Sermons from Westside Bradenton

This sermon launches the series "devoted." Pastor Matt explores the concept of devotion to Jesus Christ as exemplified by the early church in Acts. This message emphasizes the need for intentional and consistent commitment to following Jesus, moving beyond occasional or convenient faith. The sermon challenges believers to respond to Christ's sacrifice with complete devotion, manifested through worship and proclamation of the gospel, even in the face of adversity.

This Easter sermon explores the significance of Jesus' resurrection as the ultimate proof of His divinity and victory over death. Pastor Matt emphasizes the importance of the empty tomb as tangible evidence of Christ's promises and power. He invites listeners to personally encounter Jesus, reflecting on what the empty tomb means for their lives and encouraging them to share this good news with others.

This sermon explores the role of the Holy Spirit as our intercessor, emphasizing how God fights our spiritual battles through the indwelling Spirit. It highlights the weakness of humanity contrasted with the strength of God, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the assurance of victory through Christ. The message encourages believers to trust in the Spirit's intercession, even when they don't know how to pray, and to find hope in God's promise that all things work together for good.

 This sermon explores the concept of the Holy Spirit as God's "firstfruits" given to believers. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a foretaste and guarantee of the eternal life and glorified bodies that await Christians in heaven. Pastor Matt encourages listeners to respond to God's generous gift by offering their own "firstfruits" in return, through dedicated time, family priorities, and personal commitment to Christ.

This sermon explores the concept of spiritual adoption, emphasizing how believers become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Matt delves into the Roman understanding of adoption and how Paul uses this imagery to describe our relationship with God. The sermon highlights the intimacy of this relationship, the inheritance we receive as God's children, and the hope we have in eternal life, even amidst suffering in this world.

This sermon explores the contrast between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit, emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers. It addresses the reality of sin and temptation, while highlighting the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus Christ. The message encourages listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit's strength to overcome temptation and live a life that bears the fruit of the Spirit.

This sermon explores the concept of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Holy Ghost, and its role in bringing life to believers. The Pastor Matt discusses the challenges of understanding the Trinity, particularly the Holy Spirit, and emphasizes how embracing the Spirit leads to true life, both physically and spiritually. The sermon encourages listeners to actively engage with the Holy Spirit through various spiritual disciplines, leading to transformation and a life-giving faith.

This sermon explores the relationship between money, heart posture, and faith. Pastor Matt emphasizes that the issue is not money itself, but rather the love of money and how it affects our hearts. He contrasts the world's view of prosperity with God's perspective, highlighting the importance of generosity, community, and aligning our hearts with God's will. The message encourages listeners to move from comfort to being uncomfortable, from selfishness to selflessness, and to experience the transformation that comes from having a heart that beats for God and others.

This sermon explores the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that true faith is evident through actions. The speaker, Ryan Stockton, argues that while salvation comes through faith alone, genuine faith naturally produces good works. He challenges listeners to examine whether their faith is alive and visible to others through their deeds, love, and character.

This sermon explores the impact of our words as Christians, emphasizing the need to use our speech in ways that reflect our faith and set us apart from the world. Pastor Matt discusses how our words have the power to build up or tear down, and challenges believers to live uncomfortably different by controlling their tongues, avoiding slander, gossip, and lies, and instead using their words to uplift others and spread the Gospel.

This sermon explores the theme of finding joy in the midst of trials and challenges, as taught in the book of James. Pastor Matt emphasizes that following Jesus doesn't guarantee an easy life, but rather calls believers to persevere through difficulties with joy, knowing that God is using these trials to build character and hope. The sermon challenges Christians to move out of their comfort zones and into a place of spiritual growth and transformation.

This sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus' "I AM" statements in the Gospel of John, emphasizing how these declarations reveal Christ's divinity and completeness. Pastor Matt highlights how understanding Jesus as the Great I AM can transform our own identity, moving us from negative self-perceptions to embracing our status as children of God. The message encourages listeners to find their true identity in Christ and to resist the lies of the enemy that challenge this divine relationship.

In this sermon, Cassidy Covell, explores the story of Lazarus' death and resurrection, emphasizing Jesus' power over death and the importance of trusting God's timing. It delves into the themes of faith, disappointment with God, and the transformative power of belief. The speaker highlights how Jesus' deliberate delay in coming to Lazarus demonstrates God's greater purpose and glory, even in the face of human suffering and doubt.

This sermon explores the concept of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, focusing on His perfection in power, purity, and love. Pastor Matt emphasizes John's purpose in writing his gospel: to convince readers that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, the Son of God. The sermon highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Jesus, His sinless nature, and the ultimate demonstration of God's love through Christ's sacrifice. It challenges listeners to examine their belief in Jesus as the Messiah and how that belief manifests in their actions.

