Weekly messages from West Ridge Christian Community Church just outside of Pittsburgh, PA.
Isn't it interesting that God not only sees you, as you are today, but also knows your legacy - of how your life will affect others, even after we are gone from this Earth? In "The Sky and Stars" Pastor John explains that Daniel, now in the latter part of his life, continues to receive revelation from God about things that will occur long after Daniel's life. But because these prophecies are recorded, they continue to provide insight down through the ages.Support the show
Have you felt like you had no strength remaining to fight some battle? In "An Inside Look", Pastor John recounts how even someone as favored by God as Daniel, mourned over a situation in which he felt he had no control. What he learned, however, that God was very much aware, and in fact had dispatched powerful angels to assist Daniel.Support the show
Is praying out loud, especially in a group of people, a little awkward? In "Talking with God", Pastor John points out that it is really just talking with God - keep it simple, real and honoring.Support the show
Did you know that the predictions found in the book of Daniel are so accurate that skeptics claim the book had to have been written after they occurred? In "Sealed Vision" Pastor Bryan outlines how the book of Daniel not only predicted Alexander the Great's rise to power, but we also learned how this leader learned about himself and his battles, all from the book of Daniel, even though that book was written hundreds of years earlier.Support the show
Why is it important to understand the prophecies mentioned in the book of Daniel? In "Daniel's Heavenly Short", Pastor John reminds us that the Bible is always spot on with its historical prophecies. Because of this, we should trust the Bible to be accurate with its prophecies that are yet to come.Support the show
So what exactly was the Jewish event called "Pentacost"? In "Set Apart", Pastor John describes the feast, but more importantly, discussed what happened during the first Pentacost after the crucifixion of Jesus.Support the show
How accurately was the predicted date of when the Messiah would be "cut off"? In "The Anointed One", Pastor John shows how the exact year was prophesied over 400 years before it happened, providing another proof that Jesus is indeed Israel's Messiah.Support the show
What if you were told to not pray? In "integrity in Faith" Pastor John describes how Daniel faced the same situation, but chose to honor God.Support the show
How do you live out one's faith as God would call one to do? In "Comprehension and Courage", Phil Puleo outlines that there are three key components that produce culture engaging Christian leaders.Support the show
What does it mean when it is said "you will either have humility or humiliation"? In the "Pride Test", Pastor John discusses how when don't listen for God's direction, we naturally move forward with incomplete understanding, and set ourselves up for failure. Instead, stop relying on your own "wisdom" and ask God for His perspective.Support the show
What is "true worship"? In "A Clear Difference in Worship" Pastor John describes the various methods that the world tries to counterfeit the Kingdom of God, and how this counterfeit always rules through fear and control.Support the show
Do people control the plans God has for you? In "God is in Control of All", Pastor John reminds us that people can call you anything they want, but they can't change the calling God has put into you.Support the show
What are these two spirits? In "Two Spirits at Work", Pastor John explains that the only way we can know we are being influenced by something other than God, is to know God.Support the show
What is the root cause of worry? In "Your Step", Pastor John highlighted, that while following Jesus' instructions to not worry can be hard using our own strength and wisdom, if we truly trust Him and what he is doing, then we can have peace since we know he will make a way and it will all work out.Support the show
Are you asking yourselves, "how can I make a difference?" In "Make a Difference", Pastor John explains that God has not only made you, the Holy Spirit has empowered you and "supercharged" you to make a difference. Jesus said this life in Christ is abundant!Support the show
If you can do anything for the rest of your life, what would it be? In "Discover Your Purpose" Pastor John reminds us that God made us all and He gave us special talents and gifts…and those things are to be used for His Kingdom, glory, and to bless others.Support the show
What is the "freedom" that Jesus mentions? In "Find Freedom", Pastor John explains while some would say "I'm free to do whatever I want", perhaps we can ask ourselves "am I happy and fulfilled where I am right now, and if not, what might be in the way"? How might our hurt and pain caused by behaviors and issues we've carried for so long be removed?Support the show
We know Jesus' command to go and make disciples, but how do we do that or what do we say? In "Know God", Pastor John reminds us that it is God who saves, but He has given us tools, such as His Word, to use to share the Good News.Support the show
What are four important things that we would like visitors to West Ridge to find? In "Vision Day" Pastor John explains how we should help everyone to 1) Know God, to 2) Find Freedom, to 3) Discover their purpose, and finally, to learn how to 4) Make a difference.Support the show
How do we build relationships with someone we care about? In "The Lord's Prayer", Pastor John shows us through Jesus' teaching about prayer, that we not only ask God for things in prayer, we listen to his leading and so learn more about His desires and heart for us.Support the show
Is prayer a priority for you? In "Power of Prayer" Pastor John asked us if we are spending time with the Lord every day? Are we seeking His direction or are we going on our own strength? We know which is better.Support the show
What did Jesus say about how we are to fast? In "Prayer and Fasting" Pastor John explains that, just like when we pray, don't do it to gain favor (or sympathy!) from others, but we rather do it in secret where the Lord alone sees. Support the show
Are you worried about situations in your life right now? In "Christmas Wisdom" Pastor John explains how even though this world may be full of trouble, Jesus says "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.” John 16:33 (NKJV) Support the show
What would be the best gift you could possibly receive this Christmas? In "The Best Gift" Pastor John describes that one and the next best one that all Christians have already received - but maybe don't fully use it. Support the show
Isn't it interesting how the circumstances of Jesus' birth were so exceptional? In "Imperfectly Perfect" Pastor John describes how the census, the lack of accommodations, the visits from the shepherds, -- all seemingly imperfect situations leading up to the birth of the Messiah. Support the show
