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After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 10:1-11:7 by West Hills Church

Deuteronomy is a book about remembering. As Israel stands on the edge of the promised land, Moses calls them to look back before they move forward. They have seen God's power in Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His mercy toward a stubborn and wandering people. Yet their greatest danger was not the enemies ahead of them, but forgetfulness within them. When God's people forget who He is and what He has done, their hearts begin to drift. The same struggle is true for us today. The remedy for wandering hearts is remembering the Lord: His mercy, His greatness, and His faithful work in our lives. Listen to this sermon as we open God's Word together and remember God's faithfulness.

Ask the Pastors S8 E7: “Theological Triage pt.4: Abortion, Sabbath, Calvinism, Creeds, & more!” by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 8:11 - 9:29 by West Hills Church

Proverbs 30:8-9 invites us to pray, “O God… give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.” Unfortunately, God's Old Testament people Israel fell prey to both temptations. In Deuteronomy chapters 8-10, Moses both reminds Israel that they “profane[d] the name of God” in their poverty during their wilderness years (not by stealing so much as by doubting and grumbling) while also warning them against “denying” God in their affluence once they enter the promised land. Sadly, we are still susceptible to these same struggles - profaning God's name in our poverty, and forgetting Him when we flourish. How do we remain “thankful in all circumstances” (1 Ths 5:18)? Moses's advice: “Don't forget where you came from”, and especially the One who has brought you thus far. Listen to this sermon and remember God's faithfulness!

In the third installment of their "Theological Triage" series, Brian, Will and Thad engaged in a discussion to categorize various Christian beliefs and practices into three tiers of theological importance. The tiers were defined as: Tier 1 (essential to the gospel), Tier 2 (important enough to separate churches over), and Tier 3 (areas where Christians could disagree within the same church). The pastors analyzed a range of topics including church attendance and membership, diversity, social justice, the role of politics from the pulpit, the historical Adam, women's roles in teaching, worship styles, sermon length, Bible translations, and alcohol consumption. Throughout the conversation, they often distinguished between the purely theological importance of an issue and its practical, functional impact on the unity and culture of a specific church community.

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 7:1-8:10 by West Hills Church

Why did God choose Israel to be His people?” This question has long troubled students of the Bible. After all, there were plenty of other nations around at the time God could have adopted instead. But He came only to Abram. In Deuteronomy 7, God answers the question by first explaining “It was not because you were more in number than any other people” (v7). Rather, God graciously chose Israel “because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers” (v8). Moreover, He chose them to be “a people holy to the Lord your God… a people for his treasured possession” (v6), that He might “bless [them] above all peoples” (v14). As the “true Israel of God” (Rom 9:6; Gal 6:16), the Church today is similarly called to be a people holy and blessed, “a chosen race… a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Pet 2:9). What might we learn about God's calling to holiness and His promise of blessing from Israel's example? Join us for this sermon to find out!

Ask the Pastors: S8 E5 - "Should Christians watch Game of Thrones + must a Christian believe in the inerrancy of the Bible?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:25 by West Hills Church

When we reflect upon the way in which we relate to God as His people, many different verbs come to mind for the Christian. We worship the Lord. We love the Lord. We trust the Lord. But arguably the most biblically-emphasized (by God) yet under-appreciated (by us) of all our responses is to fear the Lord. The Bible says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Ps 111:10), “a fountain of life” (Pr 14:27), and “the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13). It tells us God's “mercy” (Lk 1:50) and “friendship” (Ps 25:14) are only for those who fear him. Even Jesus warned us, “do not fear those who kill the body… Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell”, that is, God (Mt 10:28). In this sermon from Sunday in Deuteronomy, the Lord Himself exclaims of His people Israel, “Oh, that they had such a heart as this always, to fear me” (5:29), and He desires the same of us today. Listen now as we grow in our fear (and our worship, love and trust!) of the Lord.

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 5:1-21 by West Hills Church

If you could write a “top 10” list of rules for governing human behavior, what would you include? Many have offered their suggestions: Ted Turner's list included a pledge of allegiance to the United Nations and a limit of 2 children per couple, to ration the planet's resources. George Carlin reduced his list to just three commandments: “Thou shalt always be honest and faithful; Thou shalt try really hard not to kill anyone; and Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself”. Atheist apologist Christopher Hitchens' list culminated in the command to “Renounce any god”! But try as we may to reshape morality, to “be a law unto ourselves”, there is only one Law and one Lawgiver: the Lord God. And He has not left us in the dark about how we ought to live. In this sermon, we examine God's “Top Ten” list together from Deuteronomy 5:1-21.

