West Side Church Of Christ - Elkton Ky podcast

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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What Does Encouragement Do (From our 4-27-25 Worship) 28:22

for 6 dager siden28:22

Spill senere

Lister

Lik

Likt

28:22

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/dek9IAc24wI Summary: Summary of Sermon: The Power of Encouragement Personal Introduction Speaker expresses deep pride in Colin Gregory for handling song service challenges calmly. Recalls personal story where Chris Kaufman helped him during a mistake, highlighting how important calm encouragement is. Leads into the theme: Encouragement has powerful, lasting impact. Story of Grandma Moses Anna Mary Robertson ("Grandma Moses") began painting at age 76 after arthritis ended her embroidery career. Her sister Celestia encouraged her by gifting a child's art kit, suggesting, "Paint the scenes you used to stitch." From that small encouragement, she became a world-famous folk artist, with paintings selling for over $1.36 million . Lesson: A simple word or action of encouragement can change the course of someone's life forever. Transition to Spiritual Application Encouragement is not just for art or career—it’s crucial in our spiritual lives. Hebrews 10:24 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." Study of Barnabas (Joseph) - Acts 4 Joseph, renamed Barnabas ("son of encouragement") , was so known for encouragement it became his identity. Key Point: Encouragement can reshape who you are in the eyes of others. Encouragement is a learned skill , not an inborn trait. Anyone can develop it through practice. Practical Ways to Encourage Listen carefully — People often reveal what they need if you pay attention. Use reminders — A text, call, or follow-up shows you care and can make a huge impact. Small actions — Encouragement doesn’t always require big gestures; small, thoughtful acts matter. Encouragement in Action - Acts 9 Barnabas vouched for Saul (Paul) when others were too afraid of him, breaking down barriers for him to be accepted. Key Point: Encouragement can remove obstacles others cannot move on their own. Sometimes, encouragement means using your reputation to give someone else a chance. Challenge to the Church Unlock potential — Like Barnabas, we should help others grow and serve. Break down barriers — We may be the bridge someone needs to find faith, community, or hope. Work together — The church body has many talents and skills; encouragement helps all parts function better. Closing Thoughts The speaker thanks the congregation for their encouragement during a recent hard time (loss of grandfather and brother's surgery). Final Appeal: Encouragement Invitation rather than traditional invitation. Encourages people to reach out if they need help, reminding them that allowing others to help is a blessing, not a burden . Would you also like me to create a super short version (like a one-paragraph "elevator pitch" summary) too? 🚀…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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A Message From The Apostle Thomas(From our 4-20-25 Worship) 38:09

for 11 dager siden38:09

38:09

In this episode, I pretend to be the apostle Thomas preaching one year after the resurrection of Jesus. Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/yujK2-wkO_8 Transcript: Shalom. Shalom, brothers and sisters, grace and Peace to each and every one of you. If you don't know my, my name is Thomas and I don't bring this up to. To build myself up in any way, but I was blessed to be one of the 12 that got to walk with our Lord. Today is an encouraging day. It's the Lord's day, and we get to worship the true and living God of of heaven. We know him and we love him, and I believe the house is a little fuller today than it normally is, but. I don't want you this morning to, to look at me and build me up because I was one of our Lord's apostles. I'm not perfect. I never will be, but it's hard for me to remember sometimes that some of you, even just a short while ago that it was that, that you didn't get to walk with her. Lord. Yes. You didn't get to see him, you didn't get to hear him with your own ears. So today, I, I stand not before you as someone who better than you or someone who has something internally inside of me that's better than you, that you can't ever arise to. I simply stand before you today because I want you to be able to see our Lord and Savior with your, the eyes of your heart, and I want you to be able to hear him. With the ears of your mind, I want you to be able to experience him like we were blessed to be able to experience him. You know, some people, some people make fun of me. They wanna call me Doubting Thomas, and I don't really think that name fits. But when our Lord died on that cross, it shook me to the core, just like it did all the apostles. And I'm not proud of those days, but I hope that what you can get from our time together today is that even, even in the darkest place that you are, even with the biggest doubts that you may have, you can still search out the truth. He was a dark tie. My heart was broken, but I still sought for the truth. I don't know. I guess my mind has always just worked that way. I needed to know all the details I needed to understand. Maybe you can understand my desire to understand. But before we get too far towards the end of the story, I guess I need to back up just a little bit and talk to you about. Kind of the beginning of my walk with Jesus. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was an early, early in the morning and, and several disciples, me and several others had been following him for a long time. Usually in those days, you would get up and you'd rummage around and try to get everything ready for the day and, and then at some point we would take off. We'd go here or there, or listen to him teach. But this morning was different. This morning as I lay asleep, I was awakened by a commotion, and as I opened my eyes and I could still barely see, I, I behold Jesus. And I didn't, I didn't know what was going on, but I could tell that he had been through something. His appearance was kind of disheveled. You could tell by his clothes that he hadn't been to bed, he had not slept, and he was still in the same clothes from the day before. We didn't know it at the time, but he had went up on that mountain that night and he had prayed all night. He prayed all night because he was about to appoint his 12 apostles. And there was a great number of us disciples there, but lo and behold, he picked me and 11 others to be his closest apostles to follow him. And I, I can tell you, nobody was more shocked than I was. I mean, I guess if I was picking apostles, I, I wouldn't have even picked us. But you see, Jesus always had that ability. He always could see beyond what other people could see. He could see inside to hearts and potentials. So I didn't argue when he asked me, will you follow me? Yes, yes, I will. And for the next couple years we did our very best to just soak it up to hang on every word to. To take in every lesson that he taught us. And I would love to tell you that we were perfect students, but we weren't. I'll never forget the day we were walking up the road, and I don't know how the conversation got started, but somehow or another the conversation landed on who was gonna be the greatest apostle in the kingdom. I didn't say too awful much, but. I'll admit to you, I wanted to have, I wanted to rank above the rest of them. And I'll never forget that afternoon, that evening when we, when we got to where we were going, Jesus looked at us and said, what were y'all talking about going up the road? My heart sank like a little child. It'd been caught doing something wrong. But even with all our failings, even with all our failings and all our mess ups. He still loved us. He still encouraged us. He still poured into us, I think back on so many times that he could have been frustrated and just throw his hands up and say, you know what, I'm done. But he didn't do that to me. He didn't do it to any of us, and I'm thankful because that's the kind of God that we have. That's the kind of God that we serve now, I think back to all the years and all the stories, and I could probably sit here all day and tell you one after another after another, but I don't want to keep us here all day. So you think about as we get close to that final Passover, things really become intense and chaotic. I. You know, we were in the temple one day and he began to teach and they literally, they literally took up stones and tried to stone Jesus. And we, we basically run out of town for our lives, dragging Jesus with us, trying to keep him from, from getting killed. And we were outside the city for a while, but then one day the news came that Lazarus was sick, sick unto death. And we all figured that, that Jesus was going to take out right then and, and go heal him. We figured that's what he was gonna do, but we didn't wanna go back to Jerusalem. We, we were afraid that, that we die if we went back. But Jesus did the most confusing thing instead of just loading up right then and saying, guys, pack your bags. Let's go. He sat and he waited and he waited. We kept kind of whispering and murmuring among ourselves, or we're not gonna go and help Lazarus, Lazarus. And Mary. And Martha. Their home was just a couple miles from Jerusalem, and they so many times had opened their doors to us so many times they had refreshed us and helped us in any way that they could, and we're just sitting here not doing anything. And then the news came that Lazarus had died. And at the time that we thought that we would now just move on and do something else, Jesus shocked us all. He said, we must go back to Judea. We must go to Lazarus house. And we are like, wait a minute. We don't understand. Not to mention that we're scared for our lives. But he's talking about that Lazars only sleeping and, and he's the, the resurrection. And we just, we didn't get it. But as he pushed us on, we're gonna go back. I, we don't, I don't care what the threat is. Then in one of my few moments where I just kind of blurted something out, I, I couldn't help it. I. I thought if Jesus is willing to go back and to face Jerusalem and possibly death then, then I said, well, why don't we just go with him and, and that way we all can die. Now, I admit that when I thought it in my head, it sounded better than what come outta my mouth. But my, my thought was, is it wasn't fair for Jesus to go alone and us not be willing to go with it. Him, but of course as so often it was during those days that our idea, our thought of what was about to happen next was wrong. We went back to marry Martha's house and we found them weeping and our Lord asks, show, show me where you laid him. And I'll never, I'll never forget the way he cried with him, the way h...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Why Is Wrong Wrong(From Our 4-13-25 Worship) 28:08

for 16 dager siden28:08

28:08

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/R0B5JrO6IrY Summary: Introduction – Why “Right & Wrong” Still Matters A Culture in Moral Free‑Fall Headlines normalize what Scripture condemns; those who question it are branded judgmental. The question beneath the noise: Who gets to draw the line between virtue and vice? Aim of This Lesson Show that God’s fixed moral law is loving, protective, and transformative —never arbitrary. Equip believers to discern right from wrong and to explain it with humility and conviction. 1. Defining Morals —Our Internal Playbook “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” — 1 Corinthians 15:33, ESV Biblical Definition – Greek ēthos = “habitual pattern of behavior.” Illustration: A football team cannot improvise every play; it needs a playbook. Your moral code is the playbook you run every day. 2. The Bankruptcy of DIY Morality “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. ” — Judges 21:25 Subjectivism Fails Burger‑King Ethics : “Have it your way” feels freeing but ends in chaos. Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Human Limits Isaiah 55:8‑9 – God’s ways are higher; our best thinking cannot outperform His wisdom. Real‑Life Example: The 2008 housing crash—banks, buyers, and brokers all “followed their own rules,” confident profits would never end. The result: global collapse, proving that unrestrained self‑interest implodes. 3. What Happens When a Society Suppresses Truth Romans 1:18‑25, ESV (excerpt) “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God … their foolish hearts were darkened … therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts.” Downward Spiral Suppress truth (v. 18) → Darkened thinking (v. 21) → Disordered desires (vv. 24‑27) → Celebrated rebellion (v. 32). Modern Parallel: Online “cancel culture” silences dissent, then celebrates what God calls sin—exactly the pattern Paul outlines. 4. One Lawgiver, One Standard “There is only one lawgiver and judge , He who is able to save and to destroy.” — James 4:12 Ultimate Courtroom John 12:48 – “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7‑9 warns of “eternal destruction” for those who ignore that standard. Pastoral Note: Judgment passages grieve us, not gloat over us. They fuel loving urgency, not smug superiority. 5. Why God’s Moral Law Is Good News a. It Springs from Love “The Lord … is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish .” — 2 Peter 3:9 Like a parent yanking a toddler from a hot stove, God’s “No” often prevents unseen disaster. b. It Shapes Us Into Christ’s Image “Predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son .” — Romans 8:29 Hebrews 6:18 – “It is impossible for God to lie.” Therefore lying is wrong because it contradicts God’s very nature. c. It Trains Us Through Loving Discipline “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.” — Hebrews 12:6 Analogy: Bowling bumpers—boundaries that keep novices out of the gutter until their skill grows. 6. The Peril of Moving the Target “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil .” — Isaiah 5:20 Cultural Drift – When society constantly redraws the lines, people lose any hope of moral clarity. Micah 6:8 provides a fixed compass: “Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with your God.” 7. A Simple Discernment Grid (Romans 12:2) Does it reflect God’s character? Does it draw me closer to Christ? Would it withstand the judgment seat of Christ? (2 Cor 5:10‑11) If “No” surfaces anywhere, abstain—no matter how loudly culture cheers. 8. Gospel‑Shaped Invitation Everyone faces Christ’s bench; anyone can receive His mercy. Our Tone: “If God transformed me, He can transform you.” Call to Action: Not yet a Christian? Obey the gospel today. Discouraged believer? Seek help—elders, ministers, trusted friends stand ready. Why Hurry? God’s moral law is ultimately a love letter warning of a cliff ahead and offering the only safe path home. Closing Prayer / Benediction “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely … He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it .” — 1 Thessalonians 5:23‑24…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
What Would Jesus Tell A Normal Church(From our 4-6-25 Worship) 27:03

for 24 dager siden27:03

27:03

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/OcnjT_U-NhI Summary: Sermon Summary: What Would Jesus Say to a "Normal" Church? Introduction: A Leadership Change on the USS Santa Fe In 1999, the USS Santa Fe was the worst-performing submarine in the Navy despite its massive budget and crew. The traditional leader-follower model failed; the captain was the bottleneck. David Marquet was assigned as captain without time to learn the boat fully, so he shifted to a leader-leader model—empowering the crew to think, decide, and lead. Application to the Church : Sometimes the “normal” way isn’t the best. We need to rethink how we serve and function together in the body of Christ. Exploring the Letters to the "Normal" Churches (Revelation 2–3) Jesus wrote to seven churches. Some were excellent (Smyrna, Philadelphia), others in dire trouble (Sardis, Laodicea). But three were “middle-of-the-road”— Ephesus , Pergamum , and Thyatira —which we might call "normal" churches. What would Jesus say to us ? 1. Thyatira – Tolerating Sin Instead of Trusting God 📖 Revelation 2:18–29 Commended for : Love, faith, service, and increasing works (v.19). Condemned for : Tolerating “Jezebel”—a false teacher leading others into sin (vv.20–21). They allowed evil to persist, possibly out of fear or pragmatism. Key lesson : Sometimes fear makes us passive. But God wants courageous, faithful resistance to evil. “Only hold fast what you have until I come.” (v.25) ✝️ Application : Don't excuse sin because it’s powerful or intimidating. Trust God enough to confront it. 2. Pergamum – Compromising with the World 📖 Revelation 2:12–17 Commended for : Holding to Christ's name in a hostile place (v.13). Condemned for : Tolerating false teachings (Balaam, Nicolaitans) that promoted idolatry and immorality (vv.14–15). The church appeared faithful on the outside but was internally divided and worldly . Key lesson : A church that blends in with the world loses its power and identity. “To the one who conquers I will give... a white stone, with a new name...” (v.17) ✝️ Application : Be distinct. Don’t let the culture dilute your calling. 3. Ephesus – Doing the Right Things Without Love 📖 Revelation 2:1–7 Commended for : Hard work, perseverance, doctrinal soundness (vv.2–3). Condemned for : Losing their first love (v.4). They were doing the right things, but their heart wasn’t in it anymore. Key lesson : It's possible to hang on while letting go —doing the motions without affection for Christ. “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (v.5) ✝️ Application : Serve from love. Passionless obedience is not enough for Jesus. Jesus' Promises to the Overcomers Each letter ends with a promise for those who "conquer" : Ephesus : Access to the tree of life – eternal communion with God (v.7). Pergamum : A new name and hidden manna – unique identity and provision (v.17). Thyatira : Authority and the morning star – sharing in Christ’s rule and presence (vv.26–28). Conclusion: What Would Jesus Say to Us? Each of these churches had good and bad qualities—just like us. Jesus called them to repent , renew their love, and stand firm . His message wasn’t to shame, but to refocus and encourage growth . “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Repeated in each letter) ✝️ Invitation : Are you tolerating sin, compromising your distinctiveness, or serving without love? Jesus calls you back. Whether you're just starting or need to restart—He wants your heart.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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We Have Something To Celebrate(From Our 3-30-25 Worship) 21:18

