FaithWestwood UMC: Recent Episodes
FaithWestwood UMC
ExtraOrdinary: RuthRuth 4:9-17 (Ruth) Ruth chose to follow her mother-in-law, Naomi, to her land. There, they meet Boaz, and he becomes their kinsman-redeemer. How do we claim the ways in which God calls us by name and redeems our lives?
ExtraOrdinary: StephenActs 6:1-7 (7:51-60) (Stephen) Stephen was chosen to care for needs identified in the early Church. After Stephen was seized, he preached a powerful message before being martyred. As a church, how do we boldly respond to the needs of the community – and what are we willing to do for Christ?
Romans 8:18-28Nature of Holy Spirit: ParacleteAs the Apostle Paul shares about sufferings and hope, he proclaims how the nature of the Spirit provides help in weakness. How do we allow the Holy Spirit to work for the good of those who love him?
John 14:25-29Nature of Holy Spirit: PresenceAs Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples, he proclaims how the nature of this Spirit is its presence of peace. How might you need to claim this peace in your life right now?
Acts 4:23-31Nature of Holy Spirit: PowerAfter being released from prison, Peter and John lead a powerful and bold prayer, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. How do we claim the power of the Holy Spirit to speak the word of God boldly?
Philippians 2:5-11Nature of Christ: KingThe Apostle Paul proclaims how to have the same mindset of Jesus Christ and his humility. As Jesus is exalted to the highest place as Lord, how might we best glorify him as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings?
Hebrews 3:1-14Nature of Christ: PriestThe writer of Hebrews proclaims how Jesus is “our apostle and high priest” and whose faithfulness is greater than that of Moses! As Jesus holds the nature of this priestly office, how do we believe and trust in his mission and purpose?
Nature of God: Love1 John 4:12-21 In John’s first letter, we are reminded how love comes from God, and the nature of God is love! How does this love invite us to live in Christ, live without fear, and live loving our brother and sister?
Nature of God: HolyIsaiah 6:1-13The calling of the prophet Isaiah is a very holy experience. As we explore the nature of God as holy, may we hear and claim the words of Isaiah in our day, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
WelcomingFifty days after the resurrection of Jesus, the Day of Pentecost arrived with a mighty wind and tongues of fire, enabling the apostles to share the Good News of Jesus. Where is the Spirit guiding you on this day? And where might you be resisting God’s grace and needing to welcome it?
Acts 1:1-11Grace: MiraclesAs Jesus prepares to make his ascension into heaven, he instructs them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Where is Jesus inviting us to claim his miracles? And which miracles of spiritual growth do you most need to claim right now?
ReligionPaul’s journey to Athens discovers a religious community needing encouragement to believe in the LORD God and in his son risen from the dead. Do your beliefs need a faith-infusion? And where are you personally growing and spiritually growing?
John 14:15-21Love: Taking RisksWe step back into Gospel time and remember when Jesus promised the Holy Spirit and urges the disciples to love him by keeping his commandments. How do these words inspire you on this day? And where in your life do you need to take risks to love like Jesus?
The Other WayLuke 19:28-40As Jesus makes his entry in Jerusalem, this moment on the road feels both like the end and the beginning. While a pilgrimage may reach its destination, the hope, wisdom, and life lessons learned along the way have offered a new starting point for us. What “other” way are we called to in the name of right relationship with Christ?
The Way HomeLuke 15:11-32As Jesus shares the story of the prodigal son, he demonstrates the father’s great love for his children. No matter what we call “home” in this physical world, we yearn for a spiritual home offering serenity, acceptance, and belonging. How might you and I find our way home in this season?
Fireproofing Your FaithMark 9:2-9After Jesus takes his inner circle of disciples onto a mountain to pray, he is transfigured before them, and they have an amazing spiritual experience. How do you and I “fireproof” our faith to trust and believe?
Fireproofing Your RelationshipsRomans 12:9-16The Apostle Paul encourages the Roman Christians to put their love in action! How do you and I “fireproof” our relationships by putting our love in action today?
Fireproofing Your 1,440 MinutesMatthew 6:25-34 As Jesus teaches the sermon on the mount, he encourages the crowds to not worry about tomorrow. How do you and I “fireproof” our days worrying less and trusting more?
Time for Good NewsLuke 7:18-22Later, John the Baptist’s disciples were sent to the Lord asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus reveals the good news brought to the world through him. In this new year, how do you and I claim what we believe and claim about Jesus?
Praise the LORDPsalm 148The psalmist proclaims praise for all of creation! In these Twelve Days of Christmas, how might you and I offer our praise for the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
Psalm 33:1-9, 20-22Lighting of Advent Wreath - LoveThe psalmist proclaims how the LORD loves righteousness and justice and how the earth is full of his unfailing love. How might we seek righteousness and justice in our day and wait for the LORD?
Mountains Bring PeacePsalm 72:1-7, 18-19Lighting of Advent Wreath - PeaceAs the psalmist proclaims sentiments about a righteous king, may God’s glorious name be blessed forever! How might you and I anticipate the One who will bring peace to the earth?
Psalm 65 Lighting of Advent Wreath - HopeThe psalmist proclaims the hope of being in relationship with the LORD God. How do you and I join in hope for what is to come for the Advent season?
Luke 14:15-24 As someone proclaims, “Blessed is the one will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God,” Jesus tells a parable of the Great Banquet and those who gave excuses to not attend. Who gets a taste of his banquet?
Luke 14:7-14 When Jesus notices how guests picked places of honor at the table, he tells a parable, and then he shares who to invite! Who have you invited to your table, and who needs to be invited?
John 2:1-11 At a wedding in Cana, the wine ran out, and then Jesus changes water into wine. In response, the Master of the banquet proclaims how “you have saved the best till now.” On this Stewardship Sunday, prayerfully commit to God your best for 2026.
Mark 7:24-30 A Syrophoenician woman seeks healing for her child. The woman and Jesus then engage in a conversation about bread, dogs, and crumbs. How do Jesus’s words speak to you today about expanding the Kingdom?
Matthew 9:9-13 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, the Pharisees wonder why the teacher eats with tax collectors and sinners. Who was Jesus sent to serve and to save, and how do you avoid being too judgey?
Luke 10:1-11 Jesus sends out 70+ saying “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Those sent were invited to eat and drink what was given to them. How do you trust in God’s provision when serving Christ?
John 6:25-35 After feeding the crowds, the people look for Jesus, and he proclaims that he is the Bread of Life. In a world looking for quick fixes, how can you seek the spiritual food which will satisfy?
1 Peter 4:8-11As Peter writes to believers, he says, “If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” Service is necessary to revive our love.
John 7:37-44The people said in response to Jesus, “Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” Study of the Word of God is necessary to revive our hope.
John 4:19-26Jesus says to the woman at the well, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” Worship is necessary to revive our faith.
Matthew 11:25-30Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This inviation helps us to learn and grow as disciples. How might we extend an invitation to others to seek Jesus?
Luke 9:23-27Jesus says, "Whever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." How might we best carry these tasks as we commit ourselves to being true disciples of Jesus Christ?
Matthew 15:29-38Jesus asks, "How many loaves to you have?" when he had compassion on the crowds and wanted to feed them. How does God invite us into mission and ministry to feed and to share resources with others?
Mark 2:1-12Jesus asks, "Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?" How do we bring others to experience forgiveness and healing in the name of Jesus Christ?
Mark 12:28-34Jesus asks, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?" Loving God and loving neighbor is the most important commandment. How might we better love with the love of the Lord?
John 3:1-16Jesus says to Nicodemus, "I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?" As Jesus and Nicodemus practive reflective listening, how might we be inspired to do likewise?
Matthew 6:9-15Jesus says to his disciples, "This, then, is how you should pray..." How does the Lord's Prayer provide a guide for our journeys with prayer in relationship with God and one another?
John 17:1-5Faith is tested when one wears a mask in terms of living out what it means to be a Christian. Jesus prays to be glorified before his disciples and other believers. How might you remove your mask to authentically live out the Christian life of faith?
Luke 10:38-42Faith is tested when one forgets that putting our faith into action is important! The story of Mary and Martha demonstrates how there are times when we need to sit at Jesus’ feet, and there are times when we need to serve. How might you put your faith into action in Jesus’ name?
Matthew 28:16-20Come worship with all the excitement and joy of our kids as we celebrate our week of True North Vacation Bible School with a special message, scripture, music, and much fun!
Acts 2:1-8, 22-24Faith is tested when one chooses to believe that life is just “fine” without allowing the Spirit to guide and to lead. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit arrived with presence and power to equip the disciples for their mission. How do we claim the Spirit’s presence and power to equip believers today?
John 10:1-10Faith is tested when one struggles to embrace the abundant life that Jesus offers! Jesus, the Gate for the sheep and the Good Shepherd, lays down his life for the sheep! How is Jesus inviting you to embrace the abundant life as a reality for the present and for the future?
Because I Want to Be HappyJohn 21:1-19Faith is tested when one seeks to find happiness and/or joy in non-spiritual places. The disciples returned to fishing, and then Jesus appears to them. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter is reinstated for focus on his mission. How might you seek spiritual joy versus happiness?
Acts 11:1-18Faith is tested when one encounters a challenging verse or passage of scripture. Peter tells a story about his unusual vision with a clear message that Peter cannot call anything impure that God has made clean! How has God expanded your understanding of the Bible and the Kingdom?
Acts 16:16-34Faith is tested when one prays yet wonders if God is listening. After Paul and Silas heal a woman, they end up in prison where they pray and witness to the power of God! How might you experience transformation through the power of prayer?
Acts 16:9-15Faith is tested when one struggles to discern God’s will. The Apostle Paul has a vision that leads him to Macedonia. There, he meets Lydia whose heart was open to the gospel message, and her household is transformed! How do we need to trust the Spirit’s guidance in our lives?
John 20:19-31Faith is tested when one struggles to know what God looks like. Thomas’ doubt was evident as he needed to see the Risen Christ for himself. How do we need to see to believe? In this collaborative message with Camp Fontanelle's Kate Millington, hear life-transforming stories about camping ministries.
Matthew 28:1-10At dawn on the first day of the week, women go to the tomb and find it empty with an angel saying, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” The women are then instructed to share this news with the other disciples! This Easter, how will you “come and see” the Risen Lord?
Matthew 21:1-11As Jesus enters Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” The whole city is stirred and asked, “Who is this?” On this Palm Sunday, how might you offer your praise to Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee?
John 11:32-43Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, passes away when Jesus is delayed. When Jesus asks where he has been laid, the people said, “Come and see, Lord.” In the face of life’s greatest tragedies, how do you embrace the One who is the resurrection and the life? And how can you believe and see the glory of God?
Matthew 4:18-22As Jesus calls his first disciples, he says, “Come, follow me.” At once these fishermen left their boats and nets and followed Jesus. As the church celebrates Confirmation Sunday, how do you best need to follow Jesus right now?
Matthew 14:22-33Jesus walks on the water, and the disciples cry out in fear. Peter says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” As Peter keeps his eyes on Jesus, he is fine, yet when he sees the wind on the water, he began to sink! Where in your life do you need to set aside your fear and doubt?
Mark 1:21-28As Jesus teaches in the synagogue, a man possessed by an impure spirit cries out, and Jesus commands, “Be quiet! Come out of him.” This teaching with authority amazed the people. What teaching, preaching, and/or healing of Jesus do we most need to claim?
John 1:43-51After Jesus calls Philip to follow him, Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus. As Nathanael has his doubts, Philip says, come and see.” Sometimes your faith demands that you see before you believe. How can you invite others to come & see Jesus?
Luke 9:28-37As Jesus and his inner circle of disciples go to the mountaintop, Jesus is transfigured before them. This holy moment continues to set the stage for the Messiah to be revealed. As we prepare for the Lenten season, how do we respond to Christ as we come down from the mountaintop?
1 Corinthians 13:4-8aAbove all, the kind of love that we are invited to strive for in all of our relationships is agape love, God’s unconditional love. The Apostle Paul speaks to the Corinthians about this unconditional love that never ends! Our greatest love playlist concludes, At Last!
John 15:9-17The Greek word for love of friends is philia. Jesus speaks to his disciples about the kind of love that helps them to remain and/or to abide in him! How can we strengthen our friendship love with Jesus and with others?
Song of Songs 8:6-7Passionate love, or eros love, certainly has its place, yet what does the Bible have to say about this? Hear passages from Song of Songs and learn more about this love described in so many songs.
Romans 12:9-21As we explore the gift of love in our lives, we will focus on storge love, the love of family. How can we best demonstrate our love for those members of our immediate family as well as extended family members?
Micah 6:1-8The prophet Micah declares a truth bomb for God’s people about what the LORD requires of us! Think about our time spent here and now as Christians. What has God done for us? And what is God calling us to do in the future?
Matthew 13:1-9 (18-23) Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower and how different soils receive the seed (the Word of God). There are things that you have to do before your “soil” gets too dry. What is the current condition of your soil? How will you receive the Word of God this year?
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22As Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, his public ministry is about to begin! How do you and I claim baptism as the “outward sign of an inward grace” for our lives, and especially in this New Year?
Matthew 2:1-12 with the Wesleyan Covenant ServiceRe>Imagine: RedreamNavigation systems say, “Recalculating…” or “Reroute!” The wise guys sought the Christ-child, and then they had to go home by another route. How is the Spirit leading us in the New Year to dream for the future – our own as well as the church?
Luke 2:21-40 & 41-52As we continue to celebrate Christmas, we hear childhood stories of Jesus remembering when Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day, when he was presented in the temple, and even when he was found at his Father’s house. These foundational stories help to shape how Jesus “grew in wisdom and stature, in favor with God and man.” How might we remember our foundation of faith as we finish this year well and prepare the way for a New Year?
Luke 1:57-66 & 67-80John the Baptist is born and named. As Zechariah’s tongue is set free, he praises the Lord “because he has come to his people and redeemed them.” God’s redemption comes to us because of His great love! In these days before Christmas Eve, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for love?
Luke 1:26-38The angel Gabriel reveals to Mary about the “holy one to be born” to her. Mary’s faith responds, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.” She found peace with this amazing news! Even in our day, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for peace?
Luke 1:5-25As Advent begins with the birth of John the Baptist being foretold, we prepare the way for Hope to arrive! As we hear Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story, we hear the angel’s words of hope that that their son will “make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” In this Advent journey, how can we be inspired to prepare the way for hope?
Matthew 6:19-21Jesus shares in the Sermon on the Mount about storing up treasures in heaven. What do we find in our storehouses? The third part of our vision statement is to be a daily disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daily gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?
Mark 12:28-34Jesus says that the most important commandment is to love God with one’s whole being, and we are called to do likewise. The first part of our vision statement is to be a deep disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert deep gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?
Mark 12:41-44Jesus lifts up a widow who put in everything she had into the treasury. What does it mean to share “all that we are” and “all that we have”? The second part of our vision statement is to be a daring disciple – what does this mean and how might we insert daring gratitude into the stewardship of our gifts?
Revelation 21:1-6The vision in Revelation reveals “a new heaven and a new earth” and casts a vision for God and people to dwell together. How might we give thanks and insert saintly gratitude for those who labored before us?
Ezekiel 37:1-14As the Spirit led Ezekiel to a vision of dry bones, he is invited to prophesy to those bones to hear the Word of the LORD who will give them breath! In what areas are we experiencing “dry bones” and needing the Spirit’s breath? How might we insert hopeful gratitude for the future?
Acts 8:9-25As the apostles were performing miracles and healing, Simon the Sorcerer believes and is baptized, yet he seeks the Spirit’s power for his own purposes. How do we keep our hearts in the right place to share in Christ’s ministry?
Acts 3:1-10Peter and John encounter a man who was lame from birth. The man was begging, yet Peter offers what he has, in the name of Jesus Christ. The man is healed! How do we offer the gifts that we have when needed most?
Love is Indispensable1 Corinthians 12:31b –13:13The Apostle Paul shows the most excellent way to be the body of Christ: recognizing God’s unconditional love that never fails!How does love inspire us to use our gifts to glorify God through Jesus Christ?
1 Corinthians 12:13-31aThe Apostle Paul continues to speak to the Corinthian church about how one body has many parts, and so it is with Christ! How can the body of Christ recognize each part so that there is unity in the body?
1 Corinthians 12:1-11The Apostle Paul informs the early Church about spiritual gifts. There are different kinds of gifts but the same Spirit distributes them. What are these spiritual gifts, and how can we use them today?
