Westtown Church

When Americans think of a long nose, we typically think of Pinocchio and his lying. But the Bible speaks of a different kind of long nose. The Bible tells us that God is "slow to anger"--literally, "long of nose." In other words, God is very patient because God is love. We see that loving patience of God most supremely in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of impa...

If you have ever been to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado or other beautiful areas, there are sometimes places along the side of the road marked "Scenic Overlook."  Like a delicious dessert, such places are meant to be taken in more slowly and savored.  Such places, by the beauty of the breathtaking view, demand we slow down and enjoy the view.  There are places like that in the...

Is the old Canadian rock group Loverboy right?  Is it true that "Everybody's working for the weekend"?  Is our daily work something we simply endure and put up with?  God reveals to us in the Bible a rich and grand vision for our ordinary daily labors.  There is a reason why Jesus was a carpenter much longer than He was a preacher. Support the show

One of the hardest lessons to learn in the Christian life is that God's grace truly is sufficient for every circumstance and that the greatest weapon we have to deal with spiritual warfare is the shield of faith. In the latter half of Psalm 10 King David shows us a good kind of stubbornness--a stubborn faith that "keeps breaking through" in a difficult time. Support the show

Have you ever wondered if God cared about your problems or sufferings? The two great questions of the Psalms and the prayers of God's people to God throughout the ages are "Why?" and "How long?" In the first half of Psalm 10, King David cries out "why" to God, for David is being unjustly attacked by wicked people and God seems far off, as if He is hiding from Dav...

Suffering certainly does not feel normal but the Bible reveals that suffering is a normal part of the Christian life. That suffering seems even more painful when it comes from the hands, mouths and schemes of other people. The second half of Psalm 9 reminds us of at least five things we need to remember about God when our faith is challenged with suffering. Support the show

It has been said that in some parts of the world people sleep in high towers because the gnats can't fly that high. For Christians, God is a high tower and when the cares and fears of this world are biting us, our faith needs to get in that high tower. The first half of Psalm 9 shows us what that looks like. Support the show

Our galaxy has over 100 trillion stars and our universe has over 200 billion galaxies. It is incredibly vast. We look up in the sky and see the greatness and majesty of God! By comparison, people may seem to be more than insignificant. And, yet, Psalm 8 reminds us of something beautiful: the majestic Creator of the universe is "mindful" of us and He cares for us. No wonder Charles Spurge...

We often think of God as a Refuge--that is, we find comfort in taking refuge in God's love. But have you considered that in a world where people are too often horribly mistreated, we can take refuge in God's justice? Psalm 7 reminds us that God's people don't take vengeance in their own hands but trust God to set things right--because He will.  Support the show

Psalm 6 is a wonderful example of teaching us how to pray honestly to God when we are downcast and depressed, especially when we have a troubled conscience due to our sin. It also reminds us that God is a good Father to His children and, therefore, He disciplines His children in love. Support the show

One of the hardest things in all the world to do is to respond to the hatred or unjust treatment of others toward us in a way that is pleasing to God. Psalm 5 instructs us what to do when we are deeply hurt so we can display the beautiful, loving character that Jesus showed His own enemies. Support the show

We live in a dangerous world filled with trials of every kind. Psalm 4 teaches us about the blessing of being under the shadow of God's wings and the secret to lying down to sleep in peace. Support the show

How do you deal with your spiritual enemies and fears? Psalm 3 teaches us to deal with them in confidence and courage through faith in God’s mercy and faithfulness through Jesus Christ. Support the show

The famous Bible verse John 3:16 speaks both of God's great "love" for a rebellious world but also alludes to His judgment (in the word "perish").  In like manner, Psalm 2 alludes to God's Son (Jesus) as a saving "refuge" but also mentions His just "wrath."  Psalm 2 helps us understand what R.C. Sproul meant when he said, "We are saved from Go...

This summer, we invite you to join us as we explore Psalms 1-10, together as a church family. Psalms 1 and 2 serve as the introductory pillars to the entire Psalter, laying a foundational understanding. Meanwhile, Psalms 3-10 form a group known as " The Chain of Trust. " St. Augustine, around AD 400, the greatest theologian of the first millennium, expressed his deep love for God through...

Where does the spiritual power for Westtown Church come from to advance the kingdom of God in NW Tampa and to the ends of the earth?  What does a vibrant, Spirit-filled church look like?  What are the essential things to which God's people are to be devoted, and where does that passion and devotion of the heart and life come from?  How does God grow His Church His way?   At the end of Acts ch...

1 Corinthians 13 is widely known as "the love chapter." But it's not a chapter about romantic love. It's about Christ-like love: a far more powerful kind of love. In a culture that is confused about the very definition of love, it is essential for Christians to know and show the love of Christ. Support the show

Have you ever contemplated the intricate dynamics of the Holy Spirit within the Christian community? We reflect on the power of unity and interdependence within the body of Christ, inviting you to embrace the harmony that comes from supporting and honoring one another in our collective journey under Christ. Support the show

In 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Paul responds to a question about gifts given to each Christian by the Holy Spirit called spiritual gifts. We'll look at what these gifts are, what they aren't, and how each Christian can serve in the Church and bring glory to Jesus through their gifts. Support the show

Unlocking the beauty of your identity in Christ – how awesome and wonderful it is to be created male and female and to learn to love and value and enjoy that! Join us in reflecting on 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 this Sunday, as we unravel the significance of being male and female in Christ. Discover the depth of joy and unity that comes from embracing our dependence and interdependence with each other a...

Embracing the freedom found in Christ is more than a personal journey...much more. Our walk with Christ leads us to a profound understanding of this freedom—one that fills us with confidence and purpose. Through 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 , we see that this freedom isn't solitary but communal, inspiring us to make a positive difference in the lives of others, showcasing the transformative power...

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul looks back on the Israelite's' struggles with idolatry in the wilderness after the Exodus. He wants us to see their idolatry as an example, so that we don't fall into the same traps. While the context is completely different for us today, we are tempted by the same kinds of idols as them! How do we withstand temptation and idolatry? By looking to Jesus, our...

As we continue in our series, Witnesses in a Watching World, this Sunday our focus will be on 1 Corinthians 9:1-27. A powerful reminder from Paul, about the importance of sacrificial love and selflessness in our Christian journey. Let's reflect on Paul's examples of giving up lawful things for the sake of others and the kingdom, and consider how we can live out these principles in our da...

Join us, as we dive into 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul's epistle to the Corinthians dispels doubts and affirms the resurrection as the linchpin of our faith. It's a passage that not only validates eternal life for the faithful, but also serves as a resounding trumpet call – it helps us see how the resurrection is the defining moment for all believers. He is alive! Death has been defeated!...

Join us as we dive into 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, to explore these questions – What is idolatry? and, How do we, as Christians, support each other in a world that is full of it? Discover what idolatry truly means and how it can subtly infiltrate our lives. As Christians, we can uplift and strengthen one another amidst the challenges of living in a culture saturated with false gods. Let's learn to...