for 30 dager siden21:18

21:18

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/HifbaM40nLI Summary: Heaven Throws a Party: A Sermon from Luke 15 Introduction Main Text: Luke 15 Jesus is speaking to a crowd that includes tax collectors and sinners (Luke 15:1) — people society avoided — and also the Pharisees and scribes , who grumbled that He “receives sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). In response, Jesus tells three parables, each about something lost, something found, and something celebrated . I. The Three Parables (Luke 15:3–32) 1. The Lost Sheep – Luke 15:3–7 A man with 100 sheep loses one. Leaves the 99 in the open country to find the one. When he finds it, he rejoices , places it on his shoulders, and throws a party. “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” – Luke 15:7, ESV 2. The Lost Coin – Luke 15:8–10 A woman with 10 silver coins loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches diligently . When she finds it, she gathers her friends to celebrate. “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10, ESV 3. The Lost Son (The Prodigal Son) – Luke 15:11–32 A son demands his inheritance early and squanders it in reckless living . Destitute and humiliated, he returns home to ask for a servant’s place. But his father runs to him, embraces him , clothes him, feeds him — and celebrates. “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And they began to celebrate. – Luke 15:24, ESV II. What Most People Focus On These stories are familiar, and often the takeaways include: Jesus seeks the lost like a shepherd seeks sheep. God searches for us with the care of the woman with her coin. The Father welcomes the prodigal son, representing God's grace and forgiveness. The older brother’s jealousy reminds us that legalism blinds us to grace . These are all true and powerful . III. A New Angle: There Are Three Parties The preacher observes something easily overlooked: Each story ends in a party . The sheep is found — party. The coin is found — party. The son returns — big party . Three parables. Three celebrations. Why all the parties? Why does Jesus emphasize this three times? IV. The Message Behind the Celebrations These aren’t just stories about lost things . They’re about what heaven celebrates . Heaven’s Priorities: Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents ( Luke 15:7, 10 ). The preacher says: “God doesn’t waste words.” If He inspired the telling of three stories with three celebrations , then celebration matters to God . Every time a soul turns back to God — heaven throws a party. V. Do We Celebrate Like Heaven? The preacher challenges us to consider: Three baptisms happened at church in six days. That’s three souls added to God’s family . What if we celebrated them like we would the birth of a new baby or a grandchild? If you had three births in your family in one week, you’d tell everyone, post pictures, dream big dreams for them. Do we show that same joy when a person is born again into Christ? (See John 3:3–5; Galatians 3:27) VI. What Do We Celebrate? “What news would make you stop what you’re doing and celebrate?” A promotion? Winning money? A new grandbaby? What you celebrate reveals what you value. The point: If heaven prioritizes the lost being found , then we should, too . VII. We Have So Many Reasons to Celebrate The preacher shifts to real examples in their congregation: Baptisms – Yes, they’re huge. But baptism is the result of many unseen steps : A conversation. A relationship. A kind act. A Bible study. Bible Studies Happen Everywhere At gas stations. In store aisles. At work. At home. “One plants, another waters, but God gives the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6, ESV VIII. Meeting Physical Needs to Reach Spiritual Hearts “Jesus met physical needs to gain access to meet spiritual needs.” Examples: Harvest Fest : Gave away a TV, received a stack of prayer requests in return. First birthday party for a family who couldn’t afford one — made possible by the church. Children without a home found temporary shelter in the church’s parsonage. A member treated severe sunburns — not flashy, but loving. These aren’t random acts. These are intentional kingdom moments . IX. The Importance of Relationships Every soul that comes to Christ usually started with a relationship . One man came because someone helped him charge his phone. That man connected him to another, and eventually, they all built relationships that led to Christ. Without relationships , there are no baptisms. X. The Cycle of Growth The preacher highlights a cycle: Relationships lead to… Opportunities to serve , which create… Moments to share the gospel , which results in… Obedience and baptisms , which brings… New family members , leading to more… Relationships and opportunities. This is how the church grows — not just in number but in love, connection, and purpose . XI. The Mission The final image in the sermon captures the goal: “He loved us so that we can love others. He comforts us so we can comfort others. He pours into us so we can pour into others.” That’s what it’s all about. We exist to: Glorify God Love people Make heaven crowded Conclusion: Let’s Celebrate Like Heaven This church has so many reasons to celebrate. Not because we’re perfect, but because God is at work among us . Even today — we’re having a potluck! Let that be a reminder:…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
The Lies We Tell Ourselves(From Our 3-23-25 Worship) 23:23

for 5 weeks siden23:23

23:23

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/zOwDWD_wvb8 Summary: Sure! Here's a concise summary of that message, broken into sections with bullet points and supported by Scripture where relevant (ESV) : Main Theme: The Danger of Lying to Ourselves The speaker uses both historical and biblical examples to demonstrate how self-deception can be spiritually and personally devastating. Introduction: Reality vs. Illusion Spying looks glamorous in movies (like James Bond), but real-life spies often become entangled in lies. Example: Kim Philby , a British intelligence officer and double agent for the Russians. Betrayed his country for 30 years. Fled to Russia in 1963, but was miserable and died of alcoholism. He became trapped in the lies he told himself. Lesson : Self-deception is powerful and destructive. Biblical Case Study: Numbers 13 God's people are on the verge of entering the Promised Land. 12 spies are sent to explore it. 10 bring a negative report , 2 (Joshua and Caleb) are faithful. Numbers 13:28 (ESV) – “ However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large… ” Lies We Tell Ourselves: Key Observations from Numbers 13 1. We Tint the Facts The spies acknowledge the land is good but inject fear with the word “however.” Like window tint, fear distorts our view of reality. Application : We can perceive situations negatively based on emotion, not truth. 2. We Ignore Wise Counsel Caleb (v. 30) urges them to trust God and go forward. The people ignore him because his words don’t match their fearful narrative. How often do we reject truth because it doesn't align with the story we've told ourselves? 3. We Cement Opinions as Facts Verse 31 (ESV) : “ We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are. ” They assume they can’t win without evidence. Fear and doubt hardened into "truth." Like cement, fear mixed with doubt solidifies false beliefs in our minds. 4. We Abandon Logic Verse 32 – The land is said to devour its people and have strong giants. This contradiction shows their fear overtook reason. Fear bypasses logic. Emotional lies often don’t make sense—but we believe them anyway. 5. We Project Our Insecurities Verse 33 (ESV) : " We seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them. " They assumed others viewed them as weak—without knowing. We often believe others see us how we see ourselves, but that’s rarely accurate. Result of Self-Deception: Numbers 14 The people weep, grumble, and wish to return to slavery in Egypt. They say, “ Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! ” (v. 2) They reject God’s deliverance and leadership. 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) – " For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. " Spiritual Application Self-deception is subtle but dangerous—it can keep us from God's promises. Lies we tell ourselves (like “I can’t”) are often planted by others or by past pain. The mind can trap us in fear, but God calls us to truth, faith, and sound thinking. Closing Invitation If you've been lying to yourself, today is the day to stop. God loves you. Others love you. And the truth can set you free (cf. John 8:32). Would you like a visual slide outline or a condensed one-page version for printing?…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
How To Help The Suffering(From our 3-16-25 Worship) 25:04

for 7 weeks siden25:04

25:04

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/VWENcYP5bnE Summary: Here's an expanded and enriched version of your sermon summary with additional emphasis and context: Sermon Summary: "Being Present in the Midst of Suffering" Introduction: Life Can Change Suddenly Life often seems predictable, but the unexpected can change everything dramatically in a single day. Example: Hurricane Helene struck on September 27, 2004 , devastating regions including West Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Tennessee. Impact : Massive damage totaling around $79 billion . Tragically, more than 220 lives lost . Communities left stranded and isolated due to severely damaged infrastructure. Real-Life Example: "The West Virginia Boys" A powerful illustration of resilience and compassion emerged following Hurricane Helene. Key Location: A vital road connecting Bat Cave, West Virginia , and Chimney Rock was completely destroyed. Authorities assessed it would take months for repairs, leaving communities stranded without critical resources. An enterprising and courageous group of local miners, later dubbed " The West Virginia Boys ," took matters into their own hands. Leveraging their practical mining skills, the miners hotwired a bulldozer from a local quarry. Within just three days , they cleared enough debris and mud to reconnect isolated communities, allowing rescue and aid to flow again. Key Insight : Humanity is often at its best when responding to the acute suffering and needs of others. Transition: Everyday Suffering Matters Dramatic situations clearly demand urgent help, like natural disasters. However, we must not overlook the quieter, yet deeply significant struggles around us every day. How can we support people dealing with personal crises, inner struggles, and silent emotional battles? Biblical Insight: Jesus in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32–42) Scripture Focus : Mark 14:32–42 (ESV) "And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, 'Sit here while I pray.' And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. And he said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.'" (Mark 14:32–34) At Gethsemane, Jesus faced profound emotional turmoil ahead of the crucifixion. Jesus' request for presence and prayer reveals human vulnerability in suffering, highlighting the importance of compassionate companionship in times of struggle. Practical Ways to Support Others (Learning from Gethsemane) 1. Listen Deeply and Attentively (Mark 14:32–34) Jesus didn't initially say much verbally, yet the apostles saw his emotional distress and anguish. Deep listening starts with awareness and observation—recognizing subtle, non-verbal signs of pain. Application : Be attentive: Pay close attention to emotional and physical cues in others. Look beyond words to see signs of distress or suffering in their demeanor and actions. Example : Chandler, mentioned in the sermon, demonstrates the ability to discern struggles through body language and demeanor alone. Lesson : Real listening is compassionate awareness, acknowledging silent cries for help. 2. Offer Presence and Genuine Prayer (Mark 14:34–36) Jesus desired companionship in his deepest struggle. His request to disciples was simply their presence: "Sit here and watch." Being present can feel inadequate because we often think we must offer tangible solutions or answers. Yet, presence and prayer are among the greatest supports we can give someone suffering deeply—Jesus himself demonstrated this need. Lesson : Genuine presence, even without tangible solutions, offers invaluable comfort and healing. Prayer invites God’s power into situations beyond our control. 3. Resist the Temptation to Escape (Mark 14:37–38) The disciples struggled, falling asleep multiple times rather than staying alert and supportive. Humans naturally desire to avoid discomfort—whether emotional, relational, or physical. Common modern temptations include distraction through technology, withdrawal, or busyness. Application : When someone is suffering, resist the urge to mentally disengage. Your attention and willingness to share their burden are precious gifts of ministry. 4. Recognize Imperfection is Okay (Mark 14:39–42) Despite their sincere intentions, the disciples failed multiple times—yet Jesus valued their attempts at presence. Supporting someone through pain doesn’t require perfection, only genuine care. Encouragement : Do not fear failure when trying to comfort others. Even imperfect love and imperfect presence matter greatly in moments of suffering. Conclusion: Building a Compassionate and Engaged Community We may not live in perpetual crises, but daily life still contains genuine suffering and pain around us. It’s relatively straightforward to respond heroically during visible disasters—but day-to-day struggles demand deeper emotional strength, empathy, and awareness. Christian community means choosing to share burdens willingly, even when solutions are not immediately evident or possible. Remember Psalm 23:4: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Insight : God promises his presence in suffering; we imitate this godly example by offering presence to others in their trials. Conclusion: Called to Compassionate Action Just as "The West Virginia Boys" responded quickly to a disaster with practical help, we must respond compassionately to everyday suffering around us. You don’t always need the right words or a grand gesture—sometimes your quiet presence, heartfelt prayer, and genuine attentiveness can profoundly impact someone’s life. Let this be our daily practice: Listen carefully. Stay genuinely present. Pray earnestly. Show patient compassion. In doing so, we follow the example set by Christ and honor his call to love deeply and sacrificially. Final Encouragement : God calls us to be attentive servants—offering comfort, prayer, and presence as we walk together through life’s valleys. Our willingness to journey alongside someone, even imperfectly, reflects the true heart of Christian love and community. "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." – Galatians 6:2 (ESV)…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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You Can Do All Things(From our 3-2-25 Worship) 21:37

for 8 weeks siden21:37

21:37

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/36uZJhdum7U Summary: Summary of the Sermon on Philippians 4:11-13 Introduction: Observations from Honduras The speaker contrasts the abundance of Dollar General stores in the U.S. with the prevalence of tiendas (small snack shops) and pulperias (slightly larger stores) in Honduras. Notably, Pepsi advertisements cover many buildings, yet Coca-Cola outsells Pepsi significantly worldwide, illustrating how some things are everywhere, but their core essence remains a mystery—like Coca-Cola’s secret recipe. The Secret to Contentment (Philippians 4:11-13) Paul speaks about contentment in all situations —whether in abundance or in need. The "secret" he learned is revealed in Philippians 4:13 : "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Many are familiar with this verse, but often skip over deeper meanings by focusing only on Christ. Breaking Down Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things" The focus here is on personal responsibility ( I can ). However, this doesn’t mean impossible feats (e.g., flying by flapping arms). Instead, it refers to the good works God has prepared for each person ( Ephesians 2:10 ). Each person has a specific calling —a set of challenges and opportunities uniquely designed by God. Fear is often the main obstacle to doing what God has prepared. 1 John 4:18 – "Perfect love casts out fear." The solution to fear is not courage but love for God . "Through Him (Christ)" How do we go through Christ? Romans 6:3 – Baptism places us into Christ. Galatians 3:27 – We put on Christ in baptism. All spiritual blessings are in Christ ( Ephesians 1:3 ). This is like Psalm 23:4 —walking through the valley of the shadow of death, not staying in it . God is like a shepherd with a rod and staff , protecting His people. "Who strengthens me" God’s strength doesn’t always mean miraculous deliverance. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – Paul’s thorn in the flesh was not removed, but God’s grace sustained him. Sometimes, trials exist not to be removed, but to strengthen us . James 1:2-4 – Trials produce steadfastness and maturity. Closing Illustration: Samson’s Last Prayer (Judges 16:23-30) Samson, despite his failures, at the end of his life prayed: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.” Though our battles are spiritual (Ephesians 6:12), this prayer applies to believers facing struggles . Encouragement to the congregation: No matter the difficulty , ask God for strength one more time . God remembers you, loves you, and surrounds you with His people. Invitation If anyone needs to become a Christian or needs help continuing in faith, they are invited to respond during the invitation song.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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What Do I Have To Give(From Our 2-23-25 Worship) 25:35

for 9 weeks siden25:35

25:35

Watch The Video Verison Here: https://youtu.be/ig4AqDFnJAY Summary: Introduction The speaker struggled to find a topic but was inspired by observing students at Todd County Middle School. Children naturally help one another, prompting the question: "What do I have to give?" Example of Giving: Taylor Swift Despite her success, she has been generous in donations (libraries, schools, disaster relief, medical support, etc.). Notably, she gave $100,000 bonuses to each of her truck drivers—far beyond the industry norm. This generosity highlights the impact of giving beyond finances and using what we have to bless others. Biblical Examples of Giving The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44) A poor widow gave two small coins, which Jesus declared more valuable than the large amounts given by the wealthy . True giving isn’t about the amount but about sacrifice and trust in God . Reflecting on this, the speaker acknowledges personal struggles with giving and shares the reality of financial differences (e.g., annual income in Honduras is $3,000). The Sinful Woman’s Gift (Luke 7:36-50) A woman, identified as sinful, washes Jesus' feet with her tears and anoints them with expensive perfume. She was not invited but knew she needed to be near Jesus . The Pharisee, who hosted Jesus, failed to provide even basic hospitality. Key lesson: She gave what she had— her devotion, her service, and a precious possession —demonstrating that true giving is not just financial. The Final Judgment (Matthew 25:31-40) Jesus separates the righteous (sheep) from the unrighteous (goats). The righteous are rewarded for feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick and imprisoned . No mention of financial giving—only acts of kindness and service. The church is actively doing these things, but judgment will be personal , not corporate— "What have YOU done?" Call to Action: What Do You Have to Give? Hebrews 13:16 : "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." Giving is not limited to money—it includes time, kindness, and service . Example of William M. Golden , who, despite being imprisoned, wrote hymns like "A Beautiful Life," which emphasizes daily acts of kindness as a way to serve God. Conclusion The invitation is given: If you are not a Christian , now is the time to give your life to Christ . If you are a Christian but have neglected opportunities to give, seek renewal and support from the church. Final challenge: Reflect on "What do I have to give?" and actively seek ways to serve God and others.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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The Power Of An Invitation(From our 2-16-25 Worship) 16:34

