Sermons from Westside Bradenton: Recent Episodes
Westside Christian Church - Bradenton
This is the official podcast of the sermons of Westside Christian Church in Bradenton, FL with Lead Pastor Tim Boyd.
This sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus' "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, emphasizing how these declarations reveal Christ's divinity and completeness. Pastor Matt highlights how understanding Jesus as the Great I AM can transform our own identity, moving us from negative self-perceptions to embracing our status as children of God. The message encourages listeners to find their true identity in Christ and to resist the lies of the enemy that challenge this divine relationship.
In this sermon, Cassidy Covell, explores the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection, emphasizing Jesus' power over death and the importance of trusting God's timing. It delves into the themes of faith, disappointment with God, and the transformative power of belief. The speaker highlights how Jesus' deliberate delay in coming to Lazarus demonstrates God's greater purpose and glory, even in the face of human suffering and doubt.
This sermon explores the concept of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, focusing on His perfection in power, purity, and love. Pastor Matt emphasizes John's purpose in writing his gospel: to convince readers that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God. The sermon highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus, His sinless nature, and the ultimate demonstration of God's love through Christ's sacrifice. It challenges listeners to examine their belief in Jesus as the Messiah and how that belief manifests in their actions.
This sermon explores the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God, focusing on how He fulfills and completes the Old Testament Passover traditions. It emphasizes the importance of numbers in Scripture, particularly the seven festivals and three Passovers mentioned in the Gospel of John. The sermon illustrates how Jesus transforms the temple, provides abundantly for His followers, and ultimately becomes the perfect sacrifice that allows all believers direct access to God's presence.
In this powerful exploration of John 1:14, we're challenged to embrace the fullness of truth and grace embodied by Jesus Christ. The scripture reveals that Jesus was 'full of grace and truth,' inviting us to consider how we can reflect this divine balance in our own lives. We often lean towards one extreme - either harsh truth without compassion, or permissive grace without accountability. But Jesus shows us a different way, one where truth and grace coexist in perfect harmony. This tension between truth and grace is where true love flourishes, and it's in this space that we're called to live as followers of Christ. As we navigate this tension, we're reminded that it's only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can grow to embody both truth and grace in our interactions with others and in our spiritual journey.
The opening words to John's gospel stir with imagery and power. With three words John speaks to the everlastingness of God and significance of the word with God.
As the shepherds approach the manger, they see the baby Jesus. This inspires them to share with Mary and Jospeh what the angels shared with them. As we experience our Lord, it should leave us changed, just like the Shepherds.
The shepherds in the fields are told to goto Bethlehem and see the newborn Jesus. They respond with "let us go." These words are a call to action, obedience, and freedom. They receive good news and are driven to action to experience the Joy of the coming of the Messiah.
The First Noel tells the story just after Jesus is born. God first shares with a shepherds that a Messiah has been born in the town of Bethlehem. This happens of hundreds of years of silence by God to his people. The silence is broken with a series of what Pastor Matt calls "whispers". Learn more about the whispers God speaks into the silence in this message.
Russ Duket shares a unique perspective on the joy of the season. Joy to the World is based on the prophecy of Micah 5:2. A promise that the Messiah would come to this little town of Bethlehem.
The conclusion of the series, surrounds a beautiful poem found in the middle of chapter two of Philippians. Paul shares the attributes of Jesus and reminds us that we are to find out identity in only Jesus. He is our King and we are citizens of the Kingdom of God
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" has become a popular rally cry. But, do we understand the context by which Paul shared this famous verse? This week Pastor Matt explores the context of this verse in seeking its true meaning.
Paul's instruction to the community of believers is to seek unity with a purpose. He wants the church to live a mission focused life and discard all that creates disunity. It is because of Jesus that we are called to seek unity at all costs. God sought unity with us through Jesus and in the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is a gift from God that allows us to communicate with our heavenly Father. Paul encourages the church to pray always and let the products of prayer show. In this message we pray through through the model prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples.
Paul shares words of wisdom in chapter 3 of his letter to Philipi. He urges the church to be weary of those who insist the work of Jesus is incomplete and the old covenant must be maintained. He urges us to truly know Jesus and exactly what it means to be alone in Jesus.
As Paul prays for the church in Philippi, he does so from a position of joy. He longs for the church to grow and the believers to carry the attitude of Jesus in their development.
In the conclusion of this series, we explore John 8 and the freedom it promises. Freedom that is only found in Jesus. It is the hope of all experiencing this freedom that has driven the upcoming launch of Celebrate Recovery. They people may experience the truth that sets each of us free.