On this Labor Day, may we join our hearts together in Word & Song, remembering that we are called to serve Jesus Christ every day!Scripture: Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 8:18-22; Matt. 9:9-13; Matt. 9:35-38; Matt. 10:1-8
On this Labor Day, may we join our hearts together in Word & Song, remembering that we are called to serve Jesus Christ every day!Scripture: Matt. 4:18-22; Matt. 8:18-22; Matt. 9:9-13; Matt. 9:35-38; Matt. 10:1-8
John 15:1-9As Jesus proclaims that he is the True Vine, he reminds his followers about being pruned to bear more fruit. If Jesus is the vine, and his followers are the branches, then they must remain in him and in his love. How can we, as Jesus’ disciples, bear much fruit to the glory of God?
Hebrews 11:32-40The author of Hebrews recounts the names of those who were commended for their faith yet did not receive what had been promised. Wait, what?! How can we live into the promises of “something better” that God has planned?
Daniel 3:1-18Daniel’s friends would not worship the gods of the Babylonian King, and so they were thrown into the fiery furnace. How do we believe in God’s promises to walk with us through the fires in life?
John 14:1-7When the disciples were anxious and fearful about his departure from them, Jesus tries to give them encouragement, reminding them that he is the Way, Truth, and Life. How might we follow Jesus to the cross and beyond?
Jeremiah 36:1-9 & Romans 16:1-2In the Old Testament, Baruch served in a very important role as Jeremiah’s scribe. In the New Testament, Phoebe is lifted up as a deacon, benefactor, and servant of the church. How might these witnesses inspire our servanthood?
John 11:25-44Lazarus’ death deeply grieves his sisters, Mary and Martha, and even Jesus. When confronted, Jesus declares that he is the resurrection and the life and later raises Lazarus from the dead. How might we claim this resurrection spirit and be raised to new life?
John 10:11-18Jesus declares that the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep who know him. Hired hands run away in times of danger and don’t care for the sheep like the shepherd. Today, how can we, like sheep, listen to the Shepherd’s voice and claim Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
2 Samuel 12:1-14King David sinned, and the LORD sent Nathan to speak the truth in love to David. As he utilizes a parable to tell this story, David is convicted of the truth, confesses, and repents. How can we claim courage to speak the truth in love to those that we love as well as to repent of our sin?
John 10:1-10As Jesus speaks to the Pharisees, he describes how the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep! This figure of speech escaped the religious leaders, yet Jesus’ proclamation of being the Gate for the sheep is a powerful one. How might we claim this gate and the abundant (full) life that Jesus offers?
1 Samuel 1:9-20During her time of worship, Hannah wept and prayed for the LORD to bless her with a child. Her encounter with Eli the Priest allows her to name her pain and hopes. How do we trust in God with all of our hopes and fears?
John 8:12-20Jesus boldly proclaims that he is the Light of the World in contrast to religious leaders who would challenge him. How can we follow Christ today so that we never walk in darkness and claim the light of life?
Esther 3:1-13In Esther, we experience hatred, prejudice, and even religious persecution. Haman’s plans to destroy the Jews are thwarted by Queen Esther. How do we continue to “renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness” in this world?
John 6:25-35The multitudes looked for Jesus after they were fed bread and fish, yet Jesus invites them to work for the food that endures to eternal life. They want this bread! How can we believe in Jesus who is the Bread of Life?
Joshua 2:1-14Before God’s people enter the Promised Land, Rahab helps the spies sent by Joshua and asks for kindness in return. Rahab believed that God’s hand was at work, and so she becomes a part of God’s amazing story. What risks might we take to experience new beginnings in the name of God?
John 19:38 – 20:2 Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive as we remember when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. How does this inspire us to be raised to new life?
Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive! Jesus calms a storm and amazes the disciples. How can we learn to trust in Jesus through the storms of life?
Jonah 3:10 - 4:11 (NIV) Inspired by this year’s VBS, take a Deep Dive and explore the story of Jonah. We can remember that God loves us, even when we try to run away!
Acts 4:32-37 (NIV) / As the early Church was growing in numbers and boldness, the believers began to live with generosity. These Christians not only shared Christ, they shared their resources with those in need. Learn the final Secret #5 and consider how we might leave a legacy of generosity for future generations?
Acts 7:51-60 (NIV) / When the apostle Stephen spoke boldly about faith in the Righteous One, they stoned him to death, and he became the first Christian martyr. There are times in our lives when we come to crossroads and must make important decisions. Learn Secret #4 and reflect on how can we make Spirit-filled decisions so that we can live without regrets.
Acts 2:1-12 (NIV) / The apostles waited patiently for the Holy Spirit’s arrival. On the Day of Pentecost, they were filled with the Spirit which enabled them to speak many languages to the people gathered in Jerusalem. Learn Secret #3 to allow the Spirit to move and to celebrate the special moments of bliss in our lives.
John 14:15-21 (NIV) / Jesus shares precious moments with his disciples, reminding them how they must love one another. As we celebrate Festival of the Christian Home / Mother’s Day, may we remember the gift of love as a building block for our lives. Secret #2: truly, love is enough!
Class of 2024 Graduation CelebrationEasy Button (Be True to Yourself)John 20:19-31 (NIV) / Before Thomas can believe in the Risen Christ, he must see Jesus with his own eyes. If only there was an easy button for believing where we have not yet seen. Learn Secret #1 to live out faith with our authentic self.
Acts 3:1-10 / As we celebrate Confirmation Sunday, remember how Peter & John say, “Look at us” to a lame beggar before offering what they have, healing! The people were filled with wonder and amazement! May we celebrate what Jesus is doing in our lives and Change the World for him!
Acts 2:42-47 / Those first believers devoted themselves to practices that grounded them in their faith. They were able to look around and to identify the needs of others, and the Lord added to their number daily. Today, if we look around our world, what do we see, and how can we Change the World one action at a time?
Acts 1:1-11 / As Jesus prepares to ascend to heaven, he blesses the disciples and reminds them of their purpose. They get called out for looking into the sky instead of getting on with their mission. What tasks are before us as Christians today to Change the World?
Change the World: Look OutwardMatthew 28:16-20 / Jesus commissions the disciples to “Go” into the world, reminding them of the tasks before them: making disciples, baptizing, and teaching Jesus’ commandments. How does the Great Commission inspire us to Change the World?
Mark 11:1-11 / Jesus instructs his disciples to “go” to prepare his way to enter Jerusalem. When he enters as a humble King, the people respond with “Hosanna!” How are you entering into this Holy Week and recognizing Jesus the King?
Mark 10:46-52 / When Jesus summons a blind man, he experiences healing and is invited to “go” as his faith has healed him. What the blind man does next has inspired followers of Jesus for generations. Will you follow Jesus too?
Mark 6:30-44 / When Jesus was teaching a large crowd, it was time to feed them, and Jesus instructed the disciples to “go and see” how many loaves they had to give them. Are you prepared to be fed by Jesus? And will you choose to help feed others?
Luke 8:40-56 / Jesus frees a woman from a disorder and invites her to “go in peace,” and then Jesus frees a child from the arms of death. How has Jesus freed you from that which is binding you?
Mark 2:1-12 / Jesus forgives and heals a paralyzed man telling him to “go home.” In response, the people were amazed. In what ways is Jesus inviting you to receive forgiveness and healing?
Luke 4:1-13 / After his baptism, Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tempted by the devil. These temptations are symbolic and invite us to intentionally reflect on them. As Jesus thirsts, and as we enter into the Lenten season, how might we be thirsting for the Living Water?
Mark 1:4-11 / At the baptism of Jesus, the heavens opened, and God’s voice affirmed Jesus as the Beloved Son. How might we live out our baptismal covenant in beloved community with one another? We will take the opportunity to reaffirm our baptismal covenant and to celebrate how we too are beloved.
Isaiah 43:1-13 / Anticipating the transition from old covenant to the new covenant, hear the prophet Isaiah’s words of hope to God’s people who are longing for the Messiah. What trials and challenges might be engulfing you like water or flame and inviting you to walk with faith and confidence?
Job 22:3-11 / Job is critiqued by Eliphaz the Temanite and wrestles with his words concerning Job’s righteousness. Can we be blameless if we do not care for others’ needs? What can we learn from the wisdom literature of Proverbs concerning water and how to Let It Flow?
2 Samuel 22:14-17 and 2 Samuel 23:13-17a / As David was delivered from his enemies, he gave thanks to God. Even as David longed for water, he refused it and poured it out before the LORD. Where in our lives do we need to repent and “pour it out” to the LORD?
Exodus 15:22-27 / After the Exodus from Egypt, God’s people wander in the wilderness looking for water, and when they find some, it is bitter causing them to grumble. As God’s people are instructed to listen carefully to the LORD, they find what they are looking for. What are we thirsting for in this new year, and we will trust God to provide?
Isaiah 40:1-11 (read only) and Mark 1:1-8The prophet Isaiah says, “Comfort, comfort my people!” as they hear of the voice crying out for a way to be made in the desert. John the Baptist prepares the way for the Lord. We are called to make a path for peace.joy to be experienced.
Isaiah 64:1-9 and Mark 13:24-37The prophet Isaiah says, “If only...” If only God’s presence would be made known among God’s people. If only they could hear, perceive and call on the LORD’s holy name! Jesus says, “Stay alert!” We are called to listen in HOPE.
Psalm 106 remembers our faith ancestors who were delivered time and time again. How can we demonstrate thanksliving as we fully declare God’s praise?
Psalm 105 reflects on the everlasting covenant the LORD established with all generations. How can we seek the LORD’s face in our thanksliving?
Psalm 104 describes the LORD’s splendor and majesty in Creation. How do we celebrate thanksliving for all of God’s mighty works?
Luke 10:1-9, 16-17How might we be called to be a missionary? Hear about Jesus sending out the disciples in Luke 10:1-9, 16-17 and learn about service, mission & ministry in FaithWestwood from a narrative budget perspective.
Acts 4:23-35How might we be called to be a sanctuary? As we enter into this year’s stewardship campaign, we will reflect on our prayers & presence in our partnership covenant as we hear the words from.
Matthew 18:21-35How many times should I forgive my brother and/or sister? Jesus reminds us that forgiveness is not negotiable as a follower! Learn some steps toward saying “I am sorry” and “I forgive you.”
Luke 10:25-37Sometimes life is scary, yet if you “look for the helpers” you will always find people who are helping! How can we show kindness to others and even to ourselves?
Mark 12:28-34We are invited to embrace God’s all-encompassing love! We are called to feel the gravity of love that keeps us together and afloat! What does 1-4-3 mean? Let’s find out!
Galatians 5:22 – 6:10One of the greatest gifts that we have is silence. How do we embrace the wonder of silence in a very busy and crowded world?
James 1:1-18
Trials & Temptations
How do we respond to the trials & temptations that we face in our lives? James challenges believers to persevere, to be humble, and to choose joy.
Galatians 5:1-15
In Galatians Paul talks about freedom from the Christian perspective. He says that, for the follower of Jesus, we are free from something and that we are free to do something. Freedom is being released from the bondage of sin as well as the opportunity to serve others in love. Freedom is as much spiritual as it is political.
Acts 20:17-24
Just as Paul gave his farewell address to the sisters and brothers from Ephesus, on this day Pastor Steve will give his farewell message to us as he enters retirement and the next stage of life for him and Tricia. We remember what Paul said, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers” (Acts 20:28).
Acts 19:1-10It’s easy to assume that if things get ugly, it’s because we’re not following the Holy Spirit well. But that may not be the case. When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he was greeted with both receptivity and resistance. One day he even found himself at the center of a riot. When God is powerfully at work, we may face powerful opposition. That’s why the best adventures require courage.
Acts 18:1-1Expect transition in every adventure. Things change. We move to a new phase – or a new place. But we must not let the winds of circumstances dictate those moves. We must listen to the Lord and let him set the agenda. We’ve already seen Paul listen to the Lord about moving to Macedonia. Now we see the Lord telling him to remain in Corinth. The adventure there has just begun.
Acts 17:16-31Everyone longs to be respected. And when we represent Jesus, we must respect where each person is in their beliefs. Paul respected the philosophers in Athens, even complimenting them on how religious they were. Yet he also boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, whom he said will “judge the world with justice.” Are you ready to balance boldness and respect in the adventure?
Acts 16:6-15One of the most exciting parts of the Christian adventure is seeing someone put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It might be a person we’ve just met or an individual we’ve been praying for many years. But when the Lord opens someone’s heart to respond to the gospel, that’s part of the adventure we never get tired of.
Acts 15:1-13Jesus’s people have always dealt with differences of opinion. As long as we continue to love each other, we don’t have to agree on everything. But sometimes disputes must be resolved. The first big issue the early church faced was whether circumcision would be required for Gentile Christians. What did they decide? And how did they go about deciding it? We must never let disputes derail us from the mission.
Acts 14:19-28Today we get to hear from our 13 confirmands at both services as they share about their life in Jesus. Then Pastor Steve will encourage them--and all of us--to stay true to Jesus as his deep, daring daily disciples, though we will face many hardships along the way.
Acts 14:1-10When you belong to Jesus and let the Holy Spirit direct your path, don’t be surprised if strange “coincidences” begin to happen. You might even witness a miracle. Early Christians prayed that God would work signs and wonders among them to confirm the gospel. It’s all part of the great adventure of faith.
Acts 13:1-12Do you ever feel suddenly prompted to phone someone “out of the blue”? Or to give money to a project? Or to fix food for a neighbor? Could this be the Holy Spirit, guiding your thoughts? Get used to it. This is normal for Jesus’s people. In the Bible, Paul and Barnabas were spoken to, sent by, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Are you ready for a life of Spirit-led adventure?
Luke 24:36-53The first reaction of Jesus’s disciples to seeing him alive again was not joy but shock and fear. He asks, Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? After they examined his crucifixion wounds, he opened their minds to what the scriptures said about him. Then he lifted his arms to bless them as he was taken up into the sky. Fix your eyes on the risen and reigning Jesus.
Luke 19:37-42Jesus was riding a wave of popularity on his way to Judaism’s biggest stage. Cheering crowds created a carpet of coats and an aisle of waving branches as he approached Jerusalem, joyfully acclaiming Jesus as their king. Yet amid this exuberance, those who looked closely may have noticed something unusual as Jesus was riding the donkey toward the city. He was crying. Fix your eyes on the weeping Jesus.
Matthew 28:16-20 If you want to take a road trip, you’ll need to prepare. Pack your clothes. Fill your tank. Book your reservations. Those who don’t prepare aren’t going anywhere. And it’s in our daily quiet times that God prepares us so he can send us. Only through time alone with God, we will be able to sustain the motivation to be a witness for Christ.
Matthew 6:5-8, 16-18We live in a world where it seems the only thing that matters is what we post on social media. But the deeper life requires hiddenness. Our time alone with God is not an activity we exploit to gain subscribers. Jesus said, “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father” (Matthew 6:6). Pray where only God is watching, and you will be rewarded.
Luke 10:17-21 Sometimes we lay our heads on our pillows at night and realize, I haven’t thought about God once all day. Jesus taught us to look for God’s presence in all of life. What if we started each day seeing it as a miraculous gift? What if we learned to respond in awe to God’s created beauty? Couldn’t we all use a daily dose of wonder?
Luke 4:1-13Most of us eat every day – unless we’re fasting for spiritual or medical reasons. We can’t survive without nourishment. And there’s another nourishment we need. Jesus said, “People do not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4, NLT). He faced his temptations, strengthened by scripture. It was in him. If the Son of God needed to feed on the Word of God, it’s certain that we do too.
Luke 5:12-16 What if you set aside a little time each day (most days?) to meet with God? What if you looked forward to it so much that you started making more time for it? Jesus became so popular as a teacher and healer that he was constantly surrounded by crowds of people. But he wasn’t always busy teaching and healing. “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). If Jesus needed this daily encounter with the Father, it’s certain that we need it too.
1 John 5:1-12Does it seem that sometimes you’re losing the daily battle? Is the world squeezing you into its mold? Good news: by faith in Jesus you will overcome the pressures of the world. His victory is your victory! His life is your life! Just keep listening to the Spirit and the Word.
1 John 4:1-21How do we know if certain teachers are faithful or false? Here are some helpful questions. Do they believe or deny that Jesus is the Messiah sent in the flesh from the Father? Do they speak from the viewpoint of Christ or culture? Do they love or loathe our sisters and brothers in the Lord? We have to ask the last question because God is love.
