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When church becomes a spectacle, it can be easy to confuse excitement with spiritual maturity.This week, Pastor Ken Ortize examines what he calls “Carnival Christianity” — the pressure to make church bigger, louder, more entertaining, and more sensational in order to attract and keep a crowd.But when personalities, productions, emotional experiences, and audience numbers become the measure of success, what happens to biblical teaching, genuine worship, discipleship, and spiritual depth?In this episode of What's the World Coming To?, Pastor Ken challenges us to reconsider what the church is actually called to produce: not an audience waiting for the next show, but faithful followers of Jesus Christ.www.wtwcomingto.com
Because the Lord is faithful, He works in our lives in powerful and practical ways. He establishes us, building a solid foundation of stability, spiritual maturity, and faithfulness. He strengthens us from the inside out and doesn't leave us uncertain or easily shaken by life's challenges. Pastor Ken teaches you today that God's faithfulness not only grounds you firmly in the truth but also gives you the ability to stand strong when difficulties come, so that you can remain steadfast and secure.
God has given us, as believers, discernment to recognize truth from deception. Every spirit that confesses Jesus has come in the flesh is from God, but any spirit that refuses to acknowledge that Jesus has come reflects the spirit of the Antichrist already at work in the world. But we don't need to live in fear. In today's message, Pastor Ken reminds you that through Christ, you have already overcome the powers that seek to oppose the Lord. Christ has conquered, and He shares that victory with you.
The Bible warns that spiritual deception will continue to increase as time goes on. While the enemy's schemes are powerful, Scripture reminds us that the greatest danger is a heart that continually rejects God's truth. And that there are serious consequences to persistent unbelief. Pastor Ken teaches you today that every time God speaks to you, it is an opportunity to respond in faith and obedience. Today is the day to listen to His voice and embrace His Word, while His invitation still stands.
Satan is constantly working to influence our hearts and minds, especially those of young people or children. His goal is to make the world's values appear attractive while portraying God's truth as restrictive or outdated. But this deception is nothing new, echoing the same lie spoken in the Garden of Eden, where God's goodness was called into question. Pastor Ken urges you to remember today that spiritual warfare requires vigilance and a firm commitment to God's Word, so stand confident in God's presence.
In this episode of What's the World Coming To?, Pastor Ken continues the What's the Church Coming To? series with a look at “TV Christianity” and how television, media, and entertainment have reshaped the modern church.When worship becomes a spectacle, pastors become personalities, and the congregation becomes an audience, does the message itself begin to change? Pastor Ken examines how the demand to capture attention can compress doctrine, elevate celebrity, and turn disciples into consumers.How can the Church use modern media without allowing the medium to redefine the message?www.wtwcomingto.com
With so many competing voices in the world, it's important to discern who is truly teaching God's Word and who is leading people astray. Scripture warns us that false teachers do more than get theology wrong…they intentionally distort the truth for their own purposes. Rather than point people to Christ, they seek to build a following around themselves. Pastor Ken reminds you today that not everyone who claims to speak for God is actually serving Him. Behind every lie is the influence of the enemy, Satan.
God has already provided all the tools we need to discern truth from error. The more we understand what the Bible teaches, the better prepared we are to recognize falsehood when it appears. Pastor Ken urges you today to examine teachings closely, rather than simply accept them at face value. And sometimes that means digging deeper, carefully studying and researching Scripture, and asking important questions. Discernment grows when you take the time to investigate and verify the truth.
8.16.26 Pastor Ken Wilde by Capital Church - Meridian, Idaho
God's Word teaches that every prophetic message must be tested by the standards of Scripture. And God has given His Word as the ultimate standard for evaluating each claim. Even when someone has spoken accurately in the past, that alone is not proof that every future prediction is from God. Pastor Ken reminds you today that your trust belongs to God alone, and not in any individual's track record. As you listen and learn, let Scripture be the final authority that guides your faith.
The early Christians in Thessalonica experienced rejection, ridicule, and persecution because of their faith. But what the world viewed as shame, God transformed into a mark of honor. Pastor Ken teaches you today that persecution and hardship for Christ are never meaningless in God's eyes. While you may not seek persecution, you can take comfort in knowing that God sees every sacrifice you make for Him. And what may appear to be a loss in this life can become eternal gain in the life to come.
