WestWay Christian Church: Recent Episodes
WestWay Christian Church
We Tell People About Jesus. WestWay Christian Church is located in Scottsbluff Nebraska. Learn more about us at www.westwaychurch.com.
Genesis 21 reminds us that God keeps His promises. Isaac is born, Ishmael is delivered, and Abraham’s agreement with Abimelech prepares the way for promises that will be fulfilled generations later. For Israel, hearing this story on their way from slavery toward the Promised Land, the message was clear: God had been faithful before, and He could be trusted with what came next. The same is true for us: God’s past faithfulness gives us confidence to trust Him with what we cannot yet see.
This Sunday, we’ll gather for a special morning focused on encouraging and praying for those who serve in our schools. We’ll hear from two local principals as they share about the joys and challenges of serving students, how their faith in Christ has shaped the way they lead, and how our community can better support those working in education. We’ll also take time to honor and pray over every school employee in attendance as they begin another school year, asking God to give them wisdom, strength, peace, and encouragement for the days ahead.
Today, we're welcoming Sam Guilliams, President of NorthWest Haiti Christian Mission, for a special conversation about what God is doing in Haiti.For many years, WestWay has partnered with the ministry in Haiti through prayer, financial support, and relationships. This Sunday, we’ll hear firsthand about the work taking place, the challenges and opportunities facing the Haitian church, and how God continues to transform lives through faithful ministry.
Genesis 18-19 is often remembered as the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, but the biggest surprise isn't God's judgment-it's God's declaration that Lot was righteous. As we walk through Abraham's conversation with God and the events in Sodom, we'll wrestle with a question that changes everything: What does God mean when He calls someone righteous? This passage reminds us that righteousness isn't something we achieve through our performance but something God graciously gives to those who trust Him.
God had made a covenant with Abraham, but that covenant was always about more than one man. In Genesis 17–18, God reveals that those who belong to Him are invited to trust His promises, follow Him in faithful obedience, and participate in His plan to bless the world. This covenant ultimately points to Jesus Christ, through whom we are welcomed into God’s family by grace. Join us as we discover what it means to live with the confidence and purpose of those who truly belong to God.
God had made a promise, but Abraham and Sarai grew tired of waiting. Instead of trusting God to do what He said He would do, they took matters into their own hands and attempted to accomplish through human effort what God had promised to accomplish Himself. The result was conflict, blame, suffering, and broken relationships. Yet even in the middle of the mess, God remained faithful-seeing, pursuing, and caring for those who had been hurt. Join us as we explore what happens when we stop trusting God, try to take control, and discover that God doesn't need our help nearly as much as He desires our trust.
Have you ever wondered if God's promises really apply to your situation? In Genesis 15, Abram struggles to reconcile what God has promised with what he can actually see, and God responds not with condemnation but with reassurance. Together, we'll discover how the cross of Christ gives us confidence to trust God even when his promises don't seem to make sense.
Genesis 13-14 reveals both the cost and joy of love. As Abram pursues and rescues Lot despite his repeated failures, he reflects the character of the God who pursues us even when our choices lead us away from Him. Through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, we have been rescued and welcomed into God's family, and because we have been loved this way, we are called to love others in the same way.
In Genesis 12, God calls Abram into the unknown with a powerful promise-to bless him, make him into a great nation, and use him to bless the world. Abram responded by stepping out in faith, trusting God even when he could not see the full picture ahead. This sermon explores how God's promises require faith-filled obedience and how Abram's journey becomes the foundation of God's redemptive plan. Through faith in Jesus, we are now included in that same promise and invited to live as people who trust God and carry His blessing to others.
Genesis 11 shows that the problem has never been technology itself, but the human heart that uses God’s gifts to pursue self-glory, self-sufficiency, and life apart from Him. At Babel, humanity united around making a name for themselves rather than fulfilling God’s purposes, revealing the same temptation we still face today to be mastered by the things we create and consume. Yet even in judgment, God’s intervention was an act of mercy and grace, and the story ultimately points us forward to the unity God desires—not around ourselves, but around the good news of Jesus Christ.
WestWay is the kind of church that makes disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, then teaching these disciples to live in accordance to the words of Jesus. As his disciples, we take his message of God's mercy, grace and love starting in Scottsbluff through the ends of the earth.
Genesis 6-10 teaches that God's justice is not opposed to his love, but flows from it. In a world filled with corruption and rebellion, God preserves Noah through faith, protects His promises, and reaffirms His plan to work through His people to bring blessing and redemption to the world.
On this day we honor mothers, we’re reminded that spiritual parenting is the calling of every believer—to receive a living faith and intentionally pass it on through prayer, discipleship, and example. With confidence that God’s Word always accomplishes His purpose, we pray that the same faith of those who came before us would remain strong in us and continue through us for generations to come.
God designed the church so that every believer is needed, and when we commit, show up, and use our gifts to love and serve one another, the whole body of Christ becomes stronger.
Sin doesn’t take long to show its power. After leaving the Garden, Adam and Eve carry sin with them, and it quickly takes root in the generations that follow. In Genesis 4–5, what begins as disobedience turns into violence, suffering, and death within the first family, revealing just how deeply broken the world has become. And yet, even here, God has not abandoned His purposes, continuing to work in the midst of the brokenness.
This Sunday, we wrap up Spring Thing 2026 by focusing on what it means to work the harvest—living out our calling to reach people who don’t yet know Jesus. Through the story of Andrew, we’ll see how God can use one simple act of obedience to create a life-changing ripple effect. Together, we’ll be challenged to identify “our one” and take practical steps to love, invite, and point them to Christ. Join us as we step into the mission—knowing we don’t go alone, because Jesus is with us every step of the way.
The Church isn’t just a place we go—it’s who we are, the people Christ purchased with His blood, His bride, and the pillar of truth in the world. Many of us misunderstand what the Church is, underestimate our role, or have been hurt along the way. Yet Scripture shows that to oppose or disregard the Church is to oppose Christ Himself. Our hope is that every believer will awaken to the Church’s value and actively participate in what God is doing in His people. Ultimately, the Church matters—and our love and participation reflect our love for Jesus.
Many of us think God wants us to follow rules and regulations as the way to relate to Him. But that’s never what He intended. From the very beginning, God hasn’t been after outward performance—He’s been after our hearts. He desires a real relationship with us, not just our obedience. On Easter, we’re reminded that through Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, everything needed for that relationship has already been accomplished. Not by our effort, but by His. Because of the blood of Christ, we’re not just forgiven—we’re invited. Invited to know God, and to be fully known by Him.
How does the story of sin entering the world reveal both humanity’s failure and God’s plan for redemption from the very beginning? Sin entered through human rebellion, fracturing God’s good creation and our relationships. Yet even in brokenness, God’s plan for redemption was already set in motion, and His promise of restoration through Christ shapes the entire story of Scripture.
