Westside Sermons - wffpg.ca: Recent Episodes
Westside Family Fellowship | Prince George B.C.
Welcome to Westside Family Fellowship. We are a non-denominational church body that meets every Sunday for fellowship and worship. We are located in the beautiful Westgate area of Prince George B.C. We would love to have coffee and talk with you on Sunday Morning. To find out more, info visit wffpg.ca
Pastor Lucas message starts with a quote from the famous preacher, Charles Spurgeon and builds on his message from there.
Pastor Lucas brings us a message about the two greatest commandments.
Especially the second one - love your neighbour as yourself.
Pastor Lucas Chance returns from summer vacation to challenge us to remember "For He is the living God" and that we should love our neighbour as ourself.
Guest speaker today is new member of our family - Jason Dreijer.
' And the presence of the Lord was with them with power, so that a great number [learned] to believe (to adhere to and trust in and rely on the Lord) and turned and surrendered themselves to Him. The rumors of this came to the ears of the church (assembly) in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what grace (favor) God was bestowing upon them, he was full of joy; and he continuously exhorted (warned, urged, and encouraged) them all to cleave unto and remain faithful to and devoted to the Lord with [resolute and steady] purpose of heart.' Acts 11:21-23 (Amp. Classic)
' Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.' Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amp. Classic)
Tyler Alspaugh returns to take us through the Book of Judges with an encouragement for both the younger generation and the older generation.
Tyler Alspaugh has a challenge for both those who are mature (older) in the faith and those who are younger.
“The older generation needs to show their passion and love for God in a way that inspires the younger generation to pursue God.”
The younger generation needs to stop resting in the spiritual inheritance of the older generation and actively cultivate a passion and love for God.”
Tom Birch takes us back to the Old Testament (a favourite of his) for a look at where we’re at in today’s world.
Pastor Lucas continues his look at the great commandments that Jesus gave us.
Scriptures: Matthew 22:34–40, 1 John 4:19, 1 John 4:10
Pastor Lucas tackles the great commandments.
Here are the scriptures he referenced.
Matthew 22:34–40, Deuteronomy 6:1–9, Leviticus 19:18, Proverbs 4:23, Genesis 2:7, John 20:21–23
Faythe Chance returns from her YWAM DTS (Discipleship Training School) experience which was based out of Kona, Hawaii. Here she shares her experiences with God both at the base and in the Philippines.
Senior Pastor Lucas Chance takes to the pulpit asking - what's the point?
The point is 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 "to rebuke us, teach us, train us so that we will be equipped to do what God is asking us to.
Tom Birch dives into the Book of Revelation (and Daniel) to give us a glimpse at the history of the world until the end.
This is part 3 of this three part series.
Tom Birch continues his three part series on "Creation - Cross - Culmination" with part two - The Cross.
Do I Have to Believe In Creation is part 1 of a 3 part series by Tom Birch that takes us from Creation, through the Cross and to the end - Culmination.
Pastor Paul Ndungu joins us for one last sermon before traveling back home to Kenya.
Starting with 2 Chronicles 7:11 and ending with a word from God for our church in Romans 15:14 we are reminded of what God is calling us to individually and as a fellowship of believers.
Pastor Paul Ndungu of InTouch Ministries in Kenya joins us for our annual Family Camp at Chubb Lake.
Listen to the Voice of God!
Pastor Lucas takes us through the beginning of our grieving process as a church family. Every one of us has lost something unique to us with the sudden death of Pastor Marlo Johnson only two days before. He was a counselor, a sports coach, a school principal, a pastor, a friend, a mentor, a father, a grandfather, a husband, and most of all a man who depended every day on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
This is what would turn out to be Pastor Marlo’s last message before his unexpected (and shocking to us left behind) journey into the arms of Jesus on May 5th.
Pastor Lucas Chance shares how the desperately we need the person and power of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Lucas Chance makes Easter more personal by reminding us that we are to be crucified with Christ. And so are the “old man” struggles still left in us. It’s time to “nail it” to the cross.
Pastor Marlo Johnson brings us a feast of “left overs”. Bits and pieces of thoughts and challenges. Some that carry on from previous messages and some that were started but never finished before. It all comes together in today’s message.
We’re all on the journey of renewal. A renewing of our minds and finding God’s purpose for us. Pastor Marlo shares the story of Rusty in a cell on death row and a lot more.
