Perhaps the best example of an unhelpful application of Scripture is to say
to your friend gripped by anxiety, “Well, Philippians 4:6, ‘Don’t be anxious about anything.’” It certainly is true, yet not the most winsome or illuminating of exhortations; “just stop it.” However, we are in no short supply of things to be anxious about. Listen to Pastor Brett's exhortation to be prompted towards repentance of your own fears and distrust.

There is an understandable desire among those pursuing godliness to set up boundaries to guard against breaking the Lord's instruction. However, a very real danger arises when we begin to give those boundaries the same level of authority as God's Word. We must hear Jesus' teaching in Mark 7:1-23 and keep focused on the reality that what defiles us comes from within. Listen to Pastor Haakon's sermon to be exhorted by Jesus' words.

Perhaps this year more than any other in recent memory, we are eager for the distraction of the coming holidays. However, we must guard against distractions that would lead us off the mission. Listen to Pastor Dan's exhortation and give thought, and repentance where needed, of how distractions keep you from following Christ in all of life.

As we begin to see the holidays on the horizon, it's good to recall how quickly they move on and how readily we forget so many good things. Such forgetfulness is all to easy spiritually as well. We may know who Jesus is, yet we fail to live accordingly. So beholding Jesus for who he is and endeavoring to walk by faith is an ongoing experience. Listen to Pastor Brett's sermon on Mark 6:30-56 to behold Jesus in his Word.

In the onslaught of political campaigning over the last year or so, we can be tempted to vote Tuesday and retreat from the public square of political engagement. However, Pastor Haakon exhorts us to see government as something instituted by God and to press into politics while steering clear of Politics.

The cost of discipleship is one we are exhorted to take into account when considering following Christ in all of life. Yet as we devote ourselves to learn to obey all that Jesus has commanded, the cost of rejection and even death may seem to great to bear. In this sermon from Pastor Dan on Mark 6:14-29, we consider the example of John the Baptist who lost his head in faithfulness to God's Word and kingdom.

As Protestants the world over mark this week the beginning of the Reformation, it is fitting for us to reflect on the heart beat of the five driving focuses of that recapturing of the gospel: we are saved (1) by Christ alone (2) through faith alone (3) by grace alone (4) under the authority of Scripture alone (5) all for the glory of God alone. That heart beat is that God looms large in our view and people's opinions shrink. Listen to Pastor Dan's exhortation on this theme.

Rejection stings. We've internalized the mantra, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," but we know it isn't true. In the kingdom of God, rejection is part of the plan. Listen to Pastor Brett's sermon, "Rejected for the Kingdom," on Mark 6:1-13 to hear more of how rejection serves God's purposes.

The authority and lordship of Jesus is plain. He commands a storm to be still. He commands demons away. He commands disease to be gone. He commands death to release its hold. Listen to Westview member Joshua Whetstine's sermon on Mark 4:35-5:43.

"You hurt my feelings." "Do what feels right." "Follow your heart." The very air we breathe in our society exalts our feelings and emotions as the supreme arbiter of truth for the individual. Christians must be perpetually guided by what is true, by God's Word. Listen to Pastor Zach Krych's exhortation to consider this more.