Micah Summary: The role and call of the prophet in the OT was a thankless one based on the fact that much of the time the people of God were living in sin and idolatry with God often having to call them to repentance with dire repercussions if they didn't. Micah was one such prophet but mixed into Micah's words of warning and calls to repentance was the promise of a Redeemer, one who would make forgiveness and transformation possible.
Speaker: Norm Funk 08.17.08 Text: various texts Summary: Everyone worships, everyone. We may not worship the same thing but we all worship something or someone. God's highest aim is that all people worship or glorify Him as their greatest treasure, a call basking in the greatest gift that God could give us: Himself.
Speaker: Dave Ellis 08.10.08 Text: John 4:1-42 Summary: Have you ever wondered why many people avoid going below the surface in their every day relationships? Many of our relationships are lived out as surface relationships. Jesus took time and intentionally dived into the depths of peoples lives. By example He shows us how we can meet people as they are, and introduce them to Himself. Your calling as a follower of Christ is to live and minister below the surface, to bring light to the depths and darkness of those around us. Join me as we study John 4:1-42, Jesus and the Woman of Samaria.
Speaker: Kris Martens 08.03.08 Text: Book of Ruth Summary: One of the most beautiful short love stories in the bible, Ruth depicts God's hand of providence - working all things for His glory and our joy. Although if it were a film, it would likely be released as a 'chick flick' - it might better be presented as a hybrid of Rambo & Nacho Libre - because Boaz is one of the dudeliest dudes in the entire bible. The Gospel theme of the story is redemption - Ruth's redemption by Boaz - pointing to our redemption by Jesus. In addition, Boaz presents a great picture of biblical manhood while Ruth beautifully depicts biblical femininity. They are role models of the highest calibre. Jesus comes to us as the uber-Boaz - the Redeemer who pays our ransom - transforming our hearts, inviting us into His family & setting us free.
Speaker: Norm Funk Text: Various Summary: Why do bad things happen to good people? People ask the question, understandably, all the time. It's a question repeated often in the Psalms. The answer however is found in asking the question in the context of Jesus' life - not just a good man but an innocent one - who suffered in obedience to the point of death. And ultimately to what end - to the glory of the Father.
One of the reasons for this series - Finding Jesus in the OT - is to help break the stereotype that many have regarding the Old Testament (
Speaker: Norm Funk 07.13.08 Text: Various texts Summary: Ever wondered why God does what He does? Who hasn't? In the story of Isaac - the son of promise, the son of impossibility - we get some insight to this oft asked question.
Speaker: Norm Funk 07.06.08 Summary: One of the clear teachings of Scripture pertaining to our walks of Jesus is that we are saved by faith - the Bible is clear from beginning to end in that regard. But what kind of faith? In the life of Abraham - the father of our faith - we discover that we are saved by a faith that perseveres.
Speaker: Norm Funk 06.22.08 Text: Colossians 2:16-17 (and various others) Summary: Jesus said,
Speaker: Norm Funk 06.15.08 Text: Luke 15:11-32 Summary: Speaker: Norm Funk 06.15.08 Text: Luke 15:11-32
Speaker: Norm Funk 06.08.08 Text: Romans 4:1-12 Summary: In the church we have the tremendous opportunity to celebrate two very precious God-given gifts - baptism and communion. It seems however that in spite of the high value of these two sacred acts we have lost sight of their significance to us and our participation in them.
Speaker: Kris Martens 05/25/08 Text: Matthew 7: 15-23 Title: False Prophets, False Followers Summary: Near the end of Jesus' sermon on the mount, he warns us of wolves in sheep's clothing - false prophets that disguise their true character and prey upon Christians who don't know what they believe. He also warns us that there will be many people who think they know Jesus, but whom Jesus does not know. False followers who do signs & wonders, pray in Jesus name and declare Jesus Lord - but who don't actually know Jesus at all. This message looks at the gift of salvation by grace - and the dynamic between faith & works in the Christians life. In the end, the big questions will be: Do you know Jesus? Does Jesus know you?
Speaker: Norm Funk 05/18/08 Text: Matthew 7:12-14 Summary: One of the major criticisms of Christianity pertains to Jesus' claim that He is the only way. Cries of arrogance, exclusiveness, intolerance are common ones given in response. But are they valid? This message investigates that question.
Speaker: Norm Funk 05/11/08 Test: Matthew 7:7-11
One of the ways that people in the Kingdom of God deceive one another is by trying to pretend that everything is always hunky dory. Here's the truth of following Jesus: tough times are coming and sometimes tough times come because you follow Jesus. So how do we carry on, that's the question wrestled with in this message.