What were some of the prophecies that had to be accomplished by the Messiah? In "The Moment" Pastor John details that even looking at only 7 of the 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled still goes far beyond coincidence and into the realm of supernatural. Support the show
Who are you including at your "table"? In "Who is at Your Table", Pastor John recounts the story of Mary and Martha and how Jesus' direction was to not forget to worship. Do we focus more on getting a task done and neglect true worship? Support the show
How might God show His supernatural power to you? In "The Supernatural Church" Pastor John reminds us that God loves all, and for those that will trust Him, follow Him, and be His church there will be times in your life where God is going to use you in a Supernatural way, meaning it is the Holy Spirit that has the power…but He will display Himself through you, through the church.Support the show
What was that promise that Jesus told us after he left? In "No Other" Pastor John recounts those words of Jesus where he says he will give us "a helper" (some English translations - an advocate) " the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:17 NKJV)Support the show
What does it look like to "set an example"? In "Undespised" Pastor Bryan explains that even with past mistakes, trauma, age, finances, shame, guilt or anything you can think of, none of that can hold you back from achieving your calling. Support the show
Since Jesus tells us to make disciples why do we sometimes ignore that command? In "Being Intentional ... Go!" Pastor John reminds us that while we can have doubts (even His Disciples had doubts), he reminds us He is with us always to guide and provide wisdom, even to the end of the age. Support the show
What is it that most people wants to see? In "Unbelievers Want to See" Pastor John explains that people want to see others hearing, loving, and understanding them. People may come with incorrect "doctrine" about God, but our role is to share Jesus gracefully, but still truthfully. Support the show
How does loving God first help you love others? In "Bottom Line", Pastor John shares how when we realize the price Jesus paid to redeem us, no matter how messed up we were (or are), it makes us realize that who are we to not likewise show love and caring for people who also don't have it all together. Support the show
Why does serving God with excellence and joy make an impact? In "Impact", Pastor John recounts that while excellence is not equivalent to perfection, when we give it our best, God honors our efforts in ways that frequently exceed our expectations. Support the show
Have you noticed that different jobs have different cultures? In "A New Culture", Pastor John describes the key elements of what someone should see in a Christ follower and how they are lived out at West Ridge. Support the show
What is the "day of the Lord" mentioned by the Apostle Peter? In "The End", Pastor John challenges us that since we don't know when that final day will come, the delay in when it comes is because "our Lord's patience gives people time to be saved". Support the show
Do you realize that the truth is that you have all you need to live a Godly life? In "Instructions and Warnings" Pastor John recounts how the Apostle Peter both warns against false teaching in the Christian church, but also how God has "granted us His precious and magnificent promises" through the "true knowledge of Him". Support the show
What do you do with what God has given you? In "Good Stewards of God's Grace" Pastor John examines the assurance from scripture that God cares for you and how he has given you gifts to accomplish good things, to love others, to show hospitality, and to serve on another. Support the show
Is authority important to God? In today's message entitled "Authority", Pastor John shares what God says about authority in three scenarios; government, marriage and the church. Support the Show.
In the book of Peter, he describes us having been born again of imperishable seed. What will I get from this seed if I sow it properly? In "Identity of the Seed" Pastor John explains that when God's "seed" is planted in us, the expectation from the Lord is that you produce a fruit that shows Christ. Support the Show.
Are Jesus' words falling on "good soil" in your heart? In "The Super Bloom", Pastor John (welcome back!) describes how even long dormant nuggets of truth you hold can bloom again. Support the Show.
Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? In "The True State of the Church and the Unreached", Pastor Todd shares examples of great faith from around the world, even when faced with great adversity. Support the Show.
Can you commit to take one step further out of your comfortable place than you've gone before? In "How is your love for Jesus?", Pastor David Moore reminds us that since God holds the highest position in the universe, our praise and admiration of Him should exceed everything we do for anyone or anything else. Support the Show.
Does living in harmony with one another produce a better outcome than doing things "your own way"? In "Remaining Unified" Pastor Chris Mays from New Life Fellowship, provides many examples where "we" is more powerful than "me". Support the Show.
When difficulties surround us, what is different about how Christians respond? Pastor Brian Henry reminds us that, as Jesus said "you are the light of the world". Light shines even brighter in darkness. Support the Show.
Why do some say "church isn't relevant to them"? in "The Turning of Our Hearts", Pastor John Nuzzo from Victory Family Church shares that while God and God's Word are always the same, the method of presenting both doesn't necessarily have to be "the way we've always done it". Support the Show.
Do successes or failures you've experienced define who you are in God's eyes? In "Principle of Prospering and Succeeding" Pastor John recounts what the Bible says, including the story of Joseph and how the multiple "failures" or trials he experienced, only served to prepare him for something so much greater.Support the Show.
How does God test us? In "Test?" Pastor Bryan shows that a testing or challenge is an opportunity to rise to the challenge and follow God's path. As it says in Malachi 3:7 "... Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord..." Support the Show.
What does it mean when the Bible says "we have robbed God"? How could we do that? In "The Principle of First" Pastor John reminds us that God only asks us to do what is best for us. We should do it! Support the Show.
Do you want to be successful and prosper? In "Meditate Then Do" Pastor John explains that when we go our own ways and ignore God's rules for our lives, we essentially fall into the hand of the the enemy of God. Support the Show.
Are we able to resist all of what the enemy throws at us? In "The Armor of God" Pastor John reviews Ephesians 6 where the Apostle Paul assures us that if we "put on all of God's armor" we "will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil." (New Living Translation) Support the Show.