Pastor Marlo Johnson – quoting from “The Forgotten Way” by Ted Dekker.
Quote 1 – “Remember, what you believe about yourself never defines you; only what your Father believes about you truly defines you.
Your beliefs and perceptions, however, do define the experience you have in this world.”
Quote 2 – “Everything that we say, do and think aligns us with darkness or light, love or grievance. Thus, everything is a spiritual practice, whether we are aware of it or not. We are constantly, in every moment, aligning with one way of being or another. The choice is ours to make each moment of each day.”
Pastor Marlo returns to the pulpit (it’s been so long he jokes that he’s now a guest speaker) sharing some history of Westside and our future direction as a fellowship before getting to his sermon entitled “If You Only Knew”.
He uses one quote from a book he’s been reading recently and wants to make sure you read and think about:
“Remember, what you believe about yourself never defines you; only what your Father believes about you truly defines you. Your beliefs and perceptions, however, do define the experience you have in this world.”
from The Forgotten Way by Ted Dekker
Prayer Warriors – Live in God’s Presence
Tom Birch continues his “Wear Purple Well” series as part of our annual Enlighten classes.
Tom Birch continues his sermon series encouraging us to “Wear Purple Well” as children of the King.
Today we welcome Ashley Chance as guest speaker at Westside! The wife of Pastor Lucas and the mother of two boys, Ashley reminds us to be careful and guard our hearts.
Men’s Retreat 2023 featured Pastor Marlo Johnson who blessed us with a message based on Joshua on Sunday morning. Please note: this audio was captured on a cell phone and processed to try to improve its quality. We acknowledge its imperfection but hope you are able to understand it anyway.
This is Session 4 of Tom Birch’s “Enlighten” series entitled “Wear Purple Well”.
This message is about “Waiting For Our Redeemer”
Welcome to the “Enlighten” series entitled “Wear Purple Well”.
Today’s message is “Entrusted with Truth”.
In this second session of Tom Birch’s series on how to “Wear Purple Well” he takes a look at being “Forgiven”.
Welcome to “Enlighten”! This year we have 5 classes covering a wide range of topics.
Tom Birch is teaching in our main auditorium a series he’s entitled “Wear Purple Well”.
The first session is subtitled “Citizens of Heaven”.
Pastor Lucas Chance introduces the congregation to Jason Dreher and his family (wife Leisl and daughter Alexis) and then turns the mic over to the congregation to hear how we are thankful at this time.
Pastor Marlo brings back his father and Pastor Emeritus Arlo johnson, plus his brother Dr. Randy Johnson to talk about “Purpose”, “Communion” and the miracle of Marlo’s mother’s recovery from a stroke and seizure.
In the final sermon of his 4 part series on women in the bible, Tom Birch gives us a “two-fer” to make up for the fact his first sermon was actually about a man.
Her Tom brings us the stories of Jael and Deborah.
Tom Birch examines the life of Rahab and that of our modern day "Rahabs" by reminding us that her importance was underlined by her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus.
Tom Birch continues to examine the lives of Old Testament men and women with a look at Tamar and Judah.
Tom Birch takes us back to Genesis. He does love the Old Testament. Here we learn about the family dynamics and dysfunction that resulted in Judah leaving for more than twenty years after the "selling of Joseph" to Egyptian slavery.
Pastor Marlo Johnson brings a strong challenge to us not to be victims. God called us to be filled with courage.
Today Pastor Marlo pays tribute to his father and our founding pastor of Westside Family Fellowship, Arlo Johnson as he approaches his 90th birthday. Joining Marlo are his brothers Grady and Randy, and Marlo's sons, Mark and Jordan.
Pastor Marlo continues talking about community and brings along an axe and a sample as object lessons.
Pastor Marlo Johnson challenges us to depend on the Holy Spirit and not ourselves as we try to operate in the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Marlo Johnson challenges us to come together to get all the benefits of the Body of Christ worshiping in person.
Tom Birch concludes his series of messages from the book of Daniel with an affirmation that throughout our hard times, we have a good God.
Tom Birch continues his look at the Book of Daniel and specifically Daniel's Visions today.
Tom Birch continues taking us through the book of Daniel.
This is Part 3 of the series titled "Living With a Divine Perspective in a Fallen World".