1 John 3:1-24What changes when we put our faith in Jesus and put our lives in his hands? Everything! We become God’s children. We are being transformed into Christ-like people. We begin to practice self-sacrificing love. And we confidently look forward to seeing Jesus in the life to come. We are now God’s new kids on the rock!
1 John 2:15-29Do you know someone who has “deconstructed” their faith and left Jesus behind? Will that ever happen to you? Remember, God has given you all you need to stay true. You have Jesus, the anointed One. You have God’s anointed Word. You have the anointing of the Holy Spirit. And if you live into that anointing, you can be confident that Jesus will always claim you as one of his own.
The New Old Command1 John 2:3-14When you are commanded to do – or not do – something, do you bristle at it? Would you gladly obey if you genuinely believed it was for the best? You might. Jesus obeyed the Father’s commands out of love. Now he invites you to obey him. Step out of the darkness and into the light.
1 John 1:1 – 2:2What do I assume? That as long as I’m basically a good person, it doesn’t matter to God what I do? That I don’t really need much forgiving? That Jesus living among us was optional? What we assume makes a huge difference! So, listen to Jesus. He’s the Word of life. Walk in his light.
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-8It is a custom at the start of a new year to make resolutions (which are usually broken too soon). These resolutions are promises we make to improve ourselves in physical, spiritual, and material ways. In the church we use the word “covenant” to represent a special promise we make with God. Abraham made a covenant agreement with God that is a good model for us as we renew our covenantal promises with God. God is calling us in to a special relationship, calling us up to a deeper commitment with our heart and head, and calling us out to spread the good news to others.
1 Samuel 1:2-20Infertility was somewhat common in the Bible and a source of deep shame for women in ancient times. In her desperation Hannah made a deal. If God would give her a child, she would give him up to the Lord. What did that look like? How do we commit our children to the Lord?
Exodus 2:1-10Pharaoh opposed God’s will by ordering all the Hebrew boy babies be put to death. But a mother will do anything to protect her child. One mom placed her son in a floating basket on the river, while big sister Miriam kept a close eye. What follows is a miraculous story of God’s deliverance.
Genesis 18:1-15
Sometimes the Lord lets parents know how special a child will be by the events surrounding the child’s birth. A stranger says to Sarah and Abraham that they will have a child in their advanced years. It sounds so impossible, Sarah bursts out in laughter. A year later laughter returns when their baby is born.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5; Ephesians 3:20-21
This Sunday we’ll hear the story of a community in Christ that was richly blessed, even though they were materially poor. They knew they had been given so much by God that it overflowed in their generosity to others. And when an opportunity came to bless others, they exceeded expectations. The One we worship is an expectation-exceeding God, and he is shaping us to reflect his generosity.
1 Corinthians 1:10-15
A potentially divisive decision is around the corner for FaithWestwood. Pastor Steve wants to share why he believes it’s important that we stick together in the coming year. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, . . . that there be no divisions among you.”
Philippians 1:3-11
Why do you thank God for FaithWestwood? Because of all the ways we serve the community? Or maybe because it’s helping you become a deep, daring, daily disciple. It could be for showing you how to be a BLESS friend. Maybe it’s about all the great friendships you’ve made. Why do you thank God for FaithWestwood?
Lamentations 3:17-23 At life’s darkest moments, we wonder who God is, don’t we? Is God the author of my pain? Or is God on my side against it? The prophet Jeremiah wondered these same questions. And in the end he dared to hope in God’s great faithfulness.
Nehemiah 9:1-3, 6-20
Who is God now? That’s a hard question if you and your people have just spent the last seventy years in exile. So, they listen again to the story they had almost forgotten. They hear how God brought their ancestors out of Egypt. They learn that God keeps his promises. The Lord is loyal to his covenant and abounds in love.
Numbers 14:1-19
Do you know someone with a short fuse? Maybe it’s you! The Bible says that love “is not easily angered.” But some things are worth getting angry about. Well-measured anger can be a healthy response in some situations. Nine times in the Old Testament we find that “the Lord is slow to anger.” Is that how you experience God?
Psalm 86:11-17
The world can be a cruel place, can’t it? We must constantly be on guard for identity thieves, porch pirates, and online scammers. When your accounts have been emptied, when your life is threatened, and even when you’ve been unfaithful, there is one who remains on your side. That’s how gracious God is.
Psalm 103:1-14
Do you imagine God as all business? Impatient? Eager to catch you messing up? Meet the God who cares deeply, whose heart goes out to those who suffer. Get acquainted with the God who regards us with tender affection, who is compassionate. “He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).
Exodus 34:1-10
Is God just? We hope so, don’t we? We hope God’s justice will one day set right all this world’s wrongs. But if there was only justice, who could stand before the Almighty? Fortunately, God has also revealed his forgiving nature. Then the question remains, “How do we step into that forgiveness?”
1 Chronicles 13:1-14
Perhaps the most repulsive parts of the Bible are the violent ones.
God commands the Israelites to wipe out other nations: men, women, children. The Lord strikes dead a man who touched the ark of the covenant, trying to steady it. God kills all the first-born Egyptians, so Pharaoh will set the Hebrew slaves free. Is this really the God and Father of our Lord Jesus? This Sunday we’ll look at some of the ways Jesus’s people have reconciled these hard passages with their faith.
2 Timothy 3:14-17
The Bible is full of bold, universal statements. It says only Israel’s God is the true God, while the gods of the other nations are empty idols. It claims that Jesus is Lord of heaven and earth – and that he’s the only way to salvation. If that’s true, then we have to be ready to respond to questions like these.
What about people who were born and raised in Pakistan? What about former Christians who now believe in some other religion? Can two-thirds of the world’s 7.8 billion people be wrong? Isn’t it easier to believe all paths lead to God?
Genesis 1:26-31; 2:1-7
In one corner we have the Bible with its description of a six-day creation. In the other corner we have science with its belief in 3.7 billion years of evolution. But do we have to pick sides between the Bible and science? Reading Genesis 1 and 2 the way the original audience understood it, instead of through our 21-century lenses, will help us address questions like these.
Does the Bible teach that the earth is 6,000 to 10,000 years old? Did dinosaurs and humans ever coexist? Was Eve really created from Adam’s rib?
Luke 24:1-11
Does the Bible denigrate women? Here are a few verses you might find offensive.
“If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do” (Exodus 21:7). Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says (1 Corinthians 14:34). I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man; she must be quiet. That sounds misogynistic, doesn’t it? But if we keep reading the Bible, we find that’s not the direction it’s heading.
Hebrews 1:1-3
Beware of Bible verses taken out of context.
For example, in Genesis 1:29 God says to humans, “I give you every green plant for food.” Does this mean Christians who eat meat are disobeying God? Here’s another. In Leviticus 25:44 God tells Moses to instruct the Israelites, “You may buy slaves.” How can God allow something as evil as slavery? Anything pulled out of context can sound absurd – or worse. As one of Pastor Steve’s seminary professors was fond of saying, “Context is everything.”
The Bible can be hazardous to your faith! Some people find it easy to believe in God – until they read the Bible.
That’s when they find all kinds of horrific stuff. How could God . . .
allow slavery? tell women to keep quiet? forbid eating shrimp? create light and daytime before creating the sun? kill all firstborn Egyptians? During this series we won’t back away from hard questions like these. And we’re going to learn that the Bible was written for us, but not to us. It was written to a much different audience. Only when we understand the Bible from their point of view, do these hard passages start to make sense.
Jonah 2:1-10, NLT
Join us this Sunday as we explore the famous story of Jonah.
We’ll examine the role of problems in our lives and the helpful (and unhelpful) ways we respond. We’ll talk about what it means to follow Jesus when we’re in the middle of big challenges. We’ll learn some important lessons Jonah learned sitting in the belly of that whale.
2 Kings 10:15-16
Every congregation has its own culture. Each one has its own form of government, style of worship, and unique beliefs. What’s our attitude toward those that aren’t like us? We could say our differences don’t matter, but sometimes they do matter. What matters more is the way we love one another, possessing what John Wesley called a catholic spirit. If we were to have a catholic spirit, what would it look like?
Ephesians 2:1-10
One part of salvation is being forgiven. What an amazing gift of grace! Our sins are pardoned, and our guilt is removed. And we receive this gift through faith in Jesus. Another part of salvation is being transformed and living a holy life. Does this happen by our efforts? By trying harder? Or does it come through faith? The answer strikes at the heart of the Methodist movement.
Matthew 10:5-8, 40-42
This Sunday instead of giving a message, Pastor Steve will interview several students about their summer mission trip to Loveland, Colorado. Hear their stories and see their pictures. Let’s support our students!
John 3:1-8
Jesus said it, “You must be born again” – which raises all kinds of questions. What did he mean? Do I need to have a dramatic experience? Or not? What happens when a person receives this rebirth from the Spirit? Sure, being “born again” a metaphor, but what’s the reality behind the metaphor? This Sunday Pastor Steve will share with us John Wesley’s biblical answers to questions like these.
1 Peter 4:1-5, 12-19
Elite athletes punish their bodies. They lift heavy weights. They push the limits of their cardio capacity. They endure all this suffering, so that when the real competition begins, they’re prepared. Peter says this is what happens when we endure suffering for Jesus. It prepares us. Then when temptation strikes – and it will – we’re ready to suffer rather than sin.
1 Peter 5:1-7
What do leaders look like in Jesus’s family? They’re under-shepherds of the head shepherd. They care for others and serve willingly, without trying to elevate their own status. They’d rather be an example for people than their boss. They’re not looking for their own reward. But when Jesus returns, their humility will be honored.
Monumental Sunday is a full worship service with music, prayer, and a special message titled Surprise! from Director of Children's Ministry Leah Dinoso. The Petes will be there to recap our adventures at VBS and share the Bible points, the music, and the important lessons our kids learned throughout the week too.
1 Peter 5:8-14
There is an invisible war that is not between forces we can see but on the unseen war between the devil and God for our souls. We need to remember that we fight from victory and not for victory. The war has already been won by Jesus Christ with his victory over sin and death.
1 Peter 3:8-18
We’ve already learned that Jesus’s people are to avoid retaliation. Now Peter tells us to respond opposite of those who oppose us. When you receive insult, reply with blessing. When you’re treated hurtfully, respond helpfully. And even if it doesn’t change your situation, at least you’ll have a clear conscience.
1 Peter 3:1-7
What if you belong to Jesus but your spouse does not? How can you draw them toward the Lord? Peter says it’s not by trying to look like a model in a magazine. He says it’s simply by showing them respect and serving them with kindness. And maybe, just maybe, they will be “won over without words.”
1 Peter 2:11-25
The world practices retaliation: eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. But Jesus modeled a remarkably different way. He had the power to punish his persecutors, but he left it to God’s final judgment. And one of the most radical ways we can follow in Jesus’s steps is by forsaking retaliation and leaving justice to God.
1 Peter 2:4-10
Imagine you’re a builder, creating a stone structure as a place of worship. You start with one well-chosen stone--the cornerstone. All other stones align with it. God is the master builder, Jesus is the cornerstone, and we are God’s chosen stones, built into his temple of priestly people. Welcome to the rock club!
1 Peter 1:13-23
Peter talks about faith and hope. In this we have a choice to make. We can either live our lives in quiet desperation and confused chaos, or we can live with hope-filled faith. Let’s choose the latter.
1 Peter 1:1-9
“But for now.” Those can be potent words, can’t they? As Jesus’s chosen people, we’ve received a new birth in this life, and we’re promised a glorious future in the life to come. But for now--for a little while--we suffer many trials. Our faith gets tested. It is purified and proven genuine, like gold refined by fire.
Luke 24:1-12; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55
The opening round was brutal for the challenger Life. Formerly undefeated and undisputed champion Death pummeled Life with blow after stinging blow. By mid-afternoon Friday, spectators were already dispersing, assuming the fight was over. Death celebrated that evening and throughout the second day. Then in the third, Life surprised even its biggest fans.
“Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54).
Matthew 21:1-17
On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus’s donkey ride into Jerusalem. The people laid down their coats before him, waving tree branches and shouting “Hosanna!” Then Jesus walked into the Temple courtyard, knocked over the money tables, and sent the buyers and sellers out of God’s house.
Jesus could get rough with religious people – conservative and liberal alike. By the way, on this Sunday one of our guests at FaithWestwood will be a real donkey. Come and see!
Ephesians 6:10-13
Earth is a battlefield. Our enemy desires to steal, kill, and destroy us, but Jesus has come to reclaim and restore us. Prayer is essential for Jesus’s people if we’re going to prevail in the daily struggle against the evil one. One way to practice prayer is to recognize that we’re fighting in a battle on the side of God’s kingdom. And we don’t have to be strong pray-ers to do it. We just have to believe in a strong God.
Watch video 8 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapters 11 &12.
John 10:22-30
Do you talk too much when you pray? Maybe so. Sometimes we need spend more time listening. And by God’s grace, he makes it possible for you to hear him. So listen for his nudge. Does your impression align with scripture? Is it Christ-like? Through trial and error, you’ll become better at distinguishing the Lord’s voice and yielding to it. Sometimes it may even come through a wise friend.
Watch video 7 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapters 9 & 10.
Psalm 130:1-8
Certain ways to pray may not come naturally to us. Contemplation is one of those. It’s a kind of yielding prayer where words fade into the background, where we let ourselves be embraced by the presence of God. In our hectic, hyper lives, this kind of prayer may feel like a waste of time. But it’s just what we need, to be still and be.
Watch video 6 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapter 8.
Mark 14:32-36
It’s easy to give up on prayer when we’ve been disappointed. We decide “it doesn’t work.” But even the prayerful Jesus experienced unanswered prayers. Sometimes we demand to know why an all-loving, all-powerful God doesn’t intervene, and yet those answers elude us. Where do we turn? Do we abandon God as weak or remote or uncaring? What did Jesus do?
Watch video 5 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapter 7.
Matthew 18:19-20; James 5:13-16
Amazingly, God lets us share in the flow of grace to others – not only by our actions but also through our prayers. Intercession simply means asking God to help others. To intercede is to stand between them and God, praying on their behalf. Fortunately, God is willing to guide us in how to pray for them.
Watch video 4 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapter 6
Matthew 7:7-11
Prayer at its simplest “means asking God for help” (Pete Grieg). Sometimes we feel we shouldn’t bother the Almighty with our small things. Yet Jesus taught us to pray for daily concerns: food, forgiveness, guidance, deliverance. We pray to a God who welcomes our requests and wants to meet our daily needs.
Watch video 3 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapter 5
Psalm 131:1-3; Philippians 4:4-5
When we pray, it’s easy to launch right into our list of requests. But a better way to begin may be to pause and be still before God, recognizing his presence, receiving his love. Quietness prepares our hearts to rejoice in the Lord, to offer praise and adoration to God – even if we don’t feel like it at the moment.
Watch video 2 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapters 3 & 4
Luke 11:1-4
We may find it hard to pray sometimes, but we all do it. We may not be certain what happens when people pray, but we’re comforted knowing others are praying for us. And during certain moments, even an atheist will find it hard not to ask God for help, to give thanks, or to experience transcendent wonder. Prayer is the only topic Jesus’s disciples asked him to teach them about. So he taught them. And us.
Watch video 1 at prayercourse.org.
Optional: Read How to Pray, chapters 1 & 2
1 Kings 11:1-13
In God’s world, actions have consequences. We may assume we’ve been able to evade those consequences, but they eventually catch up with us. The scriptures teach that true wisdom means obeying God’s way – even when it’s costly. Wisdom knows that going off on our own way costs us more in the end.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7). Jesus: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). “People reap what they sow” (Galatians 6:7, TNIV).
1 Kings 10:1-9
Just as we must always beware of becoming proud of our humility, we must also avoid being impressed with our wisdom – or trying to impress others with it. The visiting Queen of Sheba was impressed with Solomon’s opulence and wisdom. Did he become “wise in his own eyes”? How do we avoid that trap?
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil” (Proverbs 1:7). Jesus: “But wisdom is proved right by her deeds” (Matthew 11:19). “If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18).
1 Kings 3:16-28
As king, Solomon not only created laws and led the nation, he also served as its judge. One famous case involved two women, each claiming to be the mother of a certain infant. His strategy to discover the truth brought him fame for his wisdom. As Jesus’s people we also need God’s wisdom. Fortunately for us, God gives wisdom generously when we ask for it.
