Westside Christian Fellowship

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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 Hindrances to Spiritual Growth   INTRO: Preaching can hinder or help   Personal Application and References God’s Word 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:   Expound [teach] 29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you…”   Convict [growth is painful] 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”   Give the Answer [even when it hurts] 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” * The “gift” is His abiding presence at conversion - but not all believers receive the fullness of the Spirit. Charles Stanley - read pages 116 117 in Stanley's book NOT OVERWHELMINGLY FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT Hindrances to Spiritual Growth: A Vital Church Grows ACTS 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Be saved - “Come out from” the perversion. Be filled - “Come out from” the perversion. - Hinders Growth -   41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Receive - to take what is being offered. Failure to OBEY - to be baptized can hinder spiritual growth.   42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The Model Service: Teaching, Fellowship [iron sharpens iron], Communion [remembering and thankfulness], and Prayers [no doubt worship]. Avoiding church hinders spiritual growth. Some say, “I don’t need to go to church to be a Christian.” True, but you won’t grow spiritually either.   43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. If you don’t fear God it will hinder spiritual growth. Proverbs 28:14, “How blessed is the man who fears always, But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Psalm 145:19, “He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.   44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. They sold their excess - excess can prevent spiritual growth.   2 Cor. 8:13 paraphrase, “Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.”   1 Cor. 16:1-2 (NKJV) “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper,

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 Blessing of Brokenness ACTS 2   INTRO: We return broken items; nothing is valuable if it’s broken; it doesn’t work if it’s broken; we get upset when something breaks. The opposite with God - He can only use a broken person - “soil, horse, glove.”   1. Leads to Spiritual Growth - God uses the painful seasons RECAP - The Coming of the Holy Spirit - ACTS 2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. This was revival There is always ‘preparation’ - men and women prepared their hearts 2. Filled with the Spirit The Crowd’s Response 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And howis it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?... [9-11]...—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.” Two responses 1. This is amazing. 2. Others mocked - they’re emotional; it’s of the devil. The very thing we need is the very thing we’re afraid of -   3. Openness to God’s will 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’ PROPHESY - Speaking God’s Truth Boldly VISIONS / DREAMS - God can warn and confirm His will   TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO MERGER TALKS A PASTOR EMAILED ME: I was overwhelmed by the presence of God with a strange sense of urgency. At the same time these words came from my mouth - "Pastor Shane will be leaving soon." I knew it wasn't because of a sin issue or anything negative. I felt as if it was an opportunity that needed an immediate answer. Similar to someone moving because of a business opportunity. The urgency I felt had to do with the people of the church.

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 Trials Can Lead to Deception JAMES PART THREE: 10/5/16   INTRO: When we experience trials, we are susceptible to deception - an “open door”. “Why is God allowing this?”   RECAP/CONTEXT: James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning [GOD IS NOT DECEPTIVE]. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. “Do not be deceived” - Don’t get thrown off course   Qualities needed to prevent deception: 1. 19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Reacting vs. responding - God brings clarity while we wait, but confusion when we rush. Hear both sides - try to hear what the person is saying and repeat it back to them. Anger is not productive - “quick to listen” “Lay aside” - we have responsibility Obey God and leave the results to him   2. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. Hearing cannot replace doing - African pastor example Saying, “I’ve got to do that”, is not doing it. The blessing of obedience. I Hear - love and forgive; I Hear - turn from sin and obey; I Hear - remove the weight that... BUT unless “I DO” - I will not reap the benefit I Know about “Jesus”   3.  26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. The tongue is the best gauge of maturity. Works also reveals the heart. Unspotted - untarnished.   CHAPTER 2 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,