Tom Birch continues to take us through the lessons of Daniel in Part 2 of his series on "Living With a Divine Perspective in a Fallen World".
Tom Birch beins a series about the book of Daniel and its connection to our fallen world.
Pastor Lucas Chance encourages us to write our story ... the humble pencil will never look the same to us.
Our guest speaker today is Chris Spyker. Born and raised in Prince George, Chris is what we call a "born Westsider" as his parents have been part of the church since before they were married.
It's the last Sunday for Chris and Micaela before he takes up a new RCMP posting to Sparwood B.C.
Pastor Marlo is joined by his father and former Senior Pastor of Westside Family Fellowship, Arlo Johnson.
Pastor Marlo's voice is in rough shape after an allergy attack. But he made it through.
All about how Caleb remembered what God said and held onto that.
Quote from today's message by Pastor Marlo: "It's important that we live our lives with the important things being important."
Pastor Marlo continues his examination of the events surrounding the old testament leader of the Hebrews, Joshua.
Pastor Marlo reports on his experiences in Sri Lanka and reminds us that the best faith is one that's been tested and found strong afterwards.
How do we deal with shaken faith? Pastor Lucas Chance addresses all the shaking we've been through these past few years.
This is our Easter Sunday sermon with Pastor Marlo Johnson.
The good news we enjoy today came out of the terrible events of "Good Friday" and Easter.
John 16:33
Two questions
Communion Sunday with Pastor Marlo Johnson.
Scriptures:
Genesis 2:4–23, Genesis 1:26–31, Genesis 3:8, Matthew 6:19–21, John 17:4–8, Matthew 28:18–20, John 13:35
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
Pastor Marlo Johnson prepares us for Communion and Easter by remind us of the challenge Jesus gave to his disciples. "Love Like Jesus Loved"
'So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” ' John 13:34-35
Pastor Marlo Johnson encourages us to face the challenge of change and the emotions that come with it.
Don't let your emotions lead because they most often will lead to destruction.
Here are some quick notes from the message "Peace With God" by Tom Birch.
“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.”
Ephesians 2:17 ESV
Ephesians is all about how Jesus brings everything together to peace in himself
heaven and earth Jew and Gentile men and women slave and free rich and poor husband and wife children and parents sinner and saint Far and Near
Who is far from God today? “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:1-3
They are:
dead disobedient to God living for their desires under wrath
Maybe you remember being Far. God has a path home to peace but it is through truth and usually involves a hard word that can soften a heart. Maybe you care about someone who is Far and it seems hopeless (wrong right and right wrong). This is nothing new. That is the ground that the word first spread in. Those Who Are Far Can Come Near “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:13 ESV
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Ephesians 2:19 ESV
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” Ephesians 3:6 ESV Who is near to God today? Here's a good biblical example of "the near".
“And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Mark 10:17-22 ESV
Kids raise in church of a Christian school like Westside Academy are near, but that doesn’t give them peace with God.
Some may be running as FAR as they can away Others may be like the rich young ruler You're not not saved by being in a Christian home or Christian school or Sunday School or Church Christ came to offer you (the near)peace. If you are only Near, please open the door and come in.
And then there is "The Saved: “Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!” Ephesians 4:17-20
This is how we ought to live (Eph. 5:1-21)
no sexual immorality or impurity (it came into the early church from the world just as it does today) – peace with men and women includes purity and marriage, also peace with self no covetousness (that is how rich and poor can be at peace) replace crude joking with thanksgiving Reminded that the wrath of God is on the world for these things and that we must not partner with them (to do these things). Because sometimes we still do
Starting in Psalm 73 Pastor Danny Gives us a look at our need for a "Firm Foundation" and what it consists of.
Pastor Danny continues his look at the book of Romans - where it's all about the gospel. This message is entitled "Truth Suppression".
Pastor Marlo Johnson continues with Part 2 of his sermon series entitled "Truth Seekers".
Today's church service consisted of a series of four messages by each of our pastors - first off, Lucas Chance, followed by Steve Ogden, Marlo Johnson and finally our senior pastor, Danny Legault. Enjoy!
