West Seattle Christian Church

This week we look at Chapter 21 as we continue our series reading through The Story. This week we discuss Nehemiah, the opposition he faced in rebuilding the wall, and the character of Nehemiah and Ezra. The post Podcast – The Story: Rebuilding the Walls appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 20 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We tell the story of Esther, discuss the context of the book, and leave room for some possible implications for our daily lives. The post Podcast – The Story: The Queen of Beauty & Courage appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 19 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss the return of the Israelites to the promised land, the context of the rebuilding of the temple, and some possible applications to our daily lives. The post Podcast – The Story: The Return Home appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 15 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss King Ahab, Elijah, and some practical applications from their overlapping stories that apply to our everyday lives. The post Podcast – The Story: God's Messengers appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 14 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss the kings who came after Solomon, what they were like, the stories they told with their lives, and how these stories apply to our own lives. The post Podcast – The Story: A Kingdom Torn in Two appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Experience the wonder and mystery of Christmas through the incredible story of Jesus. The true meaning of Christmas carries astounding significance for our lives today. The question each of us must answer is, “Do I believe it?” The Christmas, step inside the world where the impossible is possible and what seems to good to be true – really is true. … Read More → The post Podcast – Christmas Eve Service appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 13 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss the life of Solomon, his legacy, the themes of his life, and some applications to our daily lives. Read Chapter 13 (pages 175 – 192) of The Story this week to get more out the teaching. The post Podcast – The Story: The King Who Had it All appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 12 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss the latter half of David's life, the story of Bathsheba, and why David wanted to build the temple. Read Chapter 12 (pages 161 – 173) of The Story this week to get more out the teaching. The post Podcast – The Story: The Trials of a King appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 11 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss the story of David as he faces Goliath, what it means to interact with those outside your community, and some possible implications for our daily lives. Read Chapter 11 (pages 145 – 160) of The Story this week to get more out … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: From Shepherd to King appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 10 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We discuss Israel's past before Samuel, Israel during Samuel's time, and what the future looked like with Samuel coming after Eli. Read Chapter 10 (pages 129 – 143) of The Story this week to get more out the teaching. The post Podcast – The Story: Standing Tall, Falling Hard appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we look at Chapter 8 as we continue our series reading through The Story. We will discuss the Judges of Israel, why they were important, what role they played, and some lessons from the tribe of Dan. Read Chapter 8 (pages 103 – 119) of The Story this week to get more out the teaching. The post Podcast – The Story: A Few Good Women & Men appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We're jumping into the book of Joshua this week! Can you even believe that we've already blown through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy already and covered so much of God's grand narrative together!? If you haven't read Chapter 7 (pages 89 – 102 in The Story) of the story this week, there's still time before we gather together. You … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: The Battle Begins appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Chapter 6 in our STORY series is called Wandering. Join us this Sunday, October 30th for an engaging teaching and discussion about the wilderness, why God took the Israelites into the wilderness, and some possible applications to our daily lives. As always, you will get the more out of this week's teaching and table discussions if you read Chapter 6 … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: Wandering appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Chapter 5 in our new series called THE STORY is a pivotal part of the overall narrative that should be considered carefully within the ancient context of covenantal marriage. Wait, isn't this about the Law and the 10 Commandments? Yep. Find out what's really going down in this next section of THE STORY – this Sunday, October 23rd. As always, … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: New Commands and a New Covenant appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Welcome to Chapter 4 in our new series called THE STORY. This Sunday, October 16th we will be learning about deliverance and what that means, through the story the Passover in Exodus 12. You will get the more out of this week's teaching and table discussions if you read Chapter 4 in The Story (pages 34-57). Reading or skimming through … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: Deliverance appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Welcome to the third week in our new series called THE STORY. This time we look at Chapter 3 as we dive deeper into Joseph's backstory, his life, and how his life looks as the b'hor – the firstborn son of Jacob (even though he's really the eleventh). The post Podcast – The Story: From Slave to Deputy Pharaoh appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Welcome to Chapter 2 in our new series called THE STORY. There are 30 weeks left as we read through the Bible, dive into the major stories, and unpack important implications God wants to reveal to us through his grand narrative. This week we look at the life of Abraham.  The post Podcast – The Story: God Builds a Nation appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We are excited to launch our new series called THE STORY! Over 31 weeks we'll read through the Bible, dive into the major stories, and unpack important implications God wants to reveal to us through his grand narrative. We begin by looking at the story arc God tells through creation, which sets the stage for the rest of the series as we journey together chronologically through … Read More → The post Podcast – The Story: Beginning of Life appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We wrap up our Revelation series with a hard teaching from Jesus through his letter to the church at Laodicea. Jesus calls out lukewarm believers who are wearing the name Christian but who are really pretending to be his followers. He says the proof of a faithful and true life – successfully living the lifestyle of a real Christian – … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Lukewarm appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

