Repentance is the movement towards God that goes along with what we say we believe about Him, because belief alone cannot sustain our relationship with God.
#lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
What do we do when we’re faced with the unimaginable? With something so far outside our ability to fight or navigate? That’s 2020. It seems like we’re on an endless loop of new crises and if you look at everything we’ve faced this year, you realize: We’re still in the middle of pretty much all of it. Still in a pandemic, still in racial unrest and governmental upheaval and – hey, those wild fires are still burning in California. The book of Joel was not written TO us, but it was written FOR us. It has so much to tell us about who God is when the world falls apart. #lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
Joel calls out a recent disaster (locust) and uses it to call the people to repentance and describes what repentance looks like.
I’m convinced the church looks more like Jesus when we are defending other people’s rights, rather than our own. When we are giving away and living generously, rather than demanding our own way. And if that scares you or makes you feel like you will lose something, then you now understand why this was so hard for Jesus’ disciples and why it feels so counter-intuitive in our world. We are Christians first, Americans second. Our primary identity is to be followers of Christ. Paul writes so much about how we are foreigners and aliens in this world. Our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus. That doesn’t mean we can’t be patriotic and fight for social justice. It simply means, my allegiance is to THE King.
I hiked the last 2,000 feet of Mt. Bachelor after a day of study and prayer. It was so quiet and peaceful and just what my soul needed. One of the reasons Jesus often went to high places to pray was so that he could get above the noise. I’m convinced we can’t truly hear Jesus, represent His way, or walk according to His Spirit when our eyes and ears are full of everything else. We’ve inundated our lives with news and social media that’s negative and anti-each other, so much so, that it is near impossible to hear the voice of Jesus. And in times like these, we need His voice more than all others. The only way that we can bring the hope of Jesus into our world is if we give Him more time and space to speak into our lives. #lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
Pastor and President Randy and his wife Sandy have been married for 31 years and have three adult sons. After serving churches in Stanwood, Washington and Everett, Washington, they have spent the last 17 years serving as the Lead Pastors of a vibrant, multi-ethnic, multi-generational and socio-economically diverse congregation in Beaverton, Oregon, which is focused on serving the community, planting churches, and actively engaging in world missions. Randy is known for his practical teaching, humor, authenticity, and love for the people he serves. #lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
Since the early church of Jews and Gentiles, unity with diversity has been a struggle. Yet, Scripture is clear to remind us that it is the heart of Jesus and the reality of heaven.
#lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
No Greater Love
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
New Covenant
New Command
New Movement
Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
#lifelovejesus #westsidechurch
Sometimes what’s happening in our lives or country intersects directly with the Word of God – the result is an opportunity to grow in applying, practicing and living out real truth.
