Genesis 18:1-15

Sometimes the Lord lets parents know how special a child will be by the events surrounding the child’s birth. A stranger says to Sarah and Abraham that they will have a child in their advanced years. It sounds so impossible, Sarah bursts out in laughter. A year later laughter returns when their baby is born.

2 Corinthians 8:1-5; Ephesians 3:20-21

This Sunday we’ll hear the story of a community in Christ that was richly blessed, even though they were materially poor. They knew they had been given so much by God that it overflowed in their generosity to others. And when an opportunity came to bless others, they exceeded expectations. The One we worship is an expectation-exceeding God, and he is shaping us to reflect his generosity.

1 Corinthians 1:10-15

A potentially divisive decision is around the corner for FaithWestwood. Pastor Steve wants to share why he believes it’s important that we stick together in the coming year. We are part of something bigger than ourselves. In the same way, the Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, . . . that there be no divisions among you.”

Philippians 1:3-11

Why do you thank God for FaithWestwood? Because of all the ways we serve the community? Or maybe because it’s helping you become a deep, daring, daily disciple. It could be for showing you how to be a BLESS friend. Maybe it’s about all the great friendships you’ve made. Why do you thank God for FaithWestwood?

Lamentations 3:17-23

At life’s darkest moments, we wonder who God is, don’t we? Is God the author of my pain? Or is God on my side against it? The prophet Jeremiah wondered these same questions. And in the end he dared to hope in God’s great faithfulness.

Nehemiah 9:1-3, 6-20

Who is God now? That’s a hard question if you and your people have just spent the last seventy years in exile. So, they listen again to the story they had almost forgotten. They hear how God brought their ancestors out of Egypt. They learn that God keeps his promises. The Lord is loyal to his covenant and abounds in love.

Numbers 14:1-19

Do you know someone with a short fuse? Maybe it’s you! The Bible says that love “is not easily angered.” But some things are worth getting angry about. Well-measured anger can be a healthy response in some situations. Nine times in the Old Testament we find that “the Lord is slow to anger.” Is that how you experience God?

Psalm 86:11-17

The world can be a cruel place, can’t it? We must constantly be on guard for identity thieves, porch pirates, and online scammers. When your accounts have been emptied, when your life is threatened, and even when you’ve been unfaithful, there is one who remains on your side. That’s how gracious God is.

Psalm 103:1-14

Do you imagine God as all business? Impatient? Eager to catch you messing up? Meet the God who cares deeply, whose heart goes out to those who suffer. Get acquainted with the God who regards us with tender affection, who is compassionate. “He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14).

Exodus 34:1-10

Is God just? We hope so, don’t we? We hope God’s justice will one day set right all this world’s wrongs. But if there was only justice, who could stand before the Almighty? Fortunately, God has also revealed his forgiving nature. Then the question remains, “How do we step into that forgiveness?”