Real Good Courage - The Westwood Podcast

Do Not Be Afraid

On the mount, Jesus said to all of us: "Get Up! Do not be afraid!" Transfiguration is change and we are called to change - there is work to be done. Where you are, there are you called; to step up and lead.

This message is brought to us by Pastor Tania. Our gospel is from Matthew Chapter 17, verses 1-9. 

Power of Paradox:Small is Big

Jesus tells us to let our light shine so that others can see our good works. Yet how much light can a single candle put out? Quite a bit in the dark of night or the dark of circumstance. Each of us can have an unforeseeable impact when we allow our light to shine forth, and from those small rays of light, big things can result.

This message comes from Pastor Jason. Our Gospel is from Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 13 - 20. 

Power of Paradox: The Beatitudes

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is well known for the passage known as the Beatitudes. The danger of this message is the risk of further separation between those on the margins and others. Sometimes we can wonder who is blessed and who is cursed; which of these am I.

Today's message is brought to us by Pastor Sarah. Our Old Testament lesson comes from Micah, Chapter 6, verses 6 - 8. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1 -12.

Power of Paradox: Slow in a Fast World

The pace of the world continues to accelerate. Unfortunately, often with that speed, discernment is lost. Speed mixed with fear can lead to violence. God's moving in the world is slow. When we move at the speed of God, leadership can be shaped by grace. When we are overwhelmed by fear, the appropriate response is to slow down. 

Today's message is presented by Pastoral Intern Arron. Our scripture lesson is from Isaiah Chapter 9, verses 1 - 4. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew Chapter 4, verses 12-23. 

Power of Paradox: We Are the Ones We've Beeb Waiting For

Martin Luther King was a brilliant leader, but the civil rights movement was made of millions of people all doing what they could. 

 

As part of the "power of paradox" series, this sermon explores the paradox "everyone is a leader."  Especially in these times, Jesus invites each of us to "come and see," and become part of the movement for justice and peace. 

 

Todays message comes from Pastor Sarah. The Gospl is John, chapter 1, verses 35 - 42. The scripture reading is from Isaiah Chapter 49 verses 1 - 5.

Power of Paradox: Down to Go Up

As we have talked about leadership in a culture of grace, the concept is that each of us has agency and capacity to lead in our own ways. The paradox is that implicit in leadership is servanthood. Martin Luther said that God is found not only in suffering, but also in the midst of doubt, fear, tribulation, temptation, despair and lament. Paradox defines us as individuals and Christians. 

In these difficult times, the paradox is that God hasn't left the scene. The crucified God is with us as our center. This paradox stands at the heart of our gospel.

Today's message comes to us from Pastor Jason. The Gospel comes from Matthew Chapter 3, verses 13 - 17. The Scripture lesson is from Isaiah, Chapter 42, verses 1 - 9.

Stirred Up

How does God surprise us and the world? And why do our doubts arise when we are agitated by God? Taresso is the Greek word for trouble, agitation or stirred up. Jesus' response in multiple instances is "Peace be with you'. Where in our lives are we being agitated by God, and how will we respond?

Pastoral intern Aaron Schute walks us through 3 stories in the new testament where the disciples were taresseo, and draws the response of Jesus to help us prepare for the times when God stirs us up. The Gospel lesson is from Matthew, Chapter 2, verses 1 - 12.

 

Holding Joys and Griefs as a Community of Hope

The birth of Jesus can be seen as a transformation. It is the beginning of the story and also the beginning of the ending. While it may seem that Christmas should be a season of joy, as told in the Gospel of Matthew, it is both joy and pain. The birth of Jesus brings a newness of hope for us to follow. 

This message is brought to us by Pastor Jason. The Gospel is from Matthew Chapter 2, verses 13 - 23.