Westside PG

This week we’re continuing through John 3:22-36, where John the Baptist gives us a simple but powerful truth: He must become greater; I must become less. – John 3:30

John wasn’t looking for attention, recognition, or control. He understood his role—to point people to Jesus and step back. It’s a posture of humility that continues to challenge us today. Will we lay down ourselves—our pride, our plans, our preferences—and allow Jesus to take His rightful place as Lord over every part of our lives?

As you listen and read the Word together, ask yourself: Am I making Jesus greater in my life—or am I still making it about me? Let’s ask God to show us what needs to decrease so He can truly increase in our lives.

In this episode Pastor Lucas has us reading John 3:9-21 as he shares the reality that for those in Christ, the verdict is already final—not guilty.

Whoever believes in Him is not condemned. – John 3:18
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1

God’s justice demands righteousness but His love made a way. Through Christ, the penalty of sin is paid in full and we are not just spared from judgment—we are declared righteous. The cross doesn’t leave us in a neutral state, barely escaping wrath. It fully justifies us and brings us into the freedom and security of God’s grace.

Read the passage together with us and reflect on what it means to live fully forgiven, fully accepted, and fully alive in Christ.

Pastor Lucas draws us into John Chapter 3 and Nicodemus' big question about being "born again". There's a complex interplay between belief and unbelief. Faith and doubt can coexist as we see in biblical examples, such as Peter walking on water. While navigating our struggles with faith we need to recognize that our doubt can lead to a spiritual awakening and deeper connection with God.

Pastor Colin Weeks asks What Are Men For?” at our annual Men’s Retreat.  Piggy-backing on the weekend theme of “The 5 Relationships Every Man Needs” Pastor Colin introduces us to “The 5 Aspects of a Man”.

While the men of Westside Family Fellowship met with God at Gavin Lake for the annual Men's Retreat, Ashley Chance asks: What Is Sin? Sin doesn’t happen by accident—it follows a pattern. From the very beginning in the Garden of Eden, we see how desires corrupted by deception lead to disobedience and sin.

But while sin leads to death, Christ leads to freedom. We are not without hope. Reflect on these questions: Am I staying alert or allowing my desires to be deceived?

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

James 1:12-16

(2:48) Misconceptions About Sin

(4:14) The Creation Story

(6:15) The Deception Begins

(10:28) Patterns of Sin

(17:27) Unbelief and Sin

(19:31) Reflecting on Desires

(21:23) Consequences of Sin

(23:02) Humanity's Attempts to Fix Sin

(26:40) God's Justice and Mercy

(28:01) The Rescue Plan

(28:13) From Desire to Grace

(30:31) Self-Examination and Repentance

(33:51) The Danger of Pride

On today's episode Pastor Lucas brings our focus to Ephesians 2 and the powerful truth that by grace, we have been saved. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, the wall of separation has been torn down, bringing us into relationship with God and uniting us as one family in Christ.

Let’s remember that we have been brought to God near by His grace and walk in the unity He has provided to  us.

On today's episode Pastor Lucas looks at John 2:23–25, and reminds that Jesus knows what’s in every person. He sees the good, the bad, and even our hidden thoughts. Yet, even though He knows us completely, we often hold back and don’t surrender every part of our lives—especially our private thoughts and struggles.

Are we willing to let Jesus into every area of our hearts, knowing He already sees where we are? Let us examine ourselves and ask: What am I holding back from the One who knows me fully and loves me completely?

In this episode, we dive into John 2:13-25, where Jesus clears the temple—a powerful moment of righteous zeal for His Father’s house. But His work of cleansing didn’t end there. Today, we are His temple, and He continues His work of refining and purifying our hearts.

What tables in your life does Jesus want to flip over? What are you holding onto that He’s asking you to release, even if it takes a whip to chase it out? Let’s examine our hearts and allow Jesus to do the holy work of clearing the clutter so that we can be fully devoted to Him.

Pastor Lucas Chance returns to our journey through the Gospel of John. We examine Jesus's first miracle turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana in John chapter 2. One question that arises from this story is what are we pouring into our "jars" or lives? Is it good, pure, and praiseworthy?

Pastor Colin Weeks kicks off the final message in our Christmas series with the bold question, "What kind of year do you want to have in 2025?".