Woodside Church Elmira

In Psalm 131, we are pointed to a contrast between God’s kingdom and the kingdom of the world. The kingdom of the world values power, position, and fame in contrast to the kingdom of God that values humility, confidence, and contentment in God. As such, we need to put our hope in God to do his kingdom work among us.

We are told in Scripture that 'whether we eat, drink or whatever we do,' we are to do all for the glory of God. We can be glorifying God and enjoying Him as we enjoy the simple delights of life, even in our fun and play. We can lift our hands in worship to God as we enjoy Him as the Good Giver of every gift.

Fathers are called to be Disciple-Makers of their Children, and to do that they must be Disciples themselves first.  Fathers can’t do this on their own efforts and God never asks them to.  When becoming Disciples we can use the body analogy of 1)  Head   –  Knowing Truth; 2)  Heart   –  Being Transformed into Christ’s image, 3)  Hands/Feet –  Living on Mission for Christ.  In this sermon we dig in...

As we conclude our series in the book of 1 Samuel, we dive into the years of Saul pursuing David. In David, we see a man who knows who the REAL Authority is and who the REAL enemy is. In Saul, we see a man who has a cloudy understanding of both. Would we be people who submit ourselves to the REAL Authority and who fight the REAL enemy.

It is recorded that Jonathan loved David "as his own soul." What he did for David gives us encouraging real-life examples as to what 'loving your neighbour as yourself' actually looks like.

This passage sets out (1) the conflict between Goliath, the physical giant, and David, the spiritual giant, and (2) the contrast between David's confidence and Saul's fear. This narrative is full of practical relevance for our own lives as we face constant battles with our enemies - the world, the flesh, and the devil. For followers of Christ, we have the assurance that our victory in batt...

1 Samuel 16 is the story of two main characters.  Firstly, it is still about the current King Saul, the “Man After His Own Heart”, but secondly, we are also introduced to a new character David, “A Man Like God’s Heart” – the future king.  In this message we dig into why David is called a “Man Like God’s Heart” and how we too can become Men and Women “like God’s heart”.

This week we look at King Saul being appointed and then rejected by God as king. This cautionary tale shows the heart of God for us in many ways, but foremost, that He wants our hearts chasing after His. Would we heed the warning given in the life of Saul and be people who give their whole hearts over to Christ. 

Do you have faith? As we begin the book of 1 Samuel, we will examine three key stories: Hannah, then Hophni and Phineas, and finally Samuel. The first three chapters of this book give us a clear look at faith in action. We want to ask ourselves: are we living by faith (for God's glory) in obedience to Him or are we living by flesh (for my glory) in rebellion of Him?

The spiritual practice of fasting is seen throughout Scripture. However, it is a practice seldom explored. Join with us as we look at the practice of fasting in Scripture to gain an understanding of if, how, and when a follower of Jesus might practice fasting.

The Return of Christ is not a fringe doctrine. It is a central theme throughout Scripture. Today we look at why it is so relevant to us in this present age.

Today, we look at a number of reasons why God gave us His Word. Each one speaks to the importance of building our lives on it.

What do you do in times of stress? We are confronted with the difficult places of our own lives when we look at the story of the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24). The presence of Christ changes everything! Recognizing the Risen King transforms our hearts.

"The foundation of the Christian faith is an extraordinary event with profound implications for your life."

Today, we see Jesus make his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and we marvel at the King who came to save his people.

We are in an unseen battle whether we realize it or not. Today, as Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians, we not only learn about this battle but how to fight AND STAND in it.

Our work matters to God. We are not only instructed as to the HOW were are called to work but as to the WHY as well.

God gives us instructions for how to experience harmony and unity in a home.

As we continue in our walk through the book of Ephesians, we unpack God's primary purpose for marriage: to paint a living picture of Christ and His Church. Our union with Christ is at the heart of this text and how we understand our union with Him relates to how we understand the union between a husband and his wife.

God gives us instructions for how to experience the most harmony and unity within a marriage.

When we walk in love, light and wisdom we resemble our Heavenly Father. Our ability to do this well rests, however, on the understand of one glorious spiritual reality.

God wants to change you into something better. Today, we look at 7 characteristics (snapshots) of our new life in Christ. 

As we continue in our study of the book of Ephesians, we move into chapter 4 and the second half of the letter. Now Paul moves from our identity in Christ to our activity for Christ. Christians are called to become mature and to live lives worthy of the calling we have received.

One of the most important prayers we can pray for ourselves and for others is for the power of God in our lives.

We were spiritually dead because of our sin, but because of His great love for us, God made us alive through Christ.