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Woodland Hills Church of Christ episodes

June 28Can We Change Habits, Orientation, and Addictions?
Topical Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
Can We Change Habits, Orientations, & Addictions?
Introduction: Last year, my wife and I took our three young grandchildren to the local library in Glendale, AZ. While my wife was playing some games with the kids and choosing books, I was looking at the children’s books prominently displayed on the top of book shelves for 5-8 year olds (the age of our grandchildren). The books were promoting the LGBTQ community. I scanned each of the books, but read one book completely. In the book, two adults were trying to get a 6-year old to join a Pride parade. The girl was quite hesitant, but her adult companions kept urging until she joined in. The book ends with her being happy about her decision and enjoying all the dancing and frolicking in the parade. Obviously, there were numerous drawings throughout the book, including “trans,” drag queens, and even nudity. The adults even told the child that the wonder of the parade was that everyone be whatever they want to be.
This is only one of many events in which the LGBTQ community pushes corporations to advertise and demand that people accept them and cheer for them. Of course, they refuse to accept anyone who disagrees with their beliefs, but instead calls them haters and racist.
The foundation of their beliefs and activities resides in the belief that they were born with whatever desire or orientation that they have and that it is unfair and unloving to expect them to change.
Therefore, the question: How can God expect us to change habits, orientations, and addictions that in many cases seem to be things we were born with and identify us.
The Nature of Sin
1 Corinthians 10:13-14 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
No one has a unique temptation. While each individual may not have the exact same temptations, your temptations and my temptations are also common throughout all people in the world. Therefore, no one can say, “You just can’t understand how difficult my temptation is.” No, there is nothing “special” about the sins that you struggle with.
God has restraints on Satan (just like in the book of Job) that keep him from giving you temptations that would overwhelm you or make it impossible for you to overcome. God takes into account your ability, which would include where you are in your spiritual growth.
God will be faithful to you by providing you a way of escape so that you can endure the trial. Therefore, with every temptation there is an “out,” a means by which you can defeat Satan’s trial. Satan is strong, but he is not so strong that you cannot defeat him. If you rationalize your sin and say that it is impossible for you to overcome it, you are accusing God of being unfaithful.
Verse 14 offers one of the ways to escape: flee! The desires for sin will be greatly weakened if we will limit our exposure to it. Idolatry is the root of every sin. Temptations always urge us to bow down to them, give them priority, and understand that without the sin we cannot be “whole.” In fact, without the sin we will be miserable the rest of our lives!
Proverbs 6:27 “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned?”
Can You Become What God Intended You to Be?
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you.”
There is no question from this text that no one who practices these sins will inherit the kingdom of heaven. To think otherwise or to rationalize that you were born with some unique desire that means God will give you a pass, is to be deceived.
It is also clear from this text that there were Christians who in their former life practiced a wide range of sins.
For some, sexual immorality and adultery were part of their lifestyle. These sins are what defined them; it is who they were and how how they desired to live. And we know that these sexual sins are strongly addictive.
Others, were alcoholics. Scripture never says that alcoholism is a disease or illness. It is a sin; a strongly addictive sin. It is the primary reason that we should stay away from it.
Some were thieves and swindlers. We know about people like that. They are always looking for a way to get something for nothing. They are always trying to find a way to cheat someone. It isn’t an easy lifestyle to change.
Some in the church at Corinth practiced homosexuality. Just like heterosexual adulterers, that was their orientation. But no matter, all of these sins listed were part of the mental desires and addictions that a wide variety of people had, even in the NT churches.
Now notice the concluding sentence: “and such were some of you.” The past tense is notable. These are the sins some of you “practiced,” not just committed, but practiced as a lifestyle.
Does this mean that once they came out of the waters of baptism the desires they had suddenly vanished? Of course not! But what did happen was that a stronger desire replaced their old desires. And as long as they pursued and built on those positive desires, the old desires would fade into the background. While it is true that none of us can forget our sins, as we grow in Christ the former addictive sins become more and more despicable to us.
It is a major error for any of us to reason that just because I still struggle with certain desires (as all do), it doesn’t mean it is too difficult to overcome those sins or that God should just understand and accept me the way I am.
