West Side Church of Christ

These podcast are the weekly sermons of the West Side Church of Christ in Lebanon, Ohio. We invite you to join us if you live in the Lebanon community or are here to visit. To find out more information you can check out our website at www.wscoconline.com.

West Side, we are on a mission to love and lead people to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. But to do so, we must be prepared. This morning we start a four week focus on what it means to Study on Mission to prepare for our life on mission.

West Side, we are on a mission to love and lead people to a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. But to do so, we must be prepared. This morning we start a four week focus on what it means to Study on Mission to prepare for our life on mission.

Would you characterize your life as a Christian as a life marked with joy? Do you find that serving in the church, sharing your faith with non-believers, or helping teach other West Side Christians is an anxiety inducing experience? Jesus did not call us to follow him and our lives be marked with fear and anxiety. Jesus truly wants us to find joy in living a life on mission. In fact, when His first disciples found joy in their second preaching tour, Jesus rejoiced with them as they shared their success. Jesus wants to rejoice with you as you find success in life on mission.

Would you characterize your life as a Christian as a life marked with joy? Do you find that serving in the church, sharing your faith with non-believers, or helping teach other West Side Christians is an anxiety inducing experience? Jesus did not call us to follow him and our lives be marked with fear and anxiety. Jesus truly wants us to find joy in living a life on mission. In fact, when His first disciples found joy in their second preaching tour, Jesus rejoiced with them as they shared their success. Jesus wants to rejoice with you as you find success in life on mission.

In the 1960’s TV show, Mission Impossible, the secret agents often finds a hidden recording device with a mission for them to carry out. As the tape begins playing some format of this phrase is spoken, “This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.” The special agent then must decide if they will or will not accept the special mission. As followers of Jesus we find ourselves in the same boat. Jesus called us to live Life on Mission, and part of that mission is to make disciples of Jesus. Will you accept or will you run from that mission? The choice is yours to make.

In the 1960’s TV show, Mission Impossible, the secret agents often finds a hidden recording device with a mission for them to carry out. As the tape begins playing some format of this phrase is spoken, “This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.” The special agent then must decide if they will or will not accept the special mission. As followers of Jesus we find ourselves in the same boat. Jesus called us to live Life on Mission, and part of that mission is to make disciples of Jesus. Will you accept or will you run from that mission? The choice is yours to make.

This morning we have the privilege of welcoming Tom Moll as our guest speaker. Tom served many years as the Senior Minister with Christ Church at Mason. During Tom’s ministry the church saw amazing growth as many were love and lead to a life changing relationship with Jesus. Today Tom serves as the Chaplain with Mason Christian Village.

I am excited for 2015 as we explore what it means to live Life on Mission. Jesus calls us to follow Him and to make disciples as we do. That is living Life on Mission. But how do we do that? What does it look like? How does our personal growth tie into this mission? Today we begin our journey as we understand that our Life on Mission begins in our Jerusalem.

I am excited for 2015 as we explore what it means to live Life on Mission. Jesus calls us to follow Him and to make disciples as we do. That is living Life on Mission. But how do we do that? What does it look like? How does our personal growth tie into this mission? Today we begin our journey as we understand that our Life on Mission begins in our Jerusalem.

Joining us this morning in worship are our missionary partners Adrian and Jennifer Fehl, Christians Missionary Fellowship Missionaries to Ethiopia. Since 1998 Adrian and Jennifer have worked with the Ethiopia Field Team with a focus on church planning among the Gumuz people. Adrian will share both in our Worship Service as well as in our Sunday School period.

Joining us this morning in worship are our missionary partners Adrian and Jennifer Fehl, Christians Missionary Fellowship Missionaries to Ethiopia. Since 1998 Adrian and Jennifer have worked with the Ethiopia Field Team with a focus on church planning among the Gumuz people. Adrian will share both in our Worship Service as well as in our Sunday School period.

In our world of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and texting people seem to be connected more than at any other time in history. However, even with all of this it still seems that many struggle with relationships. That because when we look at relationships through the normal lens we fight for ourselves and our desires. To have healthy supportive relationships we must view them through a weird lens.

