Westside Messages

What comes first? The song of praise, or the life of worship? "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." — Romans 12:1 The life of worship leads to the song of praise, not the other way around. Today, let's choose to honor God with our lives, and express that in all ways, including songs of praise. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan describes how different seasons of our lives will cause different types of growth to occur. Sometimes, we will find our current spiritual maturity being added to and sometimes it will be multiplied! Open your heart to be encouraged this week! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday Pastor Jonathan encouraged us to be repaired and prepared by living out our lives like Elijah: putting worship in order, being brave and bold, and having powerful prayers. Using Malachi 4:5-6, we can understand how God wants His Church to be empowered in the spirit of Elijah: "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." (Malachi 4:5-6)

As Jesus' disciples, how we interact with the rest of the world is super important. This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan went over two of the main areas our behavior should reflect Jesus'... in our Conversations and our Actions. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

How should churches create disciples? In our modern churches we are often more focused on hyping Christians up instead of discipling them in the way of Jesus. This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan teaches us about the biblical Church structure of apostles, prophets, and teachers and how these offices lead to healthy Church-growth. Let's dive in together! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Have you ever been going through something and not realized that Jesus was right there with you? Don't worry, the disciples were in the same

The breakdown of the family-structure is widespread in our modern era, but Christ's teachings and the history of the Church can stand strong despite our culture's sway. This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes encourages parents to devote their child to God by recognizing the unique gifts He has placed in them. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

The breakdown of the family-structure is widespread in our modern era, but Christ's teachings and the history of the Church can stand strong despite our culture's sway. This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes encourages children & parents to rule over sin and represent God well. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

The breakdown of the family-structure is widespread in our modern era, but Christ's teachings and the history of the Church can stand strong despite our culture's sway. This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes encourages couples to live in their God-given identity as Adam and Eve were intended to. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

The breakdown of the family-structure is widespread in our modern era, but Christ's teachings and the history of the Church can stand strong despite our culture's sway. This Mother's Day, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes encourages moms to live in their God-given identity as the walls of the family: protecting, observing, and warning. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Looking at the life of Jacob, we can find many principles about how to (and not to) get unstuck. If you're stuck in sin, fear, or anywhere else in your spiritual life, God can help! Let's move forward together... If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Easter Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes talked about the story of Lazarus. Dead 4 days, body decaying, and disappointed family... Jesus comes on the scene. The resurrection and the life. How does it all play out? Tune in and find out! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan began a series exploring and studying the book of Romans. We started out with the historical context and the reasons for this letters length (about 7000 words!). We hope you learn something! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We are in a spiritual war—with sin, Satan, and their effects on us! This Sunday, Cris McPhetridge speaks to us about how we can battle with God through these struggles and come out victorious. Let's listen in... If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

If we stray from the Word, we will struggle against worldly pressures and fleshly temptations. Jesus exemplified constant meditation on the Scriptures, and we can see how it influenced His resilience in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). How can we mirror this approach in our own lives? If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Taking a cue from David in Psalm 139, this Sunday we learned about what it really means to serve an omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent God. He knows us intimately, is always with us—seeing everything we go through, and is more than powerful enough to overcome any adversary. So... how does that mold our lives? If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

If we stray from the Word, we will struggle against worldly pressures and fleshly temptations. Jesus exemplified constant meditation on the Scriptures, and we can see how it influenced His resilience in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). How can we mirror this approach in our own lives? If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We've all been there. In the middle of the most uncertain circumstance, wondering, "Will I make it through this?" or even, "Where are you God?". GOOD NEWS! The disciples were in the same boat as us (literally speaking) and Jesus taught them what to do. Let's discover God's teaching together! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We've all been there. In the middle of the most uncertain circumstance, wondering, "Will I make it through this?" or even, "Where are you God?". GOOD NEWS! The disciples were in the same boat as us (literally speaking) and Jesus taught them what to do. Let's discover God's teaching together! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

The common worldview we find in humanity today takes all of God's miraculous works and reduces them to misunderstandings, mere symbols, or complete fabrications. But... our Lord is still a miracle working God! When we approach Christmas, we approach the ultimate miracle of God—Christ coming in the flesh. But God's miracles do not end there... If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Are you a misfit? Good news! You're in incredible company :) David, the shepherds who first saw Jesus, the disciples, and even Jesus himself were misfits. This last Sunday, Pastor LaRonna Rhodes encouraged us about the calling of God—how he does not look at our position, our likes and dislikes—he simply calls us to follow him. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