God’s Key to Change Is the Mind (Colossians 2:21–3:10)
One of the primary keys to this text is the contrast between 2:21-23 and 3:1-4. Submitting to outward rules that seems to give a message of holiness (like simply praying and attending a church) without truly pursuing God, will not solve that desires of the flesh. The Catholic example of Lent would be an example of this today. But we can make the same mistake when we think being “faithful” to attend church and pray to God regularly will solve our “desires of the flesh” problem.
Thus, Paul’s first answer to the indulgences of the flesh is to “seek the things that are above.” This is absolutely the first and primary failure of those who finally cave into their struggle with sin, and then excuse themselves and say, “I was just born this way.” Seeking what is “above” is a rejection of seeking what is below! It is impossible to seek what is above while seeking that which is earthly. That is what James called “double-minded.” Therefore, what do we expect when at the same time we are going to church and praying, we are still telling ourselves, “this is just how I was born?” When I decided to pursue God, rejecting earthly passions and pursuits, even those that weren’t inherently sinful, was absolutely necessary.
Second, Paul added, “Set your minds on things above…” First seek, then get your mind set on the things above. That means our minds are permanently immovable from what is above. It is the highest pursuit and primarily what we think about, desire, and love. That naturally happens because, God and all that he offers is far more satisfying than anything on earth. As God said in Isaiah 55, “My ways are higher than your ways.”
But there is something else that must happen when we seek and set our minds on things above. We need to reboot and reconfigure our minds. Paul uses the words “be renewed in the spirit of your minds” Ephesians 4:23). Therefore, the key to the reboot is seen in Hebrews 4:12-13,
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Paul gives one other key to getting our minds on things above: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” In other words, quit thinking that you are living your life. It isn’t your life. Your life is gone. That “you” is dead. These words identify the problem when a person goes out to find themselves or discover their identity based on their personal feelings and desires. This isn’t your life! You are owned by the one who created you and gave his life for you as a ransom for your sins. Quit thinking about the dead “you” and put your mind on the “you” in glory. Note the words in verse 4, “When Christ who is your life appears…” That’s the key. Christ is your life.
Verses 5-10 give us the crowning point. “Put to death therefore what is earthly…” Now when you read that and then read the sins we are to put to death, do you feel like giving those sins up and relegating them to the grave forever? Of course not! But if you do put those things to death, your feelings will follow. You cannot wait for your feelings to get into gear before you start obedience! If you hope for that, you will wait forever!
God Causes Transformation—Practical Applications
1 John 5:2-3, “His commandments are not grievous/burdensome.”
Matthew 11:25-30
Vs. 25 “…you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes Father, for such was your gracious will.” The key to change is humbling ourselves as little children. We need complete trust, ridding ourselves of pursuing our own wisdom and understanding.
Vs. 28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden…” Is that not our condition when we are in the midst of being overwhelmed with our own desires and addictions? Jesus will give us rest!
Vs. 29 “Learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus has compassion for us in our struggles against sin.
Vs. 30 “…my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” What Jesus is asking of us is not too hard. What he is asking is “light” in comparison with living our way and following Satan.
Clarification: Does this mean that I can rid myself of all evil desires so that I never have to struggle with them again?
Not only is that not going to happen, it is not the goal. None of us forget the sins of our past.
We all suffer the consequences of our past sins in that once we ate the forbidden fruit, we developed a memory and taste for it. In other words, sin inflames our desires, and the more those desires are fulfilled, the more difficult they are to overcomes. Addictions are real no matter the sin!
When God is pursued and becomes our number one passion, sinful desires weaken over time, but not immediately! It takes time for the mind to be “renewed” just as it took time to create the strong desires.
Berry Kercheville
The post Can We Change Habits, Orientation, and Addictions? appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
33 min
June 28 Jesus Rises from the Dead
Bible Classes / Speaker:Chad Brock
The post Jesus Rises from the Dead appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
43 min
June 25 2 Chronicles 10 – 13
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
The post 2 Chronicles 10 – 13 appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
46 min
June 21 Following Jesus in a Digital Age
Topical Sermons / Speaker:David Desloge
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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53 min
June 21 Jesus Raises Lazarus From The Dead
Bible Classes / Speaker:Chad Brock
The post Jesus Raises Lazarus From The Dead appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
44 min
June 21Jeremiah 14-15 When God is Weary of Relenting
Old Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
When God Is Weary of Relenting
Jeremiah 14-15
Introduction: Will God always forgive when we repent? Will he change his mind about bringing judgment on us? In our study of Chronicles, we learned that when Solomon finished the temple he prayed that at any time Israel fell into sin and was being punished either by drought or captivity from the nations, they could always repent and pray to God and he would forgive them and restore their prosperity.