Pastor Mark Alt, Legacy Pastor at The Bridge Church, shared a message about forgiveness. He shared five things that are not forgiveness and three steps to pursue forgiveness in your life.
Our peace of mind is constantly under attack. Anger threatens to disrupt and hijack our peace. It seeks to make us slaves to sin and take us captive. God's design is one of calm and peace. Jesus challenges us clear all anger (among other things) out of this new creation He has made us. In this message we look at the first act of anger which came shortly after the fall.
Elijah is commonly considered one of the most important prophets of the Bible. Through God he experienced some amazing displays of God's love and provision. He, also, faced some of the darkest days documented in scripture. While the diagnosis of depression didn't exist in Elijah's day, we can see many symptoms of a depressive mood. In this moment we see the love of God and his mighty provision.
In the first message of the Peace of Mind series, we explore the story of Martha and Mary with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. In the story we see Martha distracted by what she needed to do to prepare of Jesus. However, Jesus was already at her home. Anxiety distracts our attention from Jesus who is there for us. We need to break the chains of anxiety.
In this message Pastor Matt Ennis looks at Psalm 23, one of the most well known Psalms. The psalmist challenges us to embrace his declaration "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." This seems simple, but as we find out is indeed complex. Join us as this message invites you to embrace this truth and seek your shepherd.
Psalm 46 is a message of God's immense power. He is the creator and has all power over his creation. He has won the victory over the enemy. Fear is a tool of the enemy to try to make more noise than the soft, sure voice of God. Fear creates lies that try to deceive us. In this Psalm we are reminded that God in control and he calls us to experience spiritual stillness.
Worship Pastor, Lane Parnell, delivers a powerful message about laments in the Psalms. God wants us to trust in him and come to him for our every need. As we lament, we we see present our grief and sorrow to God. His faithfulness leads us to trust in God.
Prosperity of this world looks different when you choose to follow Jesus. Rest looks different when you choose to call yourself a Christian. Jesus came to serve and calls us to action as his followers. As we serve others we show His love and live a prosperous life. (Proverbs 11:25)
This message explores the freedom of forgiveness found in Psalms 32. David rejoices because of his forgiveness and invites others to return to God. Unforgiveness is something many of us carry around. God calls us to forgive as he forgave in love.
God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. Psalm 139 shares these traits of God and challenges each of us to submit to God. To take our place in God's creation and allow God to lead us to freedom. God knows everything about us and has known us before we were ever created. He knits us together in our mothers womb and knows our every step. Yet he loves us.
We all need friends. Proverb 27:17 tells us that iron sharpens iron and we as people should make each other better. This means friends are an important part of God's kingdom and our growth as followers of Christ. Kingdom friendships are special relationships that Pastor Matt Ennis calls Iron Work Friends.
Cameron Robertson, Youth Pastor, shares a message about Proverbs 3 and the faithfulness of God. We are reminded that we must become less and Christ must become more as we are obedient to God. His promise is to be faithful and lead us.
Through Jesus Christ, God has victory over the enemy, forever. In His victory, He invites us to join Him. Through Jesus Christ we too can experience the victory of the cross and empty tomb. In Jesus we have been saved and he will return to judge the Earth. Psalm 98 calls us to join all creation in celebration of praise for God's faithfulness and mighty power.
Psalms 91 tells of God's faithfulness of protection for us. In the Psalm we see that what God wants most for us to love him. Love is shown through our trust. When danger comes, God wants us to place out trust fully in him.
In the conclusion of this series about David, we look at David succumbing to sin and his response with God. In his actions we learn how God wants us to respond to him. He wants us to come back. (2 Samual 12)
David's journey to being the king of Israel was a long and windy road. David never lost his focus on God and His role in lifting David into leadership. God says that David is a man after his own heart. In this message we will explore the king and his relationship with God. (2 Samuel 7)
In the conclusion of the the Thrive series, we look at the Great Commission and hear from members of our church who have served as missionaries this year. Our faith requires action that is focused on others. In doing this Jesus reaffirms God's great promise to be with us.
We all have hurts, hang ups, and habits that get in the way of the freedom Jesus has called us to. In this message, we share the truth of the freedom we are to experience because of Jesus. We are challenged to break the chains and dump the weight of our hurts, habits, and hang ups. We all need recovery. Westside Christian Church is excited to launch Celebrate Recovery as a discipleship program to lead people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus.
Money is one of those subjects that can be uncomfortable. Jesus spoke about the hold money can have on our lives. He wants us to thrive in him and find freedom in following Jesus. Breaking the bond money has on our lives allows us truly thrive. We do this by shifting our focus from money to generosity. After all, our God is generous and give us the gift of Jesus Christ.