As we near the end of our Revelation series we take a look at Jesus' letter to the city of Philadelphia. Jesus has no shortage of good things to say about this church yet he reminds them of their contextual history by reiterating the new name and identity they have in Christ so that they can battle discouragement, and by renewing … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Open Doors appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

The question we're wrestling with today in our Revelation series comes from Jesus' letter to the church at Sardis: how can we live in the world and reach the world for Jesus, but not be corrupted by the world? Jesus instructions are to wake up and hold fast to the truth of who he is and his gospel while flipping … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Hold Fast appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week in our Revelation series we examine Jesus' letter to the church at Thyatira. Much like his letter to the church at Pergamum, Jesus encourages Christians to resist the misleading voice of false prophets and to remain true to him. In a city full of trade guilds who worship idols, this letter reminds Christians that they already have a … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: No Shortcuts appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Our third message from the book of Revelation helps us see the deeper spiritual reality that Jesus is the ultimate one in charge of everything. In the midst of everything going on in our lives, he has all authority. The third letter from Jesus to the church at Pergamum reminds us to stay steadfast and to resist compromise even when … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Remaining True appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We are in the midst of our REVELATION series where Jesus himself writes a letter to the church with a brilliant message of encouragement and hope. This week we examine Jesus' second letter to the church at Smyrna and discover how to live free from fear in the midst of difficult circumstances in our lives because of the rich faith we … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Live Free From Fear appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We begin a brand new series this week on the book of REVELATION. Join us as we learn about the only book of the Bible where Jesus himself writes a letter to the church with a brilliant message of encouragement and hope. #westseattlechristianchurch​ #church​ #westseattle​ SUBSCRIBE on YouTube to get new videos every week!   Grab our App // Apple … Read More → The post Podcast – Revelation: Hope In Hardship appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Our stewardship of our money and possessions becomes the story of our lives. Today we examine what Jesus said in the Gospels about money. Like where your treasure is, there your heart will be also, and his parable about the rich fool. The reality is that there is no such thing as discipleship to The Way of Jesus that doesn't … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Money appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

In this week's teaching we rediscover the ancient activity of building relationships around the table as we look at the actionable practice of eating together. Like most of the way Jesus did life, eating together simply follows His example by participating in life's most basic and essential activities with other people. This one is no different, but is primarily a … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Eating And Drinking appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

In this week's teaching we'll take a look at the actionable practice of resisting temptation in order to be more like Jesus. We will examine Jesus' own life and experience, particularly when he goes out into the desert in Luke 4 to be tempted by the devil. Jesus is tempted to give in, to prove himself, and to fill his … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Resisting Temptation appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Have you been looking for God, but doing so in the winds? Have you been scanning and searching for him in the earthquakes and fires of your life? What if He's been there all along – waiting for you to find him – in the silence? Today we ask the question: Does all the noise in your life make it … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Silence The Noise appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we examine the contours of how Jesus passed on the life of faith to his disciples. We also take a minute to look at Paul's example of how Timothy was brought up in the faith by his mom and grandma, Eunice and Lois. As we do this we look at everything through the lens of passing our faith … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Sincere Faith appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

In the wake of three mass shootings in the last two weeks we examine Jesus' actionable practice of peacemaking. This is something all followers of The Way of Jesus are called to embody as we join God in the renewal of all things.  This teaching specifically addresses gun violence in America and calls all of us to consider tough questions. … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: Put Away Your Sword appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

These are the words of Jesus's followers given in response to some of Jesus' most famous words as he gives one his core teachings to the Early Church in Matthew 25. The premise is this: only those who follow The Way of Jesus and put into practice the actual real-life actions of love are the ones he recognizes as his disciples. This week we … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: When Did We See You? appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We started a new series last week called The Way, which focuses on discipleship – learning to have the character and skillset of Jesus. Last week we laid the groundwork for this series by studying Jesus' words and actions that comprise the good news he preached and lived. This is what his Gospel is – a “way” of living concretely … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: They Devoted Themselves appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This is the beginning of a new series, The Way, which focuses on the problem faced by many churches today – a lack of discipleship, or learning to have the character and skillset of Jesus. We will focus on specific rhythms and practices of Jesus and the first of his followers in their every day life – how they practiced … Read More → The post Podcast – The Way: The Kingdom Gospel appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This is the beginning of a new series, The Way, which focuses on the problem faced by many churches today – a lack of discipleship, or learning to have the character and skillset of Jesus. We will focus on specific rhythms and practices of Jesus and the first of his followers in their every day life – how they practiced … Read More → The post Online Teaching for May 1st appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We wrap up our BASICS series talking about Jesus' life, death, and of course, his resurrection. Jesus' love for us IS his message. The medium is the message. And the medium Jesus used to convey the depth of his love for you is that he would die for you and then overcome death for you – so you can follow … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: Death Does Not Belong appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Join us In-Person (and Online) this week for a new message in our BASICS series as we compare and contrast two different versions of the gospel. One that is fairly prevalent, Western-minded, and from the legal or judicial point of view. The other is more ancient and it's what the first Christians considered orthodox, and thus, more biblical. Masks are encouraged but not required.  … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: Choose Your Seat appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Do you know what the Gospel is? How's this for a definition…the Gospel is a way of living in resistance to the oppressive power of death and destruction in our world and in our own lives. What does it look like? Well, it looks like a local community of Jesus followers standing up against adversity with relentless hope and care … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: What Is The Good News? appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Have you ever had the thought that you're just empty? Like you need a refill? Instead of thinking you're leaking like a dripping faucet, Jesus shows us that it's possible to be so full of the Spirit that it overflows continually. Join us as we examine Jesus' life full of the Spirit and discover what we can learn about becoming … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: The Fulness Available appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week as we continue our BASICS series we tackle the Holy Spirit again. Specifically we'll be talking about the idea that if nothing can separate us from God and we receive the Holy Spirit by faith in Christ, then why do we often lack a sense of the Spirit's presence? Tough question, right? Join us for Part 1 of … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: The Holy Spirit appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