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). Jesus: “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:15). “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
1 Kings 3:3-15a
Solomon knew he needed what only God could give: wisdom beyond his own. At the beginning of his reign the young king prayed for a discerning heart to govern and judge the people wisely. This Sunday we’ll look at the difference between God’s wisdom and human wisdom.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). Jesus: “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25). “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
1 Peter 3:13-16
Those who put their faith in Jesus and put their lives in his hands are considered strange by many – and dangerous by some. That’s the world we live in. The Apostle Peter tells us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” What’s your answer? On January 9, Pastor Steve will share his answer for why he (still) believes in Jesus.
Matthew 2:16-18; John 1:1-3
Christmas is finished. People will be taking down the lights and returning gifts. Where is all the Peace on Earth - Goodwill for All Persons? Darkness wants to come back in and flood us with fear and cynicism, but we have a Light that has dawned and still shines. There is a lot of reason for rejoicing. Darkness is not winning the day.
Psalm 77:11-15 If your memories were wiped away, who would you be? Our identity is bound up in our memories. And if we’re going to have a healthy relationship with God, we need to remember what God has done. That’s what Asaph sang about in Psalm 77, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord (v. 11).” On this last Sunday of 2021, we’re going to look back on the year and see what God has done in our lives and in our church. Before we begin the new year, let’s pause to remember.
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; Luke 2:1-7, 8-14, 15-20
Remember those words when you were a kid? “Wake up! It’s Christmas.” Then it was a rush to see gifts under the tree. It’s similar to the message announced by shining angels to now-wide-awake shepherds one dark night, “Do not be afraid! . . . A Savior has been born to you.” Then they scurried into Bethlehem to see the child. It can also be your story this Christmas. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
We pray as Jesus taught us, for God’s kingdom to come “on earth as it is in heaven.” Already his reign of peace has begun to change the world. Even now he is bringing justice and righteousness into human affairs, working through all who will listen. No wonder we sing, Joy to the world; the Lord is come! “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:7).
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Most resumes list degrees earned and positions held. The best resumes also show how the person’s skills and experience could contribute to the success of the company. The applicant hopes to make an employer say, “This is just who we need!” And Jesus the Messiah is just who we need. Notice how his royal qualifications go beyond the merely human. “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6b).
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Advent, the season of long-nights-getting-longer is here. The world’s problems seem so unfixable, sometimes we wonder if God has gone on vacation and left us to figure it out on our own. Then we hear some shockingly wonderful news, an announcement more beautiful than we could have imagined. A king is coming to renew the earth. He will be a gift from God, the hope of the world. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders” (Isaiah 9:6a).
Matthew 28:16-20
Making disciples of Jesus Christ
We are Jesus’s people, and he gave us our mission. He announced our objective. He issued our orders. And it doesn’t matter how good or big a church is, if we miss this, we miss our calling. Jesus says to disciple people. That means introducing them to Jesus and walking with them on the journey. And by doing so, we will see God give them new life in this world and eternal life in the next. That’s our mission – our purpose and passion. And we pour everything into it. This will be another Sunday you won’t want to miss.
Ephesians 4:11-16
To become deep, daring, daily disciples
A vision is a picture of our future. It raises our sites above what we are to what we could become. A strong vision inspires us to passionately pursue that future. At the core of FaithWestwood’s vision is our statement “To become deep, daring, daily disciples.” On this Sunday, Pastor Steve Todd will fill out the bigger picture of what our future together could look like. If you call FaithWestwood home, this is a Sunday you won’t want to miss.
Matthew 11:28-30
A gifted person obsessed with one goal can accomplish seemingly super-human feats. But it often comes at great personal cost. We need not squeeze every drop of achievement out of every day. The wisdom of God’s Word teaches us a balance of activity and rest, sociality and solitude, loudness and quietness. God even built balance into the seven-day week. Are you ready to embrace this way of life?
1 Timothy 6:6-10 If we are to restore a healthy margin to our lives, we will need God to show us the path of contentment and simplicity. We cannot achieve these spiritual qualities on our own. They grow from the peace of Christ within. What if godly contentment became about desiring less rather than getting more? Could you live with that?
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Fifty-nine percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, reported a well-known study in 2019. In other words, most people have no financial margin. For some it’s brought on by a low-paying job, or a healthcare crisis. But nearly all of us have impulsive habits that eat away at our financial margin. On the other extreme, Jesus warned us about the dangers of accumulating more and more wealth. What if Jesus was Lord of your money? What joy would this bring?
Luke 19:1-10
Time is precious. And discretionary time is most precious of all. Reclaiming margin in our schedules will require some difficult decisions. But it’s important that we make them, because a swamped schedule leaves no room for unforeseen opportunities God may send our way. That’s why Dr. Swenson says, “The clock and the Christ are not close friends.” What would happen if Jesus were Lord of your calendar? How would he help you make some margin?
Mark 4:35-41 Sir Isaac Newton famously said, “A body in motion stays in motion.” He was talking about physics, but it applies to our physical bodies, as well. If we keep them moving, they’ll keep us moving. Would you like the energy you need to live well? Here’s Dr. Swenson’s Rx: more sleep, less food, more movement. Throughout history, that’s what people normally did. What makes us think we can change that formula now? Let’s stop and ask, how did Jesus live?
Mark 6:30-34, 45-46 Has your car ever run out of gas? You feel a few halting chugs, and then it dies. You glance at your previously unnoticed fuel gauge and flashing dash light, as you coast to the shoulder. And what about our emotional tanks? Often, we’re not aware of our depleted emotional status until we feel desperate, or angry, or depressed. How do we follow Jesus’s example and wisely learn to replenish our reserves and maintain emotional margin?
Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 We’re thankful for our modern conveniences: washing machines and dishwashers, microwaves and automobiles, online bill pay and text messaging. With all this time-saving technology, you’d think we’d have loads of free time. Instead, our lives get squeezed to the limit. Dr. Richard Swenson, MD says, “Many people commit to a 120 percent life and wonder why the burden feels so heavy.” Did you know that our margin-less lives are symptomatic of a bigger issue? Curious about what it is?
John 1:40-46 One day Philip, a new disciple, told his friend Nathanael about Jesus. Nathanael was skeptical, so Philip’s invitation was simple, “Come and see.” In other words, Check it out. Meet Jesus for yourself. At FaithWestwood we want to help you be winsome in your life as a disciple. Let people into your life, and God will give you an opportunity to invite them to take the next step. What do you love about being invitational? And what scares you?
Matthew 25:31-40 A church isn’t a church if it exists just for its own people. When we follow Jesus, he takes us out to the community he loves. He sees their needs, their hearts, their hopes, their abilities. Being in mission with Jesus is always personal. And he said the best way to show we love him is to love them. What do love about the opportunities of a missional church?
2 Timothy 1:1-4 What is unique about FaithWestwood? It might be our value of bringing the generations together. But it’s nothing new. Psalm 145:4 prays, “One generation commends your works to another.” God wants to see his family come together: young children, young adults, older students, middle-agers, and senior citizens (pick your own category). What do you love about connecting the generations?
Luke 6:46-49 Many of you love how FaithWestwood focuses on connecting the Bible to everyday life. Having a practical faith means putting God’s Word into practice. It means letting scripture impact how we live the other 167 hours of the week. Jesus told us to get practical by building our lives on him and his words, by obeying him and serving each other. What do you love about being part of a practical church?
Philemon 1:1-7
What do you look for in a church home? At the top of the list might be a caring community. We seek a healthy faith family where we bring out the best in each other. Since it began, FaithWestwood has been a relational church. We value the friendships that form in groups and in serving together. What do you love about being in a relational church?
Romans 1:8-13
Who did you miss seeing during the pandemic? Relatives? Co-workers? Classmates? You could probably come up with a long list! Maybe you had to rely on phone calls or video conversations. Our reunions were delayed, but they are so important.
The Apostle Paul was delayed in coming to Rome, so he wrote a letter to Jesus’s people there. He said, “I long to see you” (Romans 1:11). Finally, the day came when they could see each other face to face.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9
Where did the roots of your faith get planted then nourished? It is said that, “God has no grandchildren.” Each generation is in need of a foundation for faith. Where do we sink the roots of faith? How do we nourish them so they grow deep? How do we form a foundation we can draw upon daily as we seek to be disciples?
Matthew 8:1-4, 14-17
Have you been in a Christian Science reading room? It prominently features works written by their founder, Mary Baker Eddy. In 1875 she wrote Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by which Christian Science members interpret the Bible. Eddy was part of the mind-cure movement, believing that people could be healed by a kind of prayer that corrects one’s erroneous beliefs. How does Christian Science differ from classical Christianity? Does it offer a benign set of beliefs, or are they dangerous?
Romans 14:1-8
During the religious fervor of the Second Great Awakening, a Baptist preacher popularly predicted that Jesus would return in 1844. This was followed by “the great disappointment.” Others latched onto a new interpretation that still looked forward to Jesus’s imminent return, his advent. They also ditched Sunday as their day of worship and followed a more Jewish observance of the Sabbath. Who are the Seventh-Day Adventists? Are they Christians or not?
See also Daniel 8:14; Hebrews 8:1-2; Acts 20:7; Galatians 4:10-11.
Ezekiel 37:15-23 Methodism grew quickly in America in the early 1800s during the revivalism of the Second Great Awakening. During this time another religious movement sprang up, asserting that all forms of Christianity were false – except their own. Its leader Joseph Smith claimed visitations from an angel who showed him a buried ancient book of gold plates, which became the Book of Mormon. What is a Latter-Day Saint? What is authoritative for them? How does Mormonism differ from biblical faith? See also Isaiah 43:10; 44:6; 1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 1:24-25; Psalm 93:2.
What Is Christian Nationalism?
1 Peter 2:11-17
During the storming of the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, some carried large crosses. Some toted Bibles. Others waved signs saying, “Jesus saves.” Those symbols and sayings seemed innocuous on the surface, but given the context they sent a very different message. What is that message? How does it stray from historic Christian faith?
See also 1 Peter 1:17; Philippians 3:15-21; Acts 17:24-31; Romans 13:1-7.
Juneteenth, a shortened form of June Nineteenth, is a recognized national holiday. It commemorates the day the Emancipation Proclamation was read aloud to the people of Texas two and a half years after slavery was abolished. When they finally heard the message, they celebrated! For two and a half years people lived in slavery in Texas, even though they didn't have to. They needed to hear the message of freedom. Similarly, the message of the salvation of Jesus is being heard by many for the first time, though the act of freedom was established long ago. We need to hear the message of the freedom Jesus gives us. He has set us free from the shackles of sin and shame! Let us celebrate His great love!
Stronger Together
Acts 2:46-47; 4:32
It's a ONE-STOP SUNDAY! One service time -- one congregation!
10:00 a.m. only, in-person + online.
Let's celebrate an amazing week of Rocky Railway VBS with highlights, music, appearances by Pete&RePete, and a special message titled "Stronger Together," where we lift up how Jesus's power unites us and helps us be better friends.
June 13, 2021
Into the Unknown
Genesis 12:1-7
In life, we are pushed out of our comfort zones and venture out into the unknown. In these moments, while we doubt ourselves, God and our Christian community help us to find our way.
Total Commitment...God's Covenant with Us
Exodus 19:4-8
One day a chicken and a pig were walking down the road together when they went past a billboard. They stopped to look up and saw an advertisement for a restaurant that specialized in a breakfast of eggs and bacon. After reading the sign the pig shuddered. “What’s wrong?” asked the chicken. The pig replied, “Well, for you that meal is a token sacrifice; but for me it is total commitment.” When we give ourselves to God and commit to God’s holy covenant there is nothing halfway about it. This week we will learn about making a total commitment to God.
May 30, 2021
When the Holy Spirit Comes Upon You, Part 2
Acts 4:23-31
What happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon Jesus’s people?
We find courage. And clarity. And confidence.
That’s why we’re told to “be filled continually with the Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18, The Passion Translation). This Sunday we’ll explore the wondrous working of the Holy Spirit in us and through us.
23 May 2021 Acts 1:6-14; 2:1-4
Here’s a quick quiz: Which of the following did Jesus actually say?
“When the Holy Spirit comes upon you . . .
A. . . . you will start going to church again.” B. . . . you will never tell anyone about it, ever.” C. . . . you will try to get back to your normal self as soon as possible.”
And the answer is “D. None of the above.” There’s something that happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon us, something Jesus is counting on. This Sunday we’ll look into what it is and what it means.
16 May 2021
Colossians 3:15-17
Something happens when we worship together that doesn’t happen when we’re home alone. The presence of the Spirit residing in each of us creates a holy synergy. It happens when we sing together and pray together and receive the word of the Lord together. It happens when we receive the sacraments together and surrender ourselves to Jesus together. This week we’ll learn about the transforming power of worshiping God together.
May 9 2021 Galatians 2:11-14
Healthy marriages are not conflict-free. It’s how couples do conflict and how they recover from it that matters most. And it’s the same with a healthy community. What does good conflict look like? How bold can we be when confronting one another? How do we accept correction? And how do we love each other through it all? This week we’ll learn about practicing healthy conflict.
May 2 2021
Acts 4:32-36
It’s an American ideal to be independent and handle our problems by ourselves. But it’s not very practical – or realistic. God’s ideal is for us to be in community. That includes giving and receiving in times of need. And it’s never a pressured thing. It’s about a generosity and humility inspired by the Holy Spirit. This week we’ll learn about caring for one another as Jesus’s people.
4-28-2021 Galatians 5:13-26
Who doesn’t love a bonfire once in a while? We like to watch the flames grow bright and warm. But if each stick of wood was separated, the flames would quickly die out. Only when the wood is brought together – with a little space for air – do they all stay aflame. And when we stay in community, the work of the Holy Spirit keeps us aflame with life. This week we’ll learn how to live by the Spirit together.
4 April 2021
1 Thessalonians 5:9-15
Eating healthy foods makes you a healthier person. So do exercise and a good night’s sleep. Did you know that good relationships can also make you a healthier person? And gathering weekly with a worshiping community can boost your well-being. One way we do that is by encouraging one another. This week we’ll learn about being the kind of community where we build each other up.
April 11, 2021
Galatians 3:26-29
We live in a divided world, don’t we? We like to label ourselves and others. Obviously, we don’t want to deny our differences – that would be foolish. But when we are “in Christ,” those differences don’t define who we really are. This week we’ll learn about our solid foundation for the community we crave.
Easter Sunday, April 4
Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20
In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, author J.R.R. Tolkien slips glimpses of the gospel into his epic tale. In the second book, Sam meets the previously dead but now living Gandalf. Sam asks him, “Is everything sad going to come untrue?” We could ask the same question of the risen Jesus. And he may reply as Gandalf did – with laughter – “and the sound was like music, or like water in a parched land.”
Maundy Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m. Matthew 26:17-46 Deep into the night Jesus prayed that he be spared the cup of suffering. He prayed that there might be some other remedy for guilty humanity. But he accepted the Father’s verdict, choosing to accept the cross. Earlier that evening Jesus took a cup, representing his suffering, and gave it to his disciples. He said, “Drink from this.”
Richer or Poorer
Matthew 19:16-30
Matthew 21:1-11
You’ve made sacrifices. You’ve given up good things for better things. Jesus told a certain young man to walk away from his wealth and follow him. Why would Jesus ask that of him? How did the young man respond? And more importantly, what sacrifice might Jesus require of you to fully follow him?
March 21 2021
Matthew 16:13-28
It’s hard to be neutral about Jesus. And he doesn’t want you to be neutral. Either he is who he says he is, or he is not. There is no middle ground. If he is the Messiah, the Son of God, then following him requires our full allegiance. Even now he turns to you and asks, “Who do you say I am?”
A Day of Separation
Matthew 13:24-43
You will never find a weed-free garden. Just like you will never find a perfect church. The church will always be flawed. It will always have some hypocrites. It will always have some very un-Jesus-like people. But Jesus made it clear that it’s not up to us to fix it. Separating the saved from the not-saved goes way beyond our paygrade.
Redefining Family
Matthew 12:46-50
Who’s your family? Today, people are redefining family in all sorts of ways. Jesus was part of a biological-adoptive family and he loved them, but he also redefined family in a way that was shocking in his day. He created a bond among his followers that was stronger than blood, more powerful than parentage. Have you experienced anything like that?
Sunday, February 28
Matthew 8:5-13
“What do I believe Jesus can do?” It’s an important question to consider. Jesus lived in Capernaum when he wasn’t traveling, and it’s a question people there found themselves asking. One person believed Jesus could heal by command, even from a distance – and he wasn’t even Jewish. He was the enemy. But Jesus loves it when surprising people believe in him and what he can do.