Joy Luke 2:25-38
I) Christian Joy is born of the spirit In Luke's birth narrative Simeon is the sixth person that is either filled with the Holy Spirit or marked by the Holy Spirit. - Luke 1:14,15 John the Baptist: You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth … filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb - 1:35 Mary: The Holy Spirit will come upon you - 1:41 Elizabeth: filled with the Holy Spirit - 1:67 Zacharias: filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied
Continuity with the Old Testament
- pointing to Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;”
Psalm 51:11 “Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Something completely new in the New Testament - breaking through of the Kingdom - Acts 2:1-4
Nehemiah 8:9-12 Commanded Joy “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” - stop dwelling on the pain and grief and have a party - rejoice when it is the last thing I feel like doing - Feel no joy - keep standing - keep believing - keep welcoming His presence
Anna: deep lost and goes to temple - fast, worship, pray for decades - Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted
II) Christian joy aches for fulfillment
Simeon waiting and longing for the consolation of Israel - Israel oppressed and brutalized - he is actively hoping and praying that this will happen - joy fulfilled when Jesus is revealed Anna waiting - Anna in the temple of worshiping, fasting, praying after 7 years of marriage The already but not yet - Jesus has come but not all things are consummate - healing, victory, death etc
- Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
III) Christian Joy heralds
- Luke 2:38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
- genuine joy leads to gratitude and gladness that draws people in
- this is the day the Lord has made....
- one of the biggest draws of social media is sharing what you enjoy...etc a good meal
Partying Kingdom style - the return of prodigal
Love 1 John 4:7-12 The story of the missionary Adoniram Judson - 1788 - 1850
- Letter that was written to the parents of Ann Hasseltine asking for her hand in marriage:
I have now to ask, whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring, to see her no more in this world; whether you can consent to her departure, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of a missionary life; whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death. Can you consent to all this, for the sake of him who left his heavenly home, and died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory, with the crown of righteousness, brightened with the acclamations of praise which shall redound to her Saviour from heathens saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair.
Only the supernatural love of God would propel Christians throughout history to give their lives to love others in such profound ways?
I) Love emptied of meaning
Verse 7 … Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
- love used 12 times in this passage
Four of the Eight Types of love
1) Phileo: the love of a friend - best friends - most common word in Greek
2) Starga: the love of a parent
3) Eros: erotic or romantic love
4) Agape: the love of commitment - New Testament infuses it with deep theological meaning
II) Love became visible and defined through the incarnation
Verse 9 … the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.
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manifestation of love occurred when Christ came in the flesh
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love in the trinity
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John 17:21 “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
III) Love initiates
10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us...
Romans 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Luke 7:36-48 Forgiven much loves much
- verse 47 … Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
IV) Love sacrifices
Verse 10 … In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins
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propitiation: made love visible by appeasing wrath
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John 3:16 “so loved … he gave” - 3:17 … not to be condemned but saved
God's love is perfect - love is untainted
V) Love in practice
12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
Our imperfect love
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The argument of the text is that you cannot fully define love by watching humanity.
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with the best of intentions we hurt one another
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John 17:18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
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incapable of receiving it you can't give it out
Two practical ways to love:
1) committed prayerfulness
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praying for you enemies - have you ever struggled to pray for those who have really hurt you
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prayer is a deep heart level communing with God
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Hebrews 10:22 ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Peace Luke 2:8-14 The gift of peace
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The Angels said there is a special gift coming....I bring you good news
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not just true but it actually works
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Peace is available to the believer but it also impacts our world
When do you really value the gift of peace...when you don't have it
- Proverbs 21:9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
We need peace: society - family - within yourself
Two directions of this peace
I) Peace on earth
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace...
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weight or heavy - has the power to move things
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this beauty is greater than every other beautiful thing
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The emotions of God seen throughout Lk 15
God's kingdom on earth as it is in heaven
- praying for the invasion of heaven
Peace in our world through the coming of Jesus
- no group of people on earth has created more hospitals, orphans, helping the poor
II) Peace in us
Glory to God in the highest....among those with whom he is well pleased (favor)
Hostility with God
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
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fundamentally we are at war with God
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peace is lit the end of warfare
Peace with God - Lk 15 celebration and joy in heaven
God knew our biggest problem was sin so he sent a savior
- he didn't send a politician, an entertainer...
Drawn to glory - beauty
- the closer you get to God the more you see his character
Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Philipians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Advent: Hope John 1:1-14
Advent: the expectant arrival of a notable person or thing. It is not an invention of a thing.