In our world of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, and texting people seem to be connected more than at any other time in history. However, even with all of this it still seems that many struggle with relationships. That because when we look at relationships through the normal lens we fight for ourselves and our desires. To have healthy supportive relationships we must view them through a weird lens.

In our hectic schedules and fast paced lives, we often find ourselves consumed with many “good” things. The problem with many good things is we only have so much time to do them all. While our tasks and opportunities might be good things, the question we must ask is this, “Are they the best things?” Today we will learn some practical ways to determine the best use of our time.

In our hectic schedules and fast paced lives, we often find ourselves consumed with many “good” things. The problem with many good things is we only have so much time to do them all. While our tasks and opportunities might be good things, the question we must ask is this, “Are they the best things?” Today we will learn some practical ways to determine the best use of our time.

Normal people constantly seem to be striving for bigger and better; more money to buy the bigger house, have the fancy toys, and go on the exotic vacation. In the pursuit of more, often time’s families are shattered, lives are ruined, and hearts are left broken. Weird people do not seek more of this world; weird people seek to find happiness in contentment.

Normal people constantly seem to be striving for bigger and better; more money to buy the bigger house, have the fancy toys, and go on the exotic vacation. In the pursuit of more, often time’s families are shattered, lives are ruined, and hearts are left broken. Weird people do not seek more of this world; weird people seek to find happiness in contentment.

Many world religions are defined as man’s attempts to be good enough to please their gods. Sadly, many Christians even believe that about following Jesus. However, our salvation in Jesus is not found in what we can do. Our salvation is not granted because we are good enough. Our salvation does not even waver when we have a bad day. God chose a weird way to save the world when He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins

Many world religions are defined as man’s attempts to be good enough to please their gods. Sadly, many Christians even believe that about following Jesus. However, our salvation in Jesus is not found in what we can do. Our salvation is not granted because we are good enough. Our salvation does not even waver when we have a bad day. God chose a weird way to save the world when He sent Jesus Christ to die for our sins

Have you ever had a really crazy desire? Maybe it was to back pack all over Europe. Maybe it was sky dive out of an airplane. Maybe it was to some weird food craving when you were pregnant. God gave us the ability to dream and have desires. However, where and when are your desires? Are they for the here and now? Are they for the future? Are your desires your own or are they God’s. Weird people have desires that do not look like everyone else’s.

Have you ever had a really crazy desire? Maybe it was to back pack all over Europe. Maybe it was sky dive out of an airplane. Maybe it was to some weird food craving when you were pregnant. God gave us the ability to dream and have desires. However, where and when are your desires? Are they for the here and now? Are they for the future? Are your desires your own or are they God’s. Weird people have desires that do not look like everyone else’s.

When we make God both Lord and Master of our lives, He saves us from the pits of living a normal life. In His salvation He gives us permission to live a WEiRD life. Last week we learned that the weird life is a life that transforms our minds to God’s. Today we will see that the weird life is a life that transforms our actions to God’s making us holy as God is holy.

When we make God both Lord and Master of our lives, He saves us from the pits of living a normal life. In His salvation He gives us permission to live a WEiRD life. Last week we learned that the weird life is a life that transforms our minds to God’s. Today we will see that the weird life is a life that transforms our actions to God’s making us holy as God is holy.

We have grown very accustomed to normal. In high school our goal was to fit in with everyone else and be normal. In college we tried our best to do what normal students do. For many we followed the normal path and married like everyone else. After the kids are born we try our best to return life back to normal. When we hear the term weird, we almost associate it as a negative label. But what if God has a different plan for your life than to be normal? Are we willing to fight the urge of normal and be weird like God desires us to be?

We have grown very accustomed to normal. In high school our goal was to fit in with everyone else and be normal. In college we tried our best to do what normal students do. For many we followed the normal path and married like everyone else. After the kids are born we try our best to return life back to normal. When we hear the term weird, we almost associate it as a negative label. But what if God has a different plan for your life than to be normal? Are we willing to fight the urge of normal and be weird like God desires us to be?