How does God intend intimacy to reflect covenantal love, unity, and faithfulness, and how can that guide our relationships? From the beginning, God designed intimacy to unite two lives in faithful covenant. When we see it through His design, it becomes more than desire—it becomes a reflection of His goodness and a guide for healthy relationships.
How does God’s design for male and female reveal His relational nature, and what does that mean for relationships today? Male and female were created to reflect God’s relational nature and complement one another in ways that honor Him. Though confusion and cultural messages can distort this design, Genesis provides clarity about God’s intentions for relationship, purpose, and mutual care.
How does God’s design for work and rest give our lives purpose and shape the way we live? From the beginning, work was part of God’s good design—not a curse or an afterthought. He created us to steward His world, to create, care, and contribute in ways that reflect His glory, giving our lives meaning and direction. Yet God didn’t create us only to work—He also modeled rest. By building rhythms of rest into creation, God reminds us that our value isn’t found in what we produce, but in who we are in Him. Embracing His design for both work and rest leads to a life of purpose, balance, and trust in the God who provides.
What does it mean that every person bears God’s image, and how should that shape the way we see ourselves and others? Every person reflects God’s image and bears intrinsic value, dignity, and purpose. Too often, we measure worth by performance or comparison, but Genesis reminds us that our identity comes from God alone, and we are called to live as His image-bearers in families, workplaces, and communities.
What does the order and goodness of creation tell us about the world we observe, and how does faith help us make sense of it? Genesis invites us to see the world not as random or chaotic, but as intentionally ordered and declared good by God. That order makes exploration possible and meaningful—science becomes an act of discovery, not competition with faith. When John 1 echoes “in the beginning,” it reminds us that creation is not only structured, but personal, rooted in the Word through whom all things were made. Together, Scripture and observation lead us toward wonder, humility, and trust in the God who brings order out of chaos and purpose out of creation.
What can the story of creation teach us about exploring the natural world with wonder, and how does faith fit alongside what we observe? The story of creation invites us to look at the natural world with awe and curiosity, not fear or skepticism. Science and faith aren’t enemies—both point us to God’s wisdom and creativity, and Genesis gives us a framework for understanding the world while keeping God at the center.
How can one sentence—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”—reveal that God exists, is eternal, and rules over all things? He placed humanity to reflect His image and care for creation, but we chose to reject His kingship and make ourselves rulers, which brought brokenness and death. Jesus is the true King who offers redemption and invites us to live under His rule.
The kind of church that honors God is the kind of church that selflessly serves others and boldly proclaims the Gospel.
The early church devoted themselves to gathering together—learning God’s Word, sharing life in fellowship, praying, worshiping, and supporting one another. Their consistent presence, encouragement, and unity created a vibrant community that spread the gospel. This week, we’ll explore what it means for us to follow their example today.
Pastors Cody Petersen and John Mulholland respond to questions asked by the church body- live and unscripted.
In Galatians 6:11–18, Paul finishes his letter by pointing out the difference between those teaching a misleading message and the true way of following Jesus. Looking at the confusion in the Galatian churches, he explains what it really means to be a follower of Christ.
Paul continues his teaching on the fruit of the Spirit by showing that Spirit-formed character is not merely personal—it is deeply communal. The fruit of the Spirit is not just for “me.” It is for “us.” The Spirit frees us from self-focus so we can live out the gospel in a community marked by love, humility, generosity, and persistent goodness.
When we follow the Spirit, we are freed from the control of our sinful desires, and the fruit of our lives shows who is truly leading us. Because those who belong to Christ have crucified their sinful nature on His cross, we are empowered to live in freedom, love, and obedience to God.
Each year, Summit Christian College hosts an event for Middle School and High School students. This year the event is being hosted at the WestWay building. Join us this Sunday as we welcome in over a hundred students from the surrounding area! The theme for the weekend is More Than I. Worship will be led by The Navigators from University of Wyoming. Our guest speaker is Adam Coop from Whitewater Christian Church.
On Dedication Sunday, we celebrate families committing to raise their children to know Jesus and are reminded that God calls all generations to join in making disciples together.
The gospel doesn’t free us to chase our own desires but to love and serve others through Christ. Set Free by the Gospel calls us to use our freedom not for self, but for love — the true mark of a life transformed by grace.
Paul calls the Galatians to reject slavery and live as free heirs of God’s promise in Christ.
Paul encourages the Galatians—and us today—to choose the freedom and life God offers through Jesus, instead of getting caught up in empty rules or expectations.
Jesus restores who we are, reconciles who we relate to, and revives how we live—bringing true life, satisfaction, and purpose.
This message introduces a new sermon series called The Big Story, where the whole church will walk through God’s story of redemption together, Creation, Separation, Salvation, and Restoration. It shows that we were created with value and purpose and that sin separates us from God, Jesus’ sacrifice brings salvation, and that restoration is the lifelong process of God making us new.
Before Jesus, the law acted like a guardrail. It showed us right from wrong, kept us in line, and reminded us of the consequences when we messed up. But it couldn’t change our hearts. The law’s whole purpose was to point us to Jesus — the only One who can save us. Now that He’s come, we don’t follow God out of fear or for rewards, but out of love and gratitude. In Him, we find real freedom.
Have you ever wondered if you’re still “good with God” when you don’t measure up? Galatians 3:15–22 reminds us that God’s promise of salvation came long before the rules—and it’s never been based on our performance. The Law has a purpose, but it was never meant to replace the promise. The good news? God keeps His promises, and His promise is fulfilled in Jesus. Come discover the freedom that only Christ can give.
Have you ever felt like you’re not doing enough to be right with God? Galatians 3:1–14 reminds us that both our salvation and our growth come from Christ alone—not from trying harder. Paul shows us that the Holy Spirit is a gift, not a reward, and that depending on our own efforts only leads to frustration and burnout. The good news? Jesus took on the curse we deserved so we could live in the blessing of faith. Come find freedom from self-effort and hope in the gospel that truly saves.
In Galatians 2, Paul confronts Peter—not because Peter preached a false gospel, but because he wasn’t living in line with the gospel. By separating himself from Gentile believers, Peter sent the wrong message: that obedience to the law was still necessary for acceptance with God. Paul uses this moment to make the gospel crystal clear—we are made right with God (justified) by faith in Christ alone, not by anything we do. And when our actions contradict that truth, we must correct them—because our lives preach, even when our mouths don’t.
In Galatians 1:11–2:10, Paul defends the gospel he received from Jesus—a message confirmed by the apostles and driving his mission to the Gentiles. Like Paul, NorthWest Haiti Christian Mission continues to follow God’s lead with the same core objective: to love God, love our neighbors, and bring others to Jesus.
There is only one true gospel- non-negotiable, given by God, and worth defending with unwavering allegiance to Christ over the approval of people.
The gospel is God’s rescue plan—by grace, through Jesus, to bring us peace. Paul warns the Galatians that turning to any other message is not just a mistake—it’s abandoning the only gospel that saves.