Speaker: Norm Funk 05/04/08 Text: Matthew 7:1-6 Summary: One of the statements that is made, inside and out of the church, is that it's wrong to judge. Is it? If true, then how do we make a call or take a stand on anything? Could it be instead that our call is not that we don't judge but that when we do, we judge rightly?
Your Kingdom Come - Part 14 Speaker: Norm Funk 04/27/08 Text: Matthew 6:24-34 Summary: Two things earmark people in God's kingdom the most according to Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: how they respond to their enemies and their trust in God the Father to be the provider of their needs.
Speaker: Kris Martens 04/20/08 Text: Matthew 6:19-24 Summary: Where is your treasure, what are you focused on, and who do you serve?
Speaker: Norm Funk 04/13/08 Text: Matthew 6:18-20 Summary: Most agree that the practice and discipline of prayer should be a key element in a follower of Jesus' life but what about fasting. If Jesus presumes that we will fast, why don't we, or why don't we more?
Speaker: Norm Funk 04/06/08 Text: Matthew 6:11-15 Summary: In this message we finish up a study of the Lord's Prayer by focusing on the how we hallow the name of God by recognizing that He is our Provider, Forgiver and Redeemer, enabling us to trust and therefore extend forgiveness to others.
Speaker: Norm Funk 03/30/08 Text: Matthew 6:5-10 Summary: The Lord's Prayer has many layers but one of them is that it serves as a guide for the disciples of Jesus to know who they pray to and what they are to pray for. Jesus demonstrates that first and foremost we are to be people who pray that God the Father's name is seen as holy and sanctified by everyone.
Speaker: Norm Funk 03/23/08 Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Summary: Paul wrote in I Corinthians 15,
Speaker: Norm Funk 03/09/08 Text: Matthew 6:1-4 Summary: The WWJD craze hit the Christian community with a vengeance in the 90's. What would Jesus Do? Not an entirely bad question but certainly incomplete for you can't begin to attempt to react or respond like Jesus would without doing what Jesus did. What did Jesus do? He made the disciplines a consistent part of His life. Chapter 6 in the Sermon on the Mt. begins with a focus on those practices - modeled by Jesus - that set our hearts on our Heavenly Father.
Speaker: Kristian Martens 03/02/08 Text: Matthew 5:38-48 Summary: Peace, Love & Jesus - or - The Way of the Sword-Bearing Peaceable King
Speaker: Norm Funk 02/24/08 Text: Matthew 5:33-37 Summary: Jesus continues His discussion on what fleshed out righteousness looks like as He now tackles the issue of integrity and truth speaking - and like anger, adultery and divorce it is much more an issue of the heart.
Speaker: Norm Funk 02/17/08 Text: Matthew 5:27-32 Summary: Sex and violence sells - the entertainment and advertisement industry is based on that maxim. In God's kingdom however, sex and violence coming out of a hard heart maim, kill and destroy leaving in the wake the used, abused and divorced.
To download message notes from a talk on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, go to the main menu: downloads/messages/PDF content.
Speaker: Norm Funk 02/10/08 Text: Matthew 5:21-26 Summary: In Matthew 5:21 Jesus goes from talking about the internal transformation of the Spirit to talking about what that tranformation looks like on the outside. Of all the things Jesus could have started with He chooses to begin with anger and forgiveness.
Speaker: Kristian Martens 01/27/08 Text: Matthew 5: 11-16 Summary: Continuing his sermon, Jesus reminds His followers that, not only are they blessed for Kingdom characteristics like peacemaking, meekness & hungering for righteousness - but that we should expect a good butt-kicking from the world when we live this way. He then challenges His people that they ARE the salt of the earth - and the light of the world... statements that should evoke courage & confidence within the Church. But the sad reality in N.America is that the church has lost its place in culture...becoming unsalty, dim and with little influence. This message looks at some reasons for this reality and then looks to the hope we have in Jesus to restore our saltiness and reflect His light. Jesus remains the true Light of the world and His desire remains to reach this city, and every city, with His contagious, flavourful and faithful Good News.
Speaker: Norm Funk 02/03/07 Text: Matthew 5:17-20 Summary: Get some perspective! We've all heard the expression, or ones like it. A wrong perspective, namely His listener's perspective of what the Law and righteousness looked like, was what Jesus is fighting in this passage within the Sermon on the Mt.