Over the last several months we have journeyed through Jesus teaching in His famous sermon the Sermon on the Mount. Today we finish this journey. As we do we notice that Jesus speaks with authority; an authority that asks, “How will we live this teaching?” In most cases we are left with two choices. Today we ask the same question Jesus asked, which of the two choices are you going to make?

Over the last several months we have journeyed through Jesus teaching in His famous sermon the Sermon on the Mount. Today we finish this journey. As we do we notice that Jesus speaks with authority; an authority that asks, “How will we live this teaching?” In most cases we are left with two choices. Today we ask the same question Jesus asked, which of the two choices are you going to make?

The majority of parents only want the best for their children. They want to see their children succeed in school, athletics, art, love, and most importantly their faith. They also desire to give good gifts to their children, especially when the child asks. But at times, they must say no to certain request because they know that request is not good for their life. God answers our prayers in much the same way. Today we will examine exactly how He does so.

The majority of parents only want the best for their children. They want to see their children succeed in school, athletics, art, love, and most importantly their faith. They also desire to give good gifts to their children, especially when the child asks. But at times, they must say no to certain request because they know that request is not good for their life. God answers our prayers in much the same way. Today we will examine exactly how He does so.

If there is one passage of Scripture even non Jesus followers have heard it is Matthew 7:1 … “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This passage of text is often used as a trump card against Christians who call a spade a spade. But knowing Jesus, and examining what He has already spoken in His Sermon on the Mount, we know there must be more to Jesus’ words than first meets the eye.

If there is one passage of Scripture even non Jesus followers have heard it is Matthew 7:1 … “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This passage of text is often used as a trump card against Christians who call a spade a spade. But knowing Jesus, and examining what He has already spoken in His Sermon on the Mount, we know there must be more to Jesus’ words than first meets the eye.

Worry is something that grips almost every person at some point in their life. It may be something as simple as worrying about turning off the coffee pot and turning around to double check. On the other extreme, worry may cause you to lie awake at night wandering how your son or daughter is faring as they serve in a military combat zone. Worry is a natural instinct that many deal with. However, when it comes to God’s provisions, we have been told by Jesus not to worry; we can have faith in our creator taking care of our needs.

Worry is something that grips almost every person at some point in their life. It may be something as simple as worrying about turning off the coffee pot and turning around to double check. On the other extreme, worry may cause you to lie awake at night wandering how your son or daughter is faring as they serve in a military combat zone. Worry is a natural instinct that many deal with. However, when it comes to God’s provisions, we have been told by Jesus not to worry; we can have faith in our creator taking care of our needs.

Maybe you have seen the popular Capital One credit card series of commercials with a ragtag team of Vikings paying for the American Dream with their Capital One credit card. Each commercial finishes with the question … “What’s in your wallet?” Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus asked that same question. However, His concern was not what they were paying with; but what they were buying. Jesus made a connection between our spirit and our purchases. This morning we ask, “What’s in your wallet?”

Maybe you have seen the popular Capital One credit card series of commercials with a ragtag team of Vikings paying for the American Dream with their Capital One credit card. Each commercial finishes with the question … “What’s in your wallet?” Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus asked that same question. However, His concern was not what they were paying with; but what they were buying. Jesus made a connection between our spirit and our purchases. This morning we ask, “What’s in your wallet?”

Jesus is calling us, His followers, to become distinctly different than the world in which we live. In our text this Sunday he is essentially asking us, “Who’s your audience? People or God?” Whether it is our prayer life in public or private or it’s the spiritual discipline of fasting, Jesus wants us to make sure we are doing so with the right audience in mind

Jesus is calling us, His followers, to become distinctly different than the world in which we live. In our text this Sunday he is essentially asking us, “Who’s your audience? People or God?” Whether it is our prayer life in public or private or it’s the spiritual discipline of fasting, Jesus wants us to make sure we are doing so with the right audience in mind

When you look at your life, do you find that it blends in with the world’s ideal life, or is it distinctly different? Jesus has challenged the status quo with His Sermon on the Mount. Jesus does not want an ordinary life for you! He wants you to be distinctly different. This week and next we will examine three areas of religious “duties” where Jesus calls us to be distinctly different: giving, prayer, and fasting.