This Sunday we begin our new series, Unshackled: A Study Through Galatians by exploring the background of Paul’s letter—who he’s writing to, why it matters, and what’s at stake. Then, we’ll read the entire letter aloud, allowing the urgency and clarity of Paul’s words to set the tone. As we focus on Galatians 1:3–5, we’ll see that the gospel isn’t just the starting point of faith—it’s everything. Christ gave Himself to rescue us. The only question is: are we living free, or still holding on to chains He already broke?
The final prayer in this series is the ultimate act of surrender to God. Asking God to “Send us” reverses the typical requests that we pray to God. Instead of asking Him to do what we want, we are telling him that we will do as He wants. We often do not know where God will lead us when we pray this prayer. Its answer will host challenges and sufferings, but also immense joy. Jesus told the church to go make disciples of all nations. This is an individual calling to YOU, and a collective calling to US.
Jesus’ dangerous prayer in the garden, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” was a prayer of determined surrender, trust, and courage. It’s a dangerous prayer that calls us to let go and find strength for the journey ahead.
When we ask God to search us, we're courageously inviting God to search and expose what’s truly in our hearts—our fears, our sins, our self-deceptions—not to shame us, but to transform us. It’s a dangerous prayer of humility and surrender that says: 'God, show me what’s real, test me to reveal it, confront me with what offends you, and lead me in your way—because I trust your truth more than my own perception."
The Holy Spirit was never meant for a select few. At Pentecost, He filled believers and empowered them to proclaim the gospel in every language to every nation. This is the birth of the Church—unified by the Spirit, fueled by the mission, and sent to the world.
How do you know you belong to God? What does it really mean to be part of God’s family? How does the Holy Spirit change the way we see ourselves—and each other?This week, we continue our series on the Holy Spirit by looking at Romans 8:15–17. The Spirit doesn’t lead us into fear—He leads us into family. He confirms our identity as God’s children and unites us as co-heirs with Christ.
In a world that tries to define us by everything else, the Spirit reminds us who we truly are—and who we belong to.
We’re also excited to welcome Aaron and Tricia Gorsuch, our missions partners from American Indian Christian Mission, who will be sharing the message with us this Sunday. Aaron and Tricia serve alongside Native communities, bringing the hope of Jesus and supporting spiritual growth. Their story is a powerful reminder that the Spirit who assures us is at work in every corner of the world, drawing people into God’s family.
Come discover what it means to live as Spirit-assured sons and daughters of God: bold, secure, and united in love.
You’re not alone. You’re not forgotten. You’re family.
We all want to live differently—but how? How do we actually experience freedom from sin, not just talk about it? And what does it really mean to be led by the Spirit? This Sunday at WestWay, we’re continuing our series on the Holy Spirit with a powerful message from Romans 8:1–14. We’ll discover that life in the Spirit isn’t just possible—it’s essential. The Spirit doesn’t just help us try harder—He empowers us to live in true freedom.
Come ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded:
- You are no longer obligated to your old life
- The Spirit leads you to think differently
- We don’t walk alone—we walk together, empowered
Let’s be a church that reflects Christ not just in belief, but in everyday decisions.
Let’s live Spirit-empowered lives—together.
Have you ever wished God would just make things clearer? In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples that some truths won’t make sense until later—until the Holy Spirit comes. Why? Because the Spirit doesn’t just inform us; He transforms us. He convicts us of sin, reveals what’s right, and prepares us for judgment—not to shame us, but to shape us into the likeness of Jesus. This week, we’ll talk about how the Holy Spirit leads us into truth, glorifies Jesus, and helps us discern—both personally and as a church.
Jesus promised that He would not leave us as orphans—and He kept that promise through the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we begin our new series, The Spirit-Filled Life, we’re learning not just what the Holy Spirit does, but who He is: the Spirit who stays. In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples with the truth that the Holy Spirit would not only be among them, but would live in them. This marks a fundamental shift—from God’s presence being temporary and external in the Old Testament to being permanent and internal in the New. Now, because of the cross, we are cleansed and made fit to be His dwelling place.This Spirit doesn’t come and go. He’s not a visitor. He remains.
The world will attack our identity and who we are, but our identity is not found in this world, it’s found in being a child of God.
God didn’t design us to go it alone. From the very beginning, He created us for connection—with Him and with each other. That design finds its fullest expression in the church—not just as a place we go, but as a people we commit to.
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the heart of the gospel: Jesus didn’t wait for us to clean ourselves up—He came for us while we were still sinners. His death wasn’t just a moment in history—it was the decisive act that broke sin’s power and opened the way to new life. In love, not condemnation, God sent His Son to save us. This is resurrection hope: we are fully known, fully loved, and fully invited into new life through Jesus. The only question now is—will we receive it?
On Sunday, we'll see Jesus enter Jerusalem, completely trusting the Father's will. We'll see the disciples obey without full understanding. We'll see the crowds praise with a shallow trust and the Pharisees reject him outright. Palm Sunday challenges us to ask, "Who do we trust, and what does this trust look like in our lives?"
The Passover was not just an event in Israel’s history—it was a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God. Just as the blood of the lamb protected the Israelites from judgment, only the blood of Christ can cover and redeem us today. Will we trust fully in His sacrifice and live in the freedom it brings?
False teachers are not a new problem; Scripture warns us about their presence and influence.
The things we’re going through right now—the struggles, the setbacks, the suffering—aren’t random. Daniel 12 pulls back the curtain on the future, revealing that trials are not just obstacles; they are opportunities. Opportunities to be purified. To be cleansed. To be refined. And in the end? Glory. Resurrection. Eternal life. But here’s the question: will we face these trials with the wisdom God gives, or will we stumble through them blindly? The God who calls us to endure is the same God who equips us. Through His Word. Through His people. Through His Spirit.The world is unraveling, but God is still working. The question is—are we listening? Will we be found faithful? Will we finish well?
History never surprises God. Kings rise, kingdoms crumble, wars rage—and He already knows the script. Daniel 11 lays it all out in jaw-dropping detail, proving that nothing catches Him off guard. But here’s the thing: God doesn’t just know. He warns. He cares enough to put up flashing lights, telling His people, This won’t be easy. Stay awake. Stand firm. Because evil doesn’t just march through history—it presses in on you, too. And when it does, your defense isn’t fear or frantic scrambling. It’s knowing who you are. You belong to the God who sees, who saves, who strengthens His people to endure. So the real question is—when the pressure comes, will you stand?
Daniel’s prayer life was both prompted and shaped by Scripture. God’s response to Daniel's prayer offers hope, as He grants both immediate and long-term promises, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.
God is in control of history. This week, we’ll talk about how this chapter reminds us of God’s sovereignty, His ultimate victory, and our role in His plan.
God's people are called to joyful obedience as a response to God's faithfulness to His people.
Faithfully obedient people demonstrate that God is at work in their lives; this leads to God receiving praise.
Parents are called to faithfully disciple their children by living out their faith with love, power, and self-discipline, and trusting God with the results.