One of our great images for how to follow God is Jesus' mother—the virgin Mary. During the time that God called her to give birth to Christ, she demonstrated an immense proclivity towards complete submission, and passion for God's will. Taking our cue from her, let's answer the question: will you say yes to God? If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

The holidays are supposed to be joy-filled, fun, exciting times, right? Right!? But usually we run into Christmas Battles. From difficult family members, to burdensome financial pressures, holidays can turn into a war with emotions and people. On Sunday, Pastor Jonathan encouraged and taught us how to cope, overcome, and trust God throughout the next couple of weeks. Enjoy! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

How do we share our faith? And why should we? On Wednesday, Cris McPhetridge—our Outreach Pastor—encouraged us on sharing our faith with others, walking out the life God has for us, and living like Jesus! Let's tune in. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We've all been lost and distant from God—rebellious, sinful, and evil—but the Father's love is still here! We're going to look at the famous story of the prodigal son this Sunday, and understand what it means to be a servant vs. a son. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) Jesus' pattern for our life comes into focus in baptism: as Jesus went down into the grave and emerged renewed, we too become transformed when we receive Jesus' life-changing work into our hearts and symbolically declare it through baptism. Let's listen in to Pastor Jonathan's teaching on baptism this Sunday! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

How are we so confident in God's existence? Well, we can look to three things that speak to his existence: creation, the supernatural, and people's testimonies! For this Family Sunday, Pastor Jonathan gave a short word on each. Enjoy! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

If only we could hear God's voice all the time, right? Just have a special set of headphones or something that tells us exactly what we should do or how we should act. But, as we learn from the story of Samuel, God's voice is tough to recognize even when it's audible! This Sunday, Jacob Wallace teaches us about the voice of God, how to recognize it, and where to look (here's a hint: it's in the Bible!). Let's tune in. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Our culture loves to paint the heroic picture, from caped crusaders to everyday legends who save the day in movies. But, let's face it, even the most glorious heroes have their faults. Join us this weekend as we explore the story of Ezekiel and his valley vision—how dry bones can be brought back to life. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Our culture loves to paint the heroic picture, from caped crusaders to everyday legends who save the day in movies. But, let's face it, even the most glorious heroes have their faults. This weekend, let's take a page from the Bible and learn from one of the greats—Abigail—as she shows us what it takes to be a true hero. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday, we were blessed by having Karl and Jennifer Hargestam speak about God's commission for all Christians to preach the Gospel, and share reports of their ministry—CityServe. They are passionate about empowering the church to reclaim their missional mandate to love thy neighborhood and show the loving-kindness of Jesus from the neighborhood to the nations. Karl leads the CityServe Network team as the Executive Director and manages all operations and personnel. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

As Christians, we don't define success the way the world does. While they might value money, fame, and power, we follow Jesus' standard for success. We should understand success as accomplishing and fulfilling everything that God has placed in our hearts and given us the ability to do. And this is God's will for all people. As God tells Joshua, "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

As Christians, we don't define success the way the world does. While they might value money, fame, and power, we follow Jesus' standard for success. We should understand success as accomplishing and fulfilling everything that God has placed in our hearts and given us the ability to do. And this is God's will for all people. As God tells Joshua, "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

As Christians, we don't define success the way the world does. While they might value money, fame, and power, we follow Jesus' standard for success. We should understand success as accomplishing and fulfilling everything that God has placed in our hearts and given us the ability to do. And this is God's will for all people. As God tells Joshua, "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:8-9) If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We've all experienced terrible things and know of the history of evil in the world. So how is it that God is in control? This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes teaches on the biblical doctrine of delegated authority—how humanity has been given control over the world by God's ultimate authority as its creator and owner. Let's dive in! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

We've all experienced terrible things and know of the history of evil in the world. So how is it that God is in control? This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes teaches on the biblical doctrine of delegated authority—how humanity has been given control over the world by God's ultimate authority as its creator and owner. Let's dive in! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

