Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast

Doing Hopeful Things

“I know the plans I have for you…to give you a future with hope.” That’s a popular Bible passage, giving hope to people who are in a hard times, but it’s only half of the story. Before God gives this promise, God says to settle down and make homes and families there – in this case, in a foreign country as refugees. Our faithful actions now – even if they seem small and insignificant – are part of ushering in God’s promise of a future with hope.

This message is presented by Pastor Sarah.The Scripture lesson comes from Jeremiah Chapter 29, and our Gospel is from John, Chapter 21.

 

Jumping into the Arms of Jesus

Resurrection and hope are out in the world. But we need to step put into the world and be aware and look carefully to find them. Looking past the darkness, because Jesus knows that darkness and suffering to support us through the pain grief and evil, because the Risen Lord is with us.  Resurrection in our lives has many faces and if we look for it we can see it daily. It is authentic, messy vibrant and filled with hope. 

This message comes to us from Pastor Tania. Our Gospel reading is from John Chapter 20, verses 24 - 31. 

 

The Grinch Stole Christmas. What about Easter?

The Grinch who stole Christmas is not usually considered an Easter story, but in this sermon, Pastor Sarah uses the tale of Grinch to describe the miracle of Easter.

Just like the Grinch was surprised to find out he hadn’t ruined Christmas, everyone involved in the crucifixion was surprised to find out that God’s love was more powerful than sin, more powerful even than death. Even Jesus’ closest disciples doubted God’s power. And so do we. But the good news of Easter is that resurrection doesn’t depend on us. God acted to raise Jesus from the dead.

What does depend on us? Sharing the good news so that all the world can know! Christ is Risen Indeed Alleluia!

Our Bible reading is from the Book of Luke, Chapter 24

It Is Finished: A Creation Story

Good Friday, is it a night of sorrow or joy? It is both, for what is the cost of discipleship? 

In this message, Pastor Jason provides unique context to the telling of the passion story in John, Chapters 18 and 19. 

A Culture of Remembering

Who is to be remembered? Is it those whose might makes them larger than life, or are other traits worthy of memory. We learn about the Roman tradition of the victor entering the conquered city and compare it to how Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. 

Today's message comes to us from Pastor Jason, and he suggests that not only does what you remember matter, but that also memories define who we are as a culture. The scripture is Luke Chapter 19, verses 29-40.  

Deep Love

Today's message is brought to us by Pastoral Intern Aaron.

Sam Bardwell, brings the Gospel Lesson, John Chapter 12, verses 1 to 8, to life.

Welcome Home

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Tania. The Gospel Lesson, Luke Chapter 15, verses 1 to 3 and 11 to 32 is brought to us today by Sam Bardwell, Theologian and actor, bringing the scriptures to life.

A Culture of Grace and Healing

In this sermon we notice that the story of the fig tree is understood as first a story of God’s healing when it is read alongside the healing story in Luke 13.  We believe that a characteristic of a culture of grace is the having space for the healing that comes when we can be authentic about our stories of joys, sorrows, and traumas.

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. The Gospel Lesson, Luke Chapter 13, verses 7 to 16 is brought to us today by Sam Bardwell, Theologian and actor, bringing the scriptures to life.