for 9 weeks siden16:34

16:34

Watch The Video Version Here : https://youtu.be/St52hHA-knY Summary: The Power of a Simple Invitation Introduction Tony introduces his lesson titled "Come and See: The Power of an Invitation." He shares a story about a woman who found new purpose in life after being invited to a museum due to her interest in insects. Biblical Foundation – John 1:35-42 (ESV) John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:35-36). Two of John's disciples follow Jesus and ask where He is staying (John 1:37-38). Jesus invites them, saying, "Come and you will see." (John 1:39). They spend the day with Jesus, and Andrew, one of the two, immediately goes to find his brother Simon Peter, telling him, "We have found the Messiah." (John 1:41). Simon meets Jesus, who renames him Cephas (Peter) (John 1:42). Key Lessons Recognizing Jesus John the Baptist points to Jesus, and his disciples recognize Him as the Messiah. Their response was to follow Jesus and learn more. The Transformational Power of Time with Jesus Spending time with Jesus changed Andrew and John. Though Scripture doesn’t detail their conversation, something about Jesus’ presence deeply impacted them. The Urgency to Share Jesus Andrew was so moved that he immediately invited his brother, Simon Peter, to meet Jesus. His enthusiasm was contagious—he could not keep the news to himself. The Power of a Simple Invitation Many people come to Christ because someone invited them. Invitations can be verbal or through actions that reflect Christ. Just as the woman’s life changed because she was invited to the museum, people’s lives change when they are invited to meet Jesus. Application & Challenge Are we enthusiastic about our Savior? Do we invite others to see Jesus in our lives and in our church? The church at Westside has grown through invitations—starting with just a few people, now gathering many. Invitations don’t have to be grand; they can be as simple as a conversation, a kind gesture, or sharing a Bible study. The impact of one invitation can ripple through generations, just as Andrew’s invitation led to Simon Peter’s transformation. Closing Encouragement Consider how Jesus has affected your life. Share that joy with others through simple invitations. If you have a need—whether prayer, encouragement, or a decision to follow Christ—seek support from the church. "Come and see." Let’s invite others into the presence of Jesus.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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Are You A Grape Or A Marble? (From our 2-9-25 Worship) 21:24

for 11 weeks siden21:24

21:24

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/cbS0TN-nUQg Summary: The True Vine: A Call to Stay Connected to Christ I. The Deception of Piltdown Man: A Lesson in Falsehood A. The Discovery of Piltdown Man In 1911 or 1912 , a supposed archaeological discovery in Piltdown, England , rocked the scientific world. It was thought to be the "missing link" between apes and humans—an evolutionary breakthrough. The remains included a skull and a jawbone , which, while appearing human-like, were not fully human. B. The Man Behind the Hoax: Jim Dawson The discovery was credited to Jim Dawson , a man desperate to be recognized as a famous archaeologist. Over his lifetime, Dawson claimed to have made over 40 discoveries , with Piltdown Man as his greatest achievement. However, there was a problem—Dawson was not a talented archaeologist; he was a skilled forger . He fabricated findings, using methods like dipping artifacts in iron powder to make them appear ancient. C. Exposure of the Fraud After Dawson’s death, scientific advancements revealed Piltdown Man to be a hoax . DNA testing confirmed that the supposed missing link was actually an orangutan’s jawbone combined with human skull fragments. The deception had misled scientists for decades and fueled a false narrative about human evolution. D. The Spiritual Parallel: The Danger of Deception This historical fraud serves as a warning: people can be misled, even by what seems credible. Scripture Warning: Colossians 2:8 (ESV) – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Just as scientists were deceived by a fake discovery, people today can be deceived by false teachings, false hopes, and false beliefs. Deception in spiritual matters is far more dangerous than a fraudulent artifact—it can cost not only this life but eternity . II. The Object Lesson: Grapes vs. Marbles—What Are You Connected To? A. Two Similar Yet Opposite Objects The preacher presents two bags to the audience: One contains grapes One contains marbles At first glance, they look similar: Both are in bags. Both are small, round objects . However, the fundamental difference is life —one is alive, and the other is lifeless. B. The Key Difference: The Vine The grapes are connected to a vine , which provides them life, nourishment, and purpose . The marbles are disconnected, hard, and fruitless . Spiritual Lesson: A Christian who is connected to Christ (the True Vine) will grow, bear fruit, and bring life to others . A person who is disconnected from Christ becomes hardened, lifeless, and unproductive . III. Jesus, the True Vine (John 15:1-2): What Are You Attached To? A. Jesus Declares, "I Am the True Vine" John 15:1 (ESV) – “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” Jesus calls Himself the True Vine because there are many false vines in the world. People attach themselves to various "vines," such as: Money – Believing wealth will bring fulfillment. Success – Thinking achievements define one's worth. Relationships – Relying on people instead of God for meaning. Religious Rituals – Going through motions without true connection to Christ. Only Jesus is the True Vine —only He can provide eternal life, purpose, and spiritual growth . B. God, the Vinedresser: The One Who Prunes and Cultivates John 15:2 (ESV) – “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” Just as a farmer tends to his vineyard, God: Removes unfruitful branches (those not truly connected to Christ). Prunes fruitful branches so they can grow even stronger . Illustration: Farms don’t run themselves—they need farmers. Likewise, God is actively working in our lives to help us grow. IV. The Necessity of Staying Connected (John 15:3-5): Abide in Christ A. A Branch Cannot Bear Fruit Alone John 15:4-5 (ESV) – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches.” A branch disconnected from the vine withers and dies . Christians who do not abide in Christ lose spiritual strength and become unproductive. B. Going to Church vs. Being Connected Many people "go to church" but aren't truly connected to Christ . Illustration: Walking through a vineyard doesn’t make you part of the vine. You must be grafted into Christ . If we are not actively abiding in Jesus , we will not grow or bear fruit. V. The Word of God: The Vine’s Nutrients (John 15:7) A. What Flows Through the Vine? John 15:7 (ESV) – “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Just as water and nutrients flow through a vine to sustain grapes, God's Word nourishes believers . The Bible isn’t just a book—it is spiritual food that enables us to: Grow in wisdom Resist deception Produce spiritual fruit VI. The Purpose of Bearing Fruit: Bringing Glory to God (John 15:8-11) A. Our Growth Glorifies God John 15:8 (ESV) – “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” A healthy vine produces fruit —this fruit is evidence of true discipleship . As we grow in faith, love, and obedience , we bring glory to God . B. The Reward for Abiding in Christ: Joy John 15:11 (ESV) – “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Abiding in Christ leads to true, lasting joy —not worldly happiness, b...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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Your Authority, Your Choices (From our 2-2-25 worship) 26:11

for 12 weeks siden26:11

26:11

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/SbLxFWxjqw4 Summary: The Choice of Authority in Our Lives Introduction: A Tragic Example of Authority Gone Wrong On March 26, 1997 , deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Office were called to a large home in an affluent neighborhood. From the outside, the home appeared ordinary —just another mansion in a wealthy area. But what they found inside was anything but ordinary. Inside the house were the bodies of 39 people —men and women who had willingly taken their own lives . These individuals were part of a group called Heaven’s Gate , a cult that had been preparing for this moment. Their belief? They were convinced that the Hale-Bopp comet , which was passing by Earth at the time, was hiding an alien spacecraft behind it. They thought that by leaving their earthly bodies , they could ascend to a higher level of existence and board this spaceship. From the outside, their actions seem unbelievable , even ridiculous . We may be tempted to laugh, to shake our heads, and ask, “How could anyone believe such a thing?” But the reality is people do what they do for a reason . No one just wakes up one day and decides to follow a destructive path. The Bible gives us a clear answer to why people follow false beliefs : 📖 Proverbs 14:12 (ESV) – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” These people genuinely believed they were making the right choice. Their decision was based on an authority they had chosen to trust —the teachings of their cult leader. This tragic event serves as a powerful warning: Who or what we trust as our authority in life determines our destiny. The Central Question: Who or What is Your Authority? Every person on this earth lives under some authority . The question is not if we have an authority, but which one we have chosen. When we think of authority, we often think of government officials, police officers, judges, or bosses —people in positions of power. But authority is not just about power over others ; it’s about what guides our lives . Each of us has something or someone that we allow to influence our: Decisions Morals Lifestyle Goals This is why Joshua challenged Israel in his farewell speech: 📖 Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV) – “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua didn’t just ask the Israelites to believe in God —he told them to serve Him. True authority isn’t just about ideas or beliefs ; it’s about actions . The Two Possible Authorities The Bible makes it clear that there are only two authorities we can follow: God – which leads to life . Sin – which leads to death . 📖 Romans 6:16 (ESV) – “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Many people try to live somewhere in the middle —believing in God while still following their own desires . But Jesus made it clear: 📖 Matthew 7:13-14 (ESV) – “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” We all have a choice to make —and neutrality is not an option . Authority Will Be Tested Choosing to follow God’s authority doesn’t mean life will be easy . In fact, expect resistance . Even Jesus was challenged on His authority: 📖 Matthew 21:23 (ESV) – “And when He entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to Him as He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?’” Jesus’ teachings offended people because they challenged their way of life . The same will happen to us when we choose to follow Him. 📖 John 15:18-20 (ESV) – “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” Standing for God’s authority will cost something—friends, reputation, comfort. But it’s worth it . Authority Leads Us to Hard but Worthwhile Places Following God isn’t always easy , but it leads to the best outcome . Even Jesus submitted to the Father’s authority: 📖 John 6:38 (ESV) – “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” His obedience led to: Healing the sick Teaching the truth Serving others Dying on the cross for our sins Likewise, when we follow God’s authority , He may lead us: Into situations that challenge us To sacrifice personal comfort To serve others even when it’s hard But ultimately, His authority leads us home . God’s Authority Leads Us Home At the end of time, Jesus will defeat all enemies, including death , and return authority to the Father. 📖 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 (ESV) – “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” God’s authority isn’t about control or power for its own sake—it’s about leading us home . Think of Luke 15 , the story of the Prodigal Son . The father waited eagerly for his son to return. That’s how God sees us—longing for us to come back to Him . Conclusion: The Invitation to Follow God’s Authority Every day, we must decide: Will I follow God’s authority or my own desires? Will I walk the narrow path or the broad way? Will I ser...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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Like A Little Child(From our 1-26-25 Worship) 24:05

for 13 weeks siden24:05

24:05

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Dh6rooqjN7k Summary: The Power of Childlike Faith and Continuous Learning: A Deeper Look I. Success and the Power of Learning One-time success is common, but repeated success requires a deeper trait—continuous learning. Many people achieve a great accomplishment once and then settle into comfort. However, some individuals, like Elon Musk, show that growth is limitless when one remains curious and open to learning. Elon Musk began with a company that few remember, but he eventually co-founded PayPal. After selling it to eBay in 2002 for $175 million, he could have retired in luxury. Instead, he pursued new, seemingly impossible challenges: electric cars with Tesla and interplanetary travel with SpaceX. The problem? He knew nothing about rockets. Rather than letting ignorance stop him, he immersed himself in learning—reading textbooks on orbital mechanics, studying engineering principles, and asking experts deep questions. His ability to self-educate made him proficient enough to revolutionize multiple industries. This demonstrates an important truth: the willingness to learn is a superpower. The moment a person decides they know enough and stops growing, they begin to decline. True success is not a single achievement, but a lifestyle of continuous learning. II. Jesus' Teaching on Childlike Faith (Matthew 18:1-4) In Matthew 18, the disciples asked Jesus a prideful question: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Instead of pointing to a powerful leader or an experienced teacher, Jesus brought a child before them and said: “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4, ESV) Why a child? Because children have a natural humility and a desire to learn. Children ask questions – They recognize they don’t know everything and are eager to discover the world around them. Children trust easily – They believe what they are told, especially by those they look up to. Children remain dependent – They acknowledge their need for guidance and support from parents. By contrast, adults often act as though they have everything figured out. Pride prevents many from seeking wisdom, even when they need it. Jesus was teaching that spiritual greatness is not about self-sufficiency, but about humility and a willingness to learn from God. III. The Lesson from 2 Kings 6 – Elisha’s Servant To illustrate this principle, we can look at an Old Testament example of childlike faith and trust. A. The Situation Elisha, a prophet of God, was secretly revealing the plans of the King of Syria to the King of Israel. Frustrated by his strategies being foiled, the King of Syria sent an army to capture Elisha in the city of Dothan. Early in the morning, Elisha’s young servant woke up, stepped outside, and saw the city surrounded by enemy horses and chariots. In panic, he rushed back inside, crying out: “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” (2 Kings 6:15, ESV) The boy recognized that they were outnumbered and outmatched. He knew they were in trouble, but instead of trying to fix it himself, he immediately turned to his master for guidance. B. Elisha’s Response – Seeing the Unseen Elisha, calm and full of faith, responded with one of the most powerful statements in Scripture: “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (2 Kings 6:16, ESV) The servant must have been confused. He could only see two men against an entire army. From his perspective, the numbers didn’t add up. But then, Elisha prayed: “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” (2 Kings 6:17, ESV) At that moment, God opened the servant’s spiritual eyes, and he saw the mountains filled with fiery chariots and the heavenly army surrounding them. C. The Lesson: Trusting the Unseen The servant faced a choice: Would he trust only in what he could see (the enemy army)? Or would he trust in what his master told him, even though he couldn’t see it yet? This mirrors our faith journey. God is always working, even when we don’t perceive it. Sometimes we focus only on the problems in front of us instead of recognizing that “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” IV. Key Takeaways from the Servant’s Example What lessons can we learn from this young servant? A. Be Active and Alert The boy got up early to do his responsibilities. Likewise, Christians must actively engage in their faith. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, which God prepared for us to walk in. B. Seek the Master First Instead of panicking or making reckless decisions, the boy turned to Elisha. Likewise, we must seek God first in times of trouble. Philippians 4:6 says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” C. Trust in What You Cannot See The servant had to trust Elisha before he saw the heavenly army. Likewise, faith requires us to trust God’s promises, even when we don’t immediately see results. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” V. The Bigger Picture – God’s Protection and Presence The armies of heaven were there in 2 Kings 6, and they are still present today. We may not see them in the hills and valleys around us, but God’s protection is real. Beyond angelic protection, we also have the family of God. The church is a global body of believers. No matter where we go, we have spiritual brothers and sisters who will support us. “There is more with us than with them.” God has not left us alone. When we feel surrounded by trouble, He is still in control. VI. The Ultimate Hope – Seeing What We Believe The young servant was given the gift of seeing God's army. One day, those who remain faithful will also have their eyes opened—to the full glory of God in heaven. Revelation 21 describes the moment when: Every tear will be wiped away. Sin and suffering will be no more. Believers will finally see the One they have trusted in faith. At the beginning of the lesson, Jesus said: “Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, ESV) In the end, this remains the key lesson: Stay humble. Keep learning. Trust God even when you cannot see. Just as the young servant learned to trust Elisha, we must trust our Master. And one day, when our eyes are fully opened in eternity, we will see the fulfillment of every promise.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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When I Fear (From Our 1-19-25 Worship) 29:32