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 “You Shall Receive Power” Final Service in Lancaster - a new season for WCF   WORLDLY POWER - Control, Prestige, Influence [pride] SPIRITUAL POWER - Holy Spirit's control - exalts Christ, influences us toward godliness and humility.   Anything that I have ever done successfully in ministry is through the Holy Spirits power. Told a few dozen people what we were doing completely from scratch - no core group. Started a church on Saturday - a church won’t succeed on Sat. night. Non-denominational - virtually no support. It’s not a real church because I didn’t go to Seminary. Didn’t want to video sermons - didn’t know what iTunes was or podcasts. God’s power, God’s glory, God’s will - “you shall receive power.” ____________________________________________ ACTS 1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Former account: Luke part 2 Theos - phileo:Lover of God “Many infallible proofs” “He through the Holy Spirit” The Holy Spirit Promised - 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father,“which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” Don’t began ministry without the Spirit’s power. 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Overcome Rome and establish His kingdom - Daniel 7:27 Jesus Ascends to Heaven - 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” The Upper Room Prayer Meeting - paraphrased - The disciples went into the upper room in Jerusalem and continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. Coming of the Holy Spirit - ACTS 2 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.   1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all bapti...

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 If God Doesn’t Tempt Me, Who Does? James part TWO: 9-28-16   James 1:9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. The poor are reminded to persevere, the rich to humble themselves. Pursue the “right things” - famous golfers, actors, and sports figures who die are forgotten - life is a vapor - here and then gone. Psalm 90:12 - NLT Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.                        ESV So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. * Spiritual Choices, Family Decisions, Money Matters and Health choices ...   12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 1. Bearing it is normal - To endure is to “bear it” - we are not trapped; we are not without hope. God will help us carry the load, but there is a load to carry.   ‘Approved’ - there is a season   2. It’s not God’s Fault: When we see something we need, desire, or want, our first impulse is to act on it. The pressure feels unbearable and we cave in. This defining moment is often the most difficult when overcoming temptation.   ‘Let no one say’ - excuses prevent victory   3. Drawn away - Succumbing to temptation is often gradual, easy, and effortless. We’re often too smart to take deliberate plunges, but we’re easily enticed to take one step at a time, one compromise at a time, one bad choice at a time until we’re at the bottom. It’s important to resist at the lowest level of intensity and at the first opportunity.   ‘Entice’ means that it looks good - like a lure when fishing   4. The end result is never good. ‘When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.’   We are far beyond a backdoor approach, we need to hit the enemy head on.   You can’t say, “I don’t want to get involved”...you’re already a target.   5. God offers HOPE: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able [We can say “No”], but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure [bear] it.”   When we obey God, He strengthens us: “Just as water ever seeks and fills the lowest place, so the moment God finds you abased and empty, His glory and power flow in” (Andrew Murray).   PRACTICAL APPLICATION: If God Doesn’t Tempt Me, Who Does?   The Flesh, The Devil, and the World Chose opposite of what the flesh wants Resist - fight him Avoid the world’s influence - its ‘pull’ NEXT WEEK: When you go through trials,