Three directions of this arrival
1) Incarnation: word becoming flesh
2) Received in our hearts: to those who have received him, to those he gave the right.
3) Second coming: Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[fn] on account of him. Even so. Amen. Revelation 1:7
The four greatest gifts of Advent:
HOPE - PEACE - LOVE - JOY
Hope fulfilled in the Incarnation
1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son] from the Father, full of grace and truth.
- every other religion the prophet points to a system of beliefs
Biblical Hope is not wishful thinking but certainty
Hope seen as Light
Advent is a celebration of light over darkness - Darkness is an absence of hope vs 5 The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it
Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone. Vs 6 unto us a child is born to us, a child is given...
What if I lost everything? The foundational anchor for our souls is the hope of eternity.
Ico 13 faith, hope, love - greatest is love but what is second
- hope enables us to take another step
Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
The backbone of the Christian church is hope
What do we put our hope in determines our joy?
Do we put our home in:
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Comfort
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Approval
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Control
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Success
All of these will let us down. Only the hope we put in God will endure for eternity.
Pastor Lucas takes the reins today! Here are his notes from the sermon.
T.I.M.E. = Training. Identity. Mission. Engagement.
The Stockdale Paradox
“You must not confuse faith that you will prevail in the end - which you can never afford to loose - with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be” ... Admiral James B. Stockdale How do we apply the Stockdale Paradox? How do we become an overcomer? We put in the T.I.M.E. Jesus in the desert Luke 4:1-13 Training Luke 2:49-52 Stockdale was an officer and officers are well trained. Jesus as a boy grew in wisdom and stature. He had a season of training in his life. All the disciples went through 3 years of training. Paul was highly trained before his conversion. How about YOU? How are you training your spirit man in times of peace to prepare for times of war. Meditate on and practice the word of God on a regular basis so it becomes not just second nature but your first response to everything.
Identity
Matt 3:13-17 Stockdale was a military officer and he was determined to behave like one. Jesus knew who he was. The enemy in the desert went straight to “if you are the Son of God”. The word of God was the sword in his hand but it was knowing that he was the son of God that gave him the strength to fight. The fight in his belly was not the “eye of the tiger” it was his father's voice saying you are my son. Instilling identity. Your Identity. What is your identity John 14:20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. What is true of Jesus is true of you. You overcome the enemy by knowing your identity in Christ.
Mission
John 14:14
Stockdale’s mission wasn’t to escape, it was to win the whole war. His mission was bigger than himself. Part of Jesus’ mission is to bring his bride home. Our mission: To make it home and bring as many people with us as possible. Westsides’ mission statement “To see all people become part of God’s family”. The mission Jesus was on was bigger than himself. It was to glorify God and bring mankind home. That's the mission.
Engagement
Stockdale engaged the enemy on the battlefield and in prison. Taking every opportunity to fight. Even after a loss. He kept his eye on the mission while relying on his training and identity to become an overcomer.
Jesus engaged the enemy in the desert. He was well trained, knew who he was, and relied on God’s truth, not his feelings. He beat the devil in the wilderness then spent the rest of his life on mission engaging everyone he met with the message of Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near
God wants us all to come home. So much he sent his son to die for us.
Even more than that he has sent us the Holy Spirit john 14:15-18,23
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" 23Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
What do we do?
We do what Jesus did. We train in times of peace. We remind ourselves constantly of who we are in Christ and where we are headed. And we fight back all the lies of the enemy with the truth. And we walk this journey home. And as we are going we tell as many people as we can of the goodness of the king, the home he has prepared for us and that he wants to make his home with you/us right now. All we need to do is repent, which is to change our minds about how we live and start living the way God wants us to.
Pastor Steve Ogden asks not "What Would Jesus Do?" ... but tells "What Jesus Did".