for 15 weeks siden29:32

29:32

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Rrw3e76ughU Summary: Here’s an expanded version of the summary with more details while maintaining clarity and flow: Sermon on Fear: "When I Am Afraid" Introduction: Heroes and Fear The Idea of Heroes: There’s a saying, “Don’t meet your heroes.” It reflects the reality that even the people we admire have flaws. We often view heroes through the lens of their achievements or highlight moments, forgetting their humanity. Biblical Hero Example: King David We may think of David defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17), a boy who stood against impossible odds. Yet David had moments of fear and failure, such as fleeing from Saul and pretending to be insane in Gath (1 Samuel 21). David’s life reminds us that even great leaders face fear, and their response to fear holds lessons for us. Key Text: Psalm 56 Psalm 56 was written during David’s time in Gath when he feared for his life. Key Verses: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3–4). David demonstrates a transition from fear to trust through reliance on God. Types of Fear and Biblical Examples Fear is universal and arises from different circumstances. The Bible provides numerous examples to help us understand and combat fear. Fear from Sin (Genesis 3:9–10) Adam and Eve: After disobeying God, they hid because they were afraid of their nakedness and shame. Application: Sin often leads to guilt and fear, driving us away from God. However, Jesus’ sacrifice offers forgiveness and reconciliation. No sin is beyond the cleansing power of His blood (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9). Fear from Doubt (Genesis 18:10–15) Sarah’s Doubt: When God promised her a child, Sarah laughed in disbelief due to her old age, then lied about laughing out of fear. Application: Doubt in God’s promises can create fear, especially when we face seemingly impossible situations. Trusting God requires believing His power and timing, even when we don’t see immediate results. Fear from Assumptions (Genesis 26:6–7) Isaac’s Lie: Isaac feared for his life because of Rebekah’s beauty and lied, saying she was his sister. Application: Fear often stems from the stories we create in our minds, imagining worst-case scenarios that may never happen. Recognize and challenge these assumptions with God’s truth. Fear from Loss (Genesis 42:1–4) Jacob’s Overprotection: Having lost Joseph, Jacob feared losing Benjamin, leading to excessive caution. Application: Fear of pain and loss can paralyze us or lead to controlling behavior. Trust God to care for what we cannot control. How to Combat Fear: Lessons from Matthew The book of Matthew offers examples of how to respond to fear with faith. Trust God’s Plan (Matthew 1:18–20) Joseph’s Decision: Joseph considered quietly divorcing Mary, fearing disgrace. God assured him of His plan through an angel. Application: God has a plan, even when we don’t see it. Trust Him, knowing He works all things for good (Romans 8:28). Faith Over Fear (Matthew 8:23–27) Calming the Storm: Jesus rebuked the disciples’ fear during a storm, emphasizing their lack of faith. Application: Faith and fear cannot coexist. Exercise faith by acting in obedience, even when fear arises. The Truth Will Prevail (Matthew 10:24–26) Encouragement to Disciples: Jesus reminded His disciples that the truth would ultimately be revealed, despite persecution. Application: Fear often narrows our focus to temporary troubles. Remember God’s eternal truth and sovereignty. Fear God, Not Man (Matthew 10:28–31) Perspective on Fear: Jesus urged His followers to fear God, who has ultimate authority, rather than earthly threats. Application: Focus on God’s greatness. Whatever you fear is never as big as God. Practical Strategies to Overcome Fear David’s response in Psalm 56 offers a model for overcoming fear. Replace Fear with Trust and Praise David moved from fear to confidence by trusting God and praising Him (Psalm 56:3–4). Formula: Trust → Praise → Trust again. Shift Perspective Fear often narrows our focus to immediate problems, but God sees the bigger picture. Example: Job maintained faith in God’s sovereignty despite immense trials (Job 19:25–27). Remember Your Value to God Jesus reassures us of our worth (Matthew 10:29–31). God values us above all creation. Application: Fear often arises from feelings of inadequacy or failure. Recognize your value in God’s eyes. Act in Faith Despite Fear Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:24–30): Fear paralyzed the one-talent servant, leading to inaction. Application: Don’t let fear prevent you from serving or stepping out in faith. Conclusion: God Is Greater Than Fear Fear is a natural human emotion, but it should not control us. Key Scripture: “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Final Thoughts: Trust in God’s power, love, and promises to overcome fear. When afraid, follow David’s example: trust, praise, and trust again. Whatever your fear, it’s not bigger than God. Let His truth, love, and presence guide you through it. Invitation: If you’re battling fear, seek God’s help and lean on the support of your church family. Together, you can find peace and confidence in Him.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
What Can You Learn From Other People? (From our 1-12-25 worship) 45:05

for 16 weeks siden45:05

45:05

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/5C71Rlg7QHE Summary: Expanded Message: Learning from Biblical Examples Introduction: A Modern Lesson from Gordon Bethune The Problem at Continental Airlines: Over 15 years, the airline went through 10 CEOs and became the worst in the industry. Employees were treated with suspicion, the workplace was toxic, and trust was absent. The toxic culture culminated in measures like armed guards outside executive offices. Bethune’s Leadership: Gordon Bethune identified the root issue—lack of trust and respect—and addressed it by treating employees as valuable contributors. His efforts transformed the airline from losing $600 million in 1994 to turning a $250 million profit in 1995. The company was even named the best place to work in America. Key Lesson: People are important. When you honor and value others, transformation happens. Scripture Focus: Learning from Four Biblical Figures The Bible offers profound lessons through the lives of real people, whose stories remain relevant today. 1. Ruth: A Story of Redemption and Value Key Texts: Ruth 1:11–18; 2:1–19 Summary: Ruth, a Gentile widow, chose loyalty to Naomi over returning to her homeland, saying, “Where you go, I will go… Your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16–17). She worked humbly to provide for Naomi, gleaning in the fields, where she “just so happened” to end up in Boaz’s field. Boaz recognized Ruth’s loyalty and integrity and redeemed her, securing her and Naomi’s future. Theological Point: Ruth represents us—vulnerable and in need of redemption. Boaz, the redeemer, symbolizes God’s love and provision. Application: God Sees Your Value: Just as Boaz saw value in Ruth, God sees value in each of us. He demonstrated this through Jesus Christ, who paid the ultimate price for our redemption (John 3:16). Faith and Loyalty Are Honored: Ruth’s faithfulness opened the door for God’s provision. When we remain loyal to God, He works in ways we may not understand. 2. Esther: Positioned for a Purpose Key Texts: Esther 2:1–7; 4:1–16 Summary: Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, became queen of Persia at a pivotal moment. When a decree threatened the annihilation of the Jews, Mordecai challenged Esther to act, saying, “Who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). Esther risked her life to approach the king and successfully pleaded for her people. Theological Point: Esther’s story demonstrates God’s sovereignty in placing His people where they are needed most. Application: God Has a Purpose for You: Like Esther, you have been placed in this specific time and place for a reason. No opportunity is accidental (Ephesians 2:10). Courage in Obedience: Esther stepped out in faith despite fear. Similarly, God calls us to trust Him and take action, even when the outcome is uncertain. 3. Nehemiah: Doing More Than We Believe We Can Key Texts: Nehemiah 1:1–4; 2:1–8 Summary: Nehemiah, deeply grieved by the ruined state of Jerusalem, prayed fervently for months before approaching the king for permission to rebuild the city. Despite his fear, Nehemiah boldly requested time, resources, and protection. The king granted everything he asked. Theological Point: Nehemiah’s story reminds us that God empowers us to do more than we think possible when we trust Him and take bold steps of faith. Application: Trust God’s Timing: Nehemiah waited and prayed for months before acting. God’s timing may not align with ours, but His plan is always perfect. God Equips the Called: You may feel inadequate, but God provides the resources, strength, and courage needed to fulfill His purposes. 4. Job: Faith and Perspective in Suffering Key Texts: Job 1:1–22 Summary: Job, a righteous man, lost his wealth, family, and health. Despite his immense suffering, Job declared, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Throughout his trials, Job maintained faith and perspective, recognizing God’s sovereignty. Theological Point: Suffering tests and refines our faith, but God remains sovereign and compassionate. Application: Perspective Sustains Faith: Remembering God’s goodness and eternal promises helps us endure even the darkest trials (Romans 8:18). Faithful Worship in Hardship: Job’s response to loss was worship. Cultivate a heart of worship that endures through life’s valleys. Conclusion: Lessons for Today Key Takeaways: Ruth: You are valuable to God and can trust in His redemption. Esther: You have been placed where you are for a purpose. Nehemiah: You can accomplish more than you think when you trust God. Job: Maintain faith and perspective, even in suffering. Challenge: Reflect on these lives and ask: Am I recognizing my value to God? Am I stepping into the purpose He has for me? Am I trusting God’s timing and empowerment? Am I maintaining faith and perspective in trials? Invitation For Those Hurting: If you are struggling, God sees your pain and offers hope and healing. For Those Seeking Purpose: God has a plan for you. Ask Him to reveal it and give you the courage to walk in obedience. For Those Needing Redemption: Accept the redeeming love of Christ, who paid the ultimate price for you. Action Step: Come forward to seek prayer, encouragement, or to begin your walk with Christ. Closing Scripture: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2).…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
The Opposite of Selfishness is Service(From our 1-5-25 worship) 20:27

for 17 weeks siden20:27

20:27

Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/lzKuI2EYojw Summary: 1. Introduction: Bernie Madoff and the Problem of Selfishness The sermon opens with the story of Bernie Madoff —a once-respected figure in the stock market world (even serving as chairman of the NASDAQ) who orchestrated one of history’s largest Ponzi schemes. Despite having ample knowledge and opportunities to succeed legitimately, Madoff chose to deceive investors, using new clients’ money to pay off earlier ones. This fraud continued for decades until the financial crisis of 2008 exposed it. Madoff’s downfall is framed as an example of greed and selfishness . The preacher notes how easy it is to judge someone who stole billions of dollars, but then poses the question: “Is his selfishness really worse than ours just because it has more zeros attached to it?” This prepares the congregation to examine selfishness on a more personal level. 2. Mark 10 and the Rich Young Ruler: “What Must I Do?” Mark 10:17–22 tells the story of the rich young ruler who approaches Jesus, asking, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds by reminding him of the commandments—do not murder, do not commit adultery, etc.—which the ruler claims to have kept since youth. In a moment of deep compassion, Jesus looks at him “and loves him,” then delivers a challenging command: “Sell all that you have and give to the poor… and come, follow Me.” The man walks away “disheartened” (the preacher emphasizes how this suggests an emotional and spiritual anguish). He focuses on what he stands to lose rather than what he could gain—heavenly treasure and a closer relationship with Christ. The key lesson here is that selfishness narrows our vision so that we see only our own sacrifice or loss, not God’s promise of something greater. 3. The Disciples’ Reaction: Pointing Fingers at “Them” and “Us” In Mark 10:23–27 , Jesus turns to His disciples and comments that it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God. They are amazed (possibly shocked or confused) by this statement. Jesus then shifts His language, addressing them as “children,” indicating that everyone —not just “rich people”—struggles with selfishness. The disciples, feeling unsettled, ask, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus replies that with man it is impossible, but not with God , reaffirming that salvation is ultimately God’s work. The preacher highlights how the disciples initially see wealth as the problem of “those people,” but Jesus makes it clear that all of us face the same heart-issue of self-centeredness. 4. Sacrifice and Reward: “We Have Left Everything…” Next, Peter speaks up: “We have left everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28). Indeed, the disciples gave up their livelihoods (fishing nets, tax-collection booths) to follow Jesus. Jesus reassures them: “No one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake… will fail to receive a hundredfold now in this time… and in the age to come eternal life” (Mark 10:29–30). The preacher explains that this “hundredfold” reward is both future (eternal life) and present (the blessings of Christian community) . For instance, if you are in need (e.g., your heat goes out or you need a place to stay), your brothers and sisters in Christ open their homes. This is how we gain “many houses” and “many brothers and sisters”—through mutual support. Christians share resources, responsibilities, and care for one another, exemplifying service and generosity over selfishness. 5. An Inopportune Request: James and John Seeking Status Immediately after Jesus predicts His suffering and death (Mark 10:32–34), James and John approach Him with a starkly selfish request: “Grant us to sit, one at Your right hand and one at Your left, in Your glory” (Mark 10:35–37). This moment seems particularly insensitive—Jesus has just revealed He will be delivered up, mocked, and killed, yet they are preoccupied with securing positions of honor. Their behavior highlights the pervasive nature of selfish ambition , even among those closest to Jesus. The other disciples become indignant, possibly because they, too, desire those top spots or are appalled that James and John would ask first. 6. Jesus’s Core Teaching: “Whoever Would Be Great Must Be Your Servant” Jesus does not dismiss them but uses this as a teaching moment. In Mark 10:42–45 , He contrasts worldly power structures (“rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them”) with God’s Kingdom, where greatness is defined by service . “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant,” and “whoever would be first… must be slave of all.” Jesus is the ultimate example: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This is the pivotal point of the sermon: the true opposite of selfishness is not merely thinking humbly of oneself, but actively serving others . 7. Practical Implications: Overcoming Selfishness Through Service The preacher then applies these lessons to the congregation’s context, looking ahead to the year’s opportunities. If they do not step out in service, the only barrier is their own selfishness —focusing too much on personal comfort, resources, or ambitions. The call is to “stand on the gas pedal” and move forward, encouraging one another, sharing possessions, giving time and energy, and collectively building up the body of Christ. When God’s people serve rather than hoard, the church community thrives, and it becomes a “home” where everyone’s needs are met. 8. Conclusion: A Call to Respond The sermon ends with an invitation to reflect on personal struggles with selfishness—whether large or small—and to turn to God for help in breaking free from it. The congregation is reminded that God loves them and they are surrounded by supportive brothers and sisters in Christ. The final challenge: Will you choose to serve rather than be served? Will you focus on what you can give rather than on what you stand to lose? Key Takeaways Selfishness is universal : It appears in grand-scale crimes (Madoff) and in day-to-day attitudes (like the disciples). Selfishness distorts our vision : We worry about loss instead of recognizing God’s promise of far greater gain. Service is the antidote : Jesus exemplifies it—He came not to be served but to serve. True followers imitate this by caring for others. Christian community is a blessing : Through mutual sharing and support, believers gain “houses” and “brothers and sisters” in the here and now. We choose our response : Will we cling to possessions and status, or will we trust Jesus’s call to self-denial and service? In essence, the sermon challenges believers to examine their hearts, see the sneaky ways selfishness manifests, and commit...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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God Has Chosen You(From our 12-29-24 worship) 24:02