What does it really mean to have faith?As Pastor Ken continues the “What's the Church Coming To?” series, he examines the rise and influence of Word-Faith theology, positive confession, the prosperity gospel, and the belief that enough faith — or the right words — can change our circumstances.From the historical roots of these ideas to their influence on modern Christianity, Pastor Ken asks an important question: Have we turned faith from trust in God into a spiritual force we believe we can control?Biblical faith isn't about getting God to accomplish our will. It's about trusting Him enough to surrender to His.Faith in God… or faith in faith?www.wtwcomingto.com
In Christ, we as believers are united as one family, regardless of background, status, or ethnicity. The gospel leaves no room for racism, favoritism, or any attitude that places one person above another. We all stand on equal ground at the foot of the cross as we become transformed by God's grace. In today's message, Pastor Ken reminds you that you ultimately share the same hope, the same Savior, and the same calling as other believers. Rather than compare yourself to them, walk humbly and love one another.
What if following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey? In Acts 2, the early church didn't simply gather for a service—they created a community centered on Jesus. They shared life, worshiped together, prayed together, served one another, met practical needs, and helped each other grow. In this message, Pastor Ken Senchal explores why biblical community is essential to abiding in Jesus. Because the people God places around us can help us become more like Christ. But authentic community requires more than simply showing up at church. It requires us to move from attendance to belonging. Pastor Ken explores three obstacles that can keep us from experiencing the kind of community God designed: Pride and self-sufficiency — believing, "I've got this," when God created us to need one another. Busyness and misplaced priorities — allowing our schedules to make spiritual community optional. Past hurts and unresolved offenses — allowing what happened in unhealthy relationships to keep us from the healthy relationships God wants to bring into our lives. The answer isn't isolation. The answer to unhealthy community is healthy biblical community. Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that when one person falls, another can help them back up—and Scripture assumes that eventually, we all need someone. So the question isn't whether you'll need community. The question is: Will you allow yourself to be part of one?
False teaching isn't just a problem from the past…it's still a danger today! Across the world, there are people who seek to deceive believers and lead them away from God's truth. And they often target those who are going through difficult seasons of life. In these moments of vulnerability, false teachers may offer promises that sound comforting, but are not found in Scripture. In today's message, Pastor Ken makes it clear to you that God's Word, not human promises, is the foundation of your hope.
Today's sermon is Prepare For Eternity by Ken Adams Find more teaching from Pastor Ken at www.crossroadsonline.org
In this age of the Internet and instant access to free information, we all hear tons of different voices every day. The apostle Paul, 2000 years ago, warned us to be careful who we listen to. Many eloquent speakers sound like they are speaking truth, but are actually completely opposed to God's Word. Today, Pastor Ken will challenge us to filter what we hear through the lens of Scripture. If it doesn't line up with what the Lord says, it's not worth listening to. Don't let your heart be deceived by worldly wisdom!
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Many Christians struggle with the bad habit of saying they'll pray for someone, but ultimately forgetting to do so. It's almost a reflex to promise to keep a person in our prayers when we hear about a challenging situation. But God takes those promises seriously, and we should too! Today, Pastor Ken will recommend praying right then and there to avoid forgetting later in the week. We're called to be men and women of our word, and that applies to prayer as much as anything else! Don't be accidentally dishonest!
The Lord really doesn't ask that much of us. We're called to abandon our sin, share the gospel continuously, and walk faithfully with Him. When we're in step with Jesus, prayer is a natural response. Today, Pastor Ken will remind us to pray for everyone – even those who hurt us and hate us. It's easy to pray for God to bless a friend or family member, but it's much more difficult to ask for an enemy to be blessed! And yet, that's exactly what Jesus modeled and asks us to do out of love for Him!
