Westside Christian Fellowship

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Darkness Before the Dawn  I’m optimistic, but like many, i fight bouts of depression and discouragement. Concern is biblical “if” it leads to action!   Jeremiah – Cursed be the day in which I was born! /  Nehemiah /  Jesus – Oh, Jerusalem…   Schools – God is dead; evolution is a fact Legal – Bills to punish people who use the wrong gender…you can’t Bake-a-cake Entertainment – evil is good Sports – idolatry is rampant; we are sacrificing our families on the altar of… Sex-slave trade and massacre of children is common   “Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days – take me back to yesterday… Did lovers really fall in love to stay – Did families really bow their heads to pray – Did daddies really never go away? – Oh, Grandpa, tell me ’bout the good old days…” ~ The Judds   Being the light of the world means that we are surrounded by darkness.          Examples from Paul’s life – ACTS 28 ends with: “Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.” WHY DARKNESS? 1. Evil 2. Enemy – Colossians 4:17, “See to it that you complete [carry out & fulfil] the ministry you have received in the Lord.” Context – For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light…For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face.   2 Cor. 11:22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ?—I speak as a fool—I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. [False prophets don’t have the wounds and the scars].   24 From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;   We will encounter the same perils [danger, darkness] – waters … to false brethren.   Tozer – “It is doubtful whether God can use a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”   …27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.   Being the light of the world means that we are surrounded by darkness.  

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes How God Uses Your Past Find two spots – Acts 26:12 and Isaiah 53 [Notes are under the video] Acts 25 – Paul appeals to Caesar then stands before King Agrippa. He was in jail for at least two years. 1. God can use what we call “wasted time” – Prison time can be an opportune time; time on the backside of the desert is not wasted time. Education, or a lack thereof – affluent, or no influence. Isaiah 64:8 “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.” Lies We Are Fed: Younger people say, “But I don’t have a past.” The Middle group says, “God can’t use me now!” The Older group says, “My whole life is behind me.” Upcoming Gracefest event – Acts 26 – Paul Recounts His Conversion 12…as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Kicking against the goads is painful – the goad is met to direct. When we kick against God’s prodding it hurts: “Hard is the way of the transgressor.” 2. God can use our kicking [rebellion] if we learn from it – Romans 8:28 – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.   15 So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 3. God will answer if you ask – “Who are you? What do you want me to do?” 4. God uses our pain and brokenness to humble us. Psalm 25:9, “…He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.” A.W. Tozer — ‘It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.’ 16 But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. 17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ 4. Your past is about helping others. This removes a great deal of anxiety, fear, and confusion. GET UP! GO! BIG issue for Christians: how can i get ahead…how can i market myself? 19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Can We Really Know God’s Will? ACTS 21:10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” “There are no ‘if’s’ in God’s world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety – let us pray that we may always know it!” ― Corrie ten Boom We would need a Series to scratch the surface of God’s will – His Moral Will  –  His Sovereign Will  –  His Perfect Will  –  His Permissive Will We have something that many in the early church, and throughout the centuries, and even today, do not have – GOD’S WORD! I have seen many people pray, fast, and worship, but still be led astray; still walk outside of God’s Will because they neglect the blueprint – the course correction.   If this reveals who God is and shows us His heart – His will – and His desire for our lives, why do we avoid it?   We get an idea and immediately assume that it’s from God.   “If you are ignorant of God’s Word, you will always be ignorant of God’s will.” ― “God will never—never—lead you to do something that is contrary to His written Word, the Bible.” ― Billy Graham Some things that are clearly God’s will for our lives: (Refer to I Timothy 2:4; I Thessalonians 4:3-7; Ephesians 5:17-18; and Matthew 28:19.) to be saved and to worship Him…to be holy and set apart for His glory. ― Charles H. Spurgeon – “It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus.” to be filled continually with the Holy Spirit – humility, brokenness, surrender. C.H. – “You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.” to witness – make disciples – you don’t just drop the bomb, you help clean up the mess.