Sunday, February 21
Sight-Challenged Fans
Matthew 7:1-5
Jesus set the record straight on judging others. He told his followers they had planks in their eyes. We are unfit to help others see straight until we recognize and set aside our biases. It’s like being in the stands 30 rows back and arguing with the ref. Are you, a biased fan, really ready to trade places with the official on the field?
February 14
Divided
Genesis 45:1-8; 47:11-21
The people God uses for his purposes may have hidden flaws – unknown even to themselves. Joseph recognized God’s guiding hand in his life, allowing his family to be saved. They were given the best land in Egypt to settle. But Joseph also consolidated Pharaoh’s power during the famine and reduced the Egyptians to poverty and servitude. Would this inequity lead to Egyptian hostility toward the descendants of Israel?
Dignified
Genesis 41:33-43
Does it ever seem that your original dream has been swapped for another? Joseph’s been sold into slavery, falsely imprisoned, and forgotten by someone he helped. Now he gets his chance. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he becomes Egypt’s second in command, charged with saving an entire nation from starvation. But what does this have to do with the original dream God gave him?
January 31
Delayed Genesis 40:1-15, 23 Have you ever gotten your hopes up only to find them dashed? That can be harder than never hoping at all. Joseph’s in prison, making the most of a bad situation, when he sees an opportunity to improve his fortunes. But the person who’s supposed to help him forgets all about him. Has God forgotten him, too? How do you keep hoping when hope is delayed?
January 24
Genesis 39:1-15
When you do what’s right, God’s supposed to bless you. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to work? And it did work that way for Joseph – for a while – until someone accused him falsely out of spite. Before he knew it, he was convicted and imprisoned. His dreams of great things were gone. But never say it’s over if God is still in the picture.
Genesis 37:1-11 Have you ever been right but handled it poorly? Usually it’s worse than being wrong and handling it well. That’s what happened to a 17-year-old from Canaan. God gave Joseph a glimpse of his future through some mysterious dreams. Unfortunately, Joseph didn’t handle it well when he shared these dreams with his family, and as a result, his brothers “hated him all the more.” Still, despite the family’s dysfunction, God’s purpose moved forward.
January 3, 2021
John 1.1-18.
On this 10th day of Christmas, we look at what the Gospel of John declares about the birth and what it means for us. God has done something audacious. We witness to this audacious action, and we live into the darkness around us with a light that transforms us. In this event, and in what will follow from it, we get to see what has been hidden and still is not known to many.
Christmas Eve 2020 Service
Luke 2:1-14 • Gifts carefully selected and beautifully wrapped are opened in seconds -- then comes the chore of picking up all the paper and packaging. • A meal that takes hours to prepare can be consumed in minutes. Then the leftovers must be sealed and refrigerated and the dishes dutifully done. • It all goes by so fast – except for the cleanup.
Christmas is about God coming to pick up the pieces of our world. It’s about a Son sent undercover (wrapped in cloths) to renew our hearts and restore our lives to their intended beauty.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Christmas Eve 2020 Service
Luke 2:1-14 • Gifts carefully selected and beautifully wrapped are opened in seconds -- then comes the chore of picking up all the paper and packaging. • A meal that takes hours to prepare can be consumed in minutes. Then the leftovers must be sealed and refrigerated and the dishes dutifully done. • It all goes by so fast – except for the cleanup.
Christmas is about God coming to pick up the pieces of our world. It’s about a Son sent undercover (wrapped in cloths) to renew our hearts and restore our lives to their intended beauty.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
December 20, 2020
John 1:1-14 Light is not always welcome -- sometimes we’d rather hide in darkness. For some, this describes their reaction to Jesus and his message. John’s gospel says, “people loved darkness instead of light.” Yet the light continues to shine upon us in even our darkness, gently yet persistently loving us into the light. Key verse: The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. John 1:9
December 13, 2020
Isaiah 61:1-4 The year 2020 has been extraordinarily challenging. Our lives have been uprooted by a pandemic. We’ve heard peaceful protests of the oppressed, and we’ve witnessed anger for those unjustly killed. We’ve seen looting and violence on our streets. We’ve endured a brutal election campaign year, too. And yet God promises that the ruins will be rebuilt, that a Leader will reign in peace. Let us live in His peace!
December 6, 2020
Luke 1:39-56 What’s got you beaten down? Could it be financial troubles? A lifetime of hurts? Is it dealing with injustice? Maybe it’s the effects of isolation and loneliness? At Advent we remember the promise of God -- that there will be joy. At the sound of our Rescuer’s voice, we will rejoice!
November 29, 2020
Luke 1:5-25 Have you heard someone say, “I’ve learned to not get my hopes up; that way I’m never disappointed”? Maybe you’ve said it once or twice too. Has a string of disappointments left you jaded, hanging onto a rope of hope that’s become worn and frayed? But then out of the blue, God surprises you with a word of encouragement. Will hope pull you through?
November 22, 2020
2 Corinthians 11:21b-30; 12:1-10 As a job-seeker, your path begins with your strengths. You carefully polish your resume -- including glowing references that speak to your character and accomplishments -- before printing it on high-quality, cotton paper. But as followers of Jesus, our resume is quite different. Instead of presenting it on special paper with perfect formatting, we sing it imperfectly and from the heart in our favorite hymns: “I once was lost, but now am found.” “They are weak, but he is strong.” “Yes, Jesus loves me.” As a Christ-seeker, our path to strength begins with weakness. This week read 2 Corinthians 11:16 – 12:13.
November 15, 2020
2 Corinthians 11:21b-30; 12:1-10 As a job-seeker, your path begins with your strengths. You carefully polish your resume -- including glowing references that speak to your character and accomplishments -- before printing it on high-quality, cotton paper. But as followers of Jesus, our resume is quite different. Instead of presenting it on special paper with perfect formatting, we sing it imperfectly and from the heart in our favorite hymns: “I once was lost, but now am found.” “They are weak, but he is strong.” “Yes, Jesus loves me.” As a Christ-seeker, our path to strength begins with weakness.
November 8, 2020
2 Corinthians 10:1-5; 11:5-11 Violence is not the way of Jesus. He was bold, yes -- but with humility and gentleness. As his deep, daring, daily disciples, we fight a battle, but we do not use the weapons of this world. Our only weapon is truth, and our every thought belongs to Christ.
2 Corinthians 9:1-8 Many of you at FaithWestwood give sacrificially, but as a church, we don’t want that sacrifice to be motivated by guilt. We don’t want anyone to feel pushed or cajoled. God’s plan for us is that we would discover great satisfaction when we give – from the heart, with humility, and with joy. And we rejoice, knowing we can trust God for all our needs.
October 25, 2020
2 Corinthians 8:6-12 Money is a challenging topic, especially in church. The Apostle Paul didn’t seem all that comfortable with it either. But famine was hitting Jerusalem, and the Corinthians Christ-followers had already promised to help. Now was their opportunity, but it had to be given willingly.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 6:1-2
Who’s been your biggest influence in coming to faith? Think of someone who helped you know Jesus and learn what it means to belong to him. That person was an ambassador for Christ – they represented Jesus to you. How did you respond? How will you respond? Thank God for those ambassadors of Christ.
October 11, 2020
2 Corinthians 4:7-12 It’s totally human to try to impress others. We want to appear successful and beautiful and talented so we’ll get noticed. We want to be admired and respected. But there’s something refreshing – and freeing -- about being comfortable with our ordinary selves. In Christ, we can be at peace, because we’re all carrying a hidden treasure.
October 4, 2020
2 Corinthians 4:1-6 The next time you visit a new church, ask yourself some questions as you walk away. Did you come away more impressed, more in love, with Christ – or with the technology? Did the message point to the day’s speaker or to the Savior? Did the people expect their needs to be catered to -- or did they lean into their Christian role as servants of the community? It’s all about how we understand the gospel.
September 27, 2020
2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 3:1-6 There’s nothing like the smell test -- that informal way we use our own perceptions to determine whether something is reliable or trustworthy. When you hang out someplace, you can quickly tell if it’s the real thing or not. What about our church family? Is it real? Is it healthy? Is it honest? Is it true to the gospel? What does this church ‘smell’ like to you?
September 20, 2020
2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 7:5-11 How do you deal with uncomfortable feedback? Maybe you avoid it. Perhaps you deny its usefulness or shrug it off completely. But what if you choose to learn and grow from it? Facing difficult news about ourselves and resolving to change is what the Bible calls “godly sorrow.”
September 13, 2020
When we’re hungry, we often turn to our favorite comfort foods. When we’re ready to relax, we enjoy the cozy feel of comfortable clothes. And when we’re hurting, we welcome a comforting hug. In our suffering God is ready to comfort us -- it’s a gift we then pass on to others. It starts a chain reaction of comfort during life’s most stressful times. This week read 2 Corinthians 1:1-14.
August 6, 2020
Did you know “neighbor” can be a verb? When we associate with our neighbors, we are neighboring. We can neighbor with people at work, in organizations, or at school. Because of the Holy Spirit, the life-changing gospel travels from person to person when we neighbor. But how can we neighbor during a pandemic?
August 30, 2020
Hebrews 10:19-25
In the first century, some followers decided to quit gathering with their sisters and brothers in Christ. They didn’t see the need. Sometimes, you may feel that way too. But what happened to those early solo disciples? The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says they became weak in love and action. Without others to spur them on, their encouragement tanks ran dry.
August 23, 2020
Romans 8:31-39
When we’re attacked by enemies and feeling low, does it mean that God has abandoned us? Is our suffering a sign of God’s displeasure? When someone we love dies way too young, does it mean God doesn’t care? No. No. No. These are the times when we hang on to the promise that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
August 16, 2020
Romans 8:28-30 We don’t believe that everything that happens to us is caused by God or that everything that happens to us is even God’s will. But we do believe this promise -- that God always works for good. And that promise is enough to raise us up each morning with confidence and faith in the new day to come.
August 9, 2020
When it comes to prayer, every one of us is a beginner. What a surprise, then, when we discover that God is not disappointed by our weak attempts to pray! God’s promise is that he cherishes each prayer -- even the ones where we can’t find any words at all. Verse of Promise: “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26
August 2, 2020
When we’re hurting, it’s no use pretending that we’re not. And it doesn’t help much to think of others who have it worse. But during hard times, one way we hang on is to keep looking forward and believing in the promise that God’s best is yet to come. We are promised that one day all our earthly pain, loss, and suffering will be like a dream from which we’ve awakened. Verse of Promise: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
July 26, 2020 (Guest Pastor - Russ Tompkins)
Have you ever been blessed just by someone’s smile? Maybe you were expecting their anger and instead you got a grin that said they were glad to see you. That loving welcome is exactly what we get from God. And we’re promised that the inner voice of the Holy Spirit will speak to our hearts, telling us we are God’s children.
July 19, 2020
By our sinful, rebellious actions we bring condemnation on ourselves. But our sin is no match for God’s grace, brought to us through his son Jesus. When we belong to him we receive the promise that condemnation is no more. Verse of Promise: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
July 12, 2020
As members of both a church community and the community at large, we disagree on which precautions are necessary in a pandemic. There’s no surprise there -- when have we completely agreed on anything? In the first century, Jesus’s people in Rome were advised to not quarrel over “disputable matters.” And they learned what was more important than being right.
July 5, 2020
After the fireworks have silenced and the smoke had cleared, we'll pray for this nation just as Jesus's people always have. On July 5, we'll witness an amazing conversation among a few of the FaithWestwood faithful, and we'll learn how to pray for this nation. We'll pray that God's kingdom may come and all people may prosper.
June 28, 2020
Jesus tells stories that captivate our imagination. In one verse he encapsulates an illustration of the kingdom of heaven as the yeast that permeates the dough: a small verse with a big message. That's the nature of faith; a tiny bit makes a huge impact. This parable permits us to find God working in our lives -- not relegated to mythical platitudes or a proverbial ticket to heaven, but completely involved and integrated.
June 21, 2020
Fatherhood is a complicated role for any man to take on – and a complex subject to discuss too. So this Father’s Day we’ll take a look at positive and negative choices made by dads in the Bible. You might hear a few dad jokes along the way too!
June 14, 2020
f someone was looking for ammo to shoot down the Christian faith, it’s not hard for them to find. Usually, they just start with the Crusades and move on to the Spanish Inquisition. Maybe you have a friend who rants, “The Bible’s full of anti-scientific, homophobic, eccentric, idiotic nonsense for people who don’t know how to think for themselves! It only perpetuates racist, sexist oppression.” What will you say to that? This Sunday, we’ll address several of these objections and obstacles to faith.
June 7, 2020
Why are things the way they are? And why do we wish they were different? It’s not easy to reconcile what we see in the world with a belief in an all-powerful, all-caring God. This Sunday we’ll look at a range of tough questions by simply filling in the blanks in this one: “If God is so ______, why doesn’t he _____?”
May 31, 2020
Some of our most profound and life-changing spiritual experiences may not happen in a church building. At least that’s what a Roman centurion named Cornelius might tell us. Along with his family and friends, Cornelius was in his own home when he first learned about Jesus. Then something happened they would never forget — they were wondrously filled with the Holy Spirit. Who knows what Spirit-filled experiences God may have for u
May 24, 2020 - Madison Barben
Ephesians 6:13-18 Superheroes are strong, brave, and always win in the end. Sometimes we feel like we could never be superheroes and complete great feats -- or can we? With Christ by our side, our dreams of being superheroes are not light-years away.
May 17, 2020
Luke 16:1-13
We all have a wish list in the back of our mind, don’t we – the car we’d like to drive, the new cookware we’ve always wanted, that pair of shoes we’ve had our eye on? But what if we had another list we were even more excited about? One that kept track of all the opportunities we have to be a generous friend? Jesus tells us that everyone is happy to see a generous friend.
May 10, 2020
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Miracles streak through our lives like a rare meteor. But a miracle without love, however dazzling, would not be from God. A miracle that came without caring would leave us dry and empty. But, if you’ve ever been part of a community of love, you know it’s one of the most life-giving, healing places in the world.
April 26, 2020
Jesus did not come to give you half a life. He came to give you a full life – life to the max. He promises to give you all you need, so you can become all you were meant to be. And we discover along the way that holy choices are also healthy choices.
May 3, 2020
Luke 7:1-10 Does it take faith to receive healing? And whose faith does it take? Jesus told a woman with bleeding and a man with blindness, “Your faith has healed you.” When a paralyzed man was lowered through a roof, Jesus was amazed at the faith of the man’s friends. And at other times it seems Jesus was the only one with faith in the healing. What is the role of faith in healing – and in waiting for a healing?
April 19, 2020
Luke 13:10-17 When we get sick, we might think that the illness comes from God. What do you believe about that? And more importantly, what did Jesus believe? What did he say about the source of disease and disability? Let’s look to him as we start our series, In Sickness and in Health.
April 12, 2020 - Easter Sunday
The resurrection of Jesus wasn't just for his sake. It was for you! Jesus's resurrection proves that his death wasn't a defeat. It was a victory for all who trust in him. And Easter is a promise of our own resurrection to come -- the day when God will remake the world by bringing heaven and earth together. It's a promise that's already beginning to come true, through the hearts and actions of every one of us.
April 10, 2020
Who was more misunderstood than Jesus? Who was more despised? He was a threat to those in power. He disappointed those who wanted power. He confused those who had no power. The punishment he received seemed so tragic, so unfair. No one knew it was God’s plan to bring us peace.
Featuring: - Gathering music with David Gerard - Hymns with vocalist Becky Dorn - Children's Time with Leah Dinoso - Responsive prayer - Scripture reading
April 9, 2020
Just after Jesus predicts that one disciple will betray him, and just before he predicts that the rest will fall away from him, Jesus does something extraordinary. He gives them bread and says, “This is my body.” He hands them the cup and says, “This is my blood.” It was a gift not based on their qualifications but on his grace. As flawed followers, we receive this same gift today.
Featuring: Gathering music with David Gerard Hymns with vocalist Becky Dorn Children's Time with Leah Dinoso -- remember to have a baby wipe or wash cloth ready for each child Prayer Time Scripture reading with Larry Berryman At-Home Communion led by Pastor Steve. Instructions can be found here.