Prayer, Praise, and Proclaiming God’s faithfulness help us remember that He is in control as we align our actions and desires with His will.
After 20 years of sacrifice, the Temple is completed. Solomon gathers the people to celebrate, cast vision for the future, and to challenge them to live faithfully.
Faithfully participating in the future God has for us requires hearts of worship and humility, and a mindset focused on the future.
God's people are saved by the blood of Christ, and we are sustained by our hope in God as demonstrated to, and by, other believers.
The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.
Paul closes his letter to the church at Corinth with the challenge to love one another.
This week, we had a conversation with WestWay’s newest supported missionaries! Aaron and Tricia Gorsuch are going to serve with American Indian Christian Mission (@aicmofficial) in Show Low Arizona as House Parents. Learn more about the ministry of American Indian Christian Mission at aicm.org.
We are to imitate Christ by putting the spiritual well-being of others before our own wants.
In 1 Corinthians 10:1-22, the Apostle Paul digs deep into Israelite history to warn the church at Corinth that neither knowledge about, nor experience of God is the thing as worship of, or joyful obedience to, God.
A disciple of Jesus is a person who remains firmly connected to Jesus and bears fruit for the Kingdom.
Intergenerational Discipleship will reveal the object of our worship, our obedience to our mission, and our ongoing hope for God's church to outlive us. We will look at each of these points and why they are important and how WestWay is already doing a great job at this.
We love other believers best when we sacrifice our wishes, wants, desires and even our rights for them.
God has given us all we need to serve him because he has given us the Holy Spirit to dwell within us.
Each and every Christian is who they are and where they are for a purpose: to glorify God and to make him known.
There are times when Christians will disagree with one another; how can we love, honor, and serve one another when this happens?
How are Christians to love, honor and serve our non-believing friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers? How are we to treat other Christians who live in persistent and obvious sin? Paul answers these complex questions in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.
As we begin what we're calling "Phase 2 of our series on 1 Corinthians, we wanted to take a moment and take a moment to review what we've already talked about and preview what's coming in 1 Corinthians 5-7.
A reminder of the incredible truth that the gospel hasn't changed and a challenge to us from the book of Galatians with what the gospel really is, what it's not, and what we should do with it.
David is the youngest son of eight, a shepherd, and least likely to become anything but a shepherd. But God sees beyond what we see, and David becomes King.
Sermon Redux is an opportunity to dig a bit deeper into the topics and themes from a previous sermon.
This week, we're unpacking "God Honors Faithfulness" by talking more about:
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How is honesty an example of faithfulness?
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What is a Kinsman Redeemer?
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Was Ruth infertile?
Ruth enters the story and because of her faithfulness, God honors her through a son, Obed, who will be the grandfather of a boy named David.
God told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations; the fulfillment of this promise began with the birth of Isaac and continued through Jesus.
Christians have a mission and a purpose: the proclamation of the gospel. This dedication to Christ will often come at great cost and we must be prepared to pay it.
Faithful servants of Christ seek to please God because they know that He alone is their judge.
Discipling others is more than teaching them what the Bible says, it’s also about you. If you are not growing in your own faith and building your foundation on Christ, you will not be able to make disciples of others.
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 reminds us that all believers are a part of something special and that our significance comes from God and is demonstrated by us when we access HIS strength and build on the foundation of Christ with "gold, silver, and jewels."
What did Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 3:6? How do we plant the seed of the gospel in the hearts of others? How do we water it?
Paul confronts the immature believers in Corinth over their worldly behavior and reminds them that the church belongs to God.
When Paul arrived in Corinth he shared with them the Gospel, or Good News, of Jesus Christ. He didn't do this with eloquence or wisdom; he simply told them that Jesus Christ died for their sins and because of this, they could have a new life, freed from the penalty of those sins. This is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
God uses what the world considers foolish to reveal his purpose: salvation through Jesus Christ.
Paul tells the Corinthians that God's gracious gifts were given to them for a reason: that they would partner with Jesus.
Paul begins his first letter to the church at Corinth with the reminder that they are holy because of Christ alone.
Each week, dozens of people use their gifts for the good of the WestWay body, demonstrating love and humility as they serve and gather in groups. God is using their serving and gathering to transform them and those around them.
The crown of victory is given at the end of the race to those who've run faithfully, to those who finish well. What does this mean for Christians?
When an athlete runs in a competition, they demonstrate endurance by running a route that has been set out for them by someone else. As Christians, God has set before us the task of becoming and making disciples. This requires endurance.
Making disciples is a lifetime commitment, and we need to start strong. For this to happen, we need to understand what running the race looks like and we need to develop the discipline needed to succeed.
God has the expectation that His people are going to be faithful workers in the Kingdom, and for the Kingdom.
Trusting in the Good News of our salvation in Christ allows us to stand firm in the face of attempts to deceive us.
Those who are in Christ will bear fruit in ways that are obvious. While this will bring hardship, God is perfectly faithful and just; he will punish those who persecute his people, and he will give his people everything they need to be faithful demonstrations of his love because of his grace.
Trusting in God’s faithfulness allows and encourages us to live in ways that bring Him honor and glory and build up others and point them to Christ.
God has a plan and purpose for us- to be his witnesses. Paul teaches the church at Thessalonica that they will witness faithfully by not only telling others about his Son Jesus, but by demonstrating the life that the resurrection makes possible through our purity, our consistent work, and our trust & lack of anxiety over when he is returning.
Paul writes two letters to the Church at Thessalonica to let them know how grateful he is for their consistent faith, to tell them of the ways they encourage him in his, and to encourage them to love and serve God through loving and serving one another.
Paul begins his first letter to the church at Thessalonica by reminding them of the Gospel and by telling them of the impact their acceptance of that Gospel is having all around the world.
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Paul wrote those words at the end of his first letter to the church at Thessalonica in the hopes they'd faithfully love, honor, and serve God through the way they loved, honored and served one another. We're excited to begin our Summer series reading and studying 1 & 2 Thessalonians together. Paul's desire in these letters was to let them know how grateful he is for their consistent faith, to tell them of the ways they encourage him in his, and to encourage them to love and serve God through loving and serving one another. As God's people, this is God's desire for us as well. On Sunday, we'll be introduced to the church at Thessalonica, how she was founded, and the story behind the letters. Our hope from this series is that you will be overwhelmed with the wisdom and knowledge of God's blessings, and that from this overflow you will be an encourager to others.
When Jesus ascended into heaven to take His place at the right hand of God, He left His Spirit to help us fulfill His commission to go and make disciples. This week we will discuss the importance of this event for your lives.
This Sunday, we're talking about the ways intergenerational service and study is crucial for us to grow in our relationship with God, intergenerational service and study is crucial for us to grow in our relationships with others, and intergenerational service and study is crucial for us to live out God's purpose in our lives.