Jesus as Our Example Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians 2:5-11 English Standard Version (ESV) 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Humility
- Jesus is both fully God and fully man, yet he set aside his divine power to serve mankind - Jesus recognized that pain and humiliation were a part of his calling - He deserved to be treated like a king but was treated like a criminal instead - This should propel us to lay down our entitlements and serve God regardless of status or cost
Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Sacrificial Submission
- Although he did not want to (Luke 22:42), Jesus submitted to the most humiliating and painful death imaginable - The people called for the death of Jesus and the leaders of the day mocked him (Matthew 27), yet Jesus chose to die for them - Jesus totally submitted to the will of the Father, regardless of the personal cost - Believers today must recognize that there will be sacrifice in their Christian walk. Life will not always be easy, but perseverance leads to incredible reward. Jesus is the Ultimate Example of Purpose - The first reward of following God’s calling regardless of cost is that of purpose - Jesus knew his purpose was to save man from sin. He paid the ultimate price to accomplish this purpose. - All Christians are called to be a light to the world. We are called to make disciples (Matthew 28), and be a witness (Acts 1) - Although the road will be challenging, the purpose one finds in serving God is an incredible gift. Jesus is the Ultimate Reward - After his humiliating death, Jesus rose again and was exalted. - Christ’s reward was simply restoration, our reward is the gift of eternity in heaven - If we pursue God, regardless of the cost, we will receive the ultimate reward This Scripture serves as an encouragement to all who believe because it shows us how much we mean to God, and it provides the ultimate example of how we should strive to live our lives today.
Here are the notes for this sermon:
Controlling the Narrative and Spiritual Warfare 2 Corinthians 10:3 "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." Developing awareness of the spiritual battle in our minds. We are engaged in a war. Not a sporting event.
Spiritual warfare:
Takes into account both natural and spiritual realities Spiritual reality: we don't wage war as mere humans - in the west who are immersed in rationalism and naturalism - i.e. mass shootings ... not just mental illness but demonically controlled evil
Natural reality
Verse 6 - And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient. - after just saying "we are not waging war according to the flesh" Paul tells us he is going to directly confront those individuals who are causing so much controversy 3. We need to take care we do not error on either extreme 4. Have you observed how one can emphasize either the natural or the spiritual at the expense of the other? II) Takes into account the larger battle 1) "Warfare" means a campaign - the attack of the enemy is part of a larger satanic campaign - the Kingdom Of God is at war with the kingdom of this world 2) Stronghold: a walled city - walls made of huge stones...these are ideas, or narratives that oppose what God says - strongholds are a resting place for the enemy who works to kill, steel, and destroy - Mt 12:43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. 44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. 3) We need to remove that which defends the enemy 4) What are the larger narratives the enemy has a stronghold in III) Takes into accounts the belief systems of the mind 1) We destroy (false) arguments or human reasonings - Walls of resistance in the mind - reasonings opposed to truth 2) Leaven example - Mk 8 - feeding of 4000 - Pharisees demand a sign - he sighed deeply in his spirit - left them and got in a boat - Mk 8:15 And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod - Jesus is warning about negative influences on how you think - disciples responded in fear because they didn't have food for lunch 3) We are to make these thoughts captive to obey Christ 4) Do you have an example of an area where you have had to consistently battle to take certain narratives and surrender them to the Lordship of Christ?
IV) Takes into account the condition of the heart 1) destroying every lofty opinion - proud obstacle - against the knowledge of God - keeps you from knowing God - 2Co 4:4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 2) Repenting of the darkness that is in our lives - go beyond a vague submiss but exact area of our darkness
- Jude 6 "And the angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their own home‑‑these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on that great Day."
Jn 1:4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
- the areas we hide in darkness are the areas of our future defeat 3) Demons feeds upon our earthly carnal dust nature Gen 3:14 the curse on the devil...on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat. 4) Don't give place to the devil
- Eph 4:26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
This episode of our sermons from Westside features a refresh of what was shared the previous two nights during the ladies "retreat" meetings on Zoom. Pastor Danny welcomes two of his daughters, Janelle Carbary and Brianna Ogden, to share a much needed message about courage.
This is day two of our annual Ladies Retreat, this year held on Zoom, with guest speaker Janelle Carbary.
Once again our annual ladies gathering (retreat) was held online via Zoom. Special guest was Janelle Carbary for two nights of community and hearing from God.
This message is a portion of the Friday, October 22nd meeting.
In part three of Pastor Danny's series about "Controlling the Narrative" he examines our purpose, our calling and how that relates to our work (or vocation).
Here are the notes for this message. If you want there's a PDF document that you can download for yourself too.
Controlling the Narrative of our Purpose, Calling, and Work
Bible Text:
Romans 12:2-6 ... that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them...
The will of God for all of us is to surrender and embrace his call. But how that is walked out is individual. Each of us is to "discern what is the will of God".
