Westside Church

Whether in chains or in crisis, our circumstances can be opportunities to magnify Christ to others when our focus remains on Him.

The Book of Philippians calls us to embrace our identity in Christ, lean into our faith amidst challenges, and actively engage in changing the narrative of the church through love, service, and unity.

In this week’s Behind the Message, Pastors Ben and Evan kick off a 6-part discussion through the book of Philippians. In week 1, they explore Paul’s opening address to the church in Philippi, where he expresses his gratitude and thankfulness for the young church.

Whether your response to Jesus’ resurrection is filled with faith like Mary, or plagued with doubt like Thomas, the risen Savior will meet you with the grace and love He has made accessible to us all.

The same crowd that recognized Jesus as the Messiah on Palm Sunday soon rejected Him, calling for His crucifixion. Unmet expectations continue today among the followers of Jesus, but we don’t have to walk alone as we wrestle with doubts and disappointments.

Jesus’s parables illuminate justice & grace in the kingdom of God, redefining our understanding of fairness and generosity. When we experience God’s love, we can embrace a heart of service, seek spiritual wholeness, and prioritize loving God, our neighbors, and ourselves.

Jesus fed thousands and walked on water to teach us about reliance and trust, rebuking those who would misuse his miracles for personal gain. He invites his followers to embrace a life of selflessness and service, symbolized by taking up our crosses to follow him.

The condition of our hearts determines how we receive God’s Word. And regardless of past conditions or hardships, anyone’s heart can become fertile ground for faith to grow and flourish.

Jesus’ arrival changed the entire social and spiritual ecosystem of his day by healing the sick, welcoming the rejected, and challenging the religious. As modern-day disciples, we embody his revolutionary love through spoken, supernatural, and sacrificial acts.

Jesus’ call for mercy over sacrifice and urging unity beyond religious divisions invites both the marginalized and the self-righteous to embrace humility and inclusivity.

Regardless of our current state of faith, encountering Jesus can bring about new passion and transformation in our lives.

While following Jesus we will encounter genuine challenges to our faith, but Jesus' presence and power remain constant throughout life's storms.

Establishing our life's foundation on Jesus is vital for navigating life's challenges. But it goes far beyond mere comprehension; we must put His teachings into practice in the real world.

In His famous "Sermon on the Mount," Jesus teaches a radical and transformative message: the Kingdom of Heaven is here.

In Matthew chapter four, Jesus confronts evil, creates a new family by calling disciples, and restores God's reign through healing and teaching, showcasing a wildly different approach to "Kingdom" than earthly kings.

Matthew introduces us to the genealogy that leads to Jesus, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. He sets up the story for us: Jesus is the new Moses, Jesus is greater than Moses, and most of all, Jesus is Immanuel: "God with us."

Despite Peter's initial reluctance and later denial, Jesus' consistent closeness and call for a new purpose encourages us to leave behind regrets and embrace the new work of Jesus in our lives.

The anticipation of the Savior's arrival culminates on Christmas Eve. The incarnation is all about God's presence among us, symbolized by candlelight from the Christ Candle.

Simeon and Anna are beautiful examples of waiting in hope. They show us how never to give up even in the face of disappointment, while remaining faithful to God within our community.

Pastor Steve Mickel emphasizes Mary's unwavering faith, encouraging us to trust God's purposes, reflect on areas requiring faith, embrace divine interruptions, and commit to saying yes to God's will.

Joseph expressed righteousness through his kindness, refraining from publicly shaming Mary despite her surprising pregnancy. He models a life guided by faith rather than fear, one that will embrace God's plan despite its inevitable challenges.

The life rhythm of gratitude has beautiful benefits in the life of the believer. Pastor Dave proposes four ways we can grow in gratitude: seeing, cultivating, connecting, and remembering.

Whether we've lived a life of indulgence or one marked by religious accomplishments, the Father is waiting for His children with love and acceptance.

In the Kingdom of God, "work" is much more significant than bringing home a paycheck. Far beyond just personal fulfillment, we enrich the world and benefit those around us. Our work before God becomes worship, leaving an impact that echoes throughout future generations.

In the beginning, God brought order and life into a world filled with chaos and disorder. Spiritual rhythms connect us to God, bringing order to the darkness and chaos of our own hearts.