This second message in the Thrive series explores salvation and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are all called to use the gifts God has given us to glorify His kingdom. As we grow in our walk we are like a blooming flower and blossom. In this, we Thrive in Jesus.
In the final message of the Easter People series we find ourselves at the empty tomb on Easter Day. In this message Pastor Matt shares about God's power of rest and and conquerer of all. We explore the powerful name of Jesus and His impact on transforming our lives.
Nicodemus is a character that only the Gospel of John shares. He is a religious and political leader in community at the time. His journey to following Christ is documented throughout the Gospel of John and shares valuable lessons for us about leaving the darkness for the light.
Jesus was crucified at Golgatha with a two others. On each side of him was a crucified criminal. In this message we explore the their two responses to King Jesus on the cross. The behaviors of the two provide insight as to our personal approach to our Savior.
In this message, Pastor Cameron Robertson shares the story of Barabbas and its implications for us as followers of Jesus. This is the third message in our Easter People series.
Judas is well known for his betrayal of Jesus. He was chosen to be an Apostle by Jesus and later chose to sell out our Savior. He is a significant character in the Easter story and is our faith as Christians. In this message, Pastor Matt Ennis dives into the lessons we can glean from Judas.
God loves us so dearly that He gives us the gift of salvation through the cross and empty tomb. As we launch our Easter People series we prepare ourselves for what God is going to do in us and through us. Rolling Stone is the first message in the series that looks at different people of the Easter series. In the message we "start with the end in mind" as we find ourselves at the empty tomb in Mark 16:1-8.
In the conclusion of the God Has Spoken series, Pastor Matt shares the story of transformation and calling of Saul. From hunter of Christians to the most prolific church planter in history.
The story of Jesus casting out the demon-possessed man who calls himself "Legion" provides insight as to our relationship with God. Pastor Matt Ennis shares three aspects of the interaction between the demon-possessed man and Jesus which reflect our relationship with Jesus.
Jesus gives us a model for prayer in Mark 6. The model he gives us is so much more than the simply the words on the page. In this message we dive deeper into the Lord's Prayer and the model Jesus gave us.
We all want to be seen. We serve a God who demonstrates He sees us. Even when we think we are invisible, God sees us. Jesus demonstrates this as he shares the promise of eternal life through his living waters to the woman at the well. This message is the 4th in our God Has Spoken series.
Time and time again, God demonstrates that he will never send his people unless He is with them. Time and time again, His people fail to follow and show doubt. In this message Pastor Matt looks at the story of Deborah in the context of Judges and within her faithfulness to God. This this the third message in our God Has Spoken sermon series.
Unforgiveness is something that God calls us to abandon. We were never expected to carry anything but forgiveness, because Christ forgave us. In this message, we look at the story of Joseph as a lesson in forgiveness and restoration.
In this message, we kick off the God Has Spoken series which is based on the 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Through the series we look at significant individuals and times in the scriptures. This message provides an overview of the life of Abraham and Sarah. Specifically looking at the blessings and faithfulness of God as seen in the birth of Isaac.
In this conclusion of our Season of Hope series, Pastor Matt Ennis shares that true hope is only found in Jesus Christ. Unbelievers are without hope because Jesus is the object of our hope as followers of Christ. We await with anticipation for the return of our Lord and in the meantime we share the hope of Jesus with the world around us.
The Season of Hope continues as Russ Duket shares a powerful message about love. Love is defined in Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Russ shares "His Jesus" and His love as shared in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
This message explores the meaning of peace in our walk with Jesus Christ. Peace or Shalom, as it would be known is ancient Hebrew, is much more than the absence of conflict. It is about restoration through Jesus Christ. This message pushes us to glean wisdom through the stories of Zachariah and Thomas.
We kick off our message in the Season of Hope with a message on Joy. Pastor Matt Ennis explores Hebrews 12:1-3 and its application to this Christmas season. In this message you will explore the difference between happiness and joy. We are challenged to share our joy this holiday season.
The final message in the series on Unity we look at Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. Despite the sin and brokenness of the church in Corinth, Paul challenges the church to focus on unity in Jesus.
In this message we explore the importance of being in God's word and his promises. Ray Wilburn shares a message of hope focused on our new creation in Jesus Christ. This is the fourth message in a five part series on Unity
Paul describes the Body of Christ as having many parts in 1 Corinthian 12. Youth Pastor, Cameron Robertson, shares about the diversity within the body and our responsibility to embrace a unity that respects differences in God's creation. We are unified through Jesus Christ.