The same is true for us today, isn’t it? Sure! We easily have in the back of our minds that we can always come back and God will always forgive us.
Jeremiah 14-15 says differently!
The Drought: 14:1-12
Most of us already know the reason for a drought in Israel. God had warned in Deuteronomy 11 that he was the provider of rain, and if the rain did not come it was because Israel was in sin.
Verses 2-6 give us a description of the severity of the drought: no water (3), no rain (4), no grass (5), and no vegetation (6). Whether rich or poor, man or beast, all were suffering.
Reaction of the people: 7-9: We have seen how wicked these people are in the past chapters. But when suffering is at its worst, just about anyone will finally turn to the Lord and ask for help. And that is what Israel does.
Vs. 7: They begin with confession. Wow! They admit their sins. That’s a new twist.
Vs. 8-9: They plead to God as the only one who can save them. God is the “hope of Israel!” But they are confused. Why is God acting like a stranger and like a mighty man who cannot come to their aid? After all we are called by your name!
When we hear their confession and plea, we immediately think, okay, God is going to forgive them.
But God does not forgive them. Why? Because they love to wander away from him. They love their sins and their lifestyle. In other words, if he sent them rain, they would immediately go back to their wickedness. They do not love God, they love to wander.
The last words of verse 10 are an amazing contrast to the God we know: “…now he will remember their iniquity and punish their sins.”
Vs. 11-12 God turns to Jeremiah and gives him his final decree. For the third time, God tells Jeremiah, “Do not pray for the welfare of this people!” Fasting won’t help them. Praying won’t help them. Sacrifices won’t help them. I not only won’t help them, I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.
Lesson: Don’t turn to God when you haven’t even looked at yourself. James 4:8-9, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.” Did you notice that Israel did not exhibit any of the above attitudes?
Jeremiah the Intercessor! (14:13-22)
We are accustomed to God’s faith leaders interceding for the people when they are under the threat of judgment. Even though God told Jeremiah for the third time not to pray for the people, Jeremiah still finds a reason he should intercede and hopefully save the people.
Jeremiah’s argument is that the people have been listening to the prophets and the prophets have been telling them they are assured of peace. God’s answer is somewhat surprising:
The prophets are prophesying lies. Though they claim their words are coming from God, it is really coming out of “the deceit of their our minds.”
The Lord goes on and states that not only will these prophets be consumed by sword and famine, so will the people who listen to their words will also be victims of famine and sword with none to bury them!
We may be shocked by God’s answer, but we shouldn’t be. God warns about lying teachers from the beginning of scripture to the very end. If you asked me what is the greatest mistake Christians and religious people have repeatedly made throughout history, and especially today, it would be not considering the Satan’s goal to deceive us concerning what God teaches.
God says that even these prophets are “deceived.” They speak from the “deceit of their own minds.” In other words, we need to understand that even for a teacher, it is just plain easy to get enamored with our own thoughts and desires and come up with teachings that are contrary to scripture. If we are not careful, we can have a strong desire to justify our lifestyle by misusing scripture.
In 2 Peter 3:16, Peter warned about being carried away with how some were teaching Paul’s writings: “There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.” Peter’s use of “ignorant” is not intended as derogatory; they are speaking from a lack of knowledge and a desire to fit scripture into their own desires.
Further, Paul identified the preachers at Corinth this way: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Therefore, it is imperative that each Christian is passionate about knowing the scriptures! Don’t be a casual reader. Don’t accept anything told you without proving it by God’s word.
Vs. 17-22 Summary:
17-18 The tears of God and Jeremiah over the judgment that cannot be averted.
19-22 Again we see the confusion of Jeremiah and the people over God’s unwillingness to change his mind. “Have you utterly rejected Judah? — Why have you struck us down and no way to be healed? — We acknowledge our wickedness! — You are the only God who can bring rain! — We set our hope on you!”