Speaker: Norm Funk 01/20/08 Text: Matthew 5:4-10 Summary: The kingdom of God is absolutely upside down when contrasted to what current culture says is vital and necessary, this is no more evident than what is seen in the beatitudes of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk 01/13/08 Text: Matthew 5:1-3 Summary: A key mistake in studying the Sermon on the Mt. is to read it and attempt to apply it as a list of do's and don'ts - that wasn't Jesus' point. In fact it's an impossibility to apply Jesus' teaching found in the Sermon on the Mt. without an internal change - a heart change. How does one achieve a heart change? It begins with understanding how spiritually impoverished we are without Jesus.
Speaker: Kris Martens 01/06/08 Text: John 14:1-7 Summary: Religion is the enemy of the way and mission of Jesus, and is the institution He came to tear down. Tragically, in our day, Christianity and the Christian church are commonly viewed as institutional structures consisting of underfilled buildings, overhyped programs, well-intentioned social services and legalistic bible-thumpers. What is desperately needed is a radical return to the Way, the Truth and the Life of Jesus. His invitation for us all is simply
Speaker: Norm Funk 12/23/07 Text: Hebrews 1:1-3 Summary: People enjoy Christmas for a lot of reasons: gifts, family, decorations, holidays, and so on. However, even all those things are good and enjoyable they are not what Christmas is all about, Christmas is all about Jesus - God coming down in flesh bringing good news of great joy, the Savior has come. The writer of Hebrew says that the coming of Jesus was God's best and last way that He speaks to us, the question begs to be asked then: are we listening?
Speaker: Norm Funk 12/16/07 Text - I Timothy 6:5-21 Summary: Blurb: Teaching through I Timothy in 2007 has been a wild ride to say the least. There are so many topics and issues within this great letter that butt up against current thoughts and trends that its tough to know where to start, however, Paul may have saved his best for last. Not best because of its importance but best because of pertinence and influence - the topic? Money.
Speaker: Norm Funk 12/09/07 Text: I Timothy 6:1-5 Summary: Like all things God created or ordained work, like marriage, kids, and so on, has greater importance than simply earning a buck or passing the time but instead is a tool used to help us become more like Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk 12/02/07 Text: I Timothy 5:17-25 Summary: False teaching is such a pandemic in the church today that we are all susceptible to being dooped, this is certainly the case now but it was also the case in the early church, with even Timothy - the Apostle Paul's child in the faith - susceptible to its deceptiveness.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11/25/07 Text: I Timothy 5:1-16 Summary: James, the half brother of Jesus, in his letter wrote that real religion - or faith - is evidenced in part by how one takes care of the orphan and widow. This message explores our individual and corporate response to the plight of the most needy in the church and city.
Speaker: Lucas Aube 11/18/07 Text: 2 Timothy 1: 3-14 Summary: The next time we find ourselves going through a rough patch, let us remember all the good things God has already done for us and through us. Just like Timothy, we need to be reminded of our purpose and calling. Being reminded of this will shed some important light on our current struggles whatever they may be.
Speaker: Norm Funk 11/04/07 Text: I Timothy 4:1-8 Summary: Satan is called a lot of things in the Bible, and none good: a liar, murderer, deceiver, accuser, blinder, devourer, and so on. The problem with all of this is that Satan is also a master of disguises, he doesn't come as advertised but instead wraps himself up in men and women who through their deception lead people away from Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk 10/28/07 Text: I Timothy 3: 1-16 Summary: What and Why? Two important questions regarding the offices of the elder and deacon. What do they do, what are the qualifications but in the midst of that is the necessity of answering the question why. Why do we need them? What is it about the church and the call she has that necessitates the need for elders and deacons?
Speaker: Norm Funk 10/14/07 Text: I Timothy 2: 8-10 Summary: So here is what was going on in the church at Ephesus: the men were scrapping and the women were flaunting - it was like a boxing match with round card girls. Paul's instruction: tell the men to stop fighting, tell the women to stop parading and get them back to worshipping Jesus in their prayers and with their lives.
Speaker: Norm Funk 10/07/07 Text: I Timothy 2:1-7 Summary: Prayer in the church is a bit of a paradox - most hold high the value and importance of prayer but many also confess they don't pray enough. In bringing instruction to Timothy regarding the life, function and health of the church he was pastoring/ trouble-shooting, Paul begins first by emphasizing the call, role, purpose and foundation of prayer.
Speaker: Norm Funk 09/30/07 Text: I Timothy 1:12-20 Summary: how me! Last week we discussed the glorious gospel, a gospel that transforms, a gospel that changes, a gospel worth contending for - this week we look at an example of that changing power, Paul himself.
