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Showing posts with the label Westside Family Church

2026.04.26 Sermon Notes: Can I Trust The Bible?

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Westside Family Church Can I Trust The Bible? 2026.04.28 How do I know God Hears My Prayer s Pastor Jonathan Hansen   Notes:  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Best-Seller We’ve Never Read. The Bible is the quiet backbone of Western civilization. It literally formed the culture we are living in. And most of us have no idea. Whether we realize it or not we are living in a world that has been shaped and formed by the Bible. Partly because it is the most widely read and distributed book in the history of the world…It’s had a big influence! And partly because the ideas contained in the Bible are from God and they are actually the best ideas for how humans can flourish and function in the world. Notes:  1. Supernatural Unity + Fulfilled Prophecy “All Scripture is God-breathed,” 2 Timothy 3:16 When you reall...

2026.04.19 Sermon Notes: Why Is Jesus The Only Way?

Westside Family Church Why Is Jesus The Only Way Pastor Jonathan Hansen (Triish's last Sunday in worship will be Sunday, April 26, 2026.---She is moving to Dallas, TX!) Notes:  1 Peter 3:15 In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for he hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect When we are dealing with life or death consequences, persuasion becomes an act of love. Eventually the tornados of life and death and suffering, and t ragedy will come our way, and when it does, it will hit like a freight train. And then we start to ask the big questions… What are the apologetics? 1. Why are we here? 2. How did this whole thing happen? 3. What happens after we die? 4. How do I make sense of pain and suffering? 5. What's the purpose of my life? These questions are so important because if we understand the BEGINNING of the story (where we came from) and the END of the story (where we are going)...

2026.03.29 Sermon Notes: You Can't Always Get What You Want

Westside Family Church Palm Sunday: What Kind of King Will You Follow?  Dr. Mark Moore (Church Christ of the Valley, Peoria, IL) Notes:    See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey , and on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Matthew 21:5 Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven! Matthew 21:9 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, 'Who is this?’ The crowds answered, ‘This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.’ Matthew 21:10-11 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer , but you are making it a den of robbers. ’ Matthew 21:12–13 My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations . Isaiah 56:7  Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord sa...

2026.03.22 Sermon Notes: COURAGE > COMFORT (Common People and Courageous Faith)

Westside Family Church Common People and Courageous Faith Pastor Grant Partrick  (Atlanta, GA) Courage > Comfort Notes:  Isaiah Chapter 6 (Pastor JJ) Worshiping God is seeing God for who He is! Give to WFC Online Acts 4:1-22 "Courage is not the absence of fear but the resolve to press forward in spite of it." Peter and John lived  courageous lives. Stephen, Paul, Annanias (Chapter 9) - different Annanias. Witnessing in Jerusalem Peter and John were put in jail. Acts 1:8 <--MEMORIZE But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. 1. Courage is only necessary where fear is present. Fear is the adversary's most used tactic. Courage is not the absence of fear but the resolve to press forward in spite of it! Fear is a paralyzing force. Where there is no risk, there is no need for courage. Fear kills far more dreams than failure has. 2 Timothy 27:1: for God...

2026.03.15 Sermon Notes: Barnabas: The Power Of Encouragement

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Westside Family Church Pastor Jonathan Hansen Barnabas: The Power Of Encouragement Notes:  Eliud Kipchoge (Watch on Apple TV) 13.8 MPH 2 HOUR MARATHON Leader of Group: Jeffrey Kamwar (Training partner in Kenya). Barnabas is in the background in the Book of Acts. Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God . But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers (Judaizers) criticized him. “ You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said . Acts 11:1-3 Jewish people felt gentile people were unclean and they had to cleanse themselves before God. JUDAIZERS - CONSERVATIVE - They believed you had to become Jewish in order to follow Jesus. If Gentiles can truly be saved this blows a massive hole in the middle of their worldview. Because it means gentiles can be FULLY accepted by God without following Torah and becoming Jewish first. HELLENISTS - PROGRESSIVE - They adopted certain elements of ...

The Joy Challenge: Wrapping Up The Challenge----Who's Next?

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JOURNAL Revisit the questions from Day 1 in light of the twenty-five- day journey you have just completed.  https://amomentwithkelly.blogspot.com/2024/05/part-i-joy-despite-your-circumstances.html 1. Regarding the circumstances of your life: • Where were you twenty-five days ago? Content, but uneducated as to where genuine joy comes from. I am so glad I went through this study - I learned so much about Paul, more than I ever did before and it has persuaded me to continue with my blogging.  I may not have full churches to write to, but I do want to share my story through Jesus' eyes. Paul found Joy in EVERY circumstance---even in death. I want that.    • Where are you today? I'm writing in my blog again!  It brings me joy, something I enjoyed doing so long ago, as it holds me accountable.  I am reading again - seriously, first book study I have finished AND have actively participated in each of the challenges - may be not to the extent I should have, but I w...

Part IV: Joy That Defeats Worry: Principle #20: Let People Help You

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   Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7 Oh my - I can't believe this is almost the last principle.  It's the end---or is it the beginning?  This was by far something I have struggled my entire life--letting people help me.  I like to help people, I enjoy helping people.  Whether it is at work, helping people get their job done or helping here at home, in the community, online, it brings me great happiness. On the other hand, I am not great at asking for help, I'd rather struggle. Until the last 4 or so years, I felt asking for help was a sign of weakness.  But someone offering help, is a sign of strength "on the askers" part.  I know...I know...strange right?? JOURNAL How can you put yourself in a place of...