God Will Not Relent! (15:1-9)
1: “Though Moses and Samuel stood before me…” Shocking! These are two of the greatest at interceding for the people. God had repeatedly listened to their prayers. But in this case, not even they could sway God. “Tell the people to go away!” Where? To pestilence, sword, famine, and captivity.
4: The reason God will not relent is because of King Manasseh and the blood he shed. But wait, that’s not fair to these people!
6:
“You have rejected me…You keep going backward…I am weary of relenting. God had not rejected them; they rejected God! Oh how this happens today. Sin is such a pattern in people’s lives that they cannot figure out why God would reject them. They can’t identify their sin as being serious before God.
We have seen a pattern throughout Israel’s history that is just as true today: wicked leaders reinforce and spread wicked people. And even when a righteous king like Josiah came, the people were too accustomed to evil to change.
Therefore, God’s answer is, “I am weary of relenting.” God is weary of hoping beyond hope that they would change. Look at your own life. What is it that years and years ago you knew you should change, but you still have not changed?
Lesson and Conclusion (15:10-21)
As we have seen previously in the book, Jeremiah is struggling with what is happening. The prophet obviously believed that he would preach and the people would repent. Not so. Instead, the people were cursing him and he was suffering because of them. In verses 15-18, Jeremiah proclaims his righteousness in spite of his “unceasing pain.” If Israel is shocked that God would not relent, Jeremiah is shocked that he must suffer as he preaches, and God will not relieve him.
19-21 God’s answer is basically, “You need to get your mind back on me and my purposes in teaching these people. I will take care of you, but you need to return to me!”
Lesson:
Living righteously and getting rid of sin is not easy, and can be painful, especially in how family and friends may react. Oh, but we want it to be easy. We don’t want to deal with the consequences of telling others about the dangers of living in sin. Well, get over it. This is not about us, it is about God and his kingdom.
As God answered Jeremiah, “I am with you to save you and deliver you.”
Now listen to what God says, “If you return, I will restore you and you will stand before me.” What do you need to do to return to God? The time is now. Do not be like Israel who was shocked by the judgment that came against them. At some point, God will be “weary of relenting!”
Berry Kercheville
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36 min
June 18 2 Chronicles 7, 8 & 9
Bible Classes / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
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46 min
June 14 Reaching the Lost: Working with God in Prayer
Topical Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
The post Reaching the Lost: Working with God in Prayer appeared first on Woodland Hills Church of Christ.
41 min
June 141 John: Strong Christians Have Close Relationships
New Testament Sermons / Speaker:Berry Kercheville
Strong Christians Have Close Relationships
Introduction: In our men’s weekend with Jacob Hudgins, he asked a very important question about Samson. The question was this: “Who were Samson’s close friends?” It was a question that most, if not all of us had never considered. Samson not only did not have close friends, there is no evidence that he had anyone that could be considered a friend. Samson doesn’t believe he needs anyone. He is a one man wrecking crew. From the very first, “Get her for me, she pleases me well,” to “…strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes,” Samson lived life his way.
Does that sound familiar? Do we really need anyone else to be very close to us? Oh sure, we can use some help from time to time, but we just take care of our responsibilities.
Let’s be honest, most of us have a very independent nature and can easily live independent lives. But that is far from what God has asked of us. When we read the book of Acts, we should suddenly be struck with three major messages, the growth of the kingdom of God, the persecution of Christians in the midst of a dark and idolatrous world, and the fact that everywhere the gospel is preached a church came into being—a group of Christians dedicated to working together and helping each other attain an eternal goal. And they weren’t just a “group” holding “services” together, they were deeply interconnected.
In fact, when we consider the 27 writings of the NT, every single letter stresses the love and concern that is to be evident among brethren in each church. The letter that says it more than any other is 1 John. John’s letter will be our primary text.
Overall Context
At the end of the first century, Christians were dealing with individuals in the churches that had turned aside from the teachings of the apostles and instead believed they received inspired messages from spiritual beings. Their claim of super knowledge led them to exalt themselves above other Christians, cause divisions by establishing new churches, and cause doubt among Christians who had not received these same “revelations.”