April 5, 2020
What kind of leader do you want? What kind of leader do we need? in 332 BC, the conquering Alexander the Great rode into Jerusalem on his huge white stallion. More than three centuries later, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed donkey -- very different beasts for very different kings. Today only one is still hailed as a king, the one who taught the way of humility.
March 29, 2020
Psalm 37:1-11 Some people break rules, cross ethical lines, take advantage of others, and are rewarded with success. We say, “It’s not fair!” Then we hear a new word. Devious people may prosper for now, but their days are numbered. Ultimately, it’s those who “trust in the Lord and do good” who will receive God’s greatest reward. Do you believe that?
March 22, 2020
Join us for worship with Pianist David Gerard and a message from Pastor Steve from Psalm 32
Sin carries consequences. It’s in every page of the Bible. We may deny our sins -- we can try to hide them. But as Numbers 32:23 says, “Your sin will find you out.” And yet we also see over and over that God forgives those who acknowledge their faults, failures, and flaws. What better reason could there be to sing to the Lord than this, “You forgave the guilt of my sin”?
If one way you worship is through giving, click FaithWestwood.com/give to give.”
March 15, 2020
Psalm 30 Imagine writing a simple song, thanking God for all he’s done in your life. Each verse could tell of a hard time you faced. Then the chorus rings out how God brought you through each challenge. You might sing, “My happiness was gone. My life had little chance. You brought me through my grief and taught me how to dance.”
March 8, 2020
Psalm 27
If you focus on how bad your problems are, they will run your life. But if you focus on knowing God and worshiping God and doing God’s will, then your problems will not win. They may still be there, but they will not define you. Remember, better days are ahead. In the meantime, wait. Wait confidently.
March 1, 2020
Psalm 23 Picture yourself as a sheep. What if you didn’t have someone to guide you to green grass and fresh water? What if you didn’t have someone to defend you against wolves and lions? Life would be scary. But have no fear! The Lord is your shepherd.
February 23, 2020
Psalm 20 What do we do when we’re attacked, outnumbered, and outmatched? Where do we turn when the odds are stacked against us? We could freak out and go into full-scale panic mode. Or we can call on the Lord who answers from heaven. Some trust in their wealth or in their superior technology, but we trust in the Lord.
February 16, 2020
Psalm 18:1-6, 46-50 Nobody likes to think about mortality. We avoid discussions of death – until it comes knocking on our door. Israel’s king felt the snares of death pulling him down to the grave. In desperation, he cried to the Lord – and we cry out, too. Let us sing praise to King Jesus who saves us from death and gives us victory.
February 9, 2020
Psalm 11 When you're under attack, take refuge in the Lord. When you're being threatened, take refuge in the Lord. When you've been marginalized or ostracized, take refuge in the Lord.
God sees it it all. God hears it all. And God will act. Take refuge in the Lord.
February 2, 2020
Psalm 8 If there is no God, life is ultimately insignificant -- and you might as well stake your claim as the center of the cosmos. But when you praise God, ruler of heaven and earth, that changes everything! When you praise God, you return him to his rightful place at the center of everything -- and through him you find your own significance and worth.
January 26, 2020
You may see the t-shirt slogan once in a while, "Life is good." But sometimes life is not good. Sometimes it's tragic and heartbreaking. Did you know that the most common prayer in the Psalms is lament -- a complaint or cry for help? We cry out to God, "Save me from my enemies! Save me from my circumstances! A prayer of lament is desperation directed toward God.
January 19, 2020
God is powerful, but that alone doesn't make him worthy of our praise. We need to know more about God -- is God good? Does he care about us? Because if the Lord is truly trustworthy and faithful, full of justice and mercy, how could we keep from singing his praises?
January 12, 2020
Psalm 1 Everybody loves to create their own brand of happiness. We have our own ideas about what's right and fun and good. But our ideas don't always include listening to God. Only when we learn God's Word and live God's Way will we know the happiness that lasts through this life and into eternal life.
January 5, 2020
Last words have power. And Jesus's last words are still important today, wherever we go. His last words have been vital in building the universal church. His followers throughout the ages have been motivated by the great commission too. Jesus's words influenced those who find FaithWestwood and those who continue on this mission.
December 29, 2019 - Angie Washington
Hopelessness is an awful feeling. And in the midst of the pain, it can fell like hopelessness is all there is -- that everything is frozen in place and will be that way forever. But God tells us that feelings like hopelessness are transitions -- Hope itself is eternal. Like Faith, and like Love, Hope transcends our current circumstances and points us to a truth that never fails us -- and to the salvation on which we rest our faith.
Christmas Eve 2019 - December 24, 2019
What are we waiting for? We wait for the day when the proud will no longer trample the humble, when the rich will no longer exploit the poor, when people will be finally and fully free. We wait for the day when God will make this dangerous world safe. Christmas tells us that all this waiting will one day end -- because God keeps his promises.
December 22, 2019
How will you prepare to meet Jesus? A person's life can be defined by who or what they point to. Do you point to yourself, seeking your own attention and glory? Do you point to something else: a cause, an idea, a group? John the Baptist knew his role. His life was defined by pointing people to Jesus. Who or what do you point to?
December 8, 2019
How will you prepare to meet Jesus? You might grieve over your sins and even confess them. But God wants more for us. It's time to take action. People asked John the Baptist what they should do, and he was ready with specific answers. He got them ready for Jesus.
December 1, 2019
How will you prepare to meet Jesus? Most of us don't think sin is a big deal -- at least ours aren't. We shrug them off and say, "Hey, nobody's perfect." How rarely do we seriously own up to our offenses! God called a prophet named John to get people ready for Jesus. He said, "Prepare the way for the Lord." They confessed their sins and were baptized.
November 27, 2019
Message from the 2019 Thanksgiving Eve service by FaithWestwood member Brian Havens
November 24, 2019
Every day, you and God are writing the story of your life. What’s your story? What’s the latest episode?
There are two powerful reasons you need to be aware of your own unique story. You’ll be blessed by sharing it. Someone else will be blessed by hearing it.
That’s how good news spreads – from one BLESS friend to another.
November 17, 2019
The Bible says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6). And make no mistake -- giving is an act of faith. Here's where God calls us to take a new step into deep, daring, daily faith. And when we give joyfully and gratefully to bless his kingdom, God is pleased.
November 10, 2019
Every high-achieving team gets buy-in. The players buy in to the coaches and their vision. They buy in to their identity as a team. Every practice, every game, they sacrifice for one another, laying it all on the line. That's when the team moves steadily forward. FaithWestwood is God's team. Buy-in means coming together in giving and receiving, laying it all on the line for the team.
November 3, 2019
Have you ever read the first couple chapters of a book and then flipped to the last chapter to see how it would end? Maybe not. But it's okay to read the Bible that way. Even before the Bible's last chapter, we are given glimpses of how it will end -- not a full picture but enough to give us hope.
October 27, 2019
Have you ever seen a reenactment? We hear about clubs that conduct Civil War reenactments, staging battles wearing replicas of Union and Confederate uniforms. We hear about reenactments of the 1965 civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. For Christians, the sacraments of baptism and holy communion are reenactments of important moments in Jesus’s life. Through the sacraments, Jesus’s presence is made tangible to us, and we participate in his death and resurrection.
October 20, 2019
It’s easy to go through the entire day and not think about electricity. But when you lose power at work for the rest of the day, what can you do? You might as well go home. We depend on electrical power to give us light and make our machines work. In the same way, we rely on the Holy Spirit to empower us to follow Jesus.
October 13, 2019
You are God’s work of art. Day by day he lovingly helps you cast off remnants of rebellion so that layers of inner beauty and outer character can be added. Our part is to cooperate with God as we continue to “work out” our salvation.
October 6, 2019
It’s obvious that we humans need help. Look at our world! We sure haven’t been able to save ourselves. Our rebelliousness has led to all kinds of disrupted relationships and death. But Jesus came to reconcile and rescue us. That’s salvation. It’s a gift we receive by faith.
September 29, 2019
What would motivate the eternal Divine Son to take on human flesh? It had to be more than casual curiosity or the thrill of adventure – and it was. The arrival of Jesus was a gift of love, so we who are lost could be family again.
September 22, 2019
The conundrum for every believer is this. If God is so good, why is there so much bad in the world? Where did all this evil come from? The Bible’s answer is that we chose it – and we still chose it today. God didn’t make us programmed puppets. He gave us free will and plenty of room to use it. It was a dangerous gift, but God figured it was worth giving.
September 15, 2019
Who is God? It’s the biggest question of all time, isn’t it? What is God like? Even if you say God is perfect, you still have to ask, perfectly what? Some people reject God, but the god they reject is very imperfect. The Christian answer is that God is like Jesus. He’s what perfect looks like.
September 8, 2019
Sometimes we struggle to know what God's saying to us through the Bible. What parts are we expected to obey? Have some parts been phased out for Christians? Is there a consensus view of how we're supposed to read the Bible?
Aren't The Bible Manuscripts Full Of Copy Errors? - September 1, 2019 by FaithWestwood UMC
August 25, 2019
This Sunday we're going to look at the Bible's account of creation and see how it compares to science's explanation of the big bang and evolution. Are they irreparably opposed to each other or merely looking at different things? Come find out for yourself.
August 11, 2019
When you're starting a new friendship, it's great to be helpful. But you give even greater honor to someone by letting them help you. That's how Jesus started a friendship in Samaria. He asked the woman he met at the well for a drink of water. By the end of the day, she was telling her neighbors about him. It's amazing what God can do when you're willing to serve and be served.
July 28, 2019
Giving your life to Jesus is kind of rebellious. You become a non-conformist, because you’d rather please God than follow the ways of the world. Daniel prayed to God, well aware that it could cost him his life. But he knew that denying his God was worse than death. So he prayed.
July 14, 2019
Could you ever see yourself disobeying a law out of loyalty to God? What price would you be willing to pay to remain faithful to the Lord? In a land hostile to faith in their God, three of Daniel's friends are given an ultimatum: bow or die. Their response has inspired Jesus's followers throughout the centuries.
July 7, 2019
The world tries to squeeze you into its mold. Nearly every day you're pressured to compromise your integrity. Despite the pressure to surrender their faith in a foreign land, Daniel and his friends could see the hand of God at work. They stayed true to God, and God stayed true to them.
June 30, 2019
A message on Adjusting to the Ever-Changing Seasons of Life by Steve and Kris Eschliman
June 9, 2019
Just before he ascended to heaven, Jesus promised his followers that they would soon receive power. No doubt they were filled with questions. What would happen? When would it happen? Would the power come loudly or quietly? What would they be empowered to do? Would this power be short-lived or permanent?
June 2, 2019
When Jesus feeds a crowd of five thousand with just some bread and a handful of fish, he teaches us his three-step vision for building a successful church: Vision, Plan, and Environment. As post-Resurrection, post-Pentecost people, we can follow this plan, just like the first Apostles.
May 26, 2019
Day by day we get mired down in life. Are we taking time to focus on what is truly important? Do we think about how we are representing Jesus? We need to stop and worship everyday to listen for God.
May 19, 2019
Pastor Steve talked about what the church can agree on about LGBTQ issues.
May 12, 2019
Before she became pregnant, Hannah promised that her child would be given to the Lord, dedicated to God’s service. A similar promise is made before Jesus is born and before his cousin John is born. As Jesus’s people, we give our children and ourselves to God.
May 5, 2019
When people eat together, a bond of friendship forms. They become like family. That’s why when Jesus wanted to bond his followers to him and one another, he offered them the shared meal we call Holy Communion. By it we share in the presence of Christ. And sharing a meal with people we love who may not know Christ builds a bond of trust.
If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you . . . . -1 Corinthians 10:27
April 28, 2019
- Christ is risen. Easter’s over. Now what?
- You sang the songs. You received communion. Now what?
- You go to worship. You help out when you can. Now what? The “now what?” is living the adventure!
April 21, 2019 - Easter Sunday
Everybody loves Easter! Spring flowers bloom. Kids hunt for Easter eggs. We might dress up a little. But how did the first witnesses of Jesus react to his resurrection? Startled. Frightened. Joyful. Doubtful. Curious. Amazed. Worshiping. Nothing will so positively disrupt your life like an encounter with the resurrected One.
April 7, 2019
“. . . the holy catholic church, the communion of saints.” –from the Apostles’ Creed
{Matthew 16:13-19}
Jesus’s aim was not just to teach, heal, and then go home to heaven. He came to do more than die for our sins and rise from the dead. He came to create a new community, one that would shine his light. His disciples would witness to the world by loving one another, spreading his good news, and caring for all in need. Jesus said, “I will build my church.”
March 31, 2019
“I Believe in the Holy Spirit.” –from the Apostles’ Creed
{Ephesians 5:15-20}
God’s Word tells us of our Father-Creator. It teaches us about our Lord Jesus. Still, it’s a book. It’s not enough. We need to experience God. We need the prevailing presence of the Holy Spirit. We need the continual filling of the Spirit to do within us what we cannot do by our own power.
March 24, 2019
“He descended to the dead. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead.” –from the Apostles’ Creed
Many historians have concluded that if Jesus had not been bodily raised from the dead, there would be no Christianity. Without the empty tomb and his resurrection appearances, the influence of Jesus would not have survived. This resurrected Jesus now reigns with the Father, awaiting the appointed day of his return. On that day everyone will bow before him. Judgment – separating good from evil – will rest in his hands.
March 17, 2019
“. . . who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died and was buried.” –from the Apostles’ Creed
{Luke 1:1-3}
The Bible contains four gospels, biographies of Jesus written for his followers and the curious. Two gospels report that Jesus’s life began with a miracle in the womb of a girl named Mary. All four tell us he became a teacher and a wonder-worker. All four gospels record that he was rejected by his own people and suffered a terrible death. And we are told that his death was an act of love by which we can be saved from our sins. This is history – his story.
March 10, 2019
“I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” –from the Apostles’ Creed Historians cite ancient sources beyond the Bible, confirming that Jesus of Nazareth was a real person who lived in the early first century AD. But who was he? Or who is he? Much of world history revolves around these questions. Still today his followers claim he has changed their lives. Could he be “the image of the invisible God”?
March 3, 2019
“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” –from the Apostles’ Creed {Psalm 19:1-6}
How do you decide if God is real? Theists and atheists stack up the evidence and arrive at conflicting conclusions. So we must search for truth with an open mind. We examine the scriptures. We learn from science. We weigh our personal experiences. And we listen to Jesus, who taught us to pray to “Our Father.”
The Bible Project Video link - vimeo.com/215686688 February 24, 2019
In ancient times, whenever the traveling judge came into your village, that was a good thing. It meant you could take your grievances to court. Wrongs could be made right. Injustices could get straightened out. The Day of the Lord is when the Judge shows up and renders a verdict, and that’s a good thing. Salvation requires judgment. But for those who oppose God’s ways, it will be a terrible day.
The Bible Project Video link - vimeo.com/211765113 February 17, 2019
How long can the average person live without breathing? Minutes. Breathing sends oxygen into your bloodstream, taking it to your brain and body. No respiration = expiration. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God in us, making us spiritually alive. After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” John 20:22.
February 10, 2019
God loves to partner with people. He makes a covenant with one family to bless all families. He makes a covenant with one nation to bless all nations. They carry that covenant forward, but they also fail him. Repeatedly. It’s time for phase two of God’s plan. In walks Jesus, bringing a new covenant for all people.
January 3, 2019
Nothing brightens the heart of a coach like players who buy into the team. They do more than show up. They believe in the team. They believe in each other. They share a common vision. They strive for common goals. They lay it on the line every practice, every game. Because they’re teammates, partners.
At FaithWestwood we count each other as teammates. We’re partners in the gospel. And now, it’s game time.
Bible Project Video Link - vimeo.com/145320706 January 27, 2019
What is God’s goal for every person? According to the Bible, it’s holiness. What does it mean to be holy? Are we supposed to be perfect? Sounds impossible. Don’t despair. God has a way of imparting his holiness to imperfect people just like you. Interested?
Bible Project Video Link - vimeo.com/145320390 January 13, 2019
We know what earth is. It’s our home, our planet, the place where we dwell. But what is heaven? The place we go when we die? Hopefully. Is it high in the sky, a far-away spot of the universe? Maybe. But what if heaven is already here, overlapping with earth? What if God’s space intersects with our space? You may never think about heaven the same way again.
January 6, 2018
Jesus was able to love people because he took time to listen when no one else would. We’ll see him do that with a blind beggar from Jericho named Bartimaeus. Listening is one of the best ways you can bless someone. As Jesus’s brother James says, “Be quick to listen.”