for 17 weeks siden24:02

24:02

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/pM_TrWDGlf4 Summary: Expanded Summary of the Sermon 1. Peter Tomechi’s Story: An Example of Sacrificial Love and Dedication Background : Peter Tomechi, a Franciscan friar and teacher in a remote Kenyan school, dedicated his life to educating children in extreme poverty. His school was so underfunded that Peter gave 80% of his salary to buy school supplies for his students, ensuring they could participate in their education. Recognition and Impact : In 2019, Peter was awarded the Global Teacher of the Year Award, which included $1 million in prize money. Despite the recognition and wealth, he chose to remain at the same school, using the funds to improve the institution and provide better access to education for the children. Lesson : Peter exemplifies selflessness and the power of choosing others’ needs over personal comfort. His story mirrors the sacrificial love that God shows toward humanity. 2. The Concept of Being Chosen by God The Power of Being Chosen : The sermon compares being chosen by God to the joy and validation felt when being picked for a team or adopted into a family. It challenges listeners to consider what it means to be chosen by the Creator of the universe, who knows all our flaws yet still selects us out of love. Scriptural Foundation : Ephesians 1:3-6 : God has blessed believers with "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" and chosen them "in Christ" before the foundation of the world. 1 John 4:16 : God’s very nature is love, and His love motivates His choice. 2 Peter 3:9 : God’s desire is for all to come to repentance, highlighting His patience and love for humanity. 3. The Ramifications of Being Chosen by God Transformation Through God’s Choice : Being chosen calls believers to a life of holiness and blamelessness (Ephesians 1:4). It’s a call not just to belief but to a transformative relationship with God. This transformation impacts every aspect of life, making believers more aligned with God’s will. Living in God’s Presence : To be chosen is to stand in proximity to God, living with the awareness of His presence and care. 4. The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14) God’s Open Invitation : The parable illustrates God’s invitation to all people, regardless of their status or past. However, only those who respond with preparation and intentionality are welcomed into the Kingdom. The Importance of Readiness : The distinction between the "good" and "bad" guests lies in their preparation. The unprepared guest, lacking the wedding garment, symbolizes those who take God’s grace for granted without aligning their lives with His expectations. Key Message : While many are invited, only a few are chosen—those who actively respond and prepare themselves for the Kingdom of God. 5. Practical Implications of Being Chosen A Lifestyle of Growth and Preparation : Faith is not a one-time decision but a continual journey of growth, repentance, and aligning one’s heart with God. Scriptures like 1 John 1:9 emphasize the importance of confessing sins and relying on God’s faithfulness for cleansing. Reflecting God’s Love in Relationships : Believers are called to embody kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love in their interactions (Colossians 3:12-17). By living out these virtues, they demonstrate God’s love and open the door for others to see their own value in His eyes. Evangelism Through Actions : Many people, especially those who feel unloved or unworthy, may first encounter God’s love through the actions of His followers. 6. A Call to Choose God Responding to God’s Choice : While God has chosen everyone, individuals must choose to respond to His call. This involves living intentionally, preparing for eternity, and prioritizing God in every aspect of life. New Year Reflection : As the congregation approaches 2025, the preacher encourages them to reflect deeply on their commitment to God, asking, “What are you going to choose this year?” This is more than a resolution; it’s a transformative decision to align life with God’s will. 7. Theological Insights on Being Chosen Predestination in Scripture : Romans 8:29-30 explains predestination not as a deterministic fate but as God’s declaration that those conformed to Christ’s image will inherit eternal life. The concept emphasizes that while God calls everyone, the ultimate choice to follow Christ remains with the individual. Implications for Believers : Being chosen by God brings immense responsibility. It requires faith, obedience, and a life devoted to His service. Believers must also see their interactions with others as opportunities to reflect God’s choice and love. 8. The Ultimate Impact of God’s Choice Changed Lives : Knowing they are chosen by God should inspire believers to live differently, embracing holiness, love, and gratitude. This change not only strengthens their relationship with God but also influences others, helping them see that they, too, are chosen by God. A Heavenly Family : Believers are adopted into God’s family, gaining a spiritual community bound by the blood of Christ. This family is a source of encouragement and support, demonstrating the unity and love God desires for His people. 9. Concluding Challenge A Call to Action : The sermon concludes with an invitation to reflect on the gift of being chosen by God and to respond with a life of faith, growth, and preparation. The preacher encourages listeners to seek help, whether by becoming a Christian, overcoming struggles, or taking the next step in their faith journey. Key Takeaways God’s Choice Reflects His Love : Before the foundation of the world, God chose believers out of His infinite love, desiring their transformation and relationship with Him. Being Chosen Requires a Response : Faith is an active choice, involving preparation, intentionality, and a life aligned with God’s will. Believers Reflect God’s Love to Others : By living out the love and grace of God, believers can inspire others to see their value and purpose in Him. A Life of Faith is Transformative : Knowing they are chosen should change how believers interact with God, others, and the world around them.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

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How To Be A Wise Person(From Our 12-22-24 Worship) 24:24

for 18 weeks siden24:24

24:24

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/DLTHcZp64Sc Summary: Wisdom Defined Wisdom is knowing the right thing to do at the right time and then acting on it. This principle is illustrated through the story of Dr. Francis Kelsey, an FDA medical officer who in the 1960s refused to approve the drug thalidomide for the U.S. market. Despite immense pressure, her wise decision saved countless children from birth defects, demonstrating the power of wisdom and discernment. Lessons from the Wise Men The sermon transitions to the story of the wise men from Matthew 2, drawing lessons applicable to Christian life: Be on a Journey Like the wise men who traveled far seeking Jesus, Christians must embark on a spiritual journey, continually growing and seeking God. (Matthew 2:1-2) Look for the Right Thing The wise men saw the star because they were actively searching. Similarly, we must intentionally seek God and His truth. (Matthew 2:2) Be Willing to Wait The wise men faced delays but waited patiently for God’s timing. Waiting builds faith and aligns us with God’s perfect plan. (Matthew 2:3-9) Celebrate Breakthroughs When the wise men saw the star again, they rejoiced. Christians should celebrate when they see signs of God’s guidance. (Matthew 2:9-10) Worship and Give The wise men worshiped Jesus and offered valuable gifts. True worship involves giving generously—time, resources, and service. (Matthew 2:11) Obey God The wise men obeyed God’s warning and avoided Herod. Wisdom requires obedience to God’s direction. (Matthew 2:12) Final Thoughts Wisdom is a choice and a gift from God. James 1:5 reminds us that anyone lacking wisdom can ask God, who gives generously. As we celebrate Christmas, we should strive for wisdom: knowing the right thing and doing it.…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Does God Care About My Heart? ( From Our 12-15-24 Worship) 26:07

for 20 weeks siden26:07

26:07

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/MbCuGma5XOM Sermon Summary: Introduction Opening Story: The account of Judge Lou Olivera and veteran Joe Serna. Joe Serna, a decorated Green Beret, battled severe PTSD after a traumatic incident where he nearly drowned. After violating court orders, Judge Lou sentenced Joe to one night in jail, knowing the confinement would trigger Joe's PTSD. The judge joined Joe in his cell for the night, offering companionship and compassion. Lesson: This reflects God’s willingness to meet us in our struggles and provide active care for our hearts. Theme of the Sermon: God is not passive in the battle for our hearts. He loves, fights for, and restores our hearts daily. 1. The Battle for Our Hearts Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Key Points: Our primary struggle is spiritual, not physical. The devil actively schemes to lead people away from God. God calls us to arm ourselves with His resources, recognizing that He is also actively fighting for us. 2. God Cares About Your Heart Scripture: Genesis 6:5-6 "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart." Key Points: In Noah’s time, humanity’s wickedness deeply grieved God. This grief reveals God's emotional investment in the condition of our hearts. God doesn’t just observe humanity; He feels deeply about our spiritual health. Scripture: Jeremiah 32:40-41 "I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul." Key Points: God’s promises to His people come from His wholehearted love. Unlike humans, God does nothing half-heartedly; His love and actions are complete and perfect. 3. God Cares About What Goes Into Your Heart Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-7 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Key Points: God commands us to fill our hearts with His Word and share it with others, especially the next generation. What we allow into our hearts influences our relationship with God and shapes our character. Scripture: John 4:23-24 "But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Key Points: God desires our worship because it aligns our hearts with His will. Worship shapes our priorities and strengthens our connection to God. 4. God Tests Our Hearts Scripture: Proverbs 17:3 "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the LORD tests hearts." Scripture: Psalm 7:9 "Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous—you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!" Key Points: God tests our hearts to refine us, much like gold is refined in a furnace. These tests are not for God’s knowledge but to reveal and strengthen our faith. Example: Abraham's Test (Genesis 22:1-12) Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrated his faith and trust in God. Lesson: Tests reveal the depth of our faith and help us grow spiritually. 5. God Restores Broken Hearts Scripture: Psalm 51:10, 17 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Key Points: No heart is too broken for God to restore. God accepts even the most shattered hearts when they turn to Him in repentance. Scripture: Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Key Points: God’s Word acts as a spiritual scalpel, cutting away sin and darkness from our hearts. Restoration often involves pain but results in spiritual renewal. 6. God Pours Into Our Hearts Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Scripture: Romans 5:3-5 "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Key Points: God fills our hearts with knowledge, hope, and love through His Spirit. His outpouring equips us to endure trials and live with joy and peace. 7. The Call to Respond Scripture: Joshua 24:23 "He said, 'Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.'” Key Points: To incline our hearts to God is to actively seek Him and draw closer. God’s love for our hearts motivates us to respond in worship, obedience, and faith. Conclusion God grieves over the sin in our hearts, but He also restores and fills them with His love and presence. Like Judge Lou, God meets us in our darkest moments, offering companionship, restoration, and hope. Final Invitation: Recognize how much God loves your heart and respond by turning to Him. Whet...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
How To Reason With The World(From Our 12-8-24 Worship) 25:39

for 21 weeks siden25:39

25:39

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/za-4V2aptXs Transcript: You know, if you're needing a Christmas idea for somebody, this might make a good one. Uh, that's a Ferrari 250 GT. That's not exactly my style, but if you buy me one, I'll sell it. We'll all go spend Christmas at Maldives or somewhere like, um, if you want to buy one, depend on the model. It'll cost you somewhere between a million and 15 million to buy one. But in 1963, this gentleman here would not have given you a plug nickel for that car. The reason why is he owned one, and he kept having a problem with his car. No matter what he did, the same problem appeared over and over again. He couldn't keep a clutch in it. Now, who wants to own a Ferrari, and you can't drive it like a Ferrari? He went through all the service channels. He waited on several factory parts, and every time they put one in, same thing. Finally, he scheduled a meeting with this gentleman, Enzo Ferrari, like, of the company Ferrari. And he shared with him his struggle and all the time that his car had been down, and Enzo, being Enzo, just didn't care. He kind of blew him off. And in fact, right before he left the meeting, he says, he told him, he said, What's a man who makes tractors for a living know about sports cars? And this man, whose name is Ferici Lamborghini, decided to show him what a tractor man knew about making cars. He, he created the car company that we know and date, know and love today. Probably some of the most recognizable automobiles to have ever been created. All because he got tired. Of waiting for a clutch for a two 50 GT Ferrari. Now you think about that. We all hate waiting. We hate it. But sometimes waiting is exactly what it takes to be the motivation for somebody to go change the world. You've got your bibles with you this morning. Let's go to X Chapter 17. That's where we're gonna spend our time at this morning. You could go to one opening and we're not gonna not gonna move. But here we're going to see the Apostle Paul and bless his heart, everywhere Apostle Paul went, there were angry people trying to run him out of town. And as you read up to verse 16, that's what's happened with the Apostle Paul. They were about to kill him, stone him one more time, and a group of disciples get him out and they get him to Athens. And he's in Athens just simply because he's waiting for Silas and Timothy to get there. He's waiting around. He's got some time to kill. But I want you to see this morning what happened while he was waiting there. Now, Paul was waiting for them in Athens. His spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the about persons in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there. So you look at Paul and you say, Paul, can't you just hang out somewhere and not not share the gospel with anybody? And the answer is that's no. Right? He's, this is a foreign place to him. It's, it's not somewhere he's from. And obviously it's a place, being a New Testament Christian, that when he looks around and he sees all the idols in the idolatry, right, it just provoked his spirit. I cannot do something. So it says he began to reason with people. And you think about that. You think about the first century world and all the religious ideas going on in that day and time. Those people, those people who didn't know God needed to be reasoned with, didn't they? Do you think our day and time is any different today? Do you think we don't have a world full of people who need to be reasoned with? Well, it's obvious to say yes, but then the hard question is, well, how do you go about doing that? How do you talk to somebody about God who may not believe in God or may have all kind of false ideas? So, Well, I believe this morning that the Apostle Paul shows us how to do that. As we continue on in Acts chapter 17 this morning, we're going to notice several things that you're going to have to do if you're going to reason with the world. And when I say that, I hope you understand I mean worldly people. Now, let's get started. And we're going to start in verse 17, what we've already read. But I want you to notice where he reasoned. He reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and devout people, right? And that makes sense. That's where you expect to go talk about God is in the synagogue in the church building. It's a natural place to start. But don't you notice he didn't just reason in the synagogue. Where else did he reason? In the marketplace. Now that's different, isn't it? You see, I feel like in our society today, we have this nasty habit. Sometimes we want to silo God to the church building. We'll talk about God in the church building. You know, if you come to church, we'll talk to you about your salvation. We'll talk to you about the gospel. Sometimes we want to silo God in one place. And the problem with that is he's everywhere and lost people who need them. They're not just in synagogues. They're not just in the church buildings. They're in the marketplace every day. Every day they're there. And yes, we can't interact with everybody. And yes, we can't save everybody. We can't even save all the people that we interact with. But if we never If we never even bring it up, that word reason means to have a discussion with, or even in some contexts is to have an argument. Of course, we don't have an argument, but if you're going to have an argument right, there's got to be some back and forth. We got to bring it up and we can't just bring it up in the church building. It has to be brought up out in the marketplace, out in the world where everybody is. So as you go, if you're going to reason with the world, you got to do it as you go. Also, if you're going to reason with the worldly people, you can't take it personal. Verse 18. Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him, and some said, what does this babbler wish to say? Others said he seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. Now this is a hard lesson for me, but when you're trying to reason with worldly people about God, you can't take it personally when they reject, when they reject it. Because here's the thing, it's gonna feel like they're rejecting you. I mean, you believe in God, and you, you have faith, and, and this is a core tenet of your life. And when somebody looks at you and says, I don't care about that. You're gonna take it personal. You're gonna feel it in your gut. But I remind you of what God told Samuel. God told him when the people wanted a king, what? He was tearing his clothes in mourning and he said, they haven't rejected you. They rejected me in a very real sense. That's absolutely true. If somebody goes out and you try to tell them about God, if you try to help them save their souls and they don't want to hear it, they're not rejecting you. They're rejecting God. And one of the things you got to understand when we're talking about this, when we're talking about interacting with people. We're talking about trying to save souls. The other thing that ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
How To Work With God(From Our 12-1-24 Worship) 21:28

for 21 weeks siden21:28

21:28

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/Z8PNeg5MVnA Transcript: It was another, it was another gig on another night for famous blues magician Darrell Davis. He didn't realize that this night was going to change the course of his life. He was used to, after the show, people coming up to him and giving him compliments and talking to his adoring fans. But on this night, He would meet a man who wouldn't, wouldn't really be classified as an adoring fan. You see, on this night, a white man walked up to Mr. Davis and said, I can't believe that a black man can play that good, play like Jerry Lee Lewis on the piano. And the reason he said that to him, his next sentence was, is because I'm a member of the KKK. Mr. Davis laughed at him and said, you can't be serious. And he says, I am serious. And from that point on, for the next several hours, Mr. Davis and this man sat in conversation. Darrell asked him, he said, how can you hate someone that you don't even, you don't even know them? Like, you really need to know somebody to be able to hate them. And over the next several hours and then several days, Mr. Davis and this man formed a friendship. And that friendship would lead to this man renouncing the KKK. But it wasn't just this man. Over the next several years, Mr. Davis would work with some 200 members. This gentleman would introduce Davis to his friends. And one by one, They would begin to build a relationship and they begin to work together. And over 200 members of the time of the last research that I can get a hold of, over 200 people have renounced the KKK. All because Mr. Davis sits and has a conversation. Talks with them, becomes their friend. You wouldn't think, it's unlikely pairing, isn't it? It's amazing sometimes how people that you, you don't think would work well together sometimes work the best together. And this morning, if you have your Bibles, I want us to look at another unlikely pairing. Two, two groups that you wouldn't think would work well together, but in fact, when they do work together, it's magical. If you have your Bibles, go with me to 2 Corinthians. We're going to We're going to stay in 2 Corinthians the entire, entire time this morning. And we're going to start in chapter 6 and look at verse 1. Paul says, Working together with him, then we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in me. Now you look at that sentence, and I ask you who the him is. And you have no other choice but to say, well that's God. Paul is talking about us as human beings working alongside God. You want to talk about an unlikely pairing? There it is. God and man working together. How does that even, how does that even work? What does it, what does it look like? How can it be so? Isaiah 55, 7, 8, and 9. My ways are above your ways. So are my thoughts above your thoughts, says the Lord. We're not even on the same level as God. And yet this morning I say to you, it's possible. It's possible for us to work together. But how do you do that? What's it look like? Well, to answer that question, I want to back up a chapter to chapter 5. I want us to go through chapter 5 this morning and look at some things and ask the question, What does it take? for us to work together with God. What's it look like? What's required of us? And I believe that these things could be helpful to each and every one of us. So we back up into chapter five and Paul here is going to start with this. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, he's talking about our body. We have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent, in our bodies, physical bodies, we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling. If indeed, by putting it on, we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened. Not that we should be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed. So that which is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the spirit as a guarantee. You see, the first thing you're going to do, you have to do, if you're going to work with God, is you have to be prepared. You notice here that God is the one that does the preparing. You think about it. He has done things for us that we cannot do for ourselves. How would I ever pay for my sin debt? God's taken care of that. How would I ever provide all the material blessings that I need for my life? God has already done that. God has done so many things to prepare for me and for you. But I want you to notice here, it's not just about the preparation, is it? You see, with this preparation, along with it comes, comes with a desire. You notice all the words I've underlined. We groan. We long to put on the assembly dwelling. We groan being burdened. You get this idea that not only is it just the fact that God has prepared us, but for the faithful Christian who, who believes God follows God wants to be with God. There is this real desire to be with him. And I wonder, I wonder this morning you look at the desire and the preparation, those two elements together. I ask you a question this morning. Do you desire to go home? And if you don't desire to go home, does that mean you're not prepared? That's a hard question. It's not a simple 30 second, well, yeah, yeah, of course, maybe. That's a deep question. It's got a lot of facets to it. It's got a lot of, a lot of things tied to it. A lot of emotion tied to it. We're talking about our lives and our families and our homes and everything that we know here on Earth. But do we desire God more? I can't answer that question for you. I have a hard enough time answering it for me. But you notice the two things here go together, and I wonder if we don't have that desire, what is standing in our way? What's keeping us from desiring God that much? What are we hanging on to? What stands in our way? What's keeping us from being, walking into and stepping into the preparations that God has made for us? We're going to work with him. We have to be prepared. But next, if you're going to be prepared, it changes the way that you live life. It changes your actions. It changes your decisions. I'm going to tell you what, being a Christian at times is scary. It's hard to do the right thing. In fact, quite often times, if you want to know what the right thing is, you can almost ask yourself, what's the hardest thing to do? That's probably the right thing If you're gonna if you're gonna work with God, you're gonna have to take some good courage to do it. Look at verse 6 13 So we are always of good courage We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord for we walk by faith not by sight Yes, we have a good courage and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. You see...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Things God Didn't Ask Us To Do(From Our 11-24-24 Worship) 23:56