Speaker: Norm Funk 09/23/07 Text: I Timothy 1:3-11 Summary: Legalism in the church, prevalent certainly today, has a long history. Legalism can produce a lot of things and none of them are good - arrogance, defeatism, or in the case of the church at Ephesus, division, arguments factions and so on. Paul's desire was something else entirely: love stemming from a pure heart, a sincere faith and a good conscience, things discovered in the receiving of the glorious gospel of Jesus.
Speaker: Norm Funk 09/16/07 Text: 1 Timothy 1:1-2 Summary: A common question posed by many today regarding the Bible is,
Speaker: Norm Funk 09/09/07 Text: John 9 Summary: In this final message within this series we look at an event where Jesus brings physical, and more significantly, spiritual sight to a man born blind. In this event we are challenged in regards to our participation in the mission of Jesus but encouraged at the same time in that even if all we can say
Speaker: Norm Funk 09/02/07 Text: John 20:19-23 Summary: Few words bring more fear to the average church goer than words like missions and evangelism however the great and exciting fact is, Jesus has called, equipped, empowered and entrusted each of His followers with the great and life-changing gospel story.
Speaker: Norm Funk 08/26/07 Text: 1 Thessalonians 1 Summary: If you are an attender of a church, what is your church known for. Most churches are known for something and most of the time it's good - teaching, musicals, kid's programs, missions, etc. However, what Paul highlights about the church in Thessalonica is that it's reputation is founded on its culture - ethos - of faith, hope and love.
Speaker: Norm Funk 08/19/07 Text: Various Summary: Even in a city like Vancouver where most, at best, are resistant to anything religious there is still an opening and respect of Jesus. However, even though most are generally respectful even complimentary of Jesus - Jesus is a
Speaker: Norm Funk 08/12/07 Text: Ephesians 4, II Timothy 3 Summary: It can seem at times that there are as many ideas about how the church is to run as there are churches. However, based on Ephesians 4 and II Timothy 3, every church, regardless of place or time, are called to to the same thing - equipping God's people for works of service.
Speaker: Paul Enns 08/05/07 Text: Psalm 150 Summary: Psalm 150 not only concludes the book of Psalms but it is also the culmination of the progression that began in Psalm 1 and continues through the whole Psalter. The call is to sheer delight in praise of God.
Speaker: Norm Funk 07/29/07 Text: Psalm 55 Summary: One of the key elements of the book of Psalms are the words of cursing found in them. A difficulty arises however from the seeming incongruity of the words of cursing in light of Jesus' teaching that we should love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. So how do we reconcile this and is it possible to read the Psalms of cursing as our own - this message deals primarily with these questions.
Speaker: Norm Funk 07/22/07 Text: Psalm 55 Summary: One of the signatures of the Psalms are the rawness and authenticity found within them, with few more so than Psalm 55. David, the author of Psalm 55, highlights his plight: wickedness, betrayal and angst surround him. What we see in this Psalm is David's response to those things when everything inside of him wants to simply run away.
The fact of the matter, I think most of us would agree, is we all sin. We may not call it that; we may use all sorts of words instead of sin, but without a doubt, we all mess up. The question is, what do you do in light of it? This message deals with that question in the context of David's sin with Bathsheba.
Speaker: Norm Funk 07/08/07 Text: Psalm 10 Summary: One of the more oft asked questions in the Bible is the question
Speaker: Paul Enns 07/01/07 Text: Psalm 1 & 2 Summary: Psalms 1 and 2 provide both an introduction and an invitation to the Psalms. By presenting us with a vision of ultimate reality, they help guide us into some of the larger themes of the whole book.
Speaker: Norm Funk 06/24/07 Text: 2 Timothy 4:9-18 Summary: Let's be honest, it's only human nature to want a life that is good, exciting and fruitful but what do we do when things go bad? Do we pack up and seek something else or is it perhaps the lonely and hard times that pave the way for experiences that aren't achievable without them? This message focuses on what we can expect when followers of Jesus give themselves to faith and ministry.
Speaker: Norm Funk 06/17/07 Text: Various Summary: Happy Father's Day! On a day when dads are perhaps receiving another tie or perhaps simply uninterrupted time in front of the TV, this message deals with what kids so desperately need from their fathers.
Guest Speaker: Sam Dick Text: John 4:1-42 Summary: Jesus intentionally goes cross-cultural & counter cultural. I would love to see if God would call people through this story to love the least lovely and least reached people in our city and world. I would love to encourage them to live in the moment and seize every moment to love someone next week.
