Westside.cc Podcast

The third and final message in the #Viral series is all about how we find peace in a world of non-stop connectivity. Technology temps us to focus too much on circumstances, and to forget genuine relationship-building. A Christian's peace comes from who Jesus is, no matter how much technology hides it.

Much of our identity is formed by comparison. Digital media can fuel comparisons with others, but what if God had a completely different way for you to see yourself? When our identity is in Christ, we can rise above the temptation to compare.

Technology has changed our lives rapidly and extensively. And while those changes aren't inherently bad, the way we use and misuse technology can negatively impact our relationships with God and others. Our devices can be devisive. But what if we chose to love as Jesus loved, and leveraged technology to share that love with the world?

The ultimate upside-down teaching of Jesus is that in order to save your life, you must lose it. This is only possible because of the resurrection of Jesus. Let's explore evidence of the resurrection and its implicationf for our lives and eternity.

The cross was undeniably a symbol of weakness in the time of the New Testament. It's no surprise that the crucifixion of Jesus was a point of confusion for many, and still is. Yet, God chose the ultimate weakness in the world to demonstrate his ultimate power, and what he did for the cross he can do for you.

Slavery is probably the most undesirable human institution in history. Yet, Jesus invites his followers to a life of slavery, which is very upside-down for us. But only in complete surrender to him do we find real and complete freedom.

We usually think of greatness as achieving success, climbing the ladder of status, and gaining an increasing amount of wealth, power, and influence. But while our cultural instinct is to ascend to greatness, Jesus taught his followers to turn that upside-down. Followers descend the ladder to become great in the kingdom.

Many of Jesus' teachings are more than just counter-cultural; they seem upside down from how we see the world. Yet, following Jesus requires that we surrender our preconceived values and embrace a whole new life. In order to understand these teachings, we begin by asking if you are a fan or a follower of Jesus.

Control is something we fight for that generally leads to stress and worry when we don't have it. But control is an illusion more often than not. And faith is when we stop trying to gain control and we surrender to the One who has control. That often leads us to a place we didn't expect to be, but needed to be.

Robin Zimmerman, Connections minister at Jefferson Christian Church preaches while Marty and Exie are adjusting to life with a new baby! When it seems like we're tapped out in every facet of our lives, we have to find ways to replenish our health and streamline our schedule to follow Jesus well.

Even spiritual heroes deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. But when you're sick, God's word tells us to pray and seek healing. In other words, it's okay to not be okay, but it's not okay to stay that way. (Adapted from Perry Noble).

The challenge of worry, stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. Depression is experienced on epidempic proportions in America, and it stems from our fear that there is no hope in our circumstances. But we can be sure in life that if it ain't good, God ain't done. (Adapted from Perry Noble).

A thriving relationship with God depends on good communication with him. Prayer is talking to God, and while so simple, it's also one of the most neglected "soul foods". We discuss reasons people neglect prayer and how we can reverse it.

The gospel of Jesus was of "first importance" to the early church, and its message could be summed up in the experience of communion. That's why today our worship is Christ-centered, and culminates in the same memorial of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. And that experience nourishes our souls.

The early church devoted themselves to fellowship. Far from just a shared pot-luck meal, true fellowship is what unites all followers of Jesus with God and with each other. And in order to thrive spiritually, you need other believers and they need you.

The early Christians devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching, which primarily consisted of the teachings of Jesus. Today, anything we can do to better love God and love people is a good discipline, including and especially the study of the Scriptures. Learning them is one way of loving God and people.

What sets soul food apart from all other food boils down to love. And the difference between spiritual activity, and a thriving relationship with Jesus, is love. First of five parts in a series about feasting on God.

Jesus' birth didn't happen the way we might expect, and it wasn't announced the way we might announce it. God, in his wisdom, chose for the good news to be shared by people to each other. He still uses us to share good news with everyone.

Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room in the town of Bethlehem for his family to stay. And it wouldn't be the last time there was no room for Jesus. Some people allowed religion to get in the way, and others let idolatry become their obstacle. But if we would make room for Jesus, he would fill us.

One of the most misunderstood points of biblical finance is the tithe. The tithe is God's way of teaching us to put him first and to stretch our faith, and it also provides the material needs to support the local church. Based on material by Dave Ramsey and Craig Groeschel.