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 Are You Filled With The Holy Spirit? The most important question a Christian can ask The Distinct Mark of the Early Church - Spirit-led In Duncan Campbell’s book, The Price and Power of Revival, he wrote, “How is it that while we make such great claims for the power of the Gospel, we see so little of the supernatural in operation? Is there any reason why the Church today cannot everywhere equal the Church at Pentecost? I feel this is a question we ought to face with an open mind and an honest heart. What did the early Church have that we do not possess today? Nothing but the Holy Spirit; nothing but the power of God. ACTS 1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Former account: Luke part 2 Theos - phileo: Lover of God “Many infallible proofs” “He through the Holy Spirit” - The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus and the Apostles. We are desperately remiss if we fail to recognize His vital role in our lives. The Bible had 40 writers, BUT only 1 author The Bible says that the Spirit intercedes, leads, guides, teaches, and so on (cf. Romans 8:26; Acts 8:29; John 16:13). He enables and empowers us to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and to boldly live for Christ. Spurgeon - “What can a hammer do without the hand that grasps it, and what can we do without the Spirit of God?” ⇒ CAMP OUT HERE FOR A WHILE ⇒ WHY THE NEGLECT OR THE ABUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1. THEOLOGY WITHOUT EXPERIENCE: “The church has theology about the Holy Spirit, but it has no living consciousness of His presence and power. Theology without experience is like faith without works - it is dead” (Samuel Chadwick). The Apostle’s Creed - “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” When something is feared it is often avoided - George D. Watson, “The true saints of God, who have clear heads, and pure, warm hearts, have in all generations had to walk between the two extremes of cold formality on the one side, and wild, ranting fanaticism on the other. Dead formality and the false fire of fanaticism are both Satan’s counterfeits, and he does not care into which extreme the soul plunges [as long as it plunges]. Scripture clearly supports the miraculous work of the Spirit today. We need sound doctrine and the power of the Holy Spirit. As I’ve said before, it’s possible to be “Bible taught,” but not “Spirit led”—straight as a gun barrel theologically, but just as empty. The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:6). Theology is essential to Christian living, but so is experience. Fire is self-evident. So is spiritual power! A.W. Tozer insightfully said, “If the Lord’s people were only half as eager to be filled with the Spirit as they are to prove that they cannot be filled, the church would be crowded out.” _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 2. EXPERIENCE WITHOUT THEOLOGY - Example - “Lord I love your drunken glory - kicking people - acting bizarre - toking the Holy Ghost.” The devil mimics a true work - watch video clip

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 Trials Have a Purpose James part one: 9-21-16 Written as early as A.D. 45 - possibly 12 to 15 years after Christ.   1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. “Bondservant” - I am bound to serve - this will change your view of trials. Who was James: 1. Many say the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3). 2. Head of the church in Jerusalem church; mentioned as a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9). 3. Was not a believer (John 7:3-5) until after the resurrection (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19). 4. According to Josephus, he was killed in 62A.D. Martin Luther said, “the epistle of straw” because it emphasized works - “faith without works is dead.” To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad - the tribes were scattered and absorbed into the culture. * James was calling out accepted sins within the Church. * The Way of the Lord is Not Fair 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

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 Break Up Your Fallow Ground INTRO: Just like farmers have to prepare the ground to bear fruit, we must prepare our hearts to receive from God.   At http://biblehub.com/topical/f/fallow-ground.htm: The expression, "Break up your fallow ground" (Hos. 10:12; Jer. 4:3) means, "Do not sow your seed among thorns", i.e., break off all your evil habits; clear your hearts of weeds, in order that they may be prepared for the seed of righteousness.   Land was allowed to lie fallow that it might become more fruitful; but when in this condition, it soon became overgrown with thorns and weeds [COMFORTABLE]. The cultivator of the soil was careful to "break up" his fallow ground, i.e., to clear the field of weeds, before sowing seed in it. So says the prophet, "Break off your evil ways, repent of your sins, cease to do evil, and then the good seed of the word will have room to grow and bear fruit."   Jeremiah 4:3, “Break up your fallow ground, And do not sow among thorns.4 Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, And take away the foreskins of your hearts.”   Hosea 10:12, “Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the Lord, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Joshua 3:5, “And Joshua said to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you’.”   PREPARED: to make something ready for use. Doctors are prepared. Teachers are prepared. Parents try to be prepared.   KIDS in service - your parents are PREPARING you   Christians need to prepare - breaking, sowing, sanctifying.   Farmer - Grant said, “We rely on fallowed ground for the land to rest and save moisture for an entire year, it takes 14 inches of water to grow a crop and fallowed ground allows us to save that. But then it must be tilled and prepared for the subsequent crop. It is usually hard and dry, and there is moisture about 4 inches down. Tillage breaks up the soil (fallowed ground) and allows for the seed to be planted again and brings the moisture up.”   GOD will restore and renew and rebuild - the seed was planted again.   Breaking Up The Fallowed Ground controls weeds and cleans the soil. “So basically, fallowed ground is ground that needs to be rested before a crop can be grown but it also must be broken and prepared.”   Breaking up the fallow ground cleans the heart, renews the Spirit, and strengthens our walk.   We want a deeper relationship - we want to receive from God - we want to grow, but...WE MUST PREPARE THE SOIL OF OUR HEART   If we learn anything from the Old Testament, we learn that the followed ground was not broken up - disobedience lead to delay and disappointment.   The ground is positioned to receive…ARE YOU?   What Are You Sowing - The moisture received during the fallow period is stored for future use.   Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. The deceptiveness of sin is that you will reap a fruitful harvest.   Prepare to Receive - dig, stir,