for 23 weeks siden23:56

23:56

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Kcdgo4QZzDs Transcript: If I asked you how you're doing today, what's most likely to be the one word that you would use to interply to that? I'm good. You ever wonder where that word even come from? Like some words, we just take them and we apply them. So many things. It's like, we don't even realize what it really means. I mean, we just all kind of use it, but you know, how's your day? It was good. How was your, how's your week been? It's good. I mean, How was that? How was that meal last night? It was good. I mean, like, it just applies to everything. And you ask somebody, What kind of life do you want to lead? They're probably gonna tell you if you could get him to boil it down into a sentence. Well, I want to lead a good life. And I asked you this morning, What does that what's that even mean? I asked Google what it meant. And here was the kind of the Summary answer at the top. The good life is a state of happiness and well being that can be defined in many ways. Comfort and luxury living in comfort and luxury with few problems or worries, meaningful activities, relationships, community, virtue, moral goodness, balance, opportunity. And then at the bottom, the meaning of good can vary from person to person. Many religions also conceived the good life in moral terms as a life according to God's laws. Now, I don't think it's an accident that when you search, what is the good life? The first thing you find is comfort and luxury. And the last thing you find is God. I mean, if I was to say the phrase good and what work goes after that good and easy. I mean, we don't even think about good and hard, like, anybody want a life that's good and hard? Like, no. No, good and easy just goes together. But, and, and I get why these things are, are in the list. Um, you know, we want things to work out in the way we want them to. We want things to be, be comfortable and easy. I get that. But, but wanting it to be so is not going to make it so. You look at that list and you say, okay, that may be something to, to aspire to, but how do you lead a good life? How do you lead a good life? I think you find that answer in, in the wisdom book in the Bible. Get your Bibles with me this morning. Go to Proverbs chapter three. That's where we're going to go. We're not. really going to leave and go anywhere else. Proverbs chapter three. Of course, this is a book of a father writing to the son, writing to his son, you know, basically trying to get him to not make all the same mistakes that he did. It's a It's a wisdom book. Wisdom gets brought up over and over and over again this trying to get his son to pick up and to appreciate and to hang on to wisdom. Notice what it says here in chapter three. My son do not forget my teachings, but let your heart keep my commandments for length of days and years of life and peace. They will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you bind them together around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the side of God and man. Favor and good success in the side of good. God in man. Doesn't that sound like a good life? That it's not something that you that you won't. But how do you have that good life? Well, I think as we continue on in in Proverbs chapter three, the problems writer here is going to tell us how to do that. But this morning, I kind of want to go with this a little bit different. I usually ask the question how How do you do something? And how usually entails, here's the steps I need to take. And there's plenty of steps in what we're about to read in Proverbs three. But I don't want to talk about so much this morning, what we should do as what we shouldn't do, because I think this morning, as we read through Proverbs three, I've never really had this stand out to me before, but. It almost seemed like pairs where here's what you should do, but also here's something that you don't do along with it. And a lot of times the enemy of what we should do is the thing we shouldn't be doing. You know, sometimes it's like you want to, if you want to know how to do something, let me tell you how not to do it right. And that will help you to do the thing. So I hope that that makes sense where we're going and what we're doing with this lesson this morning, but again, we're going to pick up. In verse five, and we're going to see the first thing that we, the first thing we have to not do if we're going to have a good life is we can't lean. Proverbs three, five trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Now, if I were to say to you, if you want to have a good life, you need to trust God. Do you think that's a true statement? Well, yeah, Yeah, Doug, that's that's obvious. Okay, you should trust in God. Trusting God. That's great. But do you know what? The biggest enemy of trusting in God is what is the thing that's going to take me away from trusting God the most trusting me? You see, when I when I trust in myself, what am I doing? I'm taking God out of that position of power, that position of authority. I'm trying to put me in that place. And how does that work out for you? Generally not real well. Now I want to read you this definition, this word lean. Now we kind of know what lean is, right? You, you walk up to somebody's truck and you're talking to them and you kind of, you kind of lean on the truck, right? And you hope they don't have one of them big metal belt buckles on and put a scratch down the side of your, your vehicle, right? Place your weight on something. Well, let me read to you the. the definition here to have trust and belief in an object to the point of being in jeopardy. If the object of trust fails, they read that one more time, having trust and belief in an object to the point of being in jeopardy. If the object of trust fails, I'll take, I'll mess it up for 9000 Alex. You see. How many times, how many times are Christians handicapped because they're too busy trusting in themselves and not easy enough trusting in God? You know, we've talked a lot lately about forgiving ourselves, and that's a process, it's a thing to work on, but if I understand that God has forgiven me of my sins, it's And I can't forgive myself because I know what I did and I don't know why I did it and I Then that sound a lot like I'm leaning more on my own understanding That I am leaning on God's understanding. I Mean at what point am I am I more concerned and busier feeding my own self doubt That I am feeding my faith in God How many times have we prayed? God, please help me. Please help this. Please help this or that. And then the moment I say amen, my eyes open and I go and my mindset immediately turns to okay. Now, how can I fix it? What do I gotta do? I set my prayer up. I put God on it. But in the meantime, I got I gotta work it out myself. How many times do we make a bigger mess out of it than simply Just trusting God. I'm not saying that we don't ever do anything. That's not what I'm saying. But I'm talking about at the end of the day, who do you trust more? Do you trust yourself? Or ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Let's Work and Grow(From our 11-17-24 worship) 27:10

for 24 weeks siden27:10

27:10

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/2bhOPDeVg08 Transcript: You ever want something better? I mean, in the garden with Adam, Adam and Eve, that's kind of what satan told them. They had, they had it made and satan told them that they needed something better. Even when you got it made, we're often tempted and pulled towards doing something better. Example. Some of you Some of you in the room are old enough to remember this. Others of you won't, but In 1985, The Coca Cola Corporation was approaching their 100th anniversary. And they got the bright idea that they needed something better. They did all the blind taste tests and they, they, they developed a new formula. They called it New Coke. Which kind of sounds wrong all by itself, doesn't it, New Coke? Um, it performed better in all the studies than Coca Cola, Pepsi, anything they throwed at it, it was better. So in 1985, they stopped making Coca Cola, started producing New Coke, and for three months, you couldn't, you couldn't buy anything but this. And people revolted. Literally, when Coca Cola Corporation backed up and said they were going to go back to making the old flavor, which they for several years called Coca Cola Classic. Literally, when they made the announcement that they were going to return back to the old flavor, the news stations, two, four, and five, stopped what they were doing and literally run a special announcement that they're going to go back and make original Coke again. Not the president has died. Not we've landed on the moon. No, we're getting coke again. So a lot of times we as human beings, we long for something more. We want something new. We want something better. I don't tell you that new new isn't always better. Depending on the situation, new may very rarely be better. And when it comes to a spiritual context, especially new is not better. There's all kind of ways that people try to to run churches and, and make worship that's engaging and, and all these things, but all these new things are not better. The way God said to do it. That's what's better. I had a whole sermon this morning. I had a lovely wedding yesterday and that brought my mind to Hebrews 13. If you got your bibles, go with me there. That's where we're going. I was gonna talk about all these things that were better, right? Brotherly love is better. Uh, the love shared between a spouse is better, right? And it's almost like you keep seeing the words remember, remember over and over again through this, right? Um, We need to learn to say God is my helper, not trust in money, right? Uh, who we trust in, God, is better. We need to remember how we come to faith, right? Remember your leaders, those that spoke to you the word of God. See the outcome of their way of life, right? Don't try to go some new way. You look at people who have been faithful to God. You follow their example. You do the same thing. New is not better. Jesus. Rather, we feel like we need programs and all these other things besides Jesus. Jesus is better. We have an altar from which those who serve the tent had no right to eat for the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place. We talked about that this morning in her Bible class, uh, to the holy place by the high priest as a sacrifice for seeing were burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Jesus. is better. But this next part, verse 17 verse 17 has been on my mind and I can't I can't turn it loose. Or maybe I should say it won't turn me loose. Obey your leaders and submit to them for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. God's system of leadership for the church is better than what we can come up with. But, as I come to this passage, I look at the thing that, the thing that won't turn me loose about it is this. And I want you to understand before I say what I'm about to say that, I do it because I love you. I have never wanted anything but for this to be a church that Jesus will be proud of. And I think there's a willingness and I want to here and now to do just that. I look back over the history of this congregation and I've only been here a short time. Been here seven years. It seems like forever and it seems like a moment. When I come here, this group of people was kind of beat down and rejected. They've been through some things and we kind of worked through that together. And we, it was almost like we were just about to hit the cusp and COVID hit. My gosh, COVID hit. We went from one group trauma to another worldwide trauma and we didn't know what to do. We didn't know what was right and up, down, left, sideways. And for a long time, it didn't bother us. And then in August, it hit us to 20 some odd of us was affected with this with this awful virus. Some people didn't survive it. Just when we were about to get over the cusp, this thing that come and rocked our world. But you know, we didn't stay beat down forever. Did we? The mask kind of went away and the world kind of opened back up and We kind of, we get to this point where it's almost like we look around one day and it's like, well, we're not struggling that bad anymore. Sometimes the struggle is just the thought that, you know, sometimes you just, you're not really struggling as bad as you think you're struggling. And I feel like we're kind of on a verge of another great, I don't know, I hate to use the word great awakening, maybe that's a, that's a dumb thing to say, but I feel like we're on the verge again. But I wonder sometimes if we're satisfied with good enough. Are we satisfied with this new idea that we come and we assemble together and that church is like an event? Man, we come and we sing and it's beautiful and we, we listen to a sermon and we, and they do the Lord's Supper and it's so wonderful and, and, and all those things are great. Worship absolutely is a vital part. of the christian existence. But it's the purpose of the church just to worship God. Is that the only purpose that it has? That's a bit to you. That's not. If you hold your bibles right here and go back to Ephesians four with me Ephesians four beginning in verse 11. He gave the apostles and the prophets and the evangelist and the shepherds and the teachers To equip the Saints For what? for the work of ministry for the building up of the body Until we all obtain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood to the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ So that we may no longer be children Tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine by human cunning by craftiness by deceitful schemes Rather speaking the truth in love. We are to grow up in every way Into him who is the head into Christ From whom the whole body joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped When each part is working properly makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
How To Be A Disciple(From Our 11-10-24 Worship) 29:23

for 24 weeks siden29:23

29:23

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/JORn1eGY9gc Transcript: You know, we, we think about them often just as soulless corporations. Just these big businesses who are organized for just one purpose, to get more and more and more money. And in some cases, that's probably absolutely true. But we often forget that these companies, as large as they may have grown to in our modern day and times, They generally started out with one person. And that one person did have a soul and they didn't have a personality and they did have a pretty interesting reason for doing what they were doing. Give me an example. If I say to you the name Walmart, what do you think? Oh no. Right. But. Did you know the guy behind it? You probably do. His name is Sam Walton. You know, the other Wholesale side of the business is what? Sam's Club. Because of Sam Walton. And Sam Walton, you know, changed the way that all of us shop. This idea of a retailer who could carry almost everything and have it in one place. Rather, no telling how much money Sam Walton and his stores have made. But, but where did he get the idea for all those extra low prices? I mean, how do you, how do you go from little town in Arkansas to worldwide corporation with global brand recognition? How do you get there? Well, in 1940, Mr. Sam. was had had taken a brand new job and he was put into the training phase of this company. And it also was a department store type setup. He would work for this company for about 18 months until he was drafted into World War Two. But even though his career was cut short there, the time that he spent there affected him for the rest of his life. You see, when he went into this business, he went into the management side of it, and the training school they had there was very in depth. This retailer, at the time, had over 1, 600 stores all over the continental United States. Remember, this is 1940. This is pre America in World War II. No internet, no social media, nothing. Just a massive retailing giant. But one day, the owner of that company, whose name is James Cash. Now, he's the president over the whole deal. He, the last thing he has time to be doing is to coming out and to train new management recruits, right? But Mr. Cash is walking through the headquarters there one day and saw this, this group of young trainees. And one of the skills they were learning that day was how to how to tie up a package. Remember some a lot of you in the room may not remember, but used to you go to box, you go store and buy something and they would actually wrap it for you. I'd wrap it up paper and put a bow on it, you know, and it wasn't just Christmas wrapping. I mean, it was just what you did. Well, Mr Cash stopped his day, stopped what he was doing. Walked up to a young Sam Walton who was trying to figure out how to wrap a package and basically said to the equivalent of, son, come here, let me show you this. And he showed him how to wrap that package the most efficient way using the least amount of paper and the least amount of ribbon. And it made an impression on Mr. Walton. It was later besaid that he would turn into one of Mr. Cash's disciples, if you will. That's a word that he used. You see, James Cash was actually James Cash Penny. What a name. You may know his store is JC Penny. And we look at that company today and you know, it's had to shut down a bunch of stores. It's it's still going through a massive reorganization and for all intents and purposes to us, that's a dying company. But you have no idea. that JCPenney helped launch Walmart. Mr Cash come from a background where the first stores that he actually opened were called the Golden Rule. We got a hardware store named Golden Rule, but he had a massive chain and literally the operating principles of the business were founded on the Golden Rule. A lot of those things affected. Mr. Walton when he opened his own business. You think about that? That's this is a great example of what it means to be a disciple of someone. It means to be a learner, a follower. Now, does walmart look and operate just exactly like J. C. Penny? No, but he learns him. He observed him and he took those principles and he applied it to his own store. Of course, today we're not here to talk about how to open your own retailing giant, right? I want to talk to you about being a disciple of someone else. Being a disciple of Jesus. You know, we all learn from other people. Maybe there's someone on your job who has taken you under their wing and trained you and showed you how to do what it is that you do. But, spiritually speaking, Jesus has done that for all of us. He has given us everything that we need for life. and godliness. We have it here in this word that we can pick up and hope in our hands. And he still calls us today to be learners of him and followers of him. But how do you do that? How do you be a disciple of Jesus? Well, if you got your bibles going into Luke 14, that's where we're going today. We're gonna go to Luke 14 and we're not really gonna go anywhere else. Jesus here in Luke 14 bowls it down very Very simply for us if you want basically a one two three step program of how to be a disciple Jesus gives it to us and It's very interesting. I'm going to start it to end because Jesus sums it up in verse 33 and he says this So therefore any one of you who do who does not renounce all that he has? Cannot be my disciple Now you think You think about that word, renounce. That's not a, that's not a word we use every day. But Jesus basically said, you can't be my disciple if you don't renounce. That word means to give up interest in something else. To give up interest in something else. Jesus, what do I have to renounce to be your disciple? All that he has? Is that material things? Amen. Is that our own life? Yeah, basically. But now, you say, Doug, hang on a minute. That doesn't sound right. I mean, it's almost like you're saying we should shave our heads and sell everything that we have and go up in the mountains and be monks in monasteries. Like, we should just That's not what he's saying. That's not what he's saying here. How do you renounce all that you have? How do you be a disciple? I don't know. Well, I think that Jesus tells us that in the previous verses And this morning what we want to do. We're gonna we're gonna back up several verses And we're gonna begin to step through these things and talk about how do they apply to us? What do they look like right? This is a first century principle, but what does it look like? How does it apply in a 21st century world? in twenty twenty four about to be twenty twenty five. Where's twenty twenty four when? I don't even know. I mean, we're already coming on Thanksgiving. I drove by the other day and saw it on the sign. I thought, is it time for that already? Yeah, it is. How do we be a disciple today? Alright. Got your Bibles back with back up with me to verse twenty five and twenty six. You see, there's several, there's several things here and really what I'm gonna key in on this morning is three different verbs. Three different verbs that I believe that, that shows us how do we renounce all t...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Why Would God Say No? (from our 11-3-24 worship) 24:35