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Healthy Eating – What Does the Bible Say? We are at the crossroads: Opioid and alcohol abuse are leaving a path of destruction in their wake. Obesity is skyrocketing and plaguing the young as well as the old; it has reached epidemic levels in children – caffeine and sugar have taken us captive. Diabetes is plaguing millions, and cancer and heart disease are the number one killers in America. Is there an answer? Yes there is: “This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls…” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV). We must go back to the old paths to truly find freedom and deliverance. My background – NASM, Maker’s Diet, 24-Hour Fitness, etc. 270pounds – denied insurance – Pic. 70lbs overweight. Overweight – hospital 4 days. Confusion leads to discouragement which leads to failure – They say, “Don’t eat meat, Or dairy, Or lectins, Or carbs” … We also lack motivation: we are not prepared for the battle – its drastic. No – open heart surgery is drastic – leaving this earth too soon is drastic. Pic. of fat heart Disclaimer – check with your physician before beginning. A check up CAN motivate you if you use the blood work as a starting point. Biblical View: I’m not prescribing a diet but a lifestyle – that we look at food as stewardship and not being mastered by it – 1 Cor. 10:23. 1. Food is primarily about fuel & nutrient = stewardship…then enjoyment. This is why I don’t agree with those who say, “God doesn’t care about what we eat.” That’s really just an excuse to indulge; it shows a lack of restraint, and a lack of wisdom. PRAY – “Would you rather have me eat food you Created or food that man altered in order to hit revenue numbers; food he has damaged and destroyed – food this has little to zero life giving benefits. My Focus Today – I believe that God wants us to take care of His gift; it matters. HEALTH CAN BE AFFECTED BY – the demonic realm, what we put in, our mental /emotional health, and besetting sin (eg., “many are sick among you”). Search our website for help in these other areas- How the body works in 5 minutes: storing and burning – BMR, NEAT, EXERCISE. Remember the primary role – nutrients and fuel. ALL 3 MACRONUTRIENTS PROVIDE NUTRIENTS AND FUEL [ENERGY] – C – sugars, starch, cellulose. Main source of energy – glucose stored as glycogen. THE PROBLEM: When we eat primarily carbohydrates, insulin tells the body to start using the energy. If the body doesn’t use it, it’s stored as excessive energy. Too much is taxing on the body [e.g., insulin resistant]. P – amino acids – essential part of all living organisms, especially muscle, hair, collagen, etc., and as enzymes and antibodies.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Is The Bible An “Iffy” Book? Iffy – things could go either way. ACTS 19:15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Watch – Don’t Arm the Enemy 17 This became known both to all Jews and Greeks dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. 19 Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed. Drachmas value – 50,000 days worth of wages [millions of dollars today]. Fear Fell – Fear can be a wonderful motivator; a way to change course and refocus our priorities. BUT any time we overemphasize one area of biblical truth (e.g., God’s goodness) to the exclusion of others (e.g., to fear God) we become unstable and sink. Boat Balancing as an example. “Iffy” – I will only present the entree so you seek out the meal. “In the same way the sun never grows weary of shining, nor a stream of flowing, it is God’s nature to keep His promises. Therefore, go immediately to His throne and say, ‘Do as You promised’.” –  C.H. Spurgeon Wisdom and Guidance – Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, And He will show them His covenant.” Proverbs 3:7 – “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” WICKED – Raw-shaw [twisted]: wickedness twists and contorts Peace and Prosperity – Deuteronomy 5:29 – “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!” Isaiah 48:18 NIV – If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Peace is found in safety, comfort, and assurance – things the world cannot offer. Finding God – Jeremiah 29:13, “If you seek Me you will find Me.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Don’t Arm The Enemy   Synopsis: They have been disarmed, but we arm them again! We have the power to win, but we often lose.   Acts 19:13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We exorcise you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” 16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Naked and wounded – when the demonic realm wins, we feel shame and pain .   