Worship Pastor, Lane Parnell, shares the second message in our Unity series. There is unity in worship and worship is more than simply singing songs. In this message Pastor Lane explores the depths of worship as community of believers.
We were created to be in unity. God created us to all be in unity with His creation. Each of us is made in His image. When we follow Jesus we are unified in the blood and at the cross. This message kicks off a series title Unity.
In the conclusion of the series, Pastor Matt Ennis shares the disciplines of silence and sabbath. Jesus seeks silence and re-defines the sabbath in the Kingdom of God. We are to follow his example and allow God to fill our cup so that we may love His people.
Russ Duket shares about simplicity and slowing as we combat hurry in our lives. He challenges us to seek God and the rest he offers in Jesus. This is the third message in the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry series.
Take my yoke upon you made a lot more sense in Jesus time than it does now. However, Matthew 11:28-30 is one of the most cliche selections of scripture used by Christians. Do we really know what a yoke? Do we understand the significance of Jesus inviting us to take His yoke upon us?
Elder Ryan Stockton shares the story of the busyness of his life and the changes that he had to make to eliminate hurry from his life. The journey is one that we can all associate with and have experienced. This message is the first in the series.
In this series finale, Matt shares the idol which may be the most impactful in our current times. In the pursuit of comfort we often create other idols which we place before God. The Apostle Paul gave up all comfort for an uncomfortable mission to share the gospel. It is his example which we as Christians should embrace.
This message looks at the idol of money. It focuses on the power of generosity to break the bond of money in our lives.
Cellphones and social media have completely changed the way we life our lives. Along the journey, they may have become something in our lives that get in the way of our following Jesus. In this message, Pastor Matt explores the monument to ourselves which we build on social media and how our phones can become idols.
God tells us that He is the one and only God. We are not to place anything or anyone before Him. This is the first is a four week series looking at Idols in our lives. This message is based on God's words to Moses in Exodus 20:3-6.
We conclude the Joshua series as Joshua shares his final instructions to the the nations of Israel in Joshua 24. This messages challenges the church to make a declaration as to who their household will serve.
Jericho has fallen and the Israelites set their sights on Ai. In this message we explore the operation from God and people that sin creates. Achan serves as the perfect demonstration of the impact of sin.
Jericho falls and God's promises are fulfilled in the this third message in our Joshua sermon series. God demonstrates his faithfulness and wants us to put our entire faith into him. The fall of Jericho illustrates these points as God wants us to face the fortresses in our lives.
In the story of the prostitute, Rahab, redemption and faith are on full display. As Joshua sends two spies to Jericho, God uses the most unlikely individual to protect them. In turn, her faith drives her to action and God rewards her.
In the conclusion of the series, we explore Paul's time in Malta and finally reaching Rome.
The third in the four-part series about the challenges we face in life through the lease of Pauls journey to Rome in Acts 27 and 28. This message focuses on the unity we experience through the breaking of bread in the storms of our life.
The second in the series, this message focuses on fear as a tool from the enemy. Life is hard and the enemy wants to drive us away from God. Fear is one of the ways he drives a wedge in our relationship.
Life is hard. Following God doesn't come with guarantees of ease or lack of challenges. Just the opposite. The Bible tells us there will be challenges and God grows us in these challenges. In this series we explore Paul's journey to Rome and the long and windy path God leads him on.
The final message in this series about spiritual disciplines or formation focuses on the spiritual discipline of submission.
Jesus came to serve and through the spiritual discipline of service we are formed to be like Jesus. This message explores our calling into a servant lifestyle and the spiritual discipline of service.
Jesus shares numerous meals with people throughout the Bible. In this message we explore that importance of those meals and the application to our lives today.
In this special message we dive into the spiritual discipline of celebration while taking time out as a church to celebrate mothers on Mother's Day.
This week week we explore the spiritual discipline of frugality and the invitation to generosity it provides. This is the fourth in this series on spiritual disciplines.
Bible reading is a foundation of our spiritual formation. In this message we explore the truth of the Bible and the principles for becoming a lifelong learner. This is the third message in the series.
Prayer is a powerful gift that allows us to interact with our Heavenly Father. Speaking to God in faith in one of the spiritual disciplines or formations. This is the second in an eight part series.
The first in an eight-week series about spiritual disciplines. In this sermon Pastor Matt challenges us to commit to being 1% better each day and commit to less of us and more of Jesus.
This sermon reviews the Mission to Belize and God's calling on our lives. We are all called to GO and MAKE disciples. Where and how will I know are the questions. This message helps us understand how we can better know God's purpose for our lives.