When you look at your life, do you find that it blends in with the world’s ideal life, or is it distinctly different? Jesus has challenged the status quo with His Sermon on the Mount. Jesus does not want an ordinary life for you! He wants you to be distinctly different. This week and next we will examine three areas of religious “duties” where Jesus calls us to be distinctly different: giving, prayer, and fasting.

God created us to live life in community. Community brings with it many joyous and happy moments. But along with the joys, also comes heartache and sometimes blood shed. How do we live and respond to the negative aspects of community. In our teaching today, Jesus indicates that we are to become outwardly focused Christians.

God created us to live life in community. Community brings with it many joyous and happy moments. But along with the joys, also comes heartache and sometimes blood shed. How do we live and respond to the negative aspects of community. In our teaching today, Jesus indicates that we are to become outwardly focused Christians.

As Jesus continues His teaching on the hillside He has now moved into a section where He is comparing His interpretation of the Law to that of His rabbinic peers. Their focus has been on strict observance concerning the actual acts associated with the Law. But the act is not Jesus’ concern. Jesus knows that before the act is ever committed there is a decision in the heart. What condition is you heart in?

As Jesus continues His teaching on the hillside He has now moved into a section where He is comparing His interpretation of the Law to that of His rabbinic peers. Their focus has been on strict observance concerning the actual acts associated with the Law. But the act is not Jesus’ concern. Jesus knows that before the act is ever committed there is a decision in the heart. What condition is you heart in?

Jesus mission here on this earth was to fulfill the Law of God given to His people through His servant Moses. But exactly how did Jesus do this and what does this mean now for Christians? Is there still value in the Law for Christians or do we simply ignore its instruction? This morning we will strive to understand more fully what Jesus means when He says, “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

Jesus mission here on this earth was to fulfill the Law of God given to His people through His servant Moses. But exactly how did Jesus do this and what does this mean now for Christians? Is there still value in the Law for Christians or do we simply ignore its instruction? This morning we will strive to understand more fully what Jesus means when He says, “I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

If you look in almost any pantry you will find salt. That’s because salt has so many different uses and benefits to our world. The same is true with light. Light is incredibly important to the daily function of all our lives. Jesus calls us both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But what does this mean? How can we be both salt and light? What implications does this have for the world in which we live? Today, as we turn the page in our series The Sermon on the Mount, we find the truth in Jesus words.

If you look in almost any pantry you will find salt. That’s because salt has so many different uses and benefits to our world. The same is true with light. Light is incredibly important to the daily function of all our lives. Jesus calls us both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But what does this mean? How can we be both salt and light? What implications does this have for the world in which we live? Today, as we turn the page in our series The Sermon on the Mount, we find the truth in Jesus words.

When God elected to send Jesus to this earth, He made a statement about mercy. God had decided to show mercy to mankind, even though mankind does not deserve it. What should our response to God’s mercy be? How should we treat others? Does the way we share mercy reflect God’s mercy? This morning as we close out the Beatitudes we will answer these questions.

When God elected to send Jesus to this earth, He made a statement about mercy. God had decided to show mercy to mankind, even though mankind does not deserve it. What should our response to God’s mercy be? How should we treat others? Does the way we share mercy reflect God’s mercy? This morning as we close out the Beatitudes we will answer these questions.

Whether Jesus was speaking to large crowds or small groups, He made sure everyone was clear on what it meant to follow Him. Jesus is not looking for fans…He’s looking for followers. Followers who understand that there is no forgiveness without repentance, there is no salvation without surrender, there is no life without death, and there is no believing without following. Today we begin our six week journey from fan’s of Jesus to followers of Jesus. (~Not a Fan Pastor’s Kit)