VERY IMPORTANT FACT – It appears that The Kingdom of Darkness had much more power and authority before Jesus’ ministry. Matthew 12:28 – But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matt. 10:7- As you go…8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give [give freedom, hope, and deliverance]. Colossians 2:15 – Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Satan will try to minimize or counterfeit those things that are most important – our authority, phony healings, application to the Word, fasting, filled with the Spirit, fervent prayer, etc.   A Sobering Message – to “kill, steal, and destroy” is the goal of the demonic realm. You cannot arm and entertain the Devil and expect to win.   What we do here has enormous spiritual ramifications – you must fight! This is why many relapse – you may have lost a battle, but don’t lose the WAR.   Let’s start at the bottom of the foundation: 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Believing and thinking about Him now and then because of what others have told you is not enough. JAMES 2:19 paraphrased – You say you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe in God and tremble in terror. When you say, “In the name of Jesus”, there must be a relationship – in the name of My Savior! My King!  HIS NAME IS VICTORY – DELIVERANCE   If you don’t know God – there is nothing you can do. You can try will-power, you can embrace positive thinking, you can hope for karma – but you will never be FREE! START HERE – repent and believe – 1st step in disarming. You must walk out of the darkness and into the light.   How do we arm the enemy?    –  We give him ammunition

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Something Is Missing ACTS 19 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” – Transitionary period – a baptism of repentance for the coming Messiah. Did Paul notice that something was off? If the disciples had the Holy Spirit why ask if they received Him? If they weren’t disciples, why call them disciples? A] They lacked spiritual power and fruit – I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THIS QUESTION TO SOME AS WELL. B] They did not hear about Pentecost: Acts 1:8 ESV, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” C] They said they “believe” – but THEY didn’t have a relationship with God. __________________________________ 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon [epi] them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Don’t minimize what happened here – this was a turning point – this was the most important day of their life [nothing compared to it] – they were transformed! A FINAL OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT THIS TOPIC FOR A SEASON – Jn 7:38 ESV – “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water’.” Matt 3:11 NIV, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” These scriptures have been bothering people for 2000 years! SOMETHING IS MISSING! This is one reason why many are turned off by the church – We talk about a POWERFUL gospel, but don’t have the Power! The Spirit coming upon you makes all the difference – you can know the Bible, believe in Jesus, & try to live a holy life – but still be missing something. APPLICATION: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Is there spiritual power [NOT JUST KNOWLEDGE]? Is there a love for God’s Word, Worship, Prayer, and others [NOT JUST GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS]? The greatest need today is WHAT IS MISSING! 2. Baptism is a step of obedience – then the power flows. Were you baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ… CLEARING the CONFUSION: Act...

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes 10 Keys to Sharing Your Faith RECAP: Closed Doors – Jordan Rubin..good thing isn't always a God thing. Evangelism is spiritual warfare – ACTS 17 [Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica], where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas. 1. Know your audience and the rebuttals  Isaiah…“it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer” and afterwards “to raise Him to life so that many people could be forgiven” (Isaiah 53:10-12). 5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 2. Opposition is the rule, not the exception  When the false kings are challenged, the only response is hate and anger – your response is love and grace. Fast-forward to vs10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 3. Study the Bible and let the Bible study you  You’re sharing truth – how do you share what you do not know? Search and see – if I’m thinking God’s thoughts? Search and see if I’m acting according to the character of God. Search and see if I’m parenting…if I’m making decisions… FF vs. 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 4. Don’t ignore the leading [provoking] of the Spirit – to stimulate or excite. 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or...