for 26 weeks siden24:35

24:35

Watch The Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/reTKTQpBFcA Transcript: Second Kings chapter 20, beginning of verse one. In those days, hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah, the prophet, the son of a man has come to him and said to him, Thus says the Lord, set your house in order for you shall die. You shall not recover. Then hezekiah turned his face to the wall. And prayed to the Lord saying, now, oh Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart and have done what is good in your side. And Hezekiah wept bitterly. And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him. Turn back and say to Hezekiah, the leader of my people, thus says the Lord, the God of David, your father, I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. And on the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord and I will add 15 years to your life. I would deliver you in this city out of the hand of King of Assyria. And I will defend this city for my own sake and for the servant and for my servant David's sake. And Isaiah said, Bring the cake of figs and let them eat it. take and lay it on the boil that he may recover. Do you look at this? Hezekiah Hezekiah was given the most terrible news that you could maybe imagine. You get the call from the doctor. The test that was supposed to be routine all of a sudden isn't routine. And Hezekiah prayed this prayer. And even though he didn't say specifically, God, would you heal me? God, would you take this sickness away from me? You kind of get the idea in the process somewhere of that weeping bitterly. Whether audibly with words or in his heart, he asked God, could you change this? Could you save my life? And his kind of got maybe one of the most awesome answers to a prayer you could imagine. I mean, the answer was almost immediate, and it was one of our favorite words. You know what that word is? Yes. I mean, who doesn't love a good yes? God, can I, can we do this? Yes. God, can I have this? Yes. God, can you keep everybody in my family safe and healthy? Yes. I mean, who doesn't love yes? Yes is a wonderful answer. But if you lived in the length of time As I have you understand that not every answer is yes You see if I got your hopes up there for a minute thinking the sermon was gonna be about yes this morning I'm sorry, but as my loving son called him would say what won't Today I want to talk about no Now no isn't as exciting as yes Often when we think about no, it just even just gives us this kind of Yucky feely, doesn't it? I don't know, I mean, there's a very famous best selling book out right now entitled, How to Get to Yes. We love yes, we want yes, but often times when we ask God for something, the answer is no. And this morning we're going to look at some people who ask God for something specifically. And God did not give them what they asked for. And the question I want to ask this morning with this sermon is why? Why might God say no? Why might God say no to us? And I hope that through maybe looking at the answers, it may not make the no any easier, but at least maybe it can help us to grow and to understand more about not only the God that we have, but what we need to do to serve Him. So that being said, I'm going to look at five reasons this morning. I don't know that this is an exhaustive list. You could probably come up with more or better reasons than on this list, but I think every one of these that I picked out this morning is something that each one of us has dealt with or will deal with or something in our lives. And I hope that these things can, can bless us. Now, the first reason why, God might tell us no. If you had a child with you and the child looks at you and says, Mama or daddy, you know, there's this piece of candy over here in the store that I want and and I don't have any money to pay for it. So I got a bright idea. I'm just gonna pick it up and I'm gonna walk out the door and I'm not gonna pay for it. What would you say to that child? Some of us grew up in a generation where there wouldn't be any saying. I might be some smacking going on, but you would generally tell that child what? No, you shouldn't do that. Why? Because the thing they want to do is wrong. The thing they want to do is wrong. Now, maybe they don't understand that yet. Maybe they do understand it, but their desires is getting the best of them. You think there's ever been a time Where somebody has asked God for something that was wrong. Yeah. I think Balaam is a good example of this. Of course, we're not gonna get to the really interesting part where his donkey starts talking to him. Right. And how angry that he was that he didn't even didn't phase him that his donkey was talking to him. But look at how this all began. Numbers 22 beginning of verse one. Then the people of Israel set out and camped in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan and Jericho. And Balak, the son of Zippor, saw that all of Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was in great dread of the people, because they were many. And Moab was overcome with fear of the people of Israel. And Moab said to the elders of Midian, this horde will now lick us all, lick up all that is around us as ox licks up the grass of the field. So Balak, this is the bad king, Balak, the son of Zippor, who was the king of Moab at the time, sent messengers to Balaam, the son of Beor, at Pythorea, these names, which is near the river in the land of the people of Ammon. to call him saying, behold, the people have come out of Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and they are dwelling opposite of me. Come now curse this people for me. Since they are too mighty for me, perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land. For I know that he who whom you bless is blessed and he whom you cursed is cursed. So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the fees for divination in their hand and they came to Balaam and gave him Balak's message and he said to them, lodge here tonight and I will bring back to you, bring back word to you as the Lord speaks to me. So the princes of Balaam stayed, uh, the princes of Balak stayed with Balaam and God came to Balaam and said, who are these men with you? And Balaam said to God, Balak, the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, Behold, a people has come out of Egypt, and it covers the face of the earth. Now come and curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them and drive them out. And God said to Balaam, You shall not go with him. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed. So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princess of Balak, Go to your own land, for the Lord commands. There's refused to let me go with you now. We could keep reading the story this morning. It's rather lengthy, but they send another delegation back and another. And eventually he winds up going to King Bailack and he keeps telling them now. Listen, God told me that I can't do it. But let me look at that money you want to give me. And even though God has told him no, you shall not go. You shall not do this. He keeps getting closer and closer and closer. and closer and eventually this leads him to a situation that cost him his life. He, this man Balaam, interacted wi...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
The Keys To The Kingdom(From Our 10-27-24 Worship) 21:56

for 27 weeks siden21:56

21:56

Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/HcyOJAdfH5Y Transcript: The destructive power of one of these is almost unimaginable. They could take off from any point on earth and travel to any other point on earth. And that fact is displayed in the name that has been given to them intercontinental ballistic missile. It can go between continents and any one of those has enough power with it, not only to destroy a city or a region, but the fallout from it would probably be enough to send the entire world into chaos. And you think about how much power that has and and we and Russia and several other countries have thousands of them, thousands of them. But now all of that All of that power, all of that destruction, it's controlled by something. It's controlled by a set of keys. Now, America's keys look kind of pretty normal, but Russia's keys, they, they look a little more unique. This is a model of one. I blowed it up four times as big so you could actually see it. Um, It was kind of, it's kind of weird, you know? Um, but it doesn't take just one key to launch a missile. You gotta have to, you gotta have to launch officers separated on each end of a room to insert those keys and turn them at the same time to launch one of those missiles. Now, There's all kind of examples where missiles almost got launched. It happened to America, it happened to Russia, but one specifically that kind of struck home with me was September the 26th of 1983. I was roughly two and a half months old, probably home sucking my thumb that day, didn't know, didn't have a clue what was going on. But there was a man named Stanislav Pavlov, I believe, if my Russian's correct. Who was on duty that day at the Oklahoma early warning station. His job basically as a Russian military commander was to watch the screen and watch for missile launches. And on that day in September 26, 1983, his screen lit up like a Christmas tree. He detected a launch and another launch and another launch and another launch and one more finally. Five in total. Now, Russian military protocol today said that if he detected anything, he was supposed to immediately push the button, send the alarm, and start the process to turn every one of these keys to launch a counterstrike. But Mr. Pavlov sat there, looking at that screen, the world hanging in the balance, and he made a judgment call. He asked himself a question. Why would the United States only launched five missiles? They've got hundreds. I've got thousands. Why launch five? And he decided against military protocol. This could have got in court martial to worse, but he decided not to ring the alarm. And as it turns out, he was right. The new warning system they had put in Actually, what happened was it detected the sun coming up on the other side of the world and sent five false alarms that almost destroyed the whole entire world. You think about the power bound up in those keys. I mean, what an awesome responsibility. What an awesome weight to carry. But you know, as much as much power as those keys have behind them, those are not the most powerful keys. in the world. In your Bible, we read about a set of keys that are even more powerful than this. And this morning we want to study those keys because they're keys that whether we realize or not, we all have access to and their keys that, uh, can help us not only live a godly life for us and for our families, but for all those around us. So we're gonna start out this morning. We'll ask a question. What are the keys? What are we talking about? When we go to Matthew 16 here, Jesus and his disciples have been traveling. And as we start out here in verse 13, Jesus gonna ask them a question. Now, when Jesus came in the district of sensory of Philippi, he asked his disciples. Who? Who do people say that the son of man is? And they said, some say John the Baptist, and others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah, one of the prophets. And he said to them, but who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied, you are the Christ, you are the son of the living God. What a great confession that was. And Jesus answered him, blessed are you Simon Barjona, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Amen. And I tell you, you are a Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. You see, Jesus here revealing to them his great and wonderful plans to, to have a church, a kingdom here on this earth. Told Peter Peter of all people loudmouth Peter told him I'm going to give you the keys to the kingdom of God You think about that? What those keys look like They look like big goofy Keys like this or maybe they're shiny metal bits That we carry around in our pockets Uh, I got so many keys, I had to get this little thing to put them on so that they don't stab me in my leg once I go down the road. You know, what do the keys to the kingdom of God look like? Well, they're not bits of metal with chunks cut out of them. They're something else. They're something else, and I want you to see this and understand what the keys to the kingdom really are. To understand this, Jesus told Peter, I'm going to give you the keys to the kingdom, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, whatever you loose, okay? We need to look at Peter using those keys in action. And the first place we see him using those keys is found in Acts chapter 2. We're going to be again in verse 1. When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting, and divided tongues as the fire appeared to them, and rested on each one of them. That had to be a sight, right? And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven, And at this sound, the multitude came together and they were bewildered because each one was hearing them speak. Get this in there in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? How do they know all these languages? They're just dumb fishermen. How do they? How do they know those things? And how is it that we cheer in our own native language? Corinthians, Medes, Elamites, residents of Mesopotamia, Judah, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pampylia, Egypt and parts of Libya, according belonging to Cyrene and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Christians and Arabians who hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, what does this mean? You see here on this day, Peter is going to stand up. and he's going to preach the first gospel sermon. He's going to preach to them what the mighty works of God. And I'm here to tell you today, those are the keys of the kingdom. ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Don't Be A Hypocrite(From our 10-20-24 Worship) 29:11

for 28 weeks siden29:11

29:11

Watch the Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/MnZSU9zA2rM Transcript: You know, they get some pretty strange names at times. On average, there's 12 a year, but some years there's more and some years there are less. When they're going on, they're the focus of attention, but, but usually after the fact, unless you were directly involved, they're just forgotten. But some of them, some of them are widely remembered because of how powerful they were. How destructive they were. Maybe they went through an area where it didn't normally happen before. Give you an example of what I'm talking about. If I say to you the word Katrina, what comes to mind? Hurricane Katrina. You see, hurricanes is something that had been at the forefront of everybody's mind with Helene and and Milton just come through almost back to back. But Hurricane Katrina was was one of those storms that just stands out for a lot of people. 2000 and five. Of course, every time there's a major natural disaster like this, one of the things that almost immediately begins to to be sounded out is calls for help. People lose everything. They lose their homes. Many lose their lives. And when those calls for help go out, many people answer them. People stop their lives and they load up all the supplies and equipment that they have and they, they basically put their own lives on hold and they go to an area for people that they have no idea who they are and they help. And it's a wonderful and beautiful thing. But not everybody has the ability to do that. For a lot of people, they can't uproot their lives. Or maybe they don't have a truck and an enclosed trailer and all the tools and equipment that it takes to do, you know, remove brush and lint and do these things. So the next best thing is what? Well, we'll donate money. We'll give money to a group of people with the idea and the intention that they're going to take that money, those funds, and they're going to go into an area and help. You see, in 2005, when Katrina hit millions and millions and millions of dollars was given to the United States, the American Red Cross. And of course, when you know how people are, If you go into an area, one of the things they did for, for disaster victims was is they would load money on to, on to like prepaid visas, debit cards, if you will, and they would give those out to people so that they could buy supplies and things that they need. And of course, human beings being what they are, if you go into an area and start handing out some form of cash, people are going to abuse that system, right? They're going to be the wanty as well as the needy. We kind of expect that. But what if I told you that it wasn't just people trying to play the system? What if I told you that people actually from the Red Cross itself took, took money that was donated to help Hurricane Katrina victims and they stole it and they put it in their own pockets? How would you feel about that? You'd be outraged. These people who who put on the vest and they go down there and they say, we're here to help. And in reality, some of them, not all of them. There's always a few bad apples in the bunch, right? But some of them turned around and said, instead of we're here to help you, they're here to what help themselves. This is a real story. Of all the millions of dollars that was given to Hurricane Katrina, about 200, 000 of it wound up in a few employees pockets. And you say, well, 200, 000 versus a couple million. That's that's not a lot of money, but it's not a money problem, is it? It's not a money problem. It's a principle problem. You're gonna go down there and you're gonna put on the vest and you're gonna pretend to help. And instead You're not only stealing money from donors, but you're stealing it also from what? From people who need it. You're stealing from both sides of the pot. It's manipulative. It's sorry. We could come up with all kind of words to say about it this morning. But in reality, there's there's one word that we kind of used to describe this. Someone who would take aid that's supposed to be given to hurricane victims. and stealing and put it in their own pockets. We call them what? Hypocrites. You see that word hypocrisy or hypocrite comes from a word that means to play a part. You put on the vest and say, I'm here to help. In reality, you're not. Of course, Halloween's almost among us. And, you know, some of us little kids and some of us big kids like to put on, put on mask and costumes and pretend to be somebody else. That's fun and all. I don't like to, I did Tin Man one time and that face paint nearly itched me to death. I don't ever see Tin Man making a resurrection if I can help it. I just said that and I'll have to do it this year. But it's one thing to pretend to be somebody else for a few minutes for Halloween. What happens when somebody wants to pretend to be somebody else indefinitely? What happens when somebody wants to pretend to be a Christian? in the middle of the church. That's a much more serious matter. And this morning, what I want us to do is I want us to look at one of the gospel accounts. I want to steal the book of Matthew, got your Bibles. Go ahead and be turning there with me. That's where we're going to go and spend the entirety of our time this morning. I didn't realize it until I did this study for this lesson. But Matthew says a lot about hypocrites. And I want us to look at what, what Matthew has to say. about about hypocrisy and hypocrites. And I hope that we can learn from these things. I hope that we can learn to be better. I know I need to be better. And I bet if I need to be better that you need to be better too. So that being said, we're gonna start out in Matthew chapter six. Matthew chapter six right here in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus in Chapter five starts out with the beatitudes. Blessed are those and go through that list of all those characteristics of how to be a Christian. And then as we get out into Chapter six, Jesus is going to begin to talk about people who perform religious acts and he's going to call them hypocrites and notice what makes them a hypocrite. All right, Matthew Chapter six beginning verse one. Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people. in order to be seen by them. For then you will have no reward from your father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received the reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that you're giving may be in secret in your father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, where they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners that they might be seen by others. Really, I said to you, they have received the reward. But when you pray, go in your room and shut the door and pray to the father who is in secret and your father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them. for your father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray them like this. Our father in heaven, how will be your name? Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day or daily bread and forgive us our debts as we're also forgiven our debtors and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, Your Heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive other their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces, that their fasting may be seen by others. ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Take Your Spiritual Opportunities(From Our 10-13-24 Worship) 30:55

