West Ridge with John Goebbel

Would you say that something you like to do brings you closer to, or further from, God?  In "Faith and Priorities" Pastor John shows how many things can be either good or bad depending on what priority we give to it. Support the show

How would you describe a "Christian-ish" person?  In "The Story of Zaccheus", Pastor Todd compares examples from the Bible, where some believe they are fine and don't need to grow deeper in their faith, versus some who earnestly seek God.  Which is the the "Christian-ish" person? Support the show

Would someone describe you as someone who is wholeheartedly following after Jesus?  In "The Trap", Pastor John describes the 5 signs that might say whether that is true or not. Support the show

When the Bible uses the word 'grace' to describe how God deals with our sin, what does that really mean?  In "Self-Control" Pastor John describes how we should view God's grace and how that doesn't include using it as a license to continue in our former ways. Support the show

What are "blessings of gentleness"?  In today's message, Pastor John explains how you become more credible, persuasive and even attractive, when you work in the "fruit" of gentleness. Support the show

What is that one word?  In "One Word That Will Change Your Life" Pastor John explains how "faithfulness" in how you treat people, how you steward resources and how you respond to God's word are often underestimated as to their long term significance in our lives. Support the show

What is one reason some people have less hope for the future?  In "Goodness of God" Pastor John shares that hope really comes when we anticipate God's goodness. Support the show

Why does the world seem less kind?  In “The 4 Un-s that Rob Kindness” Pastor John shares some things that "steal" kindness from our world. Support the show

Why is "patience our pathway to maturity"?  In "Patience in Layers" Pastor John described the four reasons this statement is true. Support the show

How do we have peace in our life when facing trouble, especially trouble beyond what we can handle on our own?  In "Peace Stack" Pastor John shares that we must remember that Jesus knows all things and has all power, and He even said that "in the world you will have trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world".  Tell Him your needs and thank Him and you can experienc...

What does the phrase "joy is a focus, not a feeling" mean?  In "Joy", Pastor John explains the differences in how the "world" defines joy and how the Bible defines joy - especially through the trials of life. Support the show

Can you disagree with someone, but still love them?  In "Walk in Love" Pastor John shows how even those those who crucified Jesus obviously held very different beliefs from those of Jesus, Jesus still loved them. Support the show

What was the primary purpose for God sending the Holy Spirit to us?  In "He will guide you..." Pastor John shows how Jesus described Holy Spirit as the "Spirit of truth" (John 6:13) and how it is by His Spirit that we are guided by truth and refreshed by it. Support the show

When you hear the scripture "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you...", do you feel that applies to you?  In "The Anointed King" Pastor John explains that if Jesus can resurrect from the grave, He can resurrect you and your life from what, and wherever, it is now. Support the show

What do you do when you realize that something you do today could affect eternity for someone else?  In "This is the Church" Pastor John explains that as disciples of Jesus, we of course listen to Him, but also do what he says, even when it sounds hard. Support the show

How does Jesus' parable of the banquet found in Luke 14 relate to you and I today?  In "Everyone Bring One" Pastor John explains that while everyone may not accept your invitation to attend church, some are just waiting for an invitation and are thankful for it. Support the show

Have you invited someone to church recently?  In "Another City for Christ", Pastor John shows, through the example of Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, that we start by just having a conversation and sharing our story. Support the show

What does it mean to be in "bondage to anger"?  In "Is it Right for You?" Pastor John describes how when we are tested, one response can be anger.  But consider that many of life's tests can grow us and move us closer to God -- if we let them. Support the show

We know of Jesus' mentioning of Jonah being in the "belly of a huge fish" (Matt 12:40 NIV) as Jesus would be in a tomb, but what other foreshadowing did the book of Jonah provide?  In "A Real Life Foreshadow", Pastor John describes the parallels of Jonah's travels to Nineveh and Jesus' arrival in Israel. Support the show

Almost all of us will pray when life becomes chaotic, but why wait that long to express heartfelt prayers?  In "Genuine Prayer" Pastor John reminds us that God is always with us, with His wisdom, encouragement, and provision to prepare you for wherever He calls you.  Hopefully, nothing as dramatic as Jonah's experience, but He is there just like He was for Jonah. Support the show

Rhetorical question: "Have you ever made a choice that was not God's best for you?"  In "Power of Choices" Pastor John says you are not alone, but we always need to confess our mistakes and "forsake" (renounce) your choice and the Bible says we get another chance. Support the show

Where do we find wisdom?  In "Wisdom and Stature", Pastor John shares how wisdom, stature (or maturity) can come from many places and situations, but by far the best source is to receive it from Jesus.  After all, who know more about any subject possible - you or Jesus? Support the show

Isn't it interesting that God's best for us sometimes is hard to receive?  In "This is Love", Pastor John shows that we need to make a choice, but we have help if we ask. Support the show

Have you seen your faith increase in your own life?  In "Faith is on the Rise" Pastor John shares how he has seen his faith increase because of how God has moved in his own life, in his friend's lives, through those in his Life Group and many of us in the church -- so he knows that the same growth in faith is happening throughout the church. Support the show

What is your response when someone says the Lord will increase your favor with God and man?  In "Vision Day" Pastor John shares how we can be ready for a large step of faith, because He is always faithful to complete the good work He began in you and in His church. Support the show