An intergenerational gathering is one that is intentional about discipleship. We believe that EVERYONE has been gifted by God and has a role to play in the church. We strive to make every environment a discipleship environment. What are YOU doing to help make this a reality?
Being an intergenerational church is hard. Why should we choose to make this hard choice of being an intergenerational church? Because the Kingdom of God is an intergenerational kingdom, open for all ages and generations to join.
We believe the Bible teaches that salvation – the forgiveness of sins – is only by grace through the blood of Jesus Christ. Because of our sin, we are separated from God. We have no way to get back into a right relationship with God on our own. Biblically, we learn that salvation only comes from Christ; because He was crucified and killed we can be reconciled (re-joined with) God. And, it is because He rose again that we can be justified (walk newly) with Him. While God does the work, we respond. In the New Testament, we see people responding in four ways: Belief, Repentance, Baptism and Confession.
Faithful Christian leaders love, serve, and lead the church, and faithful Christians accept the role of those leaders over them.
Jesus has been resurrected and because of this, he offers new life to all who would accept it through him.
In 2 Peter 3, Peter tells his readers the purpose of his letter: to stir their thinking by reminding them of who God is, who they are, who they belong to, and the purpose of their lives- to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ in ways that lead to transformation.
Peter describes the behaviors and characteristics that identify false teachers so we can recognize them and be aware of how they operate.
Peter sums up this letter reminding us that the best way to live for Jesus, no matter who we are, slaves, wives, husbands, elders, believers, is to be dressed in humility.
Peter warns his readers that they will suffer, but they can overcome their suffering by arming themselves with the same attitude that Christ had.
Peter encourages his readers to demonstrate the willingness to suffer for doing right. They will do this best when they worship Jesus Christ as Lord.
God gives people an identity, a place to belong and a purpose for living. Then he gives them the opportunity to live out the reality of those things.
Christians live in biblical hope when we trust in the reality of who God is and what he's accomplished through Christ's work on the cross.
Simon Peter was one of Jesus' first disciples. Over the course of the gospels, the book of Acts, and in two letters written by him, we see Peter be transformed from a brash and impulsive fisherman to a boldly confident follower of Jesus. Peter's two letters are filled with encouraging words to equip the church to be equally bold and confident as they grow in their relationships with God and one another.
This Sunday, we'll be introduced to the person of Peter, reading through various gospel stories, the book of Acts, and other New Testament letters to learn his story.
“The gospel message—that Jesus is the long-promised King and the much-needed Savior—did not conclude with Paul in Rome, nor when it arrived at your doorstep. God is still telling it, and His people are still called to share it, unhindered”- Alistair Begg.
“There are people who would do great acts; but because they wait for great opportunities, life passes, and the acts of love are not done at all. Observe, this considerateness of Christ was shown in little things. And such are the parts of human life. Opportunities for doing greatly seldom occur—life is made up of infinitesimals” - FW Robertson in his sermon, “The New Commandment of Love.”
“…the church is God’s. It belongs to God as the one who both called it into being (called “us” to faith) and sustains it. It is not a voluntary association, composed of those who have decided to affiliate with others for self-improvement or like belief or fellowship or even service, but a gathering of those ‘called to be holy’ (Romans 1:7).”- Beverly Gaventa
Christians can often be recognized for things outside of our control, but through Jesus’ words and through the examples of his followers, we can see that He wants us to be recognized for so much more.
Jesus came for the purpose of interceding for our sins and in doing so brings justice, restores his people to God and comforts the weary.
God's words provided wisdom and comfort to Jesus, allowing him to fulfill his mission and purpose of bringing justice, restoring Israel, and interceding to God on our behalf.
Jesus was commissioned to restore Israel; this work begins on the cross and continues as those he has restored join in the work of restoration.
This week, we're talking about the way Jesus was chosen to bring justice; this justice is a spiritual freedom that not only frees us from the requirements of the law but provides hope and new life to all who believe in him.
The Gospel (Good News) of Jesus is available to all people. Once included in this salvation, we are called to live on mission together as his body under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
In Romans 15, Paul reveals the purpose of Christian unity is the praise and glory of God.
Being in real relationships with people often causes tension and frequently and the worst of who we are is revealed. But God has a different plan; he's given us a mission that will only be accomplished when we are united in Christ.
When we want to live a life that brings honor to God, then we will naturally submit to authority and love others. Some of us have been placed in the ultimate position of authority, being parents. What does that mean and how can we bring honor to God through the position he placed us in?
The Gospel (Good News) of Jesus is available to all people. Once included in this salvation, we are called to live on mission together as his body under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The mission together begins with the sacrifice of self; our ideas, ideals, mindsets, and preferences, all of these things must be given over to God and his will for our lives.
Because the Jewish people rejected God, God's Kingdom was open to the Gentiles, who were supposed to be examples of God's mercy in hope that the Jews would desire right relationship with God.
God shows mercy in ways that defy human reasoning and understanding. His mercy is a gift; it's not arbitrary, but given to those who show faith and trust in Him.
In Romans 8, Paul shares the truth about the seemingly insurmountable forces of sin, the law, and the suffering in the flesh that we face: God is for us, is eternally-present with us, and we look forward in patience and confident hope to the day we are fully made new.
In Romans 6-8, Paul tells the church at Rome that while we are righteous and are being made holy, there are powerful forces arrayed against us: sin, the law, and our own flesh and pending death. Our most powerful enemy is...ourselves. In Romans 7, we learn that our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Through Christ, we've been included in God's Kingdom, an undeserved privilege, with full access and ability to live out the reality of the Christian life. How are we to respond to the sin that constantly surrounds us?
As we read through Romans 5, we see that Jesus saved us while we were utterly helpless, sinful, and enemies of God. This salvation was a free gift and affects our lives, but only if we receive it.
In Romans 4, Paul is going to talk about God's righteousness demonstrated through the faithfulness of Abraham. We're going to see three things: - God’s righteousness is a gift, not a wage. - (Because it’s a gift) God’s righteousness is available to all. - God, through his righteousness, brings dead things back to life.
Paul takes a moment in chapter 3 to respond to questions arising from the first two chapters of Romans. In doing so, he reminds the church at Rome of the way God has saved them through Jesus Christ.
God’s people are not his because they look and act the part, they are His because of a new heart and inward change.
Paul's gospel to the church(-es) at Rome was written to a specific people at a specific time, for a specific reason. Who were the people to whom it was written? What was their situation and to what circumstance was Paul writing into? Why did this message matter to them, and what does it mean for us? Our main texts this week will be Romans 16:1-18 and Romans 1:1-17.
As we wrap up our series, our pastors will talk about the specific ways we strive to equip the body. We will be discussing Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25, and Ephesians 4:11-16 and how we apply those verses to each of our specific ministry areas.
How do the things we do at WestWay orient us to worship and proclaim Jesus as Lord? Why do we do the things we do in the 1015 and beyond? What part do we have to play in the story that God has planned for His Church?