This sermon explores the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God, focusing on how He fulfills and completes the Old Testament Passover traditions. It emphasizes the importance of numbers in Scripture, particularly the seven festivals and three Passovers mentioned in the Gospel of John. The sermon illustrates how Jesus transforms the temple, provides abundantly for His followers, and ultimately becomes the perfect sacrifice that allows all believers direct access to God's presence.

In this powerful exploration of John 1:14, we're challenged to embrace the fullness of truth and grace embodied by Jesus Christ. The scripture reveals that Jesus was 'full of grace and truth,' inviting us to consider how we can reflect this divine balance in our own lives. We often lean towards one extreme - either harsh truth without compassion, or permissive grace without accountability. But Jesus shows us a different way, one where truth and grace coexist in perfect harmony. This tension between truth and grace is where true love flourishes, and it's in this space that we're called to live as followers of Christ. As we navigate this tension, we're reminded that it's only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can grow to embody both truth and grace in our interactions with others and in our spiritual journey.

The opening words to John's gospel stir with imagery and power. With three words John speaks to the everlastingness of God and significance of the word with God.

The Bible is an intricate interwoven love story of God and his people. Jesus is at the center of God's plan to return his kingdom and people. The interconnectedness of the scripture can only point to a supernatural design by our God, the creator. In this design, God calls us out of the bondage of our own personal chains and into the freedom only found in Jesus Christ.

As the shepherds approach the manger, they see the baby Jesus. This inspires them to share with Mary and Jospeh what the angels shared with them. As we experience our Lord, it should leave us changed, just like the Shepherds.

The shepherds in the fields are told to goto Bethlehem and see the newborn Jesus. They respond with "let us go." These words are a call to action, obedience, and freedom. They receive good news and are driven to action to experience the Joy of the coming of the Messiah.

The First Noel tells the story just after Jesus is born. God first shares with a shepherds that a Messiah has been born in the town of Bethlehem. This happens of hundreds of years of silence by God to his people. The silence is broken with a series of what Pastor Matt calls "whispers". Learn more about the whispers God speaks into the silence in this message.

Russ Duket shares a unique perspective on the joy of the season. Joy to the World is based on the prophecy of Micah 5:2. A promise that the Messiah would come to this little town of Bethlehem.

The conclusion of the series, surrounds a beautiful poem found in the middle of chapter two of Philippians. Paul shares the attributes of Jesus and reminds us that we are to find out identity in only Jesus. He is our King and we are citizens of the Kingdom of God

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" has become a popular rally cry. But, do we understand the context by which Paul shared this famous verse? This week Pastor Matt explores the context of this verse in seeking its true meaning.

Paul's instruction to the community of believers is to seek unity with a purpose. He wants the church to live a mission focused life and discard all that creates disunity. It is because of Jesus that we are called to seek unity at all costs. God sought unity with us through Jesus and in the Holy Spirit.

Prayer is a gift from God that allows us to communicate with our heavenly Father. Paul encourages the church to pray always and let the products of prayer show. In this message we pray through through the model prayer that Jesus gave to his disciples.

Paul shares words of wisdom in chapter 3 of his letter to Philipi. He urges the church to be weary of those who insist the work of Jesus is incomplete and the old covenant must be maintained. He urges us to truly know Jesus and exactly what it means to be alone in Jesus.

As Paul prays for the church in Philippi, he does so from a position of joy. He longs for the church to grow and the believers to carry the attitude of Jesus in their development.

In the conclusion of this series, we explore John 8 and the freedom it promises. Freedom that is only found in Jesus. It is the hope of all experiencing this freedom that has driven the upcoming launch of Celebrate Recovery. They people may experience the truth that sets each of us free.

Pastor Mark Alt, Legacy Pastor at The Bridge Church, shared a message about forgiveness. He shared five things that are not forgiveness and three steps to pursue forgiveness in your life.

Our peace of mind is constantly under attack. Anger threatens to disrupt and hijack our peace. It seeks to make us slaves to sin and take us captive. God's design is one of calm and peace. Jesus challenges us clear all anger (among other things) out of this new creation He has made us. In this message we look at the first act of anger which came shortly after the fall.

Elijah is commonly considered one of the most important prophets of the Bible. Through God he experienced some amazing displays of God's love and provision. He, also, faced some of the darkest days documented in scripture. While the diagnosis of depression didn't exist in Elijah's day, we can see many symptoms of a depressive mood. In this moment we see the love of God and his mighty provision.

