WestGate Church Teaching

We live in a world where people strive to be "influencers" - but (perhaps) that word doesn't mean what we think it means. David sits down with Ruth Beteivaz and Natalia Dahlgren to talk about two "influencers" - two people who made a giant, formative impact on their lives but who aren't famous at all. We talk about what real influence is, what it does in us, and some practical ways that you and I can help make a big kingdom impact with our lives.

Speakers: David Tieche + Ruth Beteivaz + Natalia Dahlgren

In one of the most provocative (and difficult) sayings of Jesus, He invites people to “deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow me.” One of the least appealing recruitment statements ever. And yet, despite what our culture or our world screams, the way to life is not to affirm myself, assert my wants and serve my own interests - it’s to do the exact opposite (which is what Jesus says to do). And in doing so, we find that though this path will cost us, it is always, always worth it.

SPEAKERS:

David Tieche (Saratoga), video (South Hills)

Bible Passage(s):

Matthew 16:21-27 NIV

Hey kids! Today, we’re going to talk about the intersection of religion and money! What could possibly go wrong! Jay and Dave talk about ways that Christian leaders have talked about money that’s destructive, and some better ways to discuss this sensitive but important topic. We also dive into some of the research that seems to demonstrate that Jesus was right when he said that “it’s more blessed to give than to receive.” We also examine some of Jesus’ words about generosity and how His (counterintuitive) teachings help us reexamine our lives.

Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim

THE GREAT GIVEAWAY | Generosity Inside My DNA | September 29, 2024

The story many of us believe is that the good life is found in getting *as much* as you can as *quickly* as possible. But this story is wrong. Jesus famously said the opposite - "it is more blessed to *give* than to *receive*" (Acts 20:35). In fact, Jesus claims that we’re made with a latent generosity within us because we are made in the Image of a generous God. We’ll look at how we’re actually hard-wired to give our lives away, and how that's the (not so) secret way to a truly meaningful life.

SPEAKERS:

Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

Bible Passage(s):

Matthew 6:19-23 NIV

Most people fall into one of two categories. When conflict - or just difficult interpersonal things - inevitably happen, they either “cut people off” or they “care too, too much.” South Hills congregation pastor Archie Jackson stops by to talk about how Jesus challenges both sets of people when it comes to dealing with people who are difficult to love. We chat about Jesus’ command to love one another, why the Church is more like the Muppets than we’d like to admit, and why it’s so draining to try to connect to some people.

Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson

In Luke 13, Jesus prays for His disciples, that they would love one another well. Jesus even says that people will know they are Jesus’ disciples by the way they live one another. But wow - this is not always easy. There are some people in our lives who are a real challenge to love. We dive into ways to love difficult people, realizing that often, it’s not even about them, but about how we respond. Because being patient, kind and forgiving is the way that Jesus treated us, and extending that love that God gave to us to other people is the way of Jesus.

SPEAKERS:

Archie Jackson (Saratoga), video (South Hills)

Bible Passage(s):

Colossians 3:12-14

How much do you worry? Are you pretty unfazed by life, or do you trend toward anxiety? Is worry a sometimes annoyance, or a constant companion? Jesus talks about worry plainly in the Sermon on the Mount, and Jesus’ message is pretty simple: knowing and experiencing the love of God drives out fear. In this way, fear is like a dashboard warning light, driving us to God to deal with the underlying concerns and worries we have about being left out, not having enough, or not being enough. And by bringing our fears to God, and being honest about them before Him, we find that God is inviting us to trust in His provision and presence. And like a candle drives out darkness, God’s presence can drive out fear and we can experience…peace.

SPEAKERS:

Jay Kim (Saratoga), David Tieche (South Hills)

Bible Passage(s):

Matthew 6:25-30 NIV, 1 John 4:13-19 NIV

We all want (or want to want) renewal from God in our life. And we know it’s something only God can do in us. But that this work is not passive, and that we have a role to be intentional. This past weekend, our staff outlined seven (7!) spiritual practices forming a “wheel of formation” or a communal rule of life that act like a trellis helps a vine grow. Dave and his three (3!) guests talk through each of the seven spiritual practices and their location in the life of the early church. And then in a candid discussion, we explain how the seven (Commit, Gather, Grow, Connect, Serve, Give, Invite) have shaped us personally and helped us become more like Jesus.

Speakers: David Tieche + Archie Jackson + Ruth Beteivaz + David Kim

In the Book of Acts, as the early Church is being launched and birthed, two things are clear. One, it’s the work of the Spirit of God that’s creating and formed and shaping this group of early Christians. And two - this group is doing everything they can to participate with God’s Spirit in this work. Renewal and transformation is a work done by God alone, but it’s not a passive thing and it requires intentionality. In this panel discussion, WestGate’s pastors discuss some core things the early Church teaches us that mark committed effort toward collective formation into Christlikeness.

SPEAKERS:

Jay Kim (Saratoga), video (South Hills)

Bible Passage(s):

John 15:4-5, Acts 2:41-47

AFTERWORD DESCRIPTION: This Fall, we're talking about renewal, which simply means being realigned with God's presence. Jay stops by to talk about why this message is so personal for him. How is renewal different/distinct from revival? Are there aspects of it that we can control? And I ask Jay how does the vision from an ancient prophet named Ezekiel of a dry valley filled with dead bones relate to Silicon Valley?

Speakers: David Tieche + Jay Kim