What motivates us to do what we do often stems from false narratives.
We need to control the narrative in the areas of purpose, calling, and work.
Deep Need For Purpose
verse 3 "according to the measure of faith that God has assigned"
The big three answers to purpose:
Eastern: impersonal nothingness, freedom is not freedom to be an individual but from individual
the purpose is an illusion - you need to detach from yourself
Atheists, agnostics, naturalists: the purpose is up to us create and achieve
something you have to figure out on your own
Biblical: an infinite personal God who created us in his image and calls us into a relationship with himself a personal God created us to be who we are and what we are to be
Created with and for purpose
We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are created in Christ Jesus for good works. We are unique, autonomous, individually defined by our creator. We are originals. There has never been someone completely like you nor will there be another you. He has put so much detail in our design that even our fingerprints are unique. God shows up in creation and he is stooping over the dust and then breathes the life of breath into us and man becomes a living soul. We become self aware and we are infused with deep longing for purpose and meaning.
What times in your life have you felt the ache deep in your soul for your life to make a difference?
Dedication to Calling
We "do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us"
2 Timothy 1:9 “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began”
There is no calling unless there is a caller. Answering the call of our creator is the ultimate "why" for living.
Calling costs you something
Luke 14:34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let - merchants would cut the salt and replace it with something else...the salt was deluded Jesus is using salt as analogy of one's commitment being deluded One's commitment to their calling can get water down or deluded. In different seasons we may be prompted to once again come to the cross the cross surrender to His call on our lives
What season of life are you in? Are you in a transitional season?
How might you surrender afresh to the call of God upon your life?
Duty to Work
"Let us use them" is followed by the list of the seven "motivational gifts.
Pastor Danny continues the sermon series "controlling the Narrative" by taking a look at our childhood messages. Below are the sermon notes which are also available to download as a PDF document.
Outline: Controlling the Narrative from Our Childhood
Bible Text:
Jeremiah 32:37-41
37 Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety.
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them.
40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. 41 I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.
Main Point:
We need to control the narratives we received from our childhood.
I) Pursue Understanding of Our Childhood Narratives
verses 28 & 29 - Judgement
I am giving this city into the hands of the Chaldeans and Nebuchadnezzar to capture it ... burn the city judgement on family lines: broken/painful relationships (holidays such as Thanksgiving can reveal these issues), addictions, unhealthy emotional patterns (fear, anxiety, rejection), poverty
verses 30-35 Causes of the judgment - Reasons for the destruction
have done nothing but evil in my sight since their youth have done nothing but provoke me to anger their kings, officials, priests and prophets ... they have all turned their backs on me
Verses 37-44 Restoration
verse 37 … I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety. what are the false narratives
Common destructive narratives:
Performance: meet certain standards to feel good about myself. Fear of failure. Unexplained anxiety, self-critical.
God's answer: justification - Romans 8:31
Rejection: approved by certain others to feel good about myself, bothers me when ignored or someone is unfriendly, people pleasing
God's answer: reconciliation, sonship, bride
Condemnation: unworthy of love and deserve to be punished. Hard on yourself when you fail. Find yourself blaming others when they fail. Tend to focus on the failings and faults of others.
God's answer: propitiation, Romans 8:1
Shame: I cannot change; I am hopeless. I cannot get away from my past failures
God's answer: regeneration - Romans 6
What are some destructive narratives that you have had to deal with?
II) Pursue Restoration
1) God wants to restore
37 Behold, I will gather them from all the countries to which I drove them in my anger and my wrath and in great indignation. I will bring them back to this place, and I will make them dwell in safety.38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.
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The people will be restored to their land, and the country will again be prosperous. After the punishment, a godly remnant will return from exile to security.
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Romans 8:1, 31 - no condemnation - God is for us
2) Restoration of relationships
- verse 39 … I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever...
Malachi 4:6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.
Practice gratefulness
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Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always and for everything to God
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it isn’t an accident you were placed in the family that you were
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we need to ask why we are in the generational line that we are
Practice Mercy and forgiveness
Matthew 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged,
Pastor Lucas Chance asks us to "Stop! & Think" about the supremacy of Christ in our lives.
Dave Pope starts things off by sharing a word that ties in with the overall message by Pastor Lucas.