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes What is a Open/Closed Door? ACTS 16: Timothy Joins Paul and Silas, AND The Macedonian Call – “They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” Forbidden – Not conforming to usual selection principles. CLOSED DOOR! God will stop you if you’re humble and teachable – CLOSED: Illegal, Lacks Wisdom, Wrong reasons/motives, or we are Running. Caution: You can force it open with a spirit of rebellion – “God gave them over…” OPEN DOOR! 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. Prov. 16:3, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” He will bring them to fruition if you let Him guide. KEY to hearing God:  Spirit-filled Is Spirit-ruled. We want NT power and direction, but do we want NT holiness? Who are we fooling? If we are living in the flesh – too busy for prayer, too hectic for study, too tired for meditation – we won’t discern the right voice. How do I know to leave it shut or pray that it opens? Pray – “God, search my heart and motives. This appears to be a shut door, but will You show me if I should keep contending for it? Integrity – Don’t manipulate things or try to make things happened. Don’t skew information to those who are offering godly counsel. Are you seeking counsel? If God wants to open a door, He will open it! Is there peace about the closed door, or is there a continual stirring for it to open as you seek God not your flesh? EXAMPLE: When I watch fixer-upper. WE OFTEN MAKE IMPULSIVE, FLESHLY DECISIONS. EXCERPT FROM Forks Over Knives: we are programed to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and conserve energy. THE WAITING TIME sifts our motives, clears our thinking, and refocuses our direction. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ God redirected Paul as he sought Him. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Never move on a vision or dream alone unless you know it’s from God – it aligns with His Word and His nature. God’s will is to help others – it rarely has to do with comfort, pleasure, and avoiding pain. This is why I often tell those who move or leave a job to “get away from here,” to be careful in their assumptions! Our first impulse shouldn’t be to run from trouble but to seek God! But sometimes, God will use trouble, challenges, and being discontent to move us on. If you’re filled with the Spirit you’ll know – if you’re filled with the flesh life will be chaotic.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes FASTING OVER FORKS – Delight Not Drudgery   It’s hard for 2 wills to live in the same body. What passion prevails? Conflicts on the calendar – Dodger game vs. Wedding The motivation behind fasting is to seek God more fervently – to give up the good for the best!   JUST FOCUS ON JESUS: According to the Obesity Action Coalition – “It’s estimated that every pound of fat requires about one extra mile of blood vessels…that means more work for the heart.”   Fasting disciplines the body, prayer fights the enemy, and the Word give us wisdom.   If the battle is with the flesh, what makes us think we’re going to defeat it if we keep feeding it. __________________________________   1 John 2:16 [NIV] – For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world.   BUT we hear: “Be yourself! Embrace your longings! Cave in to your desires.” MANY Old Testament rebukes were because of gluttony and indulging the flesh.   Leonard Ravenhill – “The early church had an upper room with fire; today we have a supper room with smoke.”   WHEN: There is desire, conviction, AND confirmation. There is a deeper call to purity and holiness, or a difficult task ahead.   Fasting applies pressure: “Often, pressure has to be maintained before there is a breakthrough in heavenly warfare.” Arthur Wallace   The flesh gives up once pressure is applied consistently – “Popeye – “That’s all I can stands, I can’t stands no more!” “Resist the devil…” Some strongholds hang on piece by piece.   W H E N – Is there a desire to resurrect dead prayers? Is there a stronghold that has been gripping your life? Do you desire a deeper walk with God or INCREASED spiritual hunger? Do you need help in the area of self-discipline [temperance]? Do you need a breakthrough, direction, or peace. Is all hell breaking loose in your life or in your family – great obstacles ahead. Pray & Fast – Matthew 17:14 And when they had come to the multitude, a man came to Him, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 So I brought him to Your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes FASTING OVER FORKS Pt. 1 A Hunger Strike Against Hell The Why, When, and How of Fasting WHY? Spiritual disciplines are like farming. We can’t make the seeds grow, but we can create an environment for growth. Fasting is seen throughout the Bible – Matthew 6 – when you pray, give, and fast. LUKE 5:35 [NIV], “But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” Ravenhill: “When there´s something in the Bible that churches don’t like, they call it `legalism.