The pastors of West Hills church—Brian, Thad, and Will—held a discussion on the concept of "theological triage," a method for categorizing theological doctrines based on their level of importance. They defined a three-tiered system: Tier 1 for issues essential to salvation (gospel issues); Tier 2 for urgent doctrines that are important enough to cause separation into different churches if disagreed upon; and Tier 3 for secondary issues where disagreement is permissible within the same church. The pastors then applied this framework to a series of theological topics, including baptism, same-sex marriage, justification by faith, and speaking in tongues, debating which tier each topic belonged to and discussing the practical implications for church unity, membership, and leadership.

As we settle in for Moses's retelling of God's Law in chapters 5-26 of Deuteronomy (lit. “second law”), we need to be aware of how prone we are to reduce the Law to just a list of “Do”s and “Don't”s. But in his preface in chapter 4, Moses reminds us why the Law is so important and so personal: because of whose Law it is. Before we can fully appreciate God's Law, we must first learn to appreciate the God of the Law.

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 4:1-40 by West Hills Church

Ask the Pastors Season 8 Episode 3: “I'm a new Christian; how do I live like it? (pt.3)” by West Hills Church

The podcast episode was a follow-up Q&A session where Pastor Will answered a series of questions from a listener named Brad, based on Sunday's sermon on Deuteronomy chapters 2 and 3. The main topics discussed included God's sovereignty over both nations and individual lives, the challenge of trusting God during confusing or unfair circumstances, and the critical balance between human responsibility and dependence on God.

As we noted in our introduction to Deuteronomy, the book is mostly comprised of three sermons Moses preached to the people of Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. This Sunday, Moses continues his first sermon by recapping their journey through the wilderness and reminding God's people of the lessons He has taught them over the past 40 years. As God's new covenant people, still living between our own “exodus” (salvation) and our eventual homecoming to the better “Promised Land” (Heaven), we need these reminders today just as much as the Israelites once did. Check out this sermon for God's “Lessons from the Wilderness”, part two!

As we noted in our introduction to Deuteronomy, the book is mostly comprised of three sermons Moses preached to the people of Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. This Sunday, Moses opens his first sermon by recapping their journey through the wilderness and reminding God's people of the lessons He has taught them over the past 40 years. As God's new covenant people, still living between our own “exodus” (salvation) and our eventual homecoming to the better “Promised Land” (Heaven), we need these reminders today just as much as the Israelites once did. Join us in this sermon for God's “Lessons from the Wilderness”!

Ask the Pastors Season 8 Episode 2: "I'm new to Christianity; how can I learn to pray?" by West Hills Church

Liturgy from Every Moment Holy: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59764bcb725e2575438613ad/t/59f8f38f8e7b0f22895351c1/1509487503325/One+Battling+a+Destructive+Desire.pdf

Reach Reproductive Health joins us for Sanctity of Life Sunday, and their message to uncertain pregnant mothers echoes Moses's exhortation to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 30: “Choose LIFE!” Join us for this sermon as we discover what it means for us to choose life personally, collectively as a church, and corporately as the Church in America.

Ask the Pastors Season 8 Episode 1: "I'm new to Christianity; where should I start with Bible reading?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Deuteronomy 1:1-8 by West Hills Church

It's often said that “those who don't learn from the past are doomed to repeat it”. Yet many of us in the modern world are ignorant of history, preferring instead the recent and “relevant”. God's word declares “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways” (Ps 128:1). Yet we repeatedly disobey God, at times without even knowing “his ways”. God assures us “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). Yet we are often quick to forget God's promises, and live in fear and worry instead. Remembrance. Obedience. Faith. God wants each of these virtues for each of us, His people. And He offers them to us in the book of Deuteronomy. Even more importantly, God offers us Himself here: His law, His love, and His invitation to relationship. Join us for this sermon as we begin our journey together through this beautiful book of the Bible!

It's often said that “people hate change”. Perhaps, but one thing is for sure: we love the NEW. The smell of a new car, the bells and whistles of a new phone, the excitement of a new relationship, the hope and promise of a new year. And it's especially true when it comes to our spiritual lives: we delight in God's “new mercies every morning” (Lam 3:23); we respond by “sing[ing] unto the Lord a new song” (Ps 96:1); most of all, we rejoice that in Christ, we are “a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17). Join us for this sermon as we trace this theme of newness throughout the entire story of Scripture, praising the God who is “making all things new” (Rev 21:5).

As we come to the final Sunday of 2025, it's a natural moment to pause and look back. This past year likely holds moments of growth and gratitude, but also regret, failure, and things left undone. For some, looking back may even feel overwhelming, aware of the ways we didn't follow Christ as faithfully as we should have. The question is: what do we do with all of that? In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul reminds us that our story doesn't end with who we were, but with what Christ has done. “And such were some of you.” Those words invite us to look back honestly, remember the grace of Christ, and step into the new year as people made new. The Christian life is more than resolutions, it is renewal through the gospel.