As Christians we are to more than just hearers of the word. We are to be doers of the word. This means being the village for our community can caring for orphans and widows. Today we are joined by two organizations that are the hands and feet of this mission, F.E.L.T. (Feeding Empty Little Tummies) and Our Father's House.
Jeff Holton shares the message in our second of our "Will You Be a Trader Series." Based on the Matthew 28:18-20, this series challenges us to trade the things of this world and live on mission. As we "Go and make disciples", we may find our mission is right where we are. Jeff Holton is the Executive Director with Anchor House Mission at SeaPort Manatee. In this message, he shares the work God is doing though them for the seafarers and SeaPort Manatee community.
Tim Boyd shares the message in our second of our "Will You Be a Trader Series." Based on the Matthew 28:18-20, this series challenges us to trade the things of this world and live on mission. As we "Go and make disciples", we may find our mission is right where we are. Tim Boyd is the Director with Guardian Angels of Southwest Florida. In this message, he shares the work God is doing though them of foster children.
Jesus called his closest followers to action before ascending to heaven. We are called to "go and make disciples" just like they were. This requires us to take action and love others. This the first in a series about trading the ways of this world for love during our Show Love Month
Love is the becomes the narrative through Jesus. The is law fulfilled and salvation comes to humans. The law is easy compared to love. Love gives us freedom and that requires we use our own judgement. the filter we are to use when making these decisions is love. We are instructed and expected to love our neighbors.
The Ten Commandments were given to God's people to provide a framework for the relationship. Jesus was asked to which is the greatest of these and he provided an answer that may cause confusion to followers. However, His response affirms each of the Ten Commandments and elevates the Christian responsibility in love. This is the second in a three week series on the commandments.
God gave the 10 Commandments to his people through Moses. When Jesus was asked which is the "greatest" of the commandments, he responded in a way the crowd didn't expect. The result for many Christians has been confusion and debate. In this message, we explore the tension between the Old Testament 10 Commandments and the the New Testament 2 Commandments.
The bookends of the Kingdom of God are significant. Through the words Jesus spoke He share the truth of his Upside Down Kingdom. This is the final message in a four-part series about The Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus' Upside Down Kingdom.
Jesus assumed the position of a servant and slave to assume the throne of His Upside Down Kingdom. This sermon is the third in a four-part series on the Kingdom of God.
This message is the second in a four part series on the Upside Down Kingdom of Jesus Christ. This message focuses on the Beatitudes and the impact of Kingdom of Heaven. Through Jesus the outcasts find a place as children of God.
This is first in a four part series about the Kingdom of God which is truly upside down compared to world in which we live.
The final message in the The Light of Christmas series. This sermon looks at disappointment through the lens of the Magi.
Merry Christmas! Matthew shows us Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy and the decedent of David and Abraham that was promised. He is the Messiah. Once we were lost but now there is a royal star in Jesus.
The birth of our savior is glorious. It is the beginning of God dwelling with His creation and restoring His kingdom through His son, Jesus. Christmas is not the end of the story, but simply the end of a chapter of a beautiful love story by God for His people.
The story of Jesus birth as portrayed by Westside children and parents. The play was written Russ Duket and based upon Luke 1 and 2. The play was part of our December 18th combined worship service and kicked off Christmas week at Westside. We hope you enjoy the presentation as much as we did.
Jesus calls us to be the light in Matthew 5:14-16. This sermon provides four ways you can be the light in the darkness. This is the second message in the Light of Christmas series.
Jesus is the light of the world. Our triune God has always been and light has significance in our story. As his followers we are called to be the light in the darkness, just like Jesus. This is the first in our Light of Christmas series.
The conclusion of the four week series, "I Choose Thankful." This week we look at Jesus at the last supper and his choice of gratitude in the face of what he was about to experience. A reminder that we can choose to be thankful in all things.
The third in our series "I Choose Thankful". It is Barefoot Sunday at Westside. Where we were asked to wear shoes in and leave them at the church. The shoes benefit our community homeless through Downtown Ministries.
Second sermon in the I Choose Thankful sermon series about gratitude. This sermon dives into gratitude and how it drives us to thankfulness.
The conclusion in the Wilderness series. Jesus spent 40 days in the Wilderness and wast tempted by the devil. He always returned to the truth of his father. He was hungry, but not for bread.
The second in a four-week series titled the Wilderness. We look at Jesus' 40 day fast and journey into temptation by Satan.
Before Jesus went into the Wilderness he followed his Heavenly Father into the waters of Baptism.
Craig shares from his experience as a missionary and puts a fresh view on what it means to be the salt of the earth.
If everything the Bible says about Heaven is true, how should we spend the rest of our 'todays'?