December 24, 2018
A reset is a second chance. You may face consequences for your choices, but God never gives up on you. He gives you a second chance – as many as it takes. That’s what makes Christmas worth celebrating. God loves you so much he sent his only Son, and when you put your faith in him, that’s the reset button. Your life won’t end in death. You will have Life - forever.
December 23, 2018
God’s reset button for us is also a repent button. We can’t start over until we let go of what’s holding us back. But Jesus said not to focus on what you’ve left behind. Focus on where you’re going. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Only then will everything else fall into place.
December 16, 2018
The word Advent means “coming.” And while we look back and celebrate the first Advent of Jesus, we also look forward to his second Advent. That will be the final reset button, where all who belong to Jesus will live with him in the New Jerusalem, “and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 7:17). Be encouraged.
December 2, 2018
It’s December already! Where did the year go? Time may be our most valuable treasure, our scarcest commodity. You can see how you’ve spent that treasure by looking back through your calendar. What story does your calendar tell? God’s story, like ours, was marked by progress and setbacks. Then God hit the reset button. “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2).
November 18, 2018
Reciprocal friendships are great. But don’t limit yourself. Look to befriend someone who can’t give you what you give them. That’s what Jesus did. And he told us to put as much energy into our neighbor’s well-being as we do our own. We call it the Golden Rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
November 11, 2018
There’s bound to be a group that you label “those people.” Jesus sees beyond those labels and judgments. He sees the hard, hidden battle each person is facing. And in Jesus’s vision of the world, even Jews and Samaritans come to love each other as neighbors. Pastor Scott Sauls says, “In Christ, we have more in common than we think.” What if you began to see how much Jesus loves “those people”?
Jesus loved to recruit people for his Kingdom team. He challenged four fisherman to give up their nets and embark on his God-and-people project. One of them later said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” Jesus challenged a tax collector to walk away from his comfortable job and join him on this Kingdom-sized adventure. Some accepted his offer; others declined. What about you? Are you on the team? And what will you give FOR THE TEAM?
October 28, 2018
So what if all my friends look like me? And talk like me? I’m not prejudiced. On the other hand, what if I’m missing out on some rich relationships? What could I learn from a friend who sees life differently? God, what do you want to show me?
October 21, 2018
I’m good at hiding. I’m embarrassed. And ashamed. And I pay a price. Hiding is lonely. Only when I face my sin can I turn my back on it. Only then can I turn to those I’ve alienated and be reconciled.
October 14, 2018
I try so hard to be accepted. I desperately want others to see something in me they admire, that I’m funny, or wise, or strong, or talented, or hard-working, or good-looking. Who wouldn’t love to be known for all those things? But a life consumed with performance and perfectionism never leads to meaningful relationships. What if there was a friendship I didn’t have to earn?
October 7, 2018
My friends on social media, do they really know me? And why do so many of my friendships stay stuck at cheering for the same team, or going to the same meetings, or working in the same department? Am I unknowingly sabotaging my opportunities to have deep, genuine relationships? What kind of friend would I be if I was at peace with myself?
September 30, 2018 - Guest Speaker: Jason Buss
Unkindness has its reasons. “I didn’t get what I deserved. They started it. I was hurt. I couldn’t help myself. That’s how the world works.” But that’s the old you talking. God has created a new you in Christ. All you have to do is believe it and live into it every day. And when you do, amazingly, kindness now has more reasons.
September 23, 2018
Jesus showed kindness by striking up a conversation with – of all people – a Samaritan woman of questionable repute! She in turn told everyone in town about this person she’d met, and soon, faith in the Messiah was passed to them. Through the kindness of friendship, may many come to call him Savior!
September 16, 2018
•You can do all manner of miracles and still be unkind. •You can have an amazing knowledge of scripture and still be unkind. •You can demonstrate heroic self-sacrifice and still be unkind. First Corinthians 13 says admiration from others means nothing if we’re mean. By walking with Jesus we become less arrogant and more humble, less rude and more respectful, less irritable and more patient. In other words, it is kind. The love God desires for us is that kind of love.
September 9, 2018
If you’re amiable, pleasant, and possess good manners, you’re called nice. But it takes more than that to be kind. Being kind means you’re generous and helpful. Then Jesus takes kindness to a higher level. He calls us to be like God, who is kind to the least deserving. These ten verses from Luke 6 will shock you. They’ll scare you. That’s why we need them. Fortunately, we have Jesus, our source for living such extreme kindness
September 2, 2018
• Does your work matter? • Does your day on the job make the world a better place? • Can your labor be an act of love for God? You were made for work! God worked, creating the heavens and the earth. God gave Adam the tasks of tilling the garden and naming the animals. How can the daily grind be elevated to glorifying God? On this day, we’ll explore what it means to “work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).
August 19, 2018
“How can I worship a God who’s doing such a lousy job of running the world?” It’s a fair question. Yet despite the horrors and dangers of life, we believe in a God who continues to work out his redemptive plan. That plan is like a scroll that needs to be unrolled and read. John said, “I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll.” But shortly after that he said, “Then I saw a Lamb.” May we join the multitude of angels saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain!”
August 12, 2018
Does worship ever feel flat to you? Like you’re not sure if you really get it? Or you don’t know how to bring your whole self to the moment? Today we’ll come before the Holy Presence with the help of a first-century disciple named John. Describing his vision he said, “And there before me was a throne in heaven.” You may even find yourself worshiping beside the living creatures before the throne, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
August 5, 2018
A new day begins, and as your body awakens to its fresh start, many things begin to infiltrate your blissful state-of-mind. Like the radio blasting the latest shocking news, your current family drama in the next room and the messy stack of bills right next to your coffee pot. With a deep breath you say, “What to do next?” It could feel like life’s demands are exhausting your practical, emotional and spiritual reservoirs. And then your new neighbor knocks at your door…
We will revisit the BLESS series and consider Paul’s encouragement to the Ephesians in Chapter 3 verses 16 and 17… I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
July 29, 2018
It’s easy for modern Americans to believe nothing’s more important than our happiness, that we’re entitled to do whatever pleases us. Maybe it’s human nature. Before they could enter the Promised Land, the ancient Israelites had to learn that being God’s people means putting holiness over happiness.
July 22, 2018
It feels safe to go with what’s worked for us before. We do what we know. Give us a formula and we’ll follow it. But when we’re transitioning to the new, we can’t rely on old ways. The thirsty Israelites cried out for water, and God heard them. He told Moses what to do, but instead of obeying, Moses did what had worked for him in the past. It turned out to be a costly lesson.
July 8, 2018
Few experiences are as frightening as letting go of our limitations and moving into freedom. After centuries of slavery, the ancient Israelites faced the transition of entering the Promised Land. Will it be a land of milk and honey? Or a place of fortresses and giants? And where is God when we’re about to enter new territory?
July 1, 2018
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a United Methodist, recently referenced Romans 13, about our Christian responsibility to obey governing authorities. Without playing politics, let’s take a closer look at that passage and how it fits within the entire scripture story. What do we owe our government?
June 24, 2018
Summer’s an ideal time to connect with neighbors. Everybody gets outside, and you bump into each other more often. Summer’s perfect for backyard barbecues and evenings around the fire pit. Jesus said how important it is to let our neighbors know we love them. Don’t let summer slip away without bringing some BLESS to your neighborhood. God works in amazing ways when we show a little love.
June 10, 2018 // Guest Speaker Jim Koontz
Partnering with God by Giving and expanding His Kingdom.
June 3, 2018 - Guest Speaker: Susan Sapp
We love Jesus because He calls us into freedom. He doesn’t call us to be conformed to man-made rules. He loves us with an unceasing love that gives us the freedom to be our authentic selves, to let go of the past, to tell the truth about who we are, to surrender control, and to live the life He calls us to live.
May 27, 2018 - Special Guest Reverend Jarell Roach
God's LOVE REALITY dominates everything around us, just as His invisible kingdom dominates the kingdoms that we can see. Our mission is to bring His love reality into everyday living & learning.
May 20, 2018
Families fight! Right? Everybody’s pointing the figure at the other. “These people are so hard to live with!” What if your family could begin communicating in a way that lowered the tension level? We’re going to learn what flawed but following families do with conflict.
May 13, 2018
In many homes, there’s a pile bigger than the dirty laundry. It’s the load of unresolved issues, unrepaired grievances, and unhealed hurts. Flawed families that follow Jesus find that doing that their relational laundry often and quickly makes for a happier home.
May 6, 2018
There’s more than a little selfishness in all of us. It’s one of our deepest flaws. And it affects our families. But flawed families that follow Jesus learn mutual submission and service. What a radical concept! You might want to give it a try.
April 29, 2018
Fear stops us dead in our tracks. It paralyzes us. So before we can carry out Jesus’s command, we must first put away our fear. When our reaction is to fall down and become immobilized, he says, “Don’t be afraid! Go and tell!”
April 22, 2018
Many today consider it silly to fear God, but people of ancient times knew better. Those encountering the majestic, divine presence were leveled by it. Sometimes God gets too close for comfort. His brilliant holiness illuminates our sin, leaving us no place to hide. That’s when Jesus touches us. He says, “Get up. Don’t be afraid.”
April 15, 2018
We fear what we don’t understand. We prefer our circumstances to be safe and predictable. But how seldom they are! Whether we’re afraid of the eerie or our own inadequacy, Jesus reaches out his hand and says, “It is I. Don’t be afraid!”
April 8, 2018
Once you speak up for someone, you may be left out and lied about. Once you stand up for something, you may be pushed around and pushed aside. People with power may hurt you, but Jesus says, “Don’t be afraid of them. They can only kill you.”
April 1, 2018
You’ve been wounded. You’ve known betrayal, grief, loss, hopelessness. Then God sends you someone who’s walked their own path of pain, and through their comfort you receive your own healing – still wounded but healing. The Bible says of Jesus, “By his wounds we are healed.” By his wounds, he heals our broken relationship with God. By his death, he heals our broken way of life. And amazingly, he allows us to represent him as fellow wounded healers. That’s the miracle of belonging to the community of Christ.
March 25, 2018
We watch movies and read books because we love getting wrapped up in a good story. Stories inspire us. They move us and make us see ourselves differently. When we identify with people and their stories, we are changed. Jesus was a storyteller. His stories connected with people more deeply than factual instruction ever could. Your life in Christ has created a string of personal stories – stories that are meant to be shared.
March 18, 2018
When a friend shows up to help, what a wonderful surprise that is! It means so much to know you’re not alone. Their presence says, “You’re important to me.” Their generosity says, “I’m a friend you can count on.” Jesus made it his mission to serve. His disciples have been serving ever since. And the miracle is the spiritual curiosity it creates.
March 11, 2018
It’s a mysterious truth. Nothing establishes rapport quite like eating together. Conversation flows freely. We laugh together. Barriers are broken. We let each other into our trusted circle of friends – all because we gathered around a table to share a meal. Eating together was Jesus’s top way of saying, “I accept you.” And it has much the same impact today.
March 4, 2018
People feel most valued when they’re listened to. By listening to someone’s stories, we discover that person’s deepest self. Those stories come out when we get beyond functional communication and focus on the individual, when we ask questions and then not interrupt. And God will always let us know what’s next when we learn to listen.
February 25, 2018
One thing is sure. Someone has prayed for you – a parent, friend, grandparent, teacher. And you were blest. The Bible says that Jesus is praying to the Father on your behalf. And you are blest. In the same way, you can bless someone who may be far from God through persistent, heartfelt prayer. Your best opportunities to bless begin with prayer.
February 18, 2018
You are blest. You may not receive every blessing you wish for, but you are blest every day. Does God have a purpose in the blessings you receive? Yes! Four thousand years ago God promised to bless Abraham and through him to bless others – so that someday all peoples of the world would be blest. Now, you’re a part of that promise.
Ever find that it’s too hard to keep up with Jesus? He expects so much, and you always end up feeling like a failure. Sometimes you just want to quit. Or sleep. Or try something less demanding. If find yourself willing but weak, Jesus says, “Follow me.”
February 4, 2017
Ever find yourself saying, “God helps those who help themselves”? You climb to the top, and those who can’t keep up are left behind. Who deserves success more than you? You’re not surprised that Jesus picked you, but you are surprised that he keeps rearranging your plans. You had no idea what you were in for when he said, “Follow me.”
January 28, 2018
Are you ever so busy for Jesus that you spend very little time with Jesus? And you resent those who aren’t pulling their fair share. There’s no room for idle hands around here. God’s kingdom is built by doers, isn’t it? Maybe you take yourself far too seriously. Still, Jesus doesn’t give up on you. He says, “Follow me.”
January 21, 2018
Are you ever so busy for Jesus that you spend very little time with Jesus? And you resent those who aren’t pulling their fair share. There’s no room for idle hands around here. God’s kingdom is built by doers, isn’t it? Maybe you take yourself far too seriously. Still, Jesus doesn’t give up on you. He says, “Follow me.”
January 14, 2018
Ever feel that all this Jesus stuff doesn’t make sense? It’s a giant mess of sayings and stories, and everybody sees it differently. You’d like to have some clarity, but who can you trust to help you sort it out? Yet, you can’t help but be curious when Jesus says, “Follow me.”
January 7, 2017
Ever find that your heart has become hardened? You resist. You push away. You’d rather stay stuck in cynicism and sarcasm than open up to change. You’re just the person Jesus is looking for. He says, “Follow me.”
I Am Happiest When Life Ceases To Be All About Me - December 31, 2017 by FaithWestwood UMC
December 24, 2017 // Christmas Eve
An estranged relative calls and asks if he can join you for Christmas (like Scrooge stopping by his nephew’s house). A coworker shows up on your doorstep. To your surprise, she’s accepting your invitation. Guess who’s coming for Christmas?
December 17, 2017
It’s true for any miracle. You might want it. You might wait for it. But you can’t plan it. The miracle of Bethlehem didn’t happen because Mary applied to be the Messiah’s mom. It didn’t happen because Joseph made plans for his fiancé’s virginal pregnancy. When Jesus made his entry into history, it was the work of the Holy Spirit. And that’s how he still makes his entry into our lives.
December 3, 2017
Jesus had a lot of admirers – and still does. He also warns us about turning into his fan club, a group that likes what he says but doesn’t put it into practice. Jesus didn’t care about publicity. He came to give us a new foundation. Where will you dare to build?
November 26, 2017
We love convenience. We love easy. It’s the American way! We love what’s popular and who’s popular. We love the promise of painless prosperity. So Jesus warns us. He knows where that way of life will lead – and it’s not good.
November 19, 2017
Jesus warns us about being quick to point out someone else’s faults. Our judgment of the person may be worse than the sin we’re condemning. How do we make judgments without judging? With extreme humility.
November 5, 2017
Kids are not fans of super-long, wordy prayers. Neither are most adults. Neither was Jesus. Instead of giving us a long prayer with lots of words, he gave us an outline, a template for prayer. And when prayed from the heart, it opens the doors to God’s presence.
November 12, 2017
Where do you keep your treasure? Under your mattress? In the bank? In a safe? Jesus reminds us that nothing in this life is secure. But by giving deeply for others, we make deposits in heaven which will receive eternal dividends. It’s about putting our trust in God and seeking his kingdom above all.
October 29, 2017
The word “pious” used to be a positive term. It meant that you revere God. And it can still mean that. But because of spiritual show offs, the word “pious” usually refers to hypocrites who make a show of their religiosity. Jesus warns us about people like that. We must not imitate them.
October 22, 2017
A special interview with the Family Ministry Staff at FaithWestwood about how we can invest in the next generation of the Church.
October 1, 2017
We don’t like to talk about sin, ours or anyone else’s. Jesus wasn’t afraid to name sin, even secret ones we’re sure won’t hurt anybody. We can’t go with a new flow until we face our dark side and rely on grace.
October 15, 2017
The most difficult people in your life are those who insult you, take advantage of you, or treat you like a second-class citizen. Jesus says love them. Pray for them. Be generous with them. And if you find this new flow impossible, it’s because it is! But we do it anyway, because we trust Jesus. Then we wait and watch for something remarkable to happen.
October 8, 2017
When you’ve made a promise, what’s your breaking point? What does it take for you to give up on your word? $20 bucks? Somebody better looking? Jesus taught us to take our word with dead seriousness. Going with a new flow means your yes means yes, and your no means no.