How do we deal with sin, fear, and the devil in our lives? Rather than procrastinating, neglecting, or simply being lazy, we need to actively deal with the powers of evil at work in our lives and the lives of those around us. Because of God's work in us, we can go after these evils and come out the victor! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

When Gideon was preparing to go into battle completely outnumbered, God asked him to conduct a few tests to diminish his numbers even more. Rather than fighting with 32,000 men, Gideon had to fight with 300. But the important part about these men is that they were ready to fight. This Sunday, Jonathan asks us the same question: are we ready and prepared for the battles that we wage against spiritual strongholds? If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes encouraged our congregation on how and when to fight for one's relationship with Jesus. Rather than becoming (or staying!) complacent, let's take our relationship with God seriously, and allow him to dictate our actions! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

What does it mean to 'believe' in Jesus? Can we expect to say a single prayer and then live opposed to him? This Sunday, our outreach pastor Cris McPhetridge talks about that very thing. All the New Testament authors and Jesus himself expected Christians to live differently after their conversion. As James says, "I will show you my faith by my deeds." (James 2:18)   If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

In 2 Chronicles 7:12, God tells Solomon: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice... Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place." This passage speaks of Solomon's Temple, but as Christians under the New Covenant, we know that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). So, we should be a people of prayer and sacrifice unto the Lord!   If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

In 2 Chronicles 7:12, God tells Solomon: "I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice... Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place." This passage speaks of Solomon's Temple, but as Christians under the New Covenant, we know that our bodies are temples for the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20). So, we should be a people of prayer and sacrifice unto the Lord!   If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Our dads do a lot... but some of the most important things they do in our families are: praying, leading by example, and having mercy. This Father's Day, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes gives Father's encouragement to be the kind of person God is calling them to be! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes teaches about the incredibly important role of worship in our lives. When we don't worship God with our lives... bad things happen. But when we give God ourselves in humble submission, he blesses us. If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Ever questioned why you should trust the Bible? It's an understandable question to ask! Thankfully, the answer is there's a LOT of reasons why we should, and that's what Pastor Jonathan Rhodes talked about this Sunday. So put your learning caps on, and let's dive in together! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

This Mother's Day, Pastor LaRonna Rhodes taught on the beauty of a Mother's protection and faith. In the story of Moses's birth, a key figure is his mom—Jochebed. We hope you are blessed this Mother's Day! If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Everyone goes through difficult seasons in their lives... the question is, how do we respond? The Bible says to respond in joy, and submission, but how in the world do we do that? This Sunday, guest speaker Mike Bradley shares God's heart for us in the midst of struggle: When we ask God, "How do I get out of this?" He asks us, "What can you get out of this?"   If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

What if John 3:16 simply left off at "God so loved the world..."? What if we didn't have Jesus's victorious life, death, and resurrection? Our culture defines love in so many ways—I love pizza... but I also love my wife... how can we use the same word to talk about these very different things? This Sunday, Pastor Jonathan Rhodes teaches on the different meanings of love and what it means to love biblically: agapé love. This type of love doesn't come to an end at having affection towards something—it requires that you actually do something about it. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." (Matthew22:37)

We can sometimes find ourselves in situations where we ask, "How did I get here?" Maybe it was a choice we made years ago, maybe just yesterday. But this Sunday Cris McPhetridge—our Outreach Pastor—takes us through having obedience, so that we're ready for seasons of confidence and boldness on our way back.   If you're looking for more sermons and devotions check out our other episodes! We have weekly services that are posted on Mondays and Thursdays. For more services, how to get plugged in, giving and more, visit our website at www.westsidefamilyfellowship.church

Eugene Peterson once said, "The essential thing 'in heaven and earth' is that there should be long obedience in the same direction". Obedience is difficult though. In busy schedules and distracted minds, often the first thing that suffers is our obedience to God's will. But by following the Word and the Spirit, and using wisdom, we can become people of obedience and grow in our relationship with God.

We must be people of the Spirit. Through surrendering to God, listening to the Spirit, and following his lead, we can activate the Spirit in our lives. From the very start of creation, God made us to be in constant relationship with the Spirit—it's what makes us alive. "the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7) Let's learn how to be people of the Spirit together!