Woodland Hills Church

In this section of Scripture we're in, Jesus explains the difference between what people of his day assumed the Old Testament law meant and what it really means. He's making clear the underlying spirit of the law, as opposed to the literal interpretation that focuses on the letter of the law. This points to a "third way" pattern of living out the Kingdom of God that manifests t...

This two-part sermon provides an update on the state of what God has been doing in Woodland Hills Church, followed by an exploration of Jesus' teaching on the imagination and its relationship to adultery.

First, Cedrick Baker provides a reflection on his thoughts after seeing the verdict of Derek Chauvin, along with more killings of black individuals at the hands of law enforcement. This was followed by a teaching from Greg on Jesus' challenge to common views of adultery.

This sermon offers two preliminary words about two difficult issues that are hot topics in our culture: race and sex.

If we want to experience change in our life habits that are unhealthy and sinful, we need to learn to embrace the practice of confession. This sermon gives a clear path for entering into this little-adopted habit of the Christian faith.

Our baptism demonstrates how we have died to sin and been given new life alongside Christ's death and resurrection. This is our new identity and it must shape how we view ourselves and others.

On this Good Friday we held a special service as we reflected on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Along with worship and unique reflections from artists, musicians and speakers, we also participated in virtual communion.

After a brief introduction, Greg invites panel participants to give insight and practical direction on dealing with interpersonal conflict and reconciliation.

In this sermon, Tara Beth Leach provides insight into Jesus' practical teaching regarding what it means to live in righteousness and reconciliation with others.

In this sermon, Greg provides a recap to his teaching from last week and then invites a panel of three to provide input and practical direction to the role that anger might play in our lives.

Jesus taught that being angry or insulting another person leads to the same consequences as murdering them. This is a radical Kingdom teaching that goes beyond an examination of our behaviors. It focuses on our hearts.

The Bible announces God's good news. However, what do we do with the disturbing parts of Scripture, like the passages that depict God as promoting violence, animal sacrifice, or treating women as property?

The Bible is not just a text to study. It is a way to hear and know God through the central story of Jesus who delivers us from exile.

Jesus claimed that the entire Bible was about him, that he is the center of the Scriptures. This claim requires us to conclude that he was crazy or that he was correct. And if the latter, then we must decide what to do with such a claim.

In the first part of the sermon, Greg explains the decision of leadership regarding its plans for re-opening. The second part delves into the topic of what the inspiration of Scripture means and what it does not mean. It concludes with a panel discussion about trusting the authority of Scripture in a post-modern setting.

Jesus announced that he came to fulfill every part of the law. How was he able to do this when he was accused of breaking the law? He did this by redefining the law of God around the law of love. This is the bullseye of God's Kingdom.

The New Testament raises expectations for obedience to the level of perfection, while at the same time offering mercy and grace when we don't meet those expectations. What is going on with this seemingly contradictory language? How do the two work together so that we grow as disciples?

As we celebrate MLK day, we not only remember the sacrifices and initiatives of those who led the civil rights movement, we recognize how the teachings and actions of Jesus-which ultimately led him to the cross-manifest what John Lewis called "Good Trouble."

This short sermon and panel discussion challenge us to respond to God's call to offer ourselves totally and completely to God by embracing spiritual disciplines that will shape our lives.

God is at work in all things-even in times of great suffering-to bring about his purposes. Those who are called according to his purpose will join in and cooperate with God's work, allowing the Spirit to form them to live into God's new work.

Jesus was born and we celebrate this fact because God loved the entire world. We also celebrate Christmas because God loves each one of us in a specific way. God so loves the world and God so loves you individually that he sent his son. It's WH tradition to share a story with coloring pages for kids on Christmas Eve. This year we hear about Jack the donkey's special journey in The Promis...

How do we experience joy in the midst of struggle and suffering? Jesus and the early church provide a model for such joy, a kind of joy that does not ignore the reality of the difficulties that we face, but that gives us the ability to see beyond those circumstances to embrace the promise that God is making all things right.

The story of the encounter between Mary the mother of Jesus and Elizabeth the mother of John the Baptist offers a model for how we can bring peace in the midst of conflict. A plot twist that shifts the narrative from animosity to blessing. In this sermon, Osheta visits this story.

When Jesus was presented at the temple as a baby, Simeon saw the fulfillment of his hope for salvation. This weekend's sermon explores the nature of that hope, and challenges the common view that our hope is for an escape from the world.

This sermon asks what it means for God's people to be salt and light in practical terms. Dan proposes three practical ways that we can move toward and embrace this call of God upon our lives.