´” The physical is affected by the spiritual – “we wrestle not.” MOSES RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD  – KING JEHOSHAPHAT EXPERIENCED VICTORY  – ESTHER RECEIVED PROTECTION  – ELIJAH WAS RESTORED  – DANIEL EXPERIENCED THE SUPERNATURAL  – EZRA RECEIVED DIRECTION  – NEHEMIAH WAS STRENGTHENED  – JOEL OFFERED THE CURE FOR JUDGMENT   – JESUS WAS EMPOWERED  – PAUL CONFIRMED HIS CALLING – CORNELIUS WAS SAVED – ACTS 13:2 [NIV] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ACTS 14:23 [NIV] Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. The vast majority of the heroes of the faith fasted. And it’s still very common in places like China, Korea, – secluded places for prayer and fasting. *John Wesley would not ordain a man unless he fasted twice a week – self disciplined. THE PENDULUM SWING – Those who see it mentioned throughout Scripture (close to 80 times), see the enormous benefit – KEY: The closer you draw to God the more you do for God. Fasting is a hunger strike against hell – it subdues the flesh. “How can you pull down strongholds of Satan if you don’t even have the strength to turn off your TV?” Ravenhill John Owen, The Works of John Owen: Of the Mortification of Sin in Believers The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought yet to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin. Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work…be killing sin or it will be killing you….Every unclean thought or glance would be adultery if it could; every covetous desire would be oppression, every thought of unbelief would be atheism. You are not powerless – you give power to either the flesh or the Spirit. Neglect of this duty to mortify causes the withering of the soul. James 4:5 says that our spirit “has envious yearnings”. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ The Spiritual is the priority but there are physical benefits. All of our choices have consequences, but when it comes to eating, we don’t think that applies. The Great Physician heals our bodies.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes I’ve Been Hurt! Now What? Division over John Mark – 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another… They both had valid reasons – one was wisdom the other was forgiveness. 1. Colossians 4:10 (paraphrase) – If Mark comes to you, welcome him. 2. 2 Timothy 4:11(NIVUK) – Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” o   People who don’t release offenses never grow; they stay stagnant – they run! o   Seasoned men and women of God have been offended ten times over. o   We’re going to be offended for the rest of our lives. Unforgiveness steals your joy, hurts your relationship with others, and damages your walk with God. God never designed us to hop around and stay stagnant. Err on the side of grace and grow or follow the course of… Reasons to “Consider” Leaving a Church: Does God want me to stay and make a difference? Scripture is watered down. Sin is never confronted. The church lacks spiritual life. The church is very controlling (to direct the course of events). controlling… Manipulates you with God’s word vs. encourages you – temper tantrums or threats Never satisfied or appreciative. Putting you down and challenging your motives Imposes their will on you. Not – I didn’t make the worship team, or the pastor said something I didn’t like. I was promoted. I didn’t get my way. Someone was rude to me. Jesus Was Offended. Herod tried to kill him; his family rejected him; entire cities denounced him; John the Baptist questioned him; the Pharisees mocked him; the Sadducees challenged him; the scribes accused him; his people cried, “Crucify him!”; Pilate sentenced him; Judas betrayed him; Peter denied him; and his disciples forsook him. The world is still OFFENDING him. There’s power in forgiveness – Christians should be able to forgive, when we’re in right relationship with God. Matthew 6:15 – “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” 1. BLESSINGS ARE REMOVED – Something is being held against us. 2. A LACK OF FRUIT – D.A. Carson – “There is no forgiveness for the one who does not forgive. How could it be otherwise? His unforgiving spirit bears strong witness to the fact that He has never repented.”

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes What is a “Good” Man? Psalm 37:23-24 (NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand. GOOD – good choices, a productive life [lived to a good old age], gets back up though he falls. Two extremes – I’m a worm (manure)…or God I’m so good. “Not about perfection, but direction.” John MacArthur Come as you are – but don’t stay as you are… ORDERED – Koon – FIXED, ESTABLISHED, AND READY. The Struggle: the enemy, or our mind, plants thoughts. We go back-and-forth on whether we should act them out. The more you fuel SIN the more you’ll fight SIN. Hollywood says a real man is the opposite of what God says: You can be a good man today – you can turn from darkness to light. From confusion to clarity. From being foolish to being wise. From being bound to sin to being set free. A man is often measured by who he “is”, not who he “was.” We say, “This is too hard,” and we give up. Antinomianism – “against the law [nomos].” /  WALK HERE / Moralism – the Law [external] – “the letter kills…” John 5:3 tells us, “This is love for God: to obey His commands…” Both are grounded in PRIDE – look at how many laws I obey vs. look how many laws i break. Willpower is good, but not enough – “do not touch; do not taste.” You exercise your will to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit – SANCTIFICATION IS SUBMISSION [a gift from God]. Spiritual Disciplines engage the Gift-giver. A GOOD MAN – ACTS 14:23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. Fasting shows the magnitude – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God” (Acts 20:28). 1ST – Do you truly know the Savior??? “What is the spiritual condition of those I’m leading?” Change the environment of your home if it’s on life support. Qualifications of a good man – Elders [normal men who have matured] – Titus 1 (NASB) 5… appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. Outside reputation. Sexual purity – a one woman man. Dissipation is a lazy partier or gamer – rebellious to th...