October 1, 2017
We don’t like to talk about sin, ours or anyone else’s. Jesus wasn’t afraid to name sin, even secret ones we’re sure won’t hurt anybody. We can’t go with a new flow until we face our dark side and rely on grace.
October 8, 2017
When you’ve made a promise, what’s your breaking point? What does it take for you to give up on your word? $20 bucks? Somebody better looking? Jesus taught us to take our word with dead seriousness. Going with a new flow means your yes means yes, and your no means no.
September 10, 2017
Jesus speaks blessings on the most unlikely people: the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the spiritually hungry and thirsty. Immediately, he has everyone’s attention. The “un-blest” now feel a breeze of hope. Going with a new flow begins with unexpected blessings for unsuspecting people – even you.
September 3, 2017
Most of us are tired – which makes our tempers shorter, our patience thinner, and our self-control weaker. The only cure is to stop doing and simply rest. Jesus spoke these welcomed words to his followers, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest.” How much activity is enough? Can Jesus help me regain my balance?
August 20, 2017
In the wake of current events, Pastor Steve preached a timely message on responding to racism.
August 13, 2017
Q: How much money is enough? A: Just a little more. Some truly need more resources to live. But most of the time what we lack is contentment. According to Jesus, a rich person who never has enough is foolish, while a poor person who gives generously is praised for their faith. How much is enough? Can Jesus help me regain my balance?
August 6, 2017
The most common excuse you’ll hear is “I didn’t have time.” Ever use it? Sometimes it’s true. But most of the time it reveals a life that’s out of balance. It wasn’t easy for Jesus to find balance either – everybody needed him and wanted to be around him. But he found a way to readjust, reserving time for what matters most. What is enough? Can Jesus help me regain my balance?
Stories from the 2017 Student Ministry Summer Mission trips to San Jose, Costa Rica and Green Bay, Wisconsin.
July 23, 2017 Why do we live in a world where the innocent face disease and death? Why are good people abused by evil oppressors? And if God exists, why doesn’t he do something to fix it? People have been asking these questions for millennia. And for many of us, this problem of suffering may be our biggest barrier to believing. If the unfairness of life ever bothers you, go back with us to the unfolding drama found in the Book of Job.
July 16, 2017 Why do we live in a world where the innocent face disease and death? Why are good people abused by evil oppressors? And if God exists, why doesn’t he do something to fix it? People have been asking these questions for millennia. And for many of us, this problem of suffering may be our biggest barrier to believing. If the unfairness of life ever bothers you, go back with us to the unfolding drama found in the Book of Job.
Why do we live in a world where the innocent face disease and death? Why are good people abused by evil oppressors? And if God exists, why doesn’t he do something to fix it? People have been asking these questions for millennia. And for many of us, this problem of suffering may be our biggest barrier to believing. If the unfairness of life ever bothers you, go back with us to the unfolding drama found in the Book of Job.
June 18, 2017
God answers prayer in different ways. It might be yes, no, wait, or here’s something you didn’t ask for. But there’s one prayer God always answers with a yes. It’s the request for wisdom. And the Holy Spirit is your source for daily growth in wisdom.
June 11, 2017
God is continually transforming you. Sometimes that can (mistakenly) feel like God is always disappointed with you. But the Holy Spirit is your source of encouragement. He reminds you that God loves to work through imperfect people – that his promises are true for you.
June 4, 2017 | Pastor Chuck Cornwell
Ever find it hard to keep your motivation moving? Occasionally you may be inspired to make big changes, but they rarely last. Maybe your spiritual battery is drained, and you’re not sure how to recharge it. Listen to Jesus’ promise, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” And not only will this power charge you, it can change the world.
May 31, 2017
Stand Alone Message by Student Ministry Director Polly Pierce and Children's Ministry Director Leah Dinoso
May 14, 2017
You’re in a tough place. Other people seem to have easier lives, spared from life’s hardships. But not you. And yet Jesus willingly took on a life of hardship. And through it, he let God’s love shine through. What if your hardship is an opportunity to let God’s love shine through you?
May 7, 2017 We live in a deeply divided country. The walls that separate us include prejudice, bigotry, and bias. Those who benefit from those walls are least likely to notice them – or the harm they cause. But Jesus surprised everyone by reaching beyond those walls and beginning conversations. That’s the kind of love that can save us.
April 30, 2017
Who hasn’t made a dumb move? Sometimes we make foolish, stupid decisions, and we pay the price. There are consequences to our choices. But that’s not the end of the story. Grace means there is the wonderful surprise of being loved more than you expected. Love like that can set you free.
April 23, 2017 When someone wants to know about us, usually we’re asked, “What do you do?” It’s assumed they’re asking about our work. But does your job define you? What explains the true you? On a deeper, more personal level, we may be defined by our past. We may feel defined by our problems. We may feel defined by our disappointments. We will only be healed when we are defined by love.
April 16, 2017 // EASTER SUNDAY
If you’re a U.S. citizen visiting another country, have you ever worried about being denied reentrance? What if there’s typo on your passport, a technicality on your visa, or you resemble a wanted criminal? Suddenly you’re on the wrong side of the border and can’t get back. As sinners, we find ourselves on the wrong side of the border between life and death. Who will come to bring us home?
April 9, 2017
We love Christmas Eve candlelight services. The soft glow on every face warms our hearts. The entire room is gently illuminated. It’s easy to shine the light of Christ when we’re all together. But where does His light need to shine the most? In the places where it’s darkest. That’s where he sends us.
April 2, 2017
You can often identify priests by the collars they wear. Their clothing is a sign of their calling. But they are not the only priests. Jesus is our High Priest, and all who belong to him are his company of priests. Welcome to the priesthood! This means you speak to God for the people, and you speak to the people for God. That’s your calling!
March 26, 2017 Everybody wants the advantage: eating the biggest piece of cake, getting the best seat in the house, not having to clean up the mess. But Jesus didn’t press for personal advantage. He modeled the way of a servant.
March 19, 2017 A sports drink commercial asks, “Is it in you?” What’s in you shapes what you can do. Jesus came to walk among us, but his goal is to be in you. What if instead of calling yourself a Christian, you were a Christ-in person?
March 5, 2017
Some people are great listeners. They take time for you. They stay focused. You know they care. Some people are great gift-givers. They pay attention to what you like and what you need. When you receive a gift from someone like that, you’re amazed at the thought that went into it. It may not be anything you said you wanted, but it’s just right. And we dare to be bold in our prayers because God is a good listener and a good giver.
February 26, 2017 // Guest Speaker - Jason Buss
Everybody wants the advantage: eating the biggest piece of cake, getting the best seat in the house, not having to clean up the mess. But Jesus didn’t press for personal advantage. He modeled the way of a servant.
February 19, 2017 It’s easy to gossip about what somebody’s done wrong. It’s easy to snarl and scold and feel justified in our correctness. But it wasn’t the way of Jesus. He showed a grace that was surprising – even shocking. The world still needs that kind of grace.
February 12, 2017 When it comes to making friends, most of us try to climb up the social ladder. But Jesus didn’t care for ladders. He liked to hang out with those shunned by the religiously respected. He saw something beautiful in the despised and rejected. And he invited them into a new life with him.
February 5, 2017
{Matthew 4:1-11} Jesus was truly tempted, just as you are. If he had given in to those temptations, it would have derailed his calling as Messiah. And he faced his temptations with the same resources available to you, the power of the Holy Spirit and truth of God’s Word. You don’t have to be a helpless victim.
January 29, 2017
Every so often you need to hear: “It’s not about you.” It’s not about life going the way you want it. It’s about joining Jesus in serving, celebrating, and spreading the news of his reign. It’s about laying down your life for his agenda.
Every relationship changes you – for better or worse, often both. But imagine what a restored relationship with your Creator could do! The more you open yourself to the influence of the Holy Spirit, the more you take on the qualities and character of God. You become more like Jesus.
January 15, 2017
Sometimes we feel like the man who asked Jesus, “What good thing must I do to inherit eternal life?” Because the question was framed around doing, Jesus responded in such a way where “doing” was out of reach. He knew that grace isn’t about what we do. It’s about what God has done for us.
Before you were born, you were known and loved. From childhood on, there has been divine influence on your life. In your worst moments, when you became disillusioned, when your heart hardened, even then Someone kept calling you. And grace creates in you the ability to hear that call.
When we use the word jealous, most of the time we mean envious. But when we say God is jealous, it means that God is passionate about us and doesn’t want our idols to destroy us. He’s eager for us to return his love. So Jesus came – to win our hearts back to God. Leave the first comment:
We modern people wince when we read in the Bible about fearing God. Usually if we fear someone, it means they cannot be trusted. But this awesome – even fearsome – God can be trusted. He sent his Son to defeat the forces of evil, and he sends us into battle with him. It’s not without danger, but the outcome is assured
After a tornado rips through a town, the work begins of cleaning up debris, seeing what can be salvaged, grieving over what is lost. Then comes the long task of rebuilding homes and businesses, schools and hospitals. The tornado of injustice, betrayal, and exploitation has ripped through our world, but God is rebuilding with great expectations. He sent his Son to lead the way.
When we belong to Jesus, materially we live poorer than we are. We don’t buy for status. We don’t need the best. We love to give. Because we know if we put our hope in wealth, it will let us down. When we belong to Jesus, spiritually we live richer than we are. He imparts his righteousness to us. We have the status of being a child of God. Every day we are blessed. Because we know if we put our hope in God, he will never let us down.
Here’s what FaithWestwood is not. We’re not a pay-to-play place. We’re not a place where you show up on Sundays, get a jolt of religious Red Bull to energize you, and then pay whatever it’s worth.
Here’s what FaithWestwood is. We’re a community that belongs to Jesus. We’re shaped by Jesus. We’re sent by Jesus. We’re always ready to share his gospel of hope. We pray daily, give daringly, care deeply. We try to see people the way God sees them and let the bold love of the Holy Spirit guide us from there.
It’s tough out there. Sometimes we get ambushed by anxiety, bitten by bitterness, confounded by confusion, incapacitated by insecurity, and followed by failures. If we’re going to sustain hope, we have to learn to play defense against the toxic things that would tear us down.
Usain Bolt may be the fastest human ever, but even he doesn’t run all the time. And one reason he’s endeared himself to so many is because he knows how to have fun. He loves to laugh and sing and celebrate. No one can run full speed all the time. You weren’t made for that. People of hope know they need balance.
Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Friends bring buoyancy to our lives, so we can rise above our challenges. In the New Testament there are no solo Christians. All are born again into a family, into a net of friendships that hold us up when we fall
If you invest in a company, you hope its stock rises. If you invest in a person, you hope it has a long-term, positive impact on them. God has invested in you. When you belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives you gifts, so you can bless others. And when you discover your gifts and put them to use, God gets a great return.
Let’s say you’re in your car on a cross-country road trip. A friend calls and asks, “Where are you?” You say, “I’m in Montana, but I’m not sure where.” The friend asks, “Where are you headed?”, and you know exactly. “I’m going to see my aunt and uncle in Portland.” You even remember the address. Not knowing precisely where you are is okay, as long as you know where you’re going. It’s the same in life. Who you are isn’t as important as where you’re headed. God sees not just who you are today but who you are becoming in the future. What do you see?
Ask any coach. A team will not win a game if it expects to lose. Players must expect to win, even if it means aiming for an upset. If they come prepared, work as a team, follow the game plan, and give maxed-out effort, they believe it will put them in a position to come out ahead. And even if they didn’t win the previous game, they have to come into the next one with high expectations. Jesus dared people to raise their expectations about what God can do in their lives. Many believed and saw amazing things.
If you’re packing for a trip, the last thing you want to forget is your phone charger. A drained phone battery is disastrous. For many of us the phone is our lifeline to home and work. In airports you see people everywhere plugging in and recharging. And it’s the same with us personally. We can’t run on empty; we need to recharge. That’s what Jesus did, and that’s what hope-filled people do.
An inventor comes up with an idea and gets to work in the hope that it just might work. A composer plays with a simple tune and then develops it in the hope that it might become a great song. Why do parents have children? Because they have hope that their offspring will become a blessing to the world. We all deal with difficulties and discouragement, but hope has the power to lift us up so we face life with confidence.
Special Guest, Pastor Ron Dotzler shares his vision to change our city. Ron shares how God called him and his family to live and serve in the inner city of Omaha, Nebraska. Pastor Ron is the founder of Abide Network.
Everyone has an opinion! Unfortunately, you’re going to hear it, whether you want to or not. But when we belong to Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, how does that affect our opinions? When is it our opinion and when is it guidance coming from the Holy Spirit? And how do we know the difference? It’s never easy, but the first step is always humility.
Student Mission Sunday 2016. Hear stories from the 2016 Middle School and High School mission trips!
Nobody just shows up expecting to compete at the Olympics. You have to train with great coaches. You have to earn the privilege of representing your country on the global stage. Jesus came to get us in the game of a godly life. With his help we train ourselves. The goal is to please God in all we do: in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity – that’s godliness.
When you watch the Olympics, often the announcers are former competitors in that sport. They see details the rest of us don’t notice. Through years of training and experience they have developed an eye for technique and excellence. Jesus’s followers train with God’s word. If we don’t want to remain novices, we must learn to recognize good and evil. Godliness requires a distinguishing eye.
Success never happens without sacrifice. The glory of accomplishment requires dedication and self-denial. For those who belong to Jesus, we look to the needs of others and not just to our own. We sacrifice our privileges out of love for a sister or brother. We put aside the easy way because we want to please God. Sacrifice leads to godliness.
With special guest Derrick Jamison
How many times have we said in exasperation, “Why doesn’t God do something?” It’s a fair question. It assumes that God is good and wants to do something about this terrible situation. And that’s where we end up sometimes, between the unfairness of life and the justice of God. But one day God’s justice and mercy will prevail – just what the world needs. That’s why we hang on
We have little experience with unfailing love. We’ve broken promises to others, and promises made to us have been broken. We’ve let people down, and people have let us down. Our love has failed many times. And if God is the same way, then God is not good. But once you discover that God’s love never fails, life becomes more hopeful.
It’s easy to think of God as an administrator who’s out of touch with what’s going on here on earth. A God like that is not good. But the Bible says that God feels compassion for his children. When you open your heart to God’s heart and begin to trust, it changes you. You want to praise God with all that you are.
Most Americans sing the national anthem. We pledge allegiance to the flag. As Christians, we appreciate our freedom to worship. We strive to be law-abiding citizens. And we pledge allegiance to an authority higher than our country.
June 26, 2016 / Guest Speaker Jason Buss
Everybody loves love – or at least their version of it. But there is a love that is strange to this world. Jesus calls his disciples to demonstrate a love that is so unexpected, so shocking, it could only come from God
What do you see when you look to the future? Death of loved ones? Decline of your mental and physical faculties? Further spread of war and terrorism in the world? Yes, but. There are those strange people who see all those possibilities and still look to the future with hope.
We evaluate the day based on how it was for us. Was it a good day? A bad day? An easy day? A hard day? And then there are those strange people who don’t respond the way you’d expect. They find joy in their hardship. They rejoice when insulted. They exhibit strange joy.
Guest Speakers - Micah Corps Interns
Micah Corps, a summer internship sponsored by the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. These young adults are spending their summer exploring different prayer practices, studying scripture, linking faith with social justice, and practicing leadership skills. Based on Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God,” they are eager to share with and learn from congregations across the conference!
Guest Speaker - Pastor Chuck Cornwell
What is so special about children that would cause Jesus to say that we must become as children if we are to enter His kingdom?
You know you play the comparing game. Is he younger than I am? Is she more talented than I am? Do they have more money than we do? Is he running on the treadmill faster than I am? Does she have more style than I do? It’s so instinctive, we often compare ourselves without realizing it. But comparing is a risky game – and those who play it pay a high price. It’s time to say, “I quit!”
When Luke Skywalker said he wasn’t afraid, Master Yoda replied, “You will be. You will be.” Fear can look like worry, insecurity, terror, panic, paranoia, dread, or anxiety. But you are not doomed to let fear run your life. David in the Bible prayed, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” It’s time to say to fear, “I quit!”
What’s your go-to gripe? Politics? Schools? Coaches? Bosses? Churches? Yes, there’s such a thing as a constructive complaint, but usually we complain out of habit. And it’s negative. We grumble instead of being grateful. Now’s the time to say, “I quit!”
Excuses are an art form! They require a perfect blend of creativity and passivity. They are reasons stuck in denial. What excuses do you have ready for God? How will they be received? Now’s the time to say to your excuses, “I quit!”