Text: John 16: 16-24 Summary: The reality of Christian joy is grossly misunderstood by so many in our present day. What does Jesus say about the reality of joy in a world that is very broken. How do we live life with authentic Christian joy?
Jonah chapter 4 concludes the story - and confession of Jonah - who was called by God but ran from Him. This message gets to the heart of Jonah's problem: his self righteousness and love of comfort set in stark contrast to his hatred of the Ninevites. We are also allowed a glimpse into the heart of God who loved the world so much that He gave us Jesus.
Ever wondered if you had it as a speaker? Well, even after Jonah gives what is one of the worst and shortest sermons ever given the whole city of Nineveh is changed - how? This message deals with the power of God and the proper response of those that come into the light of His grace and mercy.
What do you do when adversity or calamity strikes? Even worse, what do you do when they strike as a consequence of your sin? In chapter 2 of Jonah, Jonah models some key principles for us to follow whenever we find ourselves in the middle of hardship.
The story of Jonah is more than a story of a big fish, it's the universal story of God's call and mankind's sin. It's a story of rebellion and grace, a story of disobedience and mercy - it's really a story of all of us and the need for Jesus.
One of the mistakes that seems prevalent in the church today is made by those that look at the work and indwelling of the Holy Spirit as being important in the
The importance of the resurrection of Jesus cannot be overstated, it is the greatest miracle and event, not only in the history of Christianity but in the history of all mankind. This message deals primarily with two questions: did it take place and why is it important?
04/15/07 - Norm Funk - Mark 14:25-72 - Pride cometh before the fall, goes the well-known adage - never was this more true than in Jesus' disciple Peter's case. Even after the declaration from Jesus Himself that Peter would deny Him three times Peter emphatically exclaims, "No way, not me!!!" What in Peter's life paved the way for this failure and what can we learn from him - and from Jesus in how He restores Peter - that can be applied to our lives to ensure that we don't follow suit?
04/08/07 - Norm Funk - The death and resurrection of Jesus, Paul wrote in I Corinthians, is of first importance, if it wasn't for the death and resurrection of Jesus our faith is worthless, we are still in our sins. The cross demonstrates many things to us - it was ghastly and beautiful at the same time - demonstrating both the love and justice of God through the sacrifice of Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God.
3/11/07 - Norm Funk - Mark 12:35-44 -
This passage finalizes Jesus' public teaching ministry in Mark, after this Jesus gives Himself to His disciples leading to His crucifixion. After encountering the barrage from the Sanhedrin, Jesus turns the tables and confronts them with some questions of His own. The passage ends with Him lifting up a poor and destitute widow as the ultimate example of discipleship.
03/04/07 - Norm Funk - Mark 12:28-34 - Perhaps you've asked the question: if your house was burning - besides family or pets - what would be the one thing you would grab before getting out. In other words, what's most important or significant to you? In a sense that's the question posed to Jesus in this text: of all the commandments which is the most important? Jesus' answer: You've got to love God with all you got and you've got to love others like yourself. It's not an either/or option, it's a both/and imperative - it's all or nothing.
02/11/07 - Norm Funk - Mark 11:27-12:12 - This is part 2 of a mini-series within our study of Mark under the topic, "The authority of Jesus." "What gives you the right to do what you do", was the question posed to Jesus by the religious leaders of the day - this message deals with the authority of Jesus in light of the ministry of John the preparer of the Way of Jesus and how His authority should change our lives.
02/04/07 - Norm Funk - Mark 11:20-26 - Who's in charge of your life? Good question, a question that conjures up all sorts of responses. Most Christians would answer "God or Jesus." Good answer, but in this first of a two part series we ask the question in light of our prayer lives and forgiveness of others.
01/07/07 Norm Funk James 4:13-17 Sometimes being reminded of things you know is a good thing, especially as those reminders have to do with walking in a manner where God's direction is sought and Jesus' glory is the goal.
12/17/06 Norm Funk The doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus is getting hammered both outside and inside the church - this sermon deals with the importance of God coming in the flesh and calling Himself Jesus.
12/03/06 Norm Funk Christmas isn't just the story of one birth - albeit, the birth of Jesus is the most important - but the story of two: Jesus' and John. In this passage we discover several keys for people to live out in preparation for this Christmas Season.
11/12/06 Norm Funk Mark 9:30-50 We continue on in our series of the book of Mark by considering the call to rid ourselves of all things that hinder our walk of Jesus.