In the first message of the Peace of Mind series, we explore the story of Martha and Mary with Jesus in Luke 10:38-42. In the story we see Martha distracted by what she needed to do to prepare of Jesus. However, Jesus was already at her home. Anxiety distracts our attention from Jesus who is there for us. We need to break the chains of anxiety.

In this message Pastor Matt Ennis looks at Psalm 23, one of the most well known Psalms. The psalmist challenges us to embrace his declaration "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." This seems simple, but as we find out is indeed complex. Join us as this message invites you to embrace this truth and seek your shepherd.

Pastor Aaron Johnson took the pulpit to share about loving God, loving people, and making disciples in the context of Ephesians 2:1-10. Pastor Aaron, also, provided an update of the progress at Renaissance Church, a church plant in Lakewood Ranch. In this message he will invite us to share in the ministry of the church.

Psalm 46 is a message of God's immense power. He is the creator and has all power over his creation. He has won the victory over the enemy. Fear is a tool of the enemy to try to make more noise than the soft, sure voice of God. Fear creates lies that try to deceive us. In this Psalm we are reminded that God in control and he calls us to experience spiritual stillness.

Worship Pastor, Lane Parnell, delivers a powerful message about laments in the Psalms. God wants us to trust in him and come to him for our every need. As we lament, we we see present our grief and sorrow to God. His faithfulness leads us to trust in God.

Prosperity of this world looks different when you choose to follow Jesus. Rest looks different when you choose to call yourself a Christian. Jesus came to serve and calls us to action as his followers. As we serve others we show His love and live a prosperous life. (Proverbs 11:25)

This message explores the freedom of forgiveness found in Psalms 32. David rejoices because of his forgiveness and invites others to return to God. Unforgiveness is something many of us carry around. God calls us to forgive as he forgave in love.

God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and always present. Psalm 139 shares these traits of God and challenges each of us to submit to God. To take our place in God's creation and allow God to lead us to freedom. God knows everything about us and has known us before we were ever created. He knits us together in our mothers womb and knows our every step. Yet he loves us.

We all need friends. Proverb 27:17 tells us that iron sharpens iron and we as people should make each other better. This means friends are an important part of God's kingdom and our growth as followers of Christ. Kingdom friendships are special relationships that Pastor Matt Ennis calls Iron Work Friends.

Cameron Robertson, Youth Pastor, shares a message about Proverbs 3 and the faithfulness of God. We are reminded that we must become less and Christ must become more as we are obedient to God. His promise is to be faithful and lead us.

Through Jesus Christ, God has victory over the enemy, forever. In His victory, He invites us to join Him. Through Jesus Christ we too can experience the victory of the cross and empty tomb. In Jesus we have been saved and he will return to judge the Earth. Psalm 98 calls us to join all creation in celebration of praise for God's faithfulness and mighty power.

Psalms 91 tells of God's faithfulness of protection for us. In the Psalm we see that what God wants most for us to love him. Love is shown through our trust. When danger comes, God wants us to place out trust fully in him.

This Father's Day we look to the Bible for an example of Godly man and father. On the pages of Acts 10 we find a character whose willingness to be a courageous leader plays a significant role in the spreading of the gospel to His home and beyond. In this message, Pastor Matt Ennis explores the story of Cornelius the Centurion in the context of him as gentile who is a god-fearing man who does what is right.

The Kingdom of God is different than the world we live in. In this message we explore the significance of Jesus overturning the tables in temple followed by His healing of the lame and blind. Jesus came so that we all may be free through Him. God wants us let go of the ways of the world and cling to Him. This unfiltered faith is seen in the love and truth children show for Jesus.

In the conclusion of this series about David, we look at David succumbing to sin and his response with God. In his actions we learn how God wants us to respond to him. He wants us to come back. (2 Samual 12)

David's journey to being the king of Israel was a long and windy road. David never lost his focus on God and His role in lifting David into leadership. God says that David is a man after his own heart. In this message we will explore the king and his relationship with God. (2 Samuel 7)

Wishing all of the moms and those who love like a mom, a very happy Mother's Day. In today's special message we look at God's love. The Bible uses many terms for love, but the love that embodies God is agape. We see the description of God's love through Pauls letter to the church in Corinth. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8a).

In the conclusion of the the Thrive series, we look at the Great Commission and hear from members of our church who have served as missionaries this year. Our faith requires action that is focused on others. In doing this Jesus reaffirms God's great promise to be with us.

We all have hurts, hang ups, and habits that get in the way of the freedom Jesus has called us to. In this message, we share the truth of the freedom we are to experience because of Jesus. We are challenged to break the chains and dump the weight of our hurts, habits, and hang ups. We all need recovery. Westside Christian Church is excited to launch Celebrate Recovery as a discipleship program to lead people into a life-giving relationship with Jesus.