Pastor Ken continues the “What's the Church Coming To?” series with a look at the rise of church marketing, the seeker-sensitive movement, and the growing influence of consumerism on modern Christianity.There is nothing wrong with excellence, communicating clearly, or wanting to reach more people. But what happens when success in ministry becomes measured by attendance, giving, buildings, programs, and production rather than biblical depth and spiritual maturity?In this episode, Pastor Ken examines how the pursuit of growth and relevance has shaped the modern church and asks an important question: Has the church become a business?www.wtwcomingto.com
Tragically, many people are speeding toward an eternity apart from God because they are putting off placing their faith in Jesus. They think they have time because they're healthy or young, or that they'll finally repent after the rapture. The problem is that nobody is guaranteed another minute on this planet. Our lives are fragile, and Jesus could return at any moment! If you've been waiting to turn to Christ, Pastor Ken will encourage you to settle the matter today! Run to God's wide open arms!
Don't be deceived! We live in a country (and, really, a world) that believes there is no universal truth. We're constantly told to leave people alone and to let them pursue “their truth.” The Bible adamantly disagrees with this! There is a source of unshakable truth, and that is the Word of God! Today, Pastor Ken will challenge us to spread and stand up for the life-changing gospel. Billions are headed for destruction because of the lies that they believe! Time is running out, and we need to be bold witnesses of the truth!
One thing that sets Christianity apart from other religions is that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans! The Lord isn't looking for superheroes who have everything together in their lives. He wants to use those who seek Him in humility and self-surrender! Today, Pastor Ken will remind you that Jesus can use absolutely anyone! So don't let the world convince you that you can't be used to advance the Kingdom! God wants to work in your life to lead others to His grace!
In The Most Important Conversation, we explore why prayer should be more than something we believe is important—it should be a vital part of our everyday relationship with God. Throughout Scripture, prayer is woven into the lives of God's people and modeled continually by Jesus, reminding us that God values our relationship with Him, invites us to participate in His work, sustains us through time spent in His presence, and calls us to pray for one another.We are encouraged to move past feelings of inadequacy or inconsistency and simply take the next step, remembering that God hears us not because we are good enough, but because of what Jesus has done. By praying honestly and specifically, remembering God's faithfulness, practicing gratitude, and refusing to give up, we can develop a deeper, more consistent prayer life—and discover that time with God can become the best part of our day. Let's listen in…LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:• George Müller• Better Men Group begins 9/11• Book “The Fight” by John White• Download the free study guide, complete transcript, and show notes here.• Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 3, verse 16; Colossians 4, verse 12; John 15, verse 4; Hebrews 10, verses 19b-22; Colossians 1, verses 9-12; Philippians 4, verse 6; Luke 18, verse 1• Find out more about Covenant Church at covenantchurchwv.com
Jesus is coming back soon! God's Word is filled with promises that the King of Kings is returning to make all things perfect! Pain, death, and sin will be permanently eradicated, and we will be with our Lord forever. As you listen to Pastor Ken today, you'll get even closer to the moment when the sky is rolled back, and Jesus returns! It's incredibly exciting, but it's also a call to action! There are many people whom God has placed in your life who desperately need to hear the gospel! Stand firm and share boldly!
At the beginning of human history, Adam and Eve made a terrible decision that would impact every person who has lived on this planet. But God in His grace chose to send His Son to defeat the curse and pay the ultimate price. He created a way for us to be free from the penalty that Adam shackled humanity with. Today, Pastor Ken will remind us that we no longer belong to the original, fallen human race. We are born again in Jesus and will never taste death and hell, because of what He has done for us!
Send us Fan MailBoth of them knew something was wrong, but neither could name it. The surgery was scheduled. The doctors were ready. But there was no peace.The morning of the operation, a blood clot sent David to the ER instead of the operating table. The surgeon came to their room and told them he would have lost David in surgery. That was the answer: the missing peace was God saying no.This week on Midweek Motivation, Jess sits down with Rita, a long-time Westside member who walked through her husband's cancer diagnosis, years of treatment, full-time caregiving, and ultimately David's passing earlier this year. Rita shares how Philippians 4 became the anchor she carried into every doctor's appointment, every scan result, and every hard day, and how peace became something she could access even when the world said she shouldn't be okay.Scriptures referenced: Philippians 4:4-9, Matthew 6:25-34, Psalm 139This conversation ties into Pastor Ken's weekend message on peace at Westside Community Church.CONNECT WITH WESTSIDEWebsite: https://www.westsidechurch.ccYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestsideCommunityChurchpdxInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/westsidepdxSunday Services: 9:00 AM and 11:00 AMNEED PRAYER?https://www.westsidechurch.cc/prayer
If you ask people walking down the street if they think they will go to heaven when they die, most people would say, “I hope so! I'm a pretty good person!” One of the glorious things about Christianity is that you don't have to wonder! When you turn to Jesus for the first time, you are purchased by His sinless blood, and you instantly become His son or daughter! Today, Pastor Ken will tell you that the Holy Spirit lives inside you if you belong to the Lord! The Spirit is God's guarantee that you are His!