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 When The Wicked Man Rules “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan” (Proverbs 29:2).   VOTING won’t save America anymore than a dumbbell will save someone who is drowning; however, leaders play an enormous role in shaping the direction of the country. The prophets were statesmen, reformers, and preachers - they were called to redirect the focus of the people back to God.   __________________________   WE HAVE DUAL CITIZENSHIP - If a mere 50 percent of eligible Christian voters would vote, the political landscape would change dramatically. James A. Garfield, an ordained minister and twentieth President of the United States, said, “Now, more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.”   EVERY PASTOR W/ A PLATFORM who is remaining silent - it’s time to wake up… I DON’T WANT TO OFFEND I DON’T WANT TO UPSET I DON’T WANT TO BE VIEWED AS POLITICAL...it’s time to sound the alarm...blow the trumpet in zion                             ------             Dobson, “I’m tired of being called a Right-wing Crazy.” Shocking Poll Christianity Today article Aug. 8th, 2016 - according to a new Pew Research survey, 1% of churchgoers said their pastor has spoken positively of Trump compared to 6% who heard praise for Hillary. Trump received more criticism at 7% than Hillary’s 4%.   MANASSEH OR HEZEKIAH: Manasseh - 2 Kings 21:12 therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the measuring line of Samaria and the plummet of the house of Ahab; I will wipe Jerusalem as one wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.   AHAB OR JOSIAH: There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.   Wicked Leadership is often judgment on the people -   JOHN CALVIN in his Institutes says “that they who rule unjustly and incompetently have been raised up by him [God] to punish the wickedness of the people...I shall proceed no farther until I have added some sure testimonies of this thing. Yet, we need not labor to prove that a wicked king is the Lord’s wrath upon the earth [Job 34:30, Vg.; Hos. 13:11; Isa. 3:4; 10:5; Deut. 28:29].”   Make sure to hear the closing two points   Dr. Jim Garlow - http://www.charismanews.com/politics/opinion/59206-if-you-re-on-the-fence-about-your-vote-this-pastor-clarifies-how-the-very-future-of-america-is-at-stake   A] Look at the platform on which the candidate will stand. B] Like us, both candidates are flawed. But I’d rather deal with a man who is critical vs.