for 28 weeks siden30:55

30:55

Watch the Video version Here: https://youtu.be/rwSqRlh8I2s Transcript: You know, some opportunities, some opportunities come once in a lifetime. I'll give you an example. 1978, in the fall of the year, Paul Picard, not Captain Picard, but Paul Picard, was a TV producer and he got assigned to a new television show. Now, some people thought it wasn't going to be much. It wasn't. The first season was actually only green light or approved for a half a season. And I'm sure some people thought, you know, whatever. So he was driving to work one day in a, in a van, they were going to film on set. And as he drove to work, Mr. Paul passed an automobile on the road. And out of this automobile come a sound that Paul had never heard before in his life. And it shocked him. To the point to where he jerked the van off the side of the road. And he turned it around. And he went and chased that car down that had just passed him. He flashed his lights and flagged them over. And when he got them pulled over on the side of the road, he began to ask questions after questions, after questions. And then, he pulled his wallet out of his pocket and says, I want to buy it. And the owner of the car says, I'm not selling you that. And he offered him, again, more money. No. And he offered him some more money, and eventually the owner of the car gets out of the car, Rips the horn off the car that he's driving and hands it to Mr. Picard and goes on his way. Now, he's ecstatic. Paul is. He can't wait to get to the set and to show people what he has just purchased. And it turns out, because Paul wasn't a car guy at the time, he didn't know this, but what he had just purchased was called a Dixie horn. And he got to talking to the people on the set and he found out that basically he had just paid this man about five times more than what you could have went and bought one off an auto parts store shelf. He basically got a bad deal, it would seem like. Except for the fact that the amount of money Paul was going to make with this Dixie horn was going to be unimaginable. Because that is how the famous General Lee got that famous horn. Alright Morgan, scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you that we're talking about Stukes and Hazard from the Can you imagine that car without that horn? I mean, the show might not ever got renewed for a second season without it. It was one of the defining characteristics, all because Mr. Paul took an opportunity. Now, listen, I love a good all as good as anybody else. But I didn't come here today to talk to you about Dukes of Hazard. I come here today to talk to you about opportunities and specifically what I want to talk to you about is something that I want to call spiritual opportunities. No, that's not a word you'll find in the Bible. No, that's that's I don't think I made it up, but that's the nomenclature that I created to, to go along with this idea about the opportunities that God gives us and what those can turn into. Now, to show you that I'm not crazy, if you've got your Bibles, go with me to Matthew chapter 25. Matthew chapter 25 here, Jesus, Jesus is going to tell, about what's gonna happen at the end of time when the judgment scene occurs and beginning verse 31 when the son of man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, then he will sit with on his glorious throne before him will be gathered all the nations and he will separate people one from another as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats and he will place the sheep on his right. But the goats on his left Then the king will say to those on his right, come you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Now, as we continue on here, I want you to notice what he tells them, the reason why they're on the right side. Why are they sheep? Why are they not goats? Verse 35. For I was hungry. And you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcome me. I was naked and you called me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him saying, Lord, when do we see you hungry and feeds you are thirsty and give you drink. And when do we see you a stranger and welcome you are naked and close you. And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? and the king will answer them. Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it to me. You see, you look at that, that question. Why? Why are the sheep the sheep? And why are the goats the goats? You understand Jesus didn't tell them. Well, you know what? You got the right doctrine. Doctrine is just another word for teaching. You got the right information. You figured it out. Yay, rah, good for you. Now, is doctrine important? Is teaching important? Yes, it is. But you understand, the reason for truth and the reason for information is not simply to, to have the information to hang on to it. God did not give us this book that we hold in our hands and we hold dear to us just so that we could pass some eternal pop quiz when we stand outside the gates. The pursuit of knowledge has never been about the knowledge. The pursuit of knowledge. The pursuit of truth is about what the truth does to us, how the truth changes us. Why did these people? Let's back up here. Why did they feed the hungry? Why did they give them something to drink? Why did they welcome in a stranger? Why did they clothe the naked? Why did they visit those who were sick and in prison? Because they learned the truth about their God. They obeyed that truth and they did what God wanted them to do. You understand Jesus here is not talking about the first step in the process. He's talking about the results of the process. That is how he divides the sheep from the goats You could almost look at this passage and I thought about entitling this sermon. How do I get to heaven? Because if you look at this text and say how did they get to heaven they got to heaven by Helping what the least of these? You ever you ever thought about that As much as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me You know, we live in a day and time in a culture society where we strive to be the best of these. We want to be the best preacher, the best plumber, the best salesman, or the best whatever. And there's nothing wrong with working hard and having ambitions and goals. The Bible says in Galatians 6 4 that a man can look at his own work and have pride in that work. There's nothing wrong with trying to be the best of these. But If we try to be the best of these while forgetting the least of these, that's a problem. You see, these people that Jesus describes, they had opportunities. They come across these people who were poor and neglected and dejected and beat down. And what did they do? They reached out their hand and they loved them. They, they took these physical opportunities, right? They took these physical opportunities and they helped someone. And you know what I see in my Bible? I see Jesus helping people with physical problems and then turn around and talking them about their spiritual problems. ...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
The Family You Choose (From Our 10-6-24 Worship) 22:41

for 29 weeks siden22:41

22:41

Watch Video Version Here: https://youtu.be/Zd0wqHjQZxA Transcript: Good morning. So we had our fall harvest fish yesterday. You know, janitor making a prayer this morning. I had him request for that. And there's a lot of things that people that we found out that that's needed. But families was one of the things that really keyed in on us this weekend because of the people we meet and how we approach things and how we try to reach people's lives. A lot of this. Through family, through family actions and through family, things like that. But think about this morning. What comes to mind when you think of the word family? Everybody has a picture in their head of what you think a family is. You think about that one? Is that is that? Is that the perfect American family? There's a good one. No dysfunction in that family. There's a there's a there's a governor. But even even that family is, you know, when I put that picture up, you kind of see, Oh, do you have that feeling like, Oh, that's a good family. But was it out? Was it without dysfunction? Probably not. I look through the Old Testament and all the all the people that we have in the Old Testament, starting from Adam and Eve, I could not find the perfect family. I could not find it. And if it's not, if it's not written down for us in the Bible, why do we, why do we assume that we have to be the perfect family? You know, we have those, we have those things that we can think about, you know, now y'all know that's a dysfunctional family, but you know, everybody, everybody has, everybody has had your family picture. You know, it's all it's all a photo shop and crops and and sometimes we take we take this head, put it on this body. You know how you like you wanted to look the perfect picture. You want the perfect picture. You want to be perfect. But how much chaos and how much sometimes disorganized goes on before that picture is taken. You don't have to answer. I know I've been there. It's sometimes this it's like it's like herding cats to get everybody together. You know, at one time. Stop. Let's let's take this. Let's take this. Let's take this perfect picture. We wanted. We wanted to look like this perfect picture. But family goes beyond that. We all know that we with all the characters in the Bible, they're all dysfunctional. all of them have their issues and have their things. But in the end, in the end, there's a lot of good that comes out of families. You take you take this church family here. The things we started a year ago in trying to reach people and trying to save souls. I know we have changed people's lives and we have changed families. There's a story right there. The story right there. Just I picked up just a few verses to key in on to think about family. God instituted family early on informed Adam. He said, Let us make man in our own image. Let us When he's to me, it sounds like that God is already a part of a family when he says, Let us because it was God that the father, the son and Holy Spirit. So there's there's already there's already a family unity type thing started before we were. We were here. That's reason family so important. Therefore, a man shall leave his father, mother and hope fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. So when the earth moment when God created Adam and Eve, he knew that they need to start replenishing earth. So that's where that family here just started to get going. So now we have we have we have we have Adam and Eve. We had the family had the nucleus going. We have things going on. We're starting to raise kids. We're starting to do things. I know y'all heard this this passage before train up my train up a child in the way that he should go. And when he's old, he would not depart from it. Train up the child as a family. Who's responsible for training? That child should be. It should be a parents. We should have a close enough relationship with the Lord that that we want to train up a child in the right way. And sometimes I know that's difficult to do at times, but it's something that I think that is that is instilled in us that we have that responsibility. If we start off in Genesis creation of the world and then families created and then through us in the Old Testament, we have the things that help that family to be more nurtured and closer to God. You ever thought about the last verse in the Old Testament, the last person, Old Testament, and he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the Children and the hearts of the Children to the fathers. Lest I come and strike the land with the creed utter destruction. He's talking about the family there. He started off in creation, but the family Old Testament ends with family. I really think that the key part right here is turning the hearts of the fathers to the Children that have time first. It's our responsibility as as as fathers and mothers. It's our responsibility to turn the hearts. We have to be the ones that's responsible for that. I could just kind of find that interesting as I was doing this, this study that the last verse in the Old Testament has something to do with the family. And then as you, as you open up, as you open up the New Testament, it's like, like from, from the time that this verse was written until Jesus comes on the scene, there's a, there's about 400 years God doesn't speak. But I find it interesting that when you open up the New Testament and turn to Matthew, the first thing you start seeing is the genealogy of Jesus Christ. Talking about the family. Now during that time, who your father was or who your, your, your, your ancestry or what geology was, all that was very important to you because that determined who you could or could not be. Or what you what kind of occupation you may have. You know, you're pretty much you didn't have a choice. You know, sometimes you have a choice. You were born into that. It's kind of like sometimes sometimes when you have a choice, you know, I sometimes wonder where we would be today if we had a choice of who which family we want to be born into. We didn't have that choice. And if I was talking about, you know, that God formed us in the moon before we were born, think about that. Think about he already had a personal direction to you before you even born to put you in a family situation. So as we as we talk about that, and that means certainly looking at the geology of Jesus and you think about You consider and think about, man, my family is really messed up sometimes. But you read the genealogy of Jesus and you'll find everything in there. You know, even sometimes, sometimes matching when he's writing it, he's kind of, he's kind of soft on speaking certain things, you know, but there's a lot of things in his in his in his life where him and his family In his family tree that you wouldn't think the Savior of the Lord would come from because you had there was adulterers, there was murders...…

West Side Church of Christ - Elkton Ky

1
Faith Must Work(From our 9-29-24 Worship) 23:28

for 30 weeks siden23:28

23:28

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/oY_Tz1kPLH4 Transcript: When I say the phrase the American dream, what comes to your mind? Probably some rags to riches story where a person is able to maybe in one generation completely changed not only their life, but maybe their entire family tree. And you think about that. How do you How do you achieve the American dream for a California born man named Richard Montanez. The way that he achieved the American dream was maybe a little out of the, out of the ordinary. His was achieved with Flamin Hot Cheetos. Now, Mr. Montanez was working in a Frito Lay factory in 1992 when Flamin Hot Cheetos were first introduced. They were introduced into a test market, they went wild, and then all of a sudden they lost them nationally. and then, uh, all over the world. But the interesting thing is, is when, when he developed this new flavor, he was not a product engineer. He was not a scientist or a chemist. He was a janitor. And you say, How did the janitor develop flaming hot cheetos? Well, it's a long story, but the crux of it is, is that One day, the president of Frito Lay made a video to show internally the company. He was trying to boost morale. And one of the things he said in that video is, is, I want everybody in the company to act like an owner of the company. Well, for most people, that message went in one ear and out the other. They didn't pay much attention to it. But it meant something to Mr. Martinez. So, a few days later, he was at work and Besides his regular duties, the other thing that he did was if something happened on one of the lines and the line stopped when they had to fix the machine, generally what had to happen was they had to empty out the entire line to clean it and reset it and started again. So Mr Martinez was at work one day and a machine broke down at the very end of the line, the machine that put the powder on the cheetos, you know, let's sticks to your fingers. So there was this whole section of Cheetos that were fully cooked, but they hadn't. They didn't have powder on them yet. So, Mr. Martinez, I'm not being an owner. Instead of just taking those and gathering up and throwing them away, he gathered up and took him home. And when he took him home, he decided that I wonder if I could develop something else to put on the outside of this. that would be, you know, be better than a normal Cheeto. So he pulled on some other, uh, typical Hispanic, uh, treats of the day, and he created his own recipe. He dusted those Cheetos that he took home, and he started passing them out to friends and neighbors, and everybody loved them. You see, there was something, something about his recipe that spoke to the Hispanic market especially. It would And they kept encouraging. You got to go. You got to go take this to work. You got to tell him about this. You know, it'd be such a wonderful thing. But he's he's a janitor. Well, eventually they encourage him enough and he does something pretty brave. Mr. Martinez goes to work. He gets through the company phone book and he looks up the number for the CEO's office. And a janitor in a Frito Lay company. Calls the CEO's office and it may be a slight miracle that the secretary didn't laugh in his face and hang up the phone. But within just a few minutes, Mr Martinez was on the phone talking to the CEO of Frito Lay and he told him about his idea. He said, Well, I'll be there in two weeks. I want you to make a presentation. You see, when we think about how you achieve the American dream, It's kind of funny to say, well, his was achieved by Flamin Hot Cheetos, but that's not really how it was achieved. It was achieved by what? By hard work. And work that went above and beyond just normally sweeping the floors, isn't it? Not only did he have to work to develop this new flavor, but when the CEO of Frito Lay looked at him and said, Okay, in two weeks you can make a presentation in front of the entire board for Frito Lay. Mr. Martinez was a man who had dropped out of school, not even high school, dropped out of school very early to help support his family working in the, in the fields as migrant workers. So, you know, the whole public speaking and marketing and all those skills were not exactly something he had in his back pocket. For two weeks he went into a mad dash to develop those skills. He even had to go out and buy a suit and tie, and he didn't have time to figure out how to tie the tie, so his neighbor had to tie it that morning and put it on him. And of course, he made that presentation and the rest, he says, history. Think about hard work. It's maybe not a message that's so popular today. And yes, it is the key to the American dream, but it's also, when you think about it, it also has to do, a lot to do with, with a Christian in a spiritual walk. The Bible has a lot to say about work. Gotcha. Bible's going into Philippians chapter two, all here in the book of Philippians, this book that, that mentions joy, 13, 14 times a man setting in prison, writing them, telling them to be joyful, to rejoice in the Lord always. And again, I say, rejoice. Look at what he tells them in chapter two, beginning verse 12. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed. So now not only is in my presence, but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it's God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Paul here is having a much larger conversation, and he's basically trying to encourage them in spite of everything that's going on around you. Don't give up and don't quit. That was a message they needed in their day. And I'm gonna tell you, it's a message that we need in our day as well. But do you notice the action words here? Work out your own salvation. God works in you to work his own good pleasure as you've always obeyed. You get the idea that that work is required. Work is required to be a Christian. I could put up here. Ephesians to 10. We're here's workmanship, creating Christ Jesus for good works that we should walk in them. I mean, the Bible goes on and on about work, but this morning in the little bit of time that we have together, I want to take this concept of work and I want to link it to something else. Maybe you not thought of it. These two things in relation to each other. But I'm hoping that the things that we learned today can help us to be better. for our God. So that being said, I want to link work to something else. Okay. And this other concept that I want to link it to is found in Galatians chapter five. We're gonna be flipping around several places today. So I apologize. Get your get your fingers ready. But, uh, Paul here in the middle of chapter five, he's talking to a church full of people. who are for whatever reason are very tempted to leave New Testament Christianity, and they're tempted to go back to the old law. Like, this just doesn't seem to be working out for us. We're just gonna go back to what we know. And Paul is trying very much, very adamantly, to discourage them from that. Look at what it says, beginning verse four. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law. You've fallen away from grace. We're through ...…

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