Throughout history, many people have tried to predict the exact timing of Christ's return, often leading others into fear, confusion, and harmful decisions. But Scripture never calls believers to set dates or make reckless decisions based on human predictions. Today, Pastor Ken goes over with you how God intentionally did not reveal the exact moment Jesus will return because He wants you to live faithfully and ready at all times. Don't worry, because His coming is imminent. He will come!
We've been given everything we need to know about the times and seasons surrounding the return of Christ. Jesus made it clear that our focus should not be on fear or speculation, but faithfulness. And just like the disciples, we're to stay ready. Pastor Ken reminds you today that your responsibility is not to predict every detail, but to remain faithful in the work Jesus has placed before you. The mission has never changed…continue serving, continue believing, and continue sharing the Gospel until Jesus returns.
Join us as Pastor Ken leads us in a sermon titled "The Question".
As believers, we're reminded that this is not our home. Our identities are not found in earthly systems, but in Jesus Christ and the kingdom of Heaven. While we pray for the well-being of our nation, our mission was never about taking over governments or gaining worldly power. Instead, we are called to make disciples and share the hope of the Gospel. Today, Pastor Ken urges you to remember that your citizenship is ultimately in Heaven, and every part of your life should reflect Christ.
From the earliest days of the church, believers lived with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. Even the apostle Paul believed he might personally witness the Lord coming for His people. In today's message, Pastor Ken reminds you that the return of Christ is not symbolic or uncertain, but a real event promised in the Word of God. If you belong to Jesus, it will be a moment of victory, hope, and everlasting joy, so live every day faithfully, watching with the expectation of His return.
The Church has never lacked strategies. What it cannot afford to lose is its dependence on the Holy Spirit.In this episode of What's the World Coming To?, Pastor Ken explores the rise of the Church Growth Movement and asks an important question: Has strategy replaced the Holy Spirit?Drawing from Scripture, the early church in Acts, and examples from church history, Pastor Ken examines how modern ministry can become overly dependent on marketing, demographics, and organizational success while neglecting prayer, biblical conviction, and the power of God's Spirit.Church growth is not the problem. The danger comes when our confidence shifts from God's presence to human methods.Join Pastor Ken for a thoughtful and biblical discussion that challenges every believer to ask where our trust truly belongs.www.wtwcomingto.com
Many people are drawn to simple phrases that sound comforting and easy to remember. Statements like “God is love” are true, but they are often separated from the full truth of God's Word. Others can begin to believe that God approves of anything and everything! But while He is loving and merciful, He is also Holy and just. In today's message, Pastor Ken teaches you that God's grace was never meant to excuse sin, but to rescue you from it. If you're a believer, you're called to share the complete message of God.
God the Father set into motion a beautiful plan of redemption, just like the old Jewish wedding customs of a bride being prepared for her wedding day. And while Heaven is being prepared for us, God is also preparing us for Heaven. Pastor Ken teaches you today that sanctification is the ongoing work of God, making you holy, purified, and ready for His return. Every trial, every prayer, and every step of faith is shaping believers to become more like Jesus in this season of transformation.
Right now, all over the world, people are driving their cars, sitting at the dinner table, folding laundry, having an ordinary day, not realizing that everything could change at any moment. In just the blink of an eye, believers could be called home. Pastor Ken reminds you today that no one knows the exact day or hour of the Rapture, but you are called to live ready. There will be no time for goodbyes… One moment you're here, and the next you're gone. Today is the day to stay faithful and keep your eyes on Jesus.