Part IV: Joy That Defeats Worry: Principle #19: Accept that More Money and Stuff Isn't the Answer

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  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 JOURNAL Option 1: Give away something you own that you really like to someone who would enjoy it or could even use it more than you do. This will help you get a read on where you are with putting your joy in your stuff. Journal your thoughts after the transaction is complete.  Option 2: Lean into the wealth that is more than just stuff or money. After dinner, if the weather permits, pull some comfy chairs onto the front porch or driveway. Invite a few friends or neighbors over, and spend the evening with them. Bring out your beverage of choice and have extra available for whoever else stops by. If it is a bit chilly and you have a portable fire pit, fire it up, or bring out some blankets...

Part IV: Joy That Defeats Worry: Principle #18: Rehearse Your Blessings Daily

  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 This is getting good - I mean, Wow!  I love the fact that we are to rehearse our blessings daily. (But how about that steak recipe!) -Filet Mignon, marinated with soy, water, lime juice, vinegar, dried garlic, citric acid, paprika, and lime oil. - Grilled to 120 degrees and let it rest to 125 degrees <<chef's kiss>> :-) We are to focus on what is: Noble: Majestic, full of dignity, awe-inspiring Right:   celebrated when people satisfy their obligations, including the obligation of giving God the glory for your success(es); marinate daily our minds on what is right. Pure : Celebrate the beauty of innocence; like a sacrificial love a mom has for a newborn child; the sheer beauty ...

Part IV: Joy That Defeats Worry: Principle #16: Seek Reconciliation in Your Relationships

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  Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 I took the day off yesterday (June 11, 2024) to spend time away from work - plans fell through with going to the pool with my sister and after eating Ramen with my son, we were both FULL.  I decided to catch up on some reading. I read this principle and I got kinda excited.  Ok, no.  I was REALLY excited. I have changed so much after the past few years--for the better.  I no longer identify myself with what I do, but whose I am.  I am a Christian, daughter of the King, sister to many Christians.  I can only pray that God is as happy with my life nowadays as I am content. I am not perfect, by no means---He's not finished with me yet. In reading the challenge for this princip...

Part IV: Joy That Defeats Worry

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Memory Verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus --Philippians 4:6-7 Sermon: JOURNAL: What causes you to worry? Is it money, the future, your job, relationships, your health, or something else? Maybe it is more than one thing. I used to worry big-time--so much, it almost gave me an ulcer.  I worried about work, I worried about making ends meet, I worried about what people thought of me.  It sucked.  It sucked the life right out of me. Now, I'm not saying that meeting Jesus took all of my worries away - as much as I'd like to think He did. I now come from an understanding of why worry about something I have absolutely not control over.  I can't control the way people feel about me, I can't change the way my boss feels about me.  When I feel worry come ab...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #15: Surround Yourself With the Right People

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  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #14: Focus on the Future

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 In this chapter, Paul focused on the future--I like how Pastor Randy talked about the "graphic word" straining.  How, as Christians, we need to focus solely on the goal: If we are going to advance in the knowledge of Jesus, it will take intense concentration and effort #keepmovingforward

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #13: Put the Past Behind You

  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 Reflecting on this chapter was exactly what I needed--when we focus on our past--"keep looking back", we slow progress.  We must focus on the end goal - to be like Christ.  Leave the past behind, girl.  Our past may make us who we are, but it doesn't define our future.  Move ON!  Press ON!  #justkeepswimming. JOURNAL From You, Happier by Dr. Daniel Amen Identify and circle which of these thirteen dragons has the greatest hold on you. Write out a single paragraph to explain your choices. Reflect on why this is an issue for you. Be super honest and specific. • Abandoned, Invisible, or Insignificant Dragon— feeling alone, unseen, or unimportant • Inferior or Flawed Dragon—feeling less than others • Anxious Dragon—feeling fearful and overwhelmed • Wounded Drago...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #12: Recalculate What Really Matters

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   Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 JOURNAL The Aaronic blessings of Numbers 6:24–26 have been put to music by several artists. The first was written and performed by Christian artist Michael Card, entitled “Barocha.” The second was written by Cody Carnes and Kari Jobe, entitled “The Blessing.” For your challenge today, find these songs on whatever platform you use.  Listen to both songs and pick the style that best fits you. Then, sometime today, whether in the morning or on your lunch break or in the evening, schedule a time and place with no distractions and listen to the song from start to finish. You can do this alone or invite others into the experience. Before you start the song, take some deep breaths to release any tension you may have. Assume a posture that best puts you in a mood to receive. Whisper...

Part III: Joy Despite Your Past: Principle #11: Stay Clear of Legalism

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  Memory Verse: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead --Philippians 3:13 This sermon was ahhh-mazing!  If you haven't seen it, it's a must-see! I was really intrigued to read about this principle: Stay Clear of Legalism, because...well, that is what has kinda kept me from going to church in the first place, I mean up until Westside Family Church found me (ok, I found them, but you know what I mean) :-) On page 121, Randy states that Legalism, on the other hand, produced guilt and competition.  Legalism keeps a scorecard, and the trophy goes to the best performer, the best religious athlete---reading the previous paragraph, Randy talks about Paul being the Theologian of Grace ("chara" / "charis")---I really wonder if this is where we get the word "charity" from? JOURNAL The Tetris Effect Evaluate your life against the seven traits...