We are told in Ephesians 4v21-24 that we were created to be righteous and holy, to be like Jesus. How do we take on an entirely new way of life where we are renewed from the inside, allowing God to produce his character in you? Take a quick look at 3 takeaways from this passage as a starting point for … Read More → The post Podcast – BASICS: Be Like Jesus appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week is a follow-up to some of the ideas expressed in the Bible Project video we watched last week. We're talking about God and who and what God is and how we know he is real. We also dive into what God is like and how we can know him better. WEEK 2:  STUDY GUIDE WEEK 2:  ANSWER KEY The post Podcast – BASICS: Who Is God? appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Make some time to engage in some rhythms and practices of spiritual formation after Christmas. This is Part Two of a self-guided teaching (Part One is HERE) for you and your family during Christmastide, commonly known as the season between Christmas Eve and the New Year as we head towards the next season, Epiphany (Don't know what that is? Look … Read More → The post Podcast – Christmastide Lessons – Part 2 appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Make some time to engage in some rhythms and practices of spiritual formation after Christmas. This is part one of a self-guided teaching for you and your family during Christmastide, commonly known as the season between Christmas Eve and the New Year as we head towards the next season, Epiphany (Don't know what that is? Look it up!). Look for the … Read More → The post Podcast – Christmastide Lessons – Part 1 appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

The story of the first Christmas has become so normalized and ordinary that we don't even see the extraordinary elements, objects and people within the narrative anymore. We have succumbed to the “lullaby effect” where we “know” (or think we know) the story so well that we “fall asleep” when we hear it and we aren't really listening…instead, we're nodding … Read More → The post Podcast – Christmas Eve: An Extraordinary Christmas appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

“You go, and do likewise,” are the words Jesus conveys to the lawyer at the end of a certain story about a Samaritan. It's a perfect scripture to take a look at during Advent as we remember the first Christmas long ago…and realize with thankfulness that God didn't “walk by on the other side” of the universe and instead sent … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: Do Likewise appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

If you had a financial manager in charge of all your assets and you found they were cheating you and using your resources for sketchy dealings…would you tell them, “Good job”? Probably not. Well, that's Jesus' hook for a story we dive into this week as he illustrates the idea that if you're following him…be smart, be ready, be scheming…have … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: Scheming & Dreaming appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This week we examine what it means to follow Jesus' Great Commandment to love God and love others (his definition of a growing Christian) in a more specific as we weigh the lessons taught in his Parable of the Talents. This has to do with attitude, expectations and the excuses we make…and if we're brave enough, becoming the best version … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: Doing Your Best Or Digging Holes? appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Have you ever been frustrated while driving? Traffic jam? Idiotic driver in front of you? Behind you? All around you? Today we're going to talk about the assumptions we make about other people; the value judgments we make and place on others because we assume we know what's going on in their life or because we don't approve of their … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: Tovah Or Ra'ah? appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

Using Jesus' definition based on the Great Commandment we explore what it means to grow spiritually in terms of the role God plays in the process. This means figuring out what God does and what we can and cannot do. Jesus' words in the scriptures help us realize that developing our awareness of what God is doing in the world … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: What God Can Do & You Cannot appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.

This message will be a challenge for you. You will encounter a clear-eyed view, an honest look, a “keeping it real” moment… when it comes to the part you play in the discipleship process…and whether you are up to the task of owning your part. Do you want to attain the character and skill set of Jesus? If you answer … Read More → The post Podcast – Grow In Christ: Owning Your Part appeared first on West Seattle Christian Church.