After the Sermon: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 by West Hills Church

In our modern world of online “social” networking, we are in some ways more connected to one another today than ever before in human history. Yet the reported rates of loneliness are at an all time high: 60% amongst Gen X, 65% for Millennials, and as many as 67% of Gen Z report feeling lonely “often” (Cigna, 2025). Where can we turn for real connection? First, we go to God (Ps 73:23). But second, we turn to - and fold into - God's people, the Church, His prescription for our loneliness. We invite you to do just that during this sermon, and join us as we discover how “God's Community is the Cure for the World's Disconnection”.

Ask the Pastors Season 7 Episode 13: "What's the best (and worst) Christmas song?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: 12/15/25 by West Hills Church

“Why am I here?” It's a question we've all asked at some point, perhaps often. According to a recent survey, 58% of young adults in the U.S. report feeling “little or no meaning or purpose in my life within the past month” (APA, 2023). And the numbers are trending upward in every age demographic. In a world that feels more and more aimless and adrift by the day, God's word offers us a clear and changeless reason to keep getting out of bed every morning. The question is: “What IS it?” And just as important: “Are we pursuing it?” Check out this sermon for God's prescription for the world's purposelessness.

Ask the Pastors Season 7 Episode 12: "Will we work in heaven?" by West Hills Church

"God's Rest is the Cure for the World's Busyness", Will DuVal | 12/7/25 by West Hills Church

After the Sermon | 12/8/25 by West Hills Church

Ask the Pastors Season 7 Episode 11: "Do miscarried babies go to heaven?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Philippians 4:6-7 by West Hills Church

We live in a world where stress is constant, pressure is unrelenting, and noise fills nearly every corner of our lives. For many, worry has become a daily companion, something we carry into our relationships, our work, our homes, and even our sleep. It's no surprise that anxiety has become one of the most universal human experiences of our time. Long before modern culture named anxiety, Scripture spoke directly to the restless heart. God does not minimize our fears, ignore our burdens, or shame our struggles. Instead, He invites us to bring our worries to Him and promises a peace that does not depend on circumstances. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul offers a path that is both honest and hopeful: we bring everything to God in prayer, and God responds by guarding our hearts with a peace only He can give.

Ask the Pastors Season 7 Episode 10: "How sinful is gluttony?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: John 17:6-19 by West Hills Church

Never in the history of humanity have more people had more access to more information than we do today. And yet never have we been bombarded with more misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies. Surrounded by so much confusion, it's no wonder that two-thirds of Americans today believe there is no such thing as absolute truth (Barna, “American Worldview Inventory 2025”, May 2025). But this crisis of truth is nothing new. The zeitgeist of our own postmodern age was well-summarized in Pontius Pilate's question of Jesus during his trial 2,000 years ago: “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38). Jesus' answer, however, is unequivocal: “Holy Father… your word is truth” (Jn 17:17). Join us this Sunday as we turn together to God's word, the antidote for the world's lies.

Ask the Pastors Season 7 Episode 9: "What is this '6 7' thing about and should Christians care?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Galatians 6:11-18 by West Hills Church

As we wrap up Paul's letter to the Galatians this Sunday, there is one message he wants to leave ringing in our ears and hearts: It's all about the gospel. Not circumcision (v12), not keeping the law (v13), not what we have done for God (v13), but rather what He has done for us by sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins. As Paul concludes, “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v14). This gospel saves us (v14), it transforms us (v15), it guides and guards us (v16), and it empowers us (v18). Join us this weekend for Galatians' grand finale, as we glory in the gospel together! Website: https://westhillsstl.org Facebook: / westhillschurch Instagram: / west.hills.church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rcm417... #WestHillsChurch #STLchurch #thegospel #Galatians #Jesusplusnothing #Jesus #westhillsstl

Ask the Pastors S7 E8: "Should Christians choose public, private, or home school?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Galatians 5:25-6:10 by West Hills Church

As we near the end of Paul's letter to the Galatians, he offers us some (almost) final commendations. Having already exhorted us how we are to “use our freedom” (v13) personally - “walk by the Spirit” (v16) - as well as interpersonally in a more general sense - “through love serve one another” (v13) - Paul now gets specific about what loving service looks like in the context of gospel community. Jesus himself said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). How do we put that love into practice? Listen for edifying instruction and gospel-rich encouragement!

Ask the Pastors S7 E7: “Is sports betting a sin?" by West Hills Church

After the Sermon: Galatians 5:19-25 by West Hills Church

Recently in our walk through the book of Galatians, we have celebrated the freedom we now enjoy as followers of Jesus (“Christ has set us free!”; 5:1). The apostle Paul explained what we've been freed for (“for freedom”; 5:1), what we've been freed from (we are no enslaved to the “desires of the flesh”; 5:17), and what we've been freed by (“for through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness”; 5:5). In this passage, Paul will further explicate the purpose of our freedom: how are we now freed to live as God's people? Join us as we discover and pursue what it means to walk in freedom!