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 to Make the Right Choice   We have the hardest time making decisions, but we should have the easiest time. We have God’s Word - Solid Choices in Unstable Times:   8 Test from ‘Hope for the Heart’ SCRIPTURAL TEST - Does it line up with God’s Word? 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”   The Bible often runs opposite of the culture and our flesh. EXAMPLE: 1. Buy bigger, buy more. 2. They are attractive. 3. I want to move because I don’t like it here. 4. This opportunity will bring in more money [but will it take you away?] When it comes to biblical decisions, they are difficult but peace follows - but when worldly decisions are made, they are quick and easy, but regret follows.   SECRECY TEST - Are you hiding the decision from believers - Proverbs 11:3 (NKJV) “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity [the twisting and manipulating] of the unfaithful will destroy them.”   SURVEY TEST - How will others view the decision? 1 Timothy 4:12 (NKJV) Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” BUT HOW DO WE BALANCE: “A good name is to be chosen over great riches” with “woe to you when all men speak well of you.”   SPIRITUAL TEST - Who is influencing me? 1 John 2:15, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” Women - You can’t love Peter at work and Mike at home. Regularly ask, “Is God truly guiding me?” “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye” (Psalm 32:8). The inner promptings of the Holy Spirit are like gauges in an airplane—if the pilot ignores them, he’ll miss his destination. The conviction of the Holy Spirit is a wonderful gift from God—listen to it. I often hear people say, “God is leading me to do this or that,” and all too often, they find that they made a very poor decision. What happened? The Holy Spirit didn’t lead them; human nature and emotions did. Many jump into a dating relationship or marriage, buy an expensive vehicle or recreational toy, or charge thousands of dollars on credit, believing that God’s Spirit is leading them. I’m amazed at the number of people who don’t help those in need, budget their income, or make smart financial decisions, and still think that they are using wisdom in the area of finances. I’m equally alarmed at the number of couples who are convinced that God is leading them toward marriage, yet they engage in premarital sex and are considering living together before marriage. Let me be clear: God directs us to make “wise” decisions that correspond with His word. Disobedience leads to disappointment. That’s why it’s always sensible to ask, “Is God truly guiding me?” before making an important decision. Furthermore, if you’re not in the Word, the Word won’t be in you. One of the best ways to know if God is truly guiding you is to stay and obey—stay in His Word; obey His principles. “God is more likely to direct me through wise teaching than through inner voices” (J.I. Packer). Compare your “feelings” to the Word.

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 Overcome Fear - Renew the Mind He Is Risen Matt. 28:28 Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. 5 But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said.” SHIFTING GEARS: Resting in what Jesus said and who He is will calm the storm.   Do Not Be Afraid is a command to reprogram our thoughts. Why does “thinking positive” get a bad reputation - it’s biblical? Positive Thinking often replaces obedience. Positive Thinking says, “I can have whatever I want.” Positive Thinking is often sold as the answer. Neuroplasticity : “Oops - science was wrong again” THE BRAIN CAN BE RENEWED:   Romans 12:2 [NIV]: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”   Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you [phony/misleading peace]. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”   _________________________________________   “Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” 8 So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. If men wrote the Bible they would not have Jesus first appearing to women. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” We must worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24): If you are not saved, you are not worshipping. Is your mind being renewed by the truth? Is your mind in a state of being teachable and humble?   A glimpse of the resurrected body - a perfect state - normal but also extraordinary....

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 Three Greatest Deceptions Jesus Buried in Joseph’s Tomb 57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. 59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. The bodies were often left for the wild animals, but not during the passover season. C.H. Spurgeon said, "It was a new tomb, wherein no remains had been previously laid, and thus if he came forth from it there would be no suspicion that another had arisen, nor could it be imagined that he rose through touching some old prophet's bones, as he did who was laid in Elisha's grave." “He rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb”: Commentator David Guzik, “This was the customary way to seal an expensive tomb. A rich man like Joseph of Arimethea probably had a tomb carved into solid rock; this tomb was in a garden near the place of crucifixion (John 19:41). The tomb would commonly have a small entrance and perhaps one or more compartments where bodies were laid out after being somewhat mummified with spices, ointments, and linen strips.” KEY-Joseph of Arimathea made a significant sacrifice - He gave God his best. King David said, “I insist on paying the full price. I will not take for the LORD what is yours, or sacrifice a burnt offering that costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 He got his tomb back a few days later.   Pilate Sets a Guard 62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. On the next day: "It must mean that the chief priests and Pharisees actually approached Pilate on the Sabbath with their request. If they did that, it is clear to see how radically they broke the Sabbath Law." (Barclay) We remember … how that deceiver said, "After three days I will rise": They remembered Jesus’ words, but His disciples somehow forgot them. While He was still alive: The "Swoon Theory" - fainting from extreme emotion. A humorous letter to the editor at a Christian magazine says it all: Dear Eutychus: Our preacher said, on Easter, that Jesus just swooned on the cross and that the disciples nursed Him back...