Scripture teaches us that when God's church is removed, the world will enter a time of judgment unlike anything seen before. But God, in His mercy, continues to hold the door of salvation open. Every person who has trusted in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross has the assurance of belonging to Him. Pastor Ken tells you today that there is still time to respond to God's invitation of grace and become part of His family. But the opportunity won't remain forever; now is the time to place your trust in Him!
Why did so many Bible-believing churches withdraw from the culture during the twentieth century?In this episode of What's the World Coming To?, Pastor Ken Ortize continues the "What's the Church Coming To?"series by examining the historical forces that reshaped Christianity. As higher criticism, secularism, and evolutionary thinking gained influence, many believers responded by separating from the culture rather than engaging it—leading to what became known as "The Frozen Chosen."Pastor Ken traces this journey through church history, explaining how the authority of Scripture came under attack, why many Christians retreated from public life, and how leaders like Billy Graham helped call the church back to engaging the world with biblical truth instead of fear.This episode is both a history lesson and a challenge for believers today: How can Christians stand firmly on God's Word while faithfully reaching the culture around them?If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share it with a friend, and visit www.wtwcomingto.com for more biblical teaching and resources. www.wtwcomingto.com
We might not feel it most days, but there is a sense of urgency surrounding the coming of the Rapture. Imagine Noah, as he builds his ark, inviting anyone who would listen to come aboard to safety before judgment arrives. In today's message, Pastor Ken urges you to carry on with that same mission. The approaching Rapture is not meant to create fear for believers, but to encourage you to reach the lost, because there's still time for others to respond to God's invitation and receive His grace.
God has always been faithful to protect His people, even in the midst of judgment and chaos. Scripture shows us again and again that the Lord never abandons His children or treats them as forgotten collateral damage. Pastor Ken reminds you today that God still watches over His followers and will continue to do so in the days ahead. Just like others in the past, you can be pointed towards the hope that believers have in the coming Rapture. Rest in the assurance that God remains in control.
Have you ever been rescued from an awkward situation? You might have had an accident, and someone comes and gives you a pair of pants. Or perhaps you forgot someone's name, but your friend was there to remind you in the middle of the conversation. Being saved from these situations is small; it isn't life-altering. But there is something bigger at stake that we need saving from. Today, Pastor Ken encourages you that when you place your faith in Jesus, you'll be rescued from the wrath of God.
Has anyone ever told you something you just aren't getting? It could be instructions for building an IKEA table, or a story about something that happened years ago. You are listening, but the pieces just aren't connecting. This is probably how the disciples felt when they heard Jesus talk about how He would bring about His kingdom. They were listening to Jesus, but they didn't fully get the full picture. Today, Pastor Ken shares how all Scripture gives you the full picture of how Jesus will usher in His kingdom on earth.
Over the past several weeks, we've explored the growing doctrinal shifts taking place within the modern church. But where did those changes begin?In this episode, Pastor Ken examines one of the most foundational questions facing Christians today: Has the acceptance of evolution changed the way the church understands Scripture?More than a scientific debate, evolution represents a worldview that challenges the opening chapters of Genesis. If Genesis is no longer history, what happens to the doctrines of creation, sin, redemption, marriage, and the authority of God's Word?Join us as we examine why Genesis matters, how it shapes the entire biblical story, and why the foundation of our faith begins in the very first pages of Scripture.www.wtwcomingto.com
How did culture shape the church we know today?In this episode of What's the World Coming To?, Pastor Ken Ortize continues his series on "What's the Church Coming To?" by examining the historical and cultural forces that have influenced Christianity over the last two thousand years.From the early church and the Great Schism to the Protestant Reformation, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment, this episode explores how ideas from the surrounding culture have impacted the church—for both good and bad. Pastor Ken reminds believers that while culture is constantly changing, God's Word remains the unchanging foundation for faith and practice.This episode lays the groundwork for future discussions on the modern church and the challenges Christians face in remaining faithful to biblical truth in an ever-changing world.www.wtwcomingto.com