The Thin Places are the places where Heaven meets earth, where the reality of God intersects with our own realities. What are the consequences of this encounter on those who meet God? What does the Bible say, and what does this mean for us today?
In the Old Testament, the primary way in which people had access to God was at the Tabernacle or the Temple through a very strict set of rituals and rites. And in the gospel of John, Jesus says that there was a time coming in which people would worship God would do so, in spirit and in truth. What does this mean for us today?
This week, we're excited for the opportunity to visit with Connie Wicks, one of the supported missions and missionaries of WestWay Christian Church.
When should we worship? All the time. Our circumstances should not dictate our worship to God. There are examples all over the Bible of people worshiping God when things are good in their life and when things are bad. How can we worship God through ALL the circumstances we find ourselves in?
Everybody is a worshiper. Whether they realize it or not, everybody worships…something. Followers of God in the Old Testament were bombarded with the idol worship of other nations and struggled with not making idol worship a part of their daily routine. Christ followers in the New Testament also dealt with other gods beings readily available for their worship because of the cultures they intertwined with. We are no different. What is pulling our hearts away from the One True God? How can we fully devote all of who we are to Him?
As we begin this series, we'll be talking about worship as the only proper response to the reality that God has delivered us from sin, a recognition that only God is worthy and, it places us into the story of God and his faithfulness to his people. Worship is the proclamation of identity: who we are, and who we are not. When we worship God, we proclaim what he has done, what he is doing, and what he will do.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he told his disciples to return to Jerusalem to await a gift the Father would send them. 50 days later as the church met for the Festival of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon those gathered. The presence of the Holy Spirit was not just for them, it is for "all who have been called by the Lord our God" (Acts 2:39). What does this mean for us today? How does the Spirit act? What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the world and in the life of the Christian today?
Jonah goes to Nineveh and warns them of God's coming judgment. The people respond by believing the message and repenting of their sin.
Jonah's apathy and disobedience lead him to the depths of the sea where he encounters the fullness of God's grace.
A just and loving God sends the prophet Jonah to Nineveh in the hopes they will repent of their sins. Instead Jonah flees, demonstrating his heart of apathy, reluctance, and disobedience towards others. While our main text this week is Jonah 1:1-16, we recommend you read the entire book to see how this story plays out as we read and discuss it each Sunday in May.
Jesus commanded us to “go and make disciples of all the nations”, but before we can go and make disciples of all nations, it starts in our home. While parents are the main disciplers of their children, each and every one of us has a role in making disciples of the next generation.
The Gospel of Mark ends with three women going to the tomb three days after the crucifixion of Jesus. They arrive at the tomb, only to find the stone rolled away and instead of the body of Jesus, they meet a man who tells them Jesus has risen from the dead.
In Mark 11:1-11, Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey, and the crowds welcome him as one who comes in the name of the Lord. Join us as we join them in praise Jesus this Sunday.
At the end of chapter 8, Jesus told the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Beginning in chapter 9 and running through the rest of Mark's Gospel, Jesus will teach what that means through his words and actions.
Jesus invites us to join him in his mission; this begins by dying to self, taking up our cross, and following him.
As the perfect expression of love, Jesus boldly confronts the traditions, ideologies, and biases of those around him.
As Jesus continues to demonstrate the realities of God's Kingdom, people begin to act in faith.
As we continue our quest to discover who Jesus is from the Gospel of Mark, we see that Jesus chose a specific type of illustration to teach those who wanted to listen, calling them to obedience.
The presence of Jesus creates tension and forces all who come into contact with him to make a choice: to unite against him or to be in unity with him.
As Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God, questions arise about his identity, his associations, and his commitment to God.
The Good News about Jesus the Messiah didn't begin in a manger; it began with a messenger who shouted, "The LORD is coming, clear the road!" Messiah Jesus isn't merely a good teacher or moral example; Messiah Jesus is the Son of God, the Son of Man, and the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Making disciples is the mission and purpose of God's people. He doesn't leave us alone to figure out how to do that. He is with us and he has placed us into a specific church body so we might fulfill this purpose...together.
Spirit-enabled and empowered serving allows others to experience the love of Christ through us.
This week, we're talking about the way Generous Living is the response of God's people to the generous gifts from God.
We begin our Foundations series by talking about the Devoted Gathering and the role it plays in Christian Accountability, Christ-Honoring Unity, and Spiritual Maturity.
Temptation. We all face temptation everyday. It can be as small as eating that extra cookie or something as big as purposely messing up the numbers on your taxes so you get more money. Every single human in the history of the world has dealt with temptation, no one is immune, not even Jesus. But, there is a way to counter temptation.
Jesus FREES us to live in the fullness of our relationship with God. We're no longer waiting for this to happen; it's available to us now.
At Christmas time, people all around the world remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Each year, we highlight the expectation of the coming savior who will bring peace and joy to the earth. We talk about the shepherds and the wise men and the excitement they had at welcoming the baby king. This week we will see that not everyone was excited about his coming. In fact there were those who were furious about it, and there are those who are still furious about it.
A King is Born in Bethlehem. Why is Bethlehem significant? Why do Herod and the Wise Men want to find the King? How can we relate to the journey that the wise men went on to follow the star and find Jesus?
Immanuel (God is With Us) is coming. Why is he coming? What will he accomplish? What does it mean for us today?
With all of the media that we are exposed to today, we may find ourselves asking the questions, “Who can I believe or Who should I follow?” This week we will take a look at who the writer of Psalm 119 chose to follow and how and why he did so.
The chaos, death, and destruction of humanity is on full display as the Israelites reject their identity as God's set apart people and ignore his purpose as a light to the nations.
God's people continue to settle in Canaan and choose to disregard God's story, writing their own.
From the moment Samson was conceived, he was set apart by God for the purpose of delivering the Israelites from the Philistines. As the bodies pile up, he forgets God's bigger story and replaces it with his own...with deadly consequences.
As the Israelites continue to do evil in God's sight, he hands them over to the Philistines. But there's a bigger story at play that includes a barren woman, a visiting angel, and a judge named Samson.
After demonstrating what looks like repentance, the God's people again cry out for deliverance. What they get is Jephthah, a warrior judge with the gift of language who delivers the people of God from the Ammonites at great personal cost.
We're stepping out of our Judges series this week to spend time with Pastor Zane and talk about vision and direction for Family Ministries at WestWay. Zane brings a wealth of knowledge from his time at BoysTown about the importance of family, parental, and grandparental involvement in the lives of children and students.
God has defeated the Midianites through Gideon, and 40 years of peace follow. When Gideon dies, the Israelites return to their spiritual adultery by worshiping the images of Baal. Instead of an external oppressor, God punishes his people from the inside, the son of Gideon, Abimelech. God himself becomes deliverer, and for the first time, the people begin to see the real problem: they are sinning against God.
As the cycle of national sin continues, Gideon reluctantly accepts his call to rescue Israel. Rather than be transformed by his role, Gideon is consumed by pride and arrogance and chaos, death, and destruction flow from him.