There are stories we tell ourselves and stories we are told. We need to recognize and control the narratives affecting us from both inside and outside ourselves. Pastor Danny begins a new series "Controlling the Narrative".
Vision Sunday is the day we promote everything happening at Westside Family Fellowship. Sort of a pastoral "State of the Union" address (as our American friends would have) or the "Throne Speech" upon the opening of a new Parliament here in Canada. There's so much going on this year that Pastor Danny has opted to have TWO Vision Sundays! Welcome to Part 2 with a focus on Missions, Youth and Family.
Every fall Westside Family Fellowship casts the vision for what our church has been and intends to be. This year Pastor Danny has to break up the Vision Sunday into two parts. This is Part 1.
In this message our newest Pastor, Steve Ogden points out that every believer is a missionary.
Pastor Danny continues exploring how we can engage our current culture. Today's message is that we can do with generosity. And we're in good company with historical Christianity when we do live a generous life.
To engage our culture we must have the power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Danny continues with part 3 of the series on "Engaging Culture".
Continuing our sermon series on engaging our culture, Pastor Danny expands on last week's message about our witness.
As we prepare for "Love PG" on August 29th Pastor Danny gives us the foundation for engaging our culture. Today's message is entitled "Witness".
Tom Birch takes us into the Book of Revelation to learn about "Overcoming" from the Letter to Pergamum.
Today Pastor Danny introduces our new "Love PG" project scheduled for August 29th.
Brian and Suzanne Cornelis lead this venture and Brian joins us to explain the role of the church in blessing our community in practical ways.
This is not only Pastor Marlo Johnson's last message in his series entitled "Lessons Learned" but it's his last sermon as a full time staff member at Westside Family Fellowship. He says he's sticking around town and you will see him in the office on a part time contract basis but this concludes 42 years of full time ministry at Westside.
Lessons learned from over 42 years in ministry by Marlo Johnson. This week was: Finishing
Pastor Marlo takes on a journey of remembrance and lessons he's learned in 42 years of ministry here in Prince George. This week it's "Loyalty" and the story of David and Goliath.
Pastor Marlo shares his past 42 years of ministry here at Westside. Teaching the life lessons he has learned along the way.
Pastor Danny concludes his series called "Power To Change" with this sermon about "His Healing Presence".
Pastor Danny continuing his "Power To Change" series. Today's message is titled "Discerning the Darkness".
Part 3 of Pastor Danny's sermon series "Power To Change" entitled "Facing Generational Influence"
“And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” (Gen 15:16)
Biblical laws that have a definite and direct impact on your ability to overcome generational influences. I) Practice Mercy II) Practice Forgiveness III) Practice Gratefulness IV) Practice Lifting Your Gaze V) Practice Wisdom
Pastor Danny Legault continues our look at 1 John 2:12-14 in the sermon series entitled "Power To Change.
Pastor Danny Legault begins a new series based on Ephesians 4:12–14 and 1 John 2:12-14.
Pastor Lucas Chance encourages us to partner with God in the first of a two part sermon series
On this Easter Sunday Pastor Danny concludes the message series entitled “Embracing the Cross” with a focus on “Redemption”.
Thank you for joining us for Westside Family Fellowship’s online church service for March 28th, 2021!
On this episode you will hear encouraging testimonies from members of our congregation, and learn a lot about a theological word you don’t hear in this modern world … propitiation. It’s the answer to God’s wrath as we continue with the fourth message of the Pastor Danny Legault Embracing The Cross series.
Embrace the Cross – Reconciliation
Pastor Danny continues his series not he cross of Christ as we lead up to Easter.
Part 2 of Pastor Danny’s series of messages on The Cross of Christ and what it means to us.
Thank you for joining us for our online church service for March 7th, 2021.
On this edition we have worship, powerful testimonies, and an encouraging word from Pastor Danny. Today he begins a new series called “Embracing The Cross”.
Today’s service is unique in that we feature four couples answering questions about their marriage as well as a slideshow tribute to married couples. As well, Pastor Danny & Donna Legault share on love as “All Because He First Loved Us”
“People are precious, prayer is a priority, praise is powerful.”
In the 1980’s these words established Westside Family Fellowship on a spiritual path that continues today. In today’s message Pastor Danny Legault unpacks the middle portion of that visionary statement made by Pastor Arlo Johnson at the beginning of this church.