Philippians 1:1-2
Rev. Charlie Phillips
For the past three weeks we’ve discussed Westminster’s vision of cultivating joy in Jesus Christ in Hall County and beyond. Perhaps there’s no better book to follow up our vision series than Philippians—a letter from Paul that’s often called the most “joyful” book in the Bible. Join us this Sunday as we get a preview of what’s to come in the next six months at Westminster!
8/14/22
Luke 24:36-53
Rev. Charlie Phillips
It’s hard to believe that after 21 months we will finally conclude our series on the Gospel of Luke this Sunday. Not surprisingly, Luke ends his Gospel with a detailed account of the extraordinary grace of Christ…topped off with an incredible blessing to boot. Join us this week for one last glimpse into the life of Jesus through the lens of the beloved physician and evangelist, Luke.
Author Randy Alcorn said, “Stewardship isn’t a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the Christian life. After all, what is stewardship except that God has entitled to us life, time, talents, money, possessions, family and his grace?” There’s no better time to consider whether or not you’re stewarding God’s gifts to you than the beginning of the new year! Join us this Sunday as Jesus challenges us to understand the crucial importance of stewardship.
In John 5, Jesus asks a man who had been an invalid for 38 years, “Do you want to be healed?” This seems like an odd question to pose to a sick person. So, why does Jesus ask it? Whenever God asks a question toward humanity (e.g., “where are you,” “why are you so angry,” “do you not yet understand,” “do you love me” etc.) we need to do the work of exploring the answer. What we find to that exploration, over and over again in the gospel of Jesus Christ, is an invitation towards God’s grace and a call towards gratitude. This passage helps us find that truth.
Rev. Dr. Stacey Cox
Sunday's Sermon: "Looking for Life East of Eden"
In the center of God's creation there was a garden: Eden. No one since Adam and Eve has seen it, yet it remains in human memory, and so we search for it. We search for the peace and happiness that our first parents lost. Can you imagine being thrown out of a place where you simply had to pick fruit and eat it into a barren wilderness? Sounds like a recipe for confusion. And thus, the quest began: Looking for life east of Eden. Sunday, we begin part two in our Genesis study. We're calling it, "The Story of Grace." Join us!
No one can deny that the Jews are a unique people. What other people can trace their lineage to Abraham and the human ancestry of Jesus to their stock? Jesus was Jewish. Yet, given their response to the Messiah when he came, has God given up on ethnic Israel? Is anyone beyond the grace of God? Those are the questions Paul addresses in Romans 11. Join us Sunday for "God and Israel: Grace Prevails!"
Treadmills are unforgiving taskmasters. There's only one reason I'm for a treadmill: I enjoy eating. That's it. Period. Now pass the pizza. Thus far in Romans 1-7, we've basked in the wonderful truths of the gospel: Justification by faith, union with Christ, and salvation through Christ alone. Sunday we transition into the second half of the book. Paul will pick up the pace in examining how faith in Christ leads to real life change. If we've been saved by grace, we are able to live by grace, and put the performance treadmill away. Make plans to join us this week for "Now No Condemnation".