This week we’re reading “The Gospel of Deborah.” Deborah proclaims the same gospel message we find in every book of the Bible: “God is rescuing His people and inviting us to join in his work of proclaiming the reality of who God is: holy, loving, kind, merciful, patient, and righteous.”
The people have entered the Promised Land and are unable and unwilling to follow God's commands. The consequences of their sins bear down on them and the cycle begins: they cry out to God in sorrow and He delivers them through a judge. As time passes, their response to God's mercy is more sin.
God’s people enter the Promised Land and initially all seems well until...it’s not. The people neither acknowledge the LORD nor the things He had done for them. These sins have consequences- for individuals and for them as a nation. As they spiral further and further into chaos, the faithfulness of God is demonstrated time and time again as he sends rescuers to save His people from their oppressors. These rescuers come and go, revealing the need for the Ultimate Rescuer, one who can save them from themselves.
God places great value on relationships. We're talking about what it means to be in relationship with God, with other Christians, and non-Christians. Jesus made a point to seek out those that were lost and bring them into the Kingdom. What is the most Christ-like posture that we can take when we are developing relationships with non-Christians? This week we will look at various examples from the Gospels on how and how not to develop relationships with non-Christians.
WestWay’s mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord. This proclamation is personal, generational, and missional. This week is our Family Dedication Sunday and we will be looking at Deuteronomy 6:1-9. YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: From Generation to Generation.
God places great value on relationships! This week we are looking at our relationships with other Christians; they are to be centered on Christ and demonstrated by our trust, hope, acts of love and good deeds, and gathering to encourage one another. YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: Love Like Jesus.
God places great value on relationships. In the next few weeks we will be discussing some of those relationships. This week we will look at what it means to be in relationship with God, by looking at 3 stories that Jesus gave us, as recorded in Luke 15. YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: Love Like Jesus.
WestWay’s Mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to everyone: locally, nationally, and internationally. This week, we’ll be talking about serving in the local church, and have a conversation with Jaime Gonzalez, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Area Representative for the Valley of the Panhandle. Jaime is one of the supported WestWay Missions. Learn more about Jaime here. This ... Read More
WestWay’s Mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord to everyone: locally, nationally, and internationally. This week, we will look at why mission matters at WestWay and how we can ALL join in the mission that God has called us to. It’s for everyone! YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: Life on Mission.
In Revelation 21 & 22, Heaven descends and God takes up residence among His people, fulfilling His promises and giving life to those who desire it. Text: Revelation 21 & 22 Primary Text: Revelation 21:1-7 YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: Jesus, I Want to Love You 8.
In Revelation 17-20, the world is saved as the consequences of sin collide with the judgment of God. YouVersion Event YouVersion Reading Plan: Jesus, I Want to Love You- Part 7.
In Revelation 14-16, the Temple is thrown open and God’s holy wrath roars out in a purifying action that affects all creation. Text: Revelation 14-16 YouVersion Event. YouVersion Bible Reading Plan: Jesus, I Want to Love You, part 6.
As the church faithfully witnesses the victory of Jesus Christ, Satan is not silent. Though defeated, he sets up a copy-cat kingdom of political power and false religion in an effort to deceive, kill, steal, and destroy. Revelation 12 & 13 tells us that those who side with Satan are marked as his disciples through their thoughts and actions. YouVersion ... Read More
In Revelation 6-11, the scroll is unsealed to reveal the reality of the consequences of sin and the pending judgment for it. And, the special responsibility of the Church: to stand for Christ and be a witness to a world that is lost and suffering. YouVersion Event YouVersion Reading Plan: Jesus, I Want to Love You Part 4
In Revelation 4&5, we get a backstage pass into the Throne Room of God. We are invited to join in the worship of the one seated on the throne: He is Jesus, the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain. In His right hand is a scroll, sealed with seven seals that can only be opened by the ... Read More
In Revelation 1:9-3:22, Jesus tells the churches that it is through their embodiment of him that he is redeeming the entire world. The physical realities of the churches in Revelation are metaphors of their spiritual realities; Revelation pulls back the curtain on these realities to provide comfort, courage, and challenge. YouVersion Event. YouVersion Reading Plan: Jesus, I Want to ... Read More
The book of Revelation is an apocalyptic and prophetic letter written to the church, calling them to patient endurance of suffering and persecution as they await the return of Christ in judgment and salvation. This week we will be reading through Revelation 1:1-8. This week’s YouVersion Event. This week’s YouVersion Reading Plan.
This week, we’ll join churches all over the world who are celebrating Pentecost. In Acts 2, the promised Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles and their next move was to boldly proclaim the Name and Person of Christ. This same Spirit dwells within each follower of Christ, and our next move is to boldly proclaim the Name and Person of ... Read More
This week, we’re excited to have a conversation with Cody Petersen, our new Pastor of Creative Arts. Cody grew up at WestWay, and he and his family are thankful for the opportunity to serve the church body that means so much to him. We’ll be talking about Deuteronomy 6:4-7 and Romans 12:1-2. We encourage you to follow along with us ... Read More
Paul called the early Christians the ambassadors of God. They came to view themselves as emissaries from the Kingdom of God, sent into the world to put His Kingdom on display. As they learned to live and love in the way of Jesus, they became a welcome contrast to the self oriented way of the cultures around them – and ... Read More
Since the beginning, God has invited people to join Him in brining order to chaos. We are to live in ways that demonstrate the realities of His Kingdom and the blessings that flow from relationship and harmony with Him. This work is not reserved for an elite; it’s the mission and purpose of all who identify with and love Jesus. ... Read More
The road to unity the church is found in sacrifice. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we offer ourselves as gifts…to God, and to one another. The way we are with one another, because of who we are in Christ, is a proclamation of the gospel. We’ll be reading this week from Romans 12. YouVersion Event. Bible Reading ... Read More
The church is the body of Christ. Like any body, the church is made of up many parts; like the body, each of us has a role and a responsibility to function together in a way that glorifies Jesus and demonstrates unity. This week we’ll continue our conversation about How the Bible Works to teach us about the Church Age. ... Read More
When we enter into a relationship with God, he connects us with other believers and joins us together into a body. We call this body “the church.” Like every body, there is a head, and the head of the church is Christ, and all matters within the church fall under His authority. This week’s YouVersion Event. This week’s YouVersion Reading ... Read More
At the beginning of Matthew 11, John the Baptist is in prison and seems to be giving up hope. He sends his disciples to Jesus to ask an important question…”Are you really the Messiah or should we keep looking?” I n response, Jesus paraphrases parts of Isaiah 35 and 61, then says, “God blesses those who do not fall away ... Read More
For many years, God’s people had been looking for a Messiah to rescue them from the captivity they were in. Moses had told the children of Israel, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him” (Deuteronomy 18:15). From that time on, they had been looking ... Read More
