Archive for December, 2009

Redemptive Routine

Posted by Walter | Filed under Services

In this sermon from Luke 2:20-40, Jesus’ circumcision and presentation in the temple show Joseph and Mary following a purposeful routine, the routine of God’s Law. But there’s a surprise in the midst of their obedience: a curious prophecy by an old man named Simeon, and rejoicing by an old prophetess named Anna. The picture [...]

Read more | Comments (0) | Dec 28, 2009

Remembering the Forgettables

Posted by Westside Church | Filed under Services

The Christmas story is a story of God remembering people that the world forgets – a teenager whose pregnant, a back woods carpenter, and the unsavory untrustworthy shepherds.  The heart of the gospel is found in the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds: peace comes to those upon whom the favor of God rests.  The favor [...]

Read more | Comments (0) | Dec 21, 2009

John, Channel of God’s Promise

Posted by Westside Church | Filed under Services

Guest preacher Randall Harris brought us this message from Luke 1:57-80, celebrating the fulfillment of God’s promises — first in Zachariah, then in his son John the Baptist, and ultimately in Jesus. Randall and his wife Michelle were also interviewing as a possible associate pastor.

Read more | Comments (0) | Dec 15, 2009

The Great Intervention

Posted by Walter | Filed under Services

The young virgin Mary was the first to learn of God’s great intervention in Christ, and to humbly accept her unique role in it. Luke 1:26-56 shows why, though we don’t share the Roman Catholic view of Mary, we rightly revere her as the primary female example of faith in scripture.

Read more | Comments (0) | Dec 8, 2009

Waiting

Posted by Walter | Filed under Services

For this first Sunday of the Advent season, we looked at Luke 1:1-25, the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Their story gives us a powerful example of waiting in faith while the Lord acted in their lives.

Read more | Comments (0) | Dec 8, 2009