11/05/06 Norm Funk Mark 9:14-29 Upon coming down from the mountain where He was transfigured Jesus walks right back into the
10/29/06 Norm Funk Mark 9:1-9:13 To be fair, many of the events that transpire in the gospel accounts are strangely beautiful but few, if any, are more so than the the event that records the transfiguration of Jesus. What's taking place in it, why does it take place and what is the call to the disciple of Christ - this message tackles those important questions.
10/22/06 Norm Funk Mark 8:1-9:1 Confession of Jesus as Christ necessitates discipleship - this message focuses on where discipleship begins and where it leads. It's all wrapped up in the cross.
10/15/06 Norm Funk Mark 8:27-30 Of all the things - miracles, deeds, teaching - of Jesus none tells us more about the character of God than the cross - this message focuses on some of the things learned about God through the crucifixion of Jesus.
10/15/06 Norm Funk Mark 8:27-30 Of all the things - miracles, deeds, teaching - of Jesus none tells us more about the character of God than the cross - this message focuses on some of the things learned about God through the crucifixion of Jesus.
09/24/06 Norm Funk Mark 8:10-30 We reach the climax in the book of Mark in this text. Everything in the ministry of Jesus to this point sets the stage for the question that is posed at the end of this text -
Well-ness 09/10/06 Norm Funk One of the core values of Westside Church is that it models the life of Jesus - in word, deed, discipleship, ministry and so on. The ecounter that Jesus has with a Samaritan woman at the well, recorded in John 4, serves as a model for ministry, a model that all followers of Christ - both individually and corporately - need to embody in their own journeys of ministry and mission.
08/27/06 Norm Funk Whether it's the feeding of the 5000 or the healing of a leper or the raising of the dead the miracles of Jesus, in and of themselves, stand alone as divine moments. However, if all we do is see them as stand-alone events we miss something significant - every one of them adds further insight into the character and nature of Jesus, none more so than the miracle of Jesus walking on water.
08/20/06 Norm Funk There are many great events recorded in the Bible yet there are some that even stand out among them - the feeding of the 5000 by Jesus is a part of that group. However, the greatness of the event doesn't just lie in the fact that Jesus could feed a lot of people with little to work with, the greatness of the passage lies with what Jesus was signifying in the act: that He is the Bread of Life who comes to give a life of abundance, a life with of such great fulfillment there's even leftovers.
08/06/06 Norm Funk Ironically, part of Jesus' attractiveness - the fact that God came down and fleshed Himself up and dwelt with humanity - is also the most troublesome for some. For many who encountered Jesus during His earthly minstry they couldn't get past the idea that Jesus looked very much like one of them - a carpenter, Mary's son, a citizen of the podunk town of Nazareth - and that physical knowledge kept many from experiencing a spiritual knowledge of Him. But what if God was one of us and His name was Jesus?
07/30/06 Norm Funk The topic of 'death' is not an easy nor fun one to discuss. Death is a somber, resisted, even - until it's too late - ignored subject. Part of the reason for that is understandable - death separates us from the people that we love. However, in this passage Jesus demonstrates His power and victory over death painting a picture that promises that, although death may be a lot of things, through Jesus it doesn't have to be feared.
07/23/06 Norm Funk In Mark's gospel, crowds are rarely depicted as good things. Crowds kept people from Jesus, crowds were places where people could take in the show without having to step up and follow. This message highlights how a woman, driven by her issues, breaks free from the masses and reaches out and touches Jesus, a touch that changed her both physically and spiritually.
07/16/06 Norm Funk Ever felt that you were too far gone for God or, at the very least, felt that God had no desire to use you for His purposes? How about feeling that God had a call on your life but constant opposition kept on presenting one obstacle after another? This message focuses on the superiority of Jesus over the demonic and how a life, no matter how depraved and lost, when transformed by Christ, is able to be used for great things.
07/09/06 Norm Funk Scripture often likens us to sheep and like all sheep we need a shepherd - Jesus stated that He was our Good Shepherd. This walk through Psalm 23 focuses on how we are like sheep and why we need a Shepherd. This mesage was preached in light of some extremely difficult events in the lives of a precious family of Westside Church.
07/02/06
We all face doubt. In this passage John the Baptist provides a great example with how to deal with even the most profound of doubts. In turn, Jesus' response to him is not so much an answer as an invitation to see God work.
Abba 06/18/06 Norm Funk This message given on Father's Day highlights some key truths that we learn about our heavenly Father as seen in the parable of the lost son.