After 70 years, God’s people came out of captivity and returned home filled with doubts: “are we really Gods people? What if we’re not? Is that why all of these bad things happened to us?” The genealogy at the beginning of Chronicles is a giant “yes, you are my people, here’s how…” from God. The focus of Chronicles and Ezra/Nehemiah ... Read More
The Bible is not a collection of lectures about God; the books of the Poets and the Wisdom Literature add depth, color, and texture that helps us realize God’s truths for us today. In them, we see the range of human emotions, thoughts, and feelings that reveal the timelessness, and the timeliness, of the Bible. This week, we’ll be talking ... Read More
God’s people have entered the Promised Land and begin to function as a nation. Kings rise, and kings fall. Taxes are collected, Temple worship continues. The influence of other nations (and their gods) draws the people away from the LORD. Time and time again, the leaders choose autonomy and agency over God’s plan. God responds to all of this with ... Read More
God’s word to Abram (Genesis 12:1-3) has been fulfilled and His people begin to settle in the Promised Land. Like the generations before them, they’re given a choice: serve the LORD or serve themselves. God is ever faithful; the people are ever-faithless. As the death, destruction and chaos spiral out of control, how will God respond? This week, we’ll be ... Read More
The first five books of the Bible describe the origins of creation, the beginnings of human rebellion, and the birth of the family of Israel- the people chosen and prepared by God to be a light to all people. As the people are about to enter the Promised Land, Moses presents the people with a challenge and a choice: “God ... Read More
The world was formed and filled by the loving God who made all things and called them good. What happened? What went wrong? Why is the world the way that it is? This week, we’ll be talking about how the Bible works to tell us what went wrong. Join us as we read from Genesis 3-11. YouVersion Bible Event. YouVersion Bible ... Read More
Who are we? Where did we come from? How did we get here? What are we here for? The answers to every one of these questions can be found in Genesis chapters 1&2. The world was formed and filled by the loving God who made all things and called them good. Find our YouVersion Event that follows along with the ... Read More
We can have historical confidence in the Bible because it’s been faithfully copied and passed down for thousands of years. We have thousand of manuscripts to demonstrate this. But…is it true? Does is accurately portray reality? Do the contents of the Bible provide meaning and purpose to me? What does the Bible have to do with my life today? Main ... Read More
How does the Bible “work”? What is its purpose? Where did it come from? How did we get it? Can we trust it? What does it mean for me? This week at 1015, we’ll be talking about the Bible as “trustworthy.” Did you miss a detail? Here’s a link to today’s slides/presentation. Participate in The State of Theology survey.
The Body of Christ at WestWay is by lots of things: our unity, our giving, and our love. According to 2 Corinthians 2:4 & 7:8-9, a previous letter from Paul had the desired affect: the church has repented to their sin of disunity and are now ready to continue their discipleship. The new benchmark is their generosity, and because a ... Read More
Our love for one another is what Christians are to be known for. What does this love look like, and how did the church in the New Testament demonstrate it to one another and the world?
Message Summary: The Body of Christ at WestWay is marked by lots of things, our unity, our giving, and our love. One way we demonstrate our unity is by participating in communion weekly. Join us this week as we talk about how communion unties us. Main text: Mark 14:12-26 Additional texts: Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Weekly Bible Reading Plan: ... Read More
What is God’s Will? Often, when we hear that question, or even find ourselves asking that question, it’s in conjunction with wondering what God wants us to do. Should I continue working at this job? Should I move to a different town? Should I get involved with this ministry? Is this a healthy way of using this question? This week ... Read More
The story of Jesus does not begin with Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, but generations earlier. With precision and without apology, Matthew presents name upon name of intentionally placed and significant people. Ruth is from Moab; with her mother-in-law, she makes her way to Bethlehem, where she will meet a redeemer. Her story leads to Christ.
The story of Jesus does not begin with Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, but generations earlier. With precision and without apology, Matthew presents name upon name of intentionally placed and significant people. Rahab, a pagan prostitute saved by God’s grace, became a part of God’s people. Her story leads to Christ.
The story of Jesus does not begin with Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem, but generations earlier. With precision and without apology, Matthew presents name upon name of intentionally placed and significant people. The first female listed is Tamar. Her story is one of marginalization and scandal; her story leads to Jesus.
“Be thankful”- let gratefulness and thanksgiving flow from the core of your being…”in all circumstances”- all of them, because…”this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Thankfulness is not a suggestion or a virtue, it’s God’s desire for your life.
The anxious life. COVID. Financial worries. Family problems. A government in transition. In the midst of this, God used Paul to tell us the key to defeating anxiety is the presence of God’s peace. The path to this peace is living a grateful life. Write your own version of Psalm 136. We’ve created a handy template for you to use. ... Read More
According to Solomon, there’s a time and a season for every activity under heaven. Death is part of that reality, and Christians are not immune to it. We’re also not immune to the feelings that come along with the death of a loved one. What does mourning look like for us?
After yet another contentious election, what comes next? What is our way forward? As Christians, God calls us to own our own sinfulness, and then repent of it, to demonstrate sympathy and empathy to those who are different than us, and to pray.
Don’t let the phrase “A final word” fool you. Ephesians 6:10-20 is a call to arms! We have a real enemy and we will only be able to resist, fight, and stand if we access the power of the Holy Spirit.
God’s plan for being glorified among the nations was to form for himself a people. He does this throughout history and we see this in the Bible. The necessary power for fulfilling this plan is the Holy Spirit.
Followers of Christ are called to obey our governmental authorities. We’re also called to be faithful ambassadors for God. What happens when these two ideas collide?
As an American, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “The Separation of Church and State.” What does it mean? From where does it come? What does it mean as citizens of God’s Kingdom? We’ll be talking about Psalm 146, Genesis 9:6-56, and Matthew 5:13-15.
Wisdom. It comes from God. It develops over time. It must be practiced. Questions for Discussion For those of you who can vote, what was the first presidential election you participated in? What kinds of decisions in your life have required wisdom? What are some ways Christians can demonstrate godly wisdom over the next 6 weeks?
Even though we live in a world that has wearied the LORD with it’s words and actions, He has sent us a messenger who calls us to repentance and introduces us to the one who can save us and has brought us justice. We’ll explore the LORD’s promise of mercy and the coming day of judgment. We’ll come to an ... Read More
To give next generations the best opportunity to experience God’s love and hope, and to live fully in His story, we must first respond to His love with faithful lives of integrity.
Every next generation deserves the opportunity to experience God’s love and hope and to live fully in His Story. Today is our opportunity to make Him known by faithfully sharing the love and hope He’s given us. Don’t miss it.
We’ve just spent the last year in a series on the church at Ephesus, reading through parts of Acts and Revelation, all of Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and recently 1, 2, and 3 John. It’s time for us to evaluate. Paul compares the relationship of husband and wife to the relationship between Jesus and the church, and it’s time ... Read More
True Christians: obey the commandments (2:4), do not love the world (2:15), hold fast to the truth about Jesus (2:22)