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 A WORD ABOUT WINE: The person who consumes alcohol walks a very fine line between freedom and sin, responsibility and carelessness, liberty and abuse. Two purposes - Joy and Relief for suffering Self inflicted mocking: Proverbs - “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Pastor John MacArthur states what many of us feel but seldom discuss. "It is puerile and irresponsible for any pastor to encourage the recreational use of intoxicants — especially in church-sponsored activities. The ravages of alcoholism and drug abuse in our culture are too well known, and no symbol of sin's bondage is more seductive or more oppressive than booze." The Bible never encourages crossing the line. A preoccupation with alcohol is just one indicator of alcoholism; a preoccupation with drinking at events or social gatherings is another. This is not liberty; it's addiction. Jesus was filled with the Spirit. This cannot be said of those who consume alcohol regularly. What is the fruit of today's preoccupation with alcohol? Conversations often turn away from God, if they were there to begin with. We begin to compromise our time and interests; we'd rather head to Vegas than a prayer meeting. In Jesus' day, society was much more isolated. We cannot calculate how many people are affected by today's social media. A person with 500 "friends" may be encouraging dozens to stumble. It is the selfless motivation of love that keeps us from causing others to stumble (cf. Romans 14). Be honest. How much do you drink? Is it really one? Do you often plan activities around alcohol (kids parties, bible studies, potlucks, etc.)? Do you often argue and try to justify your position? Paul said that we should not become a slave to anything (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:12). Confess it to others and bring it to the light so that sin loses its power.

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 Silence The Mocking Voices You will go through seasons where you “HEAR THE MOCKING VOICES” - the culture, the court's, friends, enemies, and family. to joke, jest, scoff, and ridicule the goal is to sidetrack - “you’ll never amount to anything”; “you’ll always be a drunk, or an addict”; “you’re a failure and will always be.”   Matt. 27:27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.   They Mocked His Position - Be careful who you mock.   CHARISMATICS MOCK CONSERVATIVES AND CONSERVATIVES MOCK CHARISMATICS 32 Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, 34 they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. Mark says Simon is the father of “Alexander and Rufus.” No evidence for the crucifixion happening on a hill. Sour wine was too bitter or He didn’t want to dull His senses.   Talmud - “When one is led out to execution, he is given a goblet of wine containing a grain of frankincense, in order to benumb his senses….” A WORD ABOUT WINE: The person who consumes alcohol walks a very fine line between freedom and sin, responsibility and carelessness, liberty and abuse. Two purposes - Joy and Relief for suffering Self inflicted mocking: Proverbs - “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”   Pastor John MacArthur states what many of us feel but seldom discuss. "It is puerile and irresponsible for any pastor to encourage the recreational use of intoxicants — especially in church-sponsored activities. The ravages of alcoholism and drug abuse in our culture are too well known, and no symbol of sin's bondage is more seductive or more oppressive than booze."   The Bible never encourages crossing the line. A preoccupation with alcohol is just one indicator of alcoholism; a preoccupation with drinking at events or social gatherings is another. This is not liberty; it's addiction. Jesus was filled with the Spirit. This cannot be said of those who consume alcohol regularly. What is the fruit of today's preoccupation with alcohol? Conversations often turn away from God, if they were there to begin with. We begin to compromise our time and interests; we'd rather head to Vegas than a prayer meeting.   In Jesus' day, society was much more isolated. We cannot calculate how many people are affected by today's social media. A person with 500 "friends" may be encouraging dozens to stumble. It is the selfless motivation of love that keeps us from causing others to stumble (cf. Romans 14).   Be honest. How much do you drink? Is it really one? Do you often plan activities around alcohol (kids...