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Every Believer is Called to the Ministry   INTRO: Everyone can have a ministry – God created us to make a difference. The problem is we look at numbers instead of faithfulness. Oswald Chambers: “God buries His men [and women] in the midst of paltry things, no monuments are erected to them; they are ignored, not because they are unworthy, but because they are in the place where they cannot be seen.”   Acts 14:8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. To the needy – it’s not comfortable. God restores the humble and those who see their need – it’s our job to point them in the right direction.   Psalm 107:27-28 (NIV), “They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.”   9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed,10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. GOD was his focus. You don’t build faith by being negative. Paul was OPEN to what God wanted to do – no we doubt what God wants to do. This is the gift of faith. He surveyed the situation: Matthew 7:6, paraphrase: Don’t waste your time or things on people who will throw it back in your face. Don’t throw your money or assets to those who act like pigs! They will trample those resources then turn on you. 1. The man had faith 2. In Mark 9:24 – I believe, but… 3. Matthew 8:8 – just say the word. In ministry, you’ll need faith – you’ll struggle with faith – and you’ll need to intercede – An intercessor identifies with the pain.   11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonianlanguage, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Key to ministry success: Proverbs 27:2, “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth.” Praise is “accurate acknowledgment.” BUT then you praise G0d AND mean it. Heart issue: “Oh shucks…you mean little ole me?” Who were Zeus and Hermes – 2 of 12 Greek gods who lived on Mount Olympus. Most of that belief system has now faded. Who IS Jesus – not who WAS Jesus.   13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. Nearly all religions make a sacrifice. Knowing we need something to take our place…that we’ve fallen short…that we owe something…is in our DNA. Argument against Christianity: “All Religions speak of a God and a Sacrifice – so it must not be true – it’s all a myth.”

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Wake-up, Sleepy Head INTRO: Wake Up – there is something to do Let’s be honest – We rarely change unless we WAKE UP! _____________________ READ Judges 16:16-30 1. He was Pestered – persistent interruptions. Wake up: DISCOURAGEMENT has a purpose. You have to offset the discouragement – stay and obey and pray. HOW DO YOU STAY COMMITTED TO GOD’S WORD EVERY DAY? It becomes who you are. We would never ask, “How do you stay committed to looking at your phone or Pc or tv?” 2. Compromise – the standard drops – nazarene vow – power was in consecration. The website, Setting Captives Free, says, “When your sin is hidden many things happen. First there is deception in that you can ‘handle’ this yourself (pride). When you are at that point, you no longer look to the Lord for your help. Then there is shame because you are living a deceptive dual life.” Wake up: Girls, Glory, and Gold God gave him opportunities to repent. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE? 3. Watch out for opportune times: H.A.L.T. He was getting angry and tired – hungry and lonely. WHAT IS THE GREATEST LESSON? THE BEST ADVICE / THE WORST ADVICE. 4. His ‘SPIRITUAL’ strength left – “I will go out as before” Wake up to pride: “it won’t happen to me.” Why did he share his secret? He’d been compromising… 5. He lost his vision – he was called to be a deliver; now he needed deliverance. You are called – “But I don’t feel like it.” The Battle of Gettysburg – 27,000 recovered weapons; 24,000 never fired. CLOSING: BUT his strength came back when he humbled himself – He called on the Lord What’s Your Delilah https://youtu.be/NhOzHxFvIk0 Deadliest weapon – hard heart Wake up: you need God Repent and believe or repent and return. Psalm 107:27-28 (NIV), “They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” THIS IS WHY WE WORSHIP!