Scripture:  1 Peter 1:1-12

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  In this second message of the "Beyond Religion" series, Scott shows how the same challenges that the people to whom Peter is writing compare to the challenges followers of Jesus face in this present culture.

Scott says, "Where we establish our hope makes a difference."  That is what Peter is telling his audience as well.  Where does our culture encourage us to place our hope?  Where does Peter's culture encourage his audience to place their hope?  Scott reveals how in the most critical of ways the two cultures are very much alike.

Scripture:  1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 14:28-31;John 13:8;John 21:17;1 Peter5:12

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  "How do you have faith while living in this current culture?  This question is the theme that Scott Meyer explores in this series called "Beyond Religion."  In this first message of the series Scott discusses the life of the apostle Peter, who is the author of the book in the Bible that bears his name. This letter to believers in and followers of Jesus is the basis for this message series.  

Scripture:  Matthew 5:38-48

Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Scott Seela

Summary:  In this message, Scott explores this text in Matthew that reveals a radical concept for the people of his time on earth.  This radical message is one for us today.  That message is that when it comes to serving others the minimum is not our goal as followers of Jesus.  Rather, what Jesus would have us do is go beyond that and "Go the Extra Mile."

Scripture:  Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:14-15

Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister; Denville Willie, Missionary to South Africa

Summary:  During his visit to Western Hills, his supporting congregation, Denville Willie discusses his work in Africa with  Scott Meyer during this interview conducted during the Sunday morning worship service.

Scripture:  Matthew 5:11-16

Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister

Summary:  What does it mean to be "salt and light?"  Scott's message comes from a metaphor used in Matthew's gospel to challenge his readers to live in this world as "salt and light."  Scott begins with a description of "a beautiful life."  As he brings real life situations to us, he challenges us to become "salt and light" in this world and demonstrate the "beautiful life" we can and do live in Christ.

Scripture:  Matthew 5:13-14

Speaker:  Justin Hammond, Sarah Berg, Cooper Strait, Cooper Meyer, Tyler Benedick, Evan Yost

Summary:  Justin Hammond, Student Minister, interviews several students who have been involved in various mission activities this summer emphasizing how they have been salt and light among those they have served.

Scripture:  John 7:53 - 8:11

Speaker:  Brandon Reynolds

Summary:  This is the final message in the series, "Desperate."  In this message, Brandon addresses the need  we have for a Savior.  And there is only one who can fulfill the mission of saving us from ourselves.  That one paid the price for all.  Who is that one?  As Brandon continues it becomes very clear who that is, why he is and how he can become your Savior.

Scripture:  Luke 15:11 - 32

Speaker:  Austin Hunt, Summer Youth Intern

Summary:  Mercy - Having the power to inflict deserved consequences, but choosing to refrain.  We have all been in need of mercy at some time in our lives.  Someone has chosen to not give you what you deserve.  Whatever that something was for which you received mercy made you deeply appreciative.  Using the story of the "Prodigal Son," Austin brings a message about the amazing mercy toward each of us. 

Scripture:  John 11:1-44

Speaker:  Brandon Reynolds

Summary:  How do we deal our suffering when it doesn't seem "fair."  Brandon brings a very personal message about suffering and healing as he considers the story of Lazarus. 

Scripture:  Luke 19:1-10

Speaker:  Brandon Reynolds

Summary: This Sunday our preaching intern Brandon Reynolds brought us our seventh sermon in our "Desperate" series titled "Desperate for forgiveness". This sermon walks through the powerful story about the meeting of Christ and a man named Zacchaeus. Through this meeting Zacchaeus finds the much needed forgiveness that he has been looking for, but the crowd looks on judgmentally, refusing to accept their own need for forgiveness. Brandon challenges us to seek to be like Zacchaeus and acknowledge our need for forgiveness instead of hiding from it.  Will we see our sin and joyfully accept Christ or keep our pride judge from the crowd?