John defeated these teachings with the emphasis on three primary truths:
Those who truly know God keep his commandments by following the teaching of the apostles.
Practicing sin is not living righteously, and one who practices sin is not of God.
Those who exalted themselves above the brethren and “went out from us” based on their own teachings, do not love the brethren, nor do they love God.
Our concern will be the emphasis John puts on this last point. We might look at these three messages of John and give our attention more to “keeping the commandments of God” and refusing to “practice sin” than we do to “loving the brethren.” But you may be surprised that is not how John presents his message.
Before we read these verses, a reminder: You may be thinking, “We all know that we are to love each other, and we do love each other. Why this sermon?” Two reasons:
We all have difficulty thinking of love much beyond how we feel about each other and our ability to be friendly with each other. What we are missing is that the slightest offense instantly destroys those kind, friendly feelings. That is obviously not the kind of love the Lord is talking about.
Because we struggle to obtain and maintain the love defined by John in his letter, we easily retain a suspicion about each other: “Can I really trust you to be gentle, kind, and patient, and that my welfare is a top priority for you?” If you are honest, you know you cannot say that about just anyone, even those you say you love!
Highlighting John’s Message of Love (1 John)
2:6-11 An old commandment that has now become new.
3:9-23
9-10: Loving one another is on the same plane as “practicing righteousness.”
14: “We have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.”
16: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” Jesus defined love by lying down his life, which defines for us whether or not we are loving one another.
18-19: “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him…” Our assurance of salvation has to do with whether or love goes beyond “word and talk.”
21-23: “Whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what is pleasing to him. And this is the commandment that…we love one another…”
4:7-8 Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
4:10-12 God’s love is perfected in us when we love one another. It is the way the God who has not been seen, can now be seen.
4:17 “By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for he day of judgment…”
4:20-21 “…he who does not love is brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
5:1-2 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.”
Throughout these texts we have seen time and again the absolute necessity of loving one another in the same way Jesus has love us if we expect to be saved.
Serious historical problem among churches: stressing doctrinal correctness to the point that how we behave and whether we love each other as John has defined does not even enter the picture of our own salvation. That is a perfect description of the Pharisees!
Beyond “Feeling” Love: Deepening Our Connections
We mentioned at the beginning of the lesson that a good test of love between one another is when suspicion is removed and trust is the foundation of the relationship. Consider Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Therefore, instead of asking, “Do you love the brethren,” ask, “Who do you know that will love at all times regardless of the challenges and difficulties? Who do you trust that will always “be there?”
Here’s another challenge: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working” (James 5:16). Who could you confess your sins to? It is a matter of love and trust, isn’t it?
Hebrews 3:12-13 “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Exhorting one another every day is the key to avoiding the deceitfulness of sin and an evil heart.
Hebrews 10:24-26 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately…” Our assembling together is a matter of loving and protecting each other from slipping and falling in our faith. If we do not have love that trusts and lacks suspicion, we cannot obey this command.
The critical use of time to build trusting love:
(Story of the El Cajon men who met once on Wednesday night after class)
The love God expects of us that sacrifices self, protects and encourages, stirs up to more love and good works, is not attained simply by potlucks. There must be intentionality and purpose in the togetherness.
Examples:
One couple together with another couple discussing marital and spiritual challenges in marriage and raising a family.
A group of men discussing how we can enhance our love for our wives and our children.
Mixed groups of singles and married discussing the spiritual needs of each and how we can help one another and make deeper connections.
How can this happen? What are possible objections?
“No one invites me.” — Do you respond to the invitations give to the whole church? Take advantage to what is already in place so that you are more visible and accepting. Create your own connection. Invite others.
Start small with a “safe” small group, or even just one person. Add to that and build on it.
Step up to the plate as a shepherd/leader. All of us can find people we can mentor, show concern for, and be vulnerable with.
Conclusion: The goal is deepening our love for someone else and their love for us. We need to be more than a family, we need to be God’s family. You will be surprised that within a short time you can establish and trusting love with your brother and sister in Christ. Don’t be a “Samson!” That’s victory over the devil!
Berry Kercheville
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38 min
June 14 Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Bible Classes / Speaker:Eli Todd
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44 min