Jeffery Smith
You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John ...

As we continue to read about David’s life and reign as king over Israel, we start to see sin and failure, even from the man who is “after God’s own heart.” God warned Israel about how an earthly king would be far worse than Himself as their king. This was obvious when it came to King Saul, and now King David falls into some of the same sinful pitfalls. When you are successful and powerful, it is easy to hear people say “You are the man!” and agree, and think you are entitled to whatever you want. But sooner or later, God will reveal that “You are the man!”--a sinful, guilty man. When we, like David, realize we need someone else to really be “The Man” for us, then we behold The Man–our Lord Jesus. In this sermon, Pastor Smith directs us to The Man Jesus, who comes to save us from our sin.

You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John 19:1-11
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A Stone’s Throw Away | 1 Samuel 17

Who you relate to in a story affects how you see the story, as well as yourself. Join Pastor Josh as he talks about one of the most well-known Bible stories there is, the “story of the underdog,” David and Goliath, and see how he puts us into the story.

A Stone’s Throw Away | 1 Samuel 17
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Thank God for his ‘no’s’ | 1 Samuel 8

No one likes being told “no.” We want to get the things we ask for, and it’s not fun to be told no. But as a parent tells their child no to things that will cause harm, God does that to his children. Join Pastor Josh as he discusses 1 Samuel 8 and how, when God tells us no, it’s often for our own benefit.

Thank God for his ‘no’s’ | 1 Samuel 8
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Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18

The book of Joshua shows the process by which the Lord gives the Promised Land to Israel. God’s people are entirely passive in this process. It is only by following God’s commands, fully believing and trusting in Him, that they receive the land. Whenever they try to act according to their own power or wisdom, the result is total failure. At this point in our “Growing Through the Bible” journey, we have enough information to see that God’s people are called to believe and do things that are completely different from the rest of the world. God strongly warns Israel against allowing themselves to be influenced by the nations. He knows they will start following their ways and they will fall away from His righteous way. Interestingly, there are many parallels between the situation in which God’s people found themselves in the book of Joshua, and the situation in which God’s people find themselves today. This sermon explores which way to choose–God’s way or the world’s way. We will discuss how baffling the actions of believers may seem to the world, but how these “baffling ways” are the ones that lead to life.

Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18
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Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

The first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” seems like a pretty easy commandment to keep, right? After all, you probably don’t have idols in a shrine that you bow down to every night. But Pastor Josh takes us through the story of the Israelites with the golden calf to see how: a god is not just a physical object, it’s where we find our identity. And where we find our identity is a daily struggle for us to wrestle with.

Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John 19:1-11

You Are the Man! | 2 Samuel 12:1-10; John 19:1-11

As we continue to read about David’s life and reign as king over Israel, we start to see sin and failure, even from the man who is “after God’s own heart.” God warned Israel about how an earthly king would be far worse than Himself as their king. This was obvious when it came to King Saul, and now King David falls into some of the same sinful pitfalls. When you are successful and powerful, it is easy to hear people say “You are the man!” and agree, and think you are entitled to whatever you want. But sooner or later, God will reveal that “You are the man!”--a sinful, guilty man. When we, like David, realize we need someone else to really be “The Man” for us, then we behold The Man–our Lord Jesus. In this sermon, Pastor Smith directs us to The Man Jesus, who comes to save us from our sin.

Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18

Baffling Things Believers Do | Joshua 24:14-18

The book of Joshua shows the process by which the Lord gives the Promised Land to Israel. God’s people are entirely passive in this process. It is only by following God’s commands, fully believing and trusting in Him, that they receive the land. Whenever they try to act according to their own power or wisdom, the result is total failure. At this point in our “Growing Through the Bible” journey, we have enough information to see that God’s people are called to believe and do things that are completely different from the rest of the world. God strongly warns Israel against allowing themselves to be influenced by the nations. He knows they will start following their ways and they will fall away from His righteous way. Interestingly, there are many parallels between the situation in which God’s people found themselves in the book of Joshua, and the situation in which God’s people find themselves today. This sermon explores which way to choose–God’s way or the world’s way. We will discuss how baffling the actions of believers may seem to the world, but how these “baffling ways” are the ones that lead to life.

Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

Everyday Thing | Exodus 32:1-16

The first commandment, “You shall have no other gods,” seems like a pretty easy commandment to keep, right? After all, you probably don’t have idols in a shrine that you bow down to every night. But Pastor Josh takes us through the story of the Israelites with the golden calf to see how: a god is not just a physical object, it’s where we find our identity. And where we find our identity is a daily struggle for us to wrestle with.

Four Valuable Verbs | Exodus 2:23-3:15

Four Valuable Verbs | Exodus 2:23-3:15

As we begin the story of the book of Exodus this week, it starts with Israel being in slavery in Egypt, and crying out to the Lord for help. As a reader you can’t help but think of times when you have been in a time of great need and suffering, and you have cried out to God for help, and wondered if He even hears you or cares. In Ex 2:24-25, we see four very common verbs that are used. However, when God is the subject of these four verbs, we learn exactly how God looks at His people–not just Israel in ancient times, but also how He looks at us today. This sermon will explore how God hears, remembers, sees, and knows His people Israel, and how this leads Him to save them. We will also focus on how God hears, remembers, sees, and knows us today, and how He acts to save us.

Meant for Good | Genesis 50:15-21

Meant for Good | Genesis 50:15-21

Why do bad things happen to good people?” “Where was God in this tragedy?” “Why is God allowing this terrible thing to happen to me?” These are all questions asked when trying to make sense of why bad things happen, and where God is during it. 

Join Pastor Josh as he looks at the story of Joseph to learn some important lessons about God’s role in and response to bad circumstances we experience.

I’m in Heaven | Genesis 28:10-22

I’m in Heaven | Genesis 28:10-22

This week we focus on the story of Jacob, and in particular the memorable dream God gives him where he sees a ladder, or stairway, to heaven. This is a powerful vision for Jacob as he sees that God comes down from heaven to earth to be present with him and to deliver him great promises. Many years later, Jesus will refer back to this vision of the stairway to heaven in reference to Himself! This sermon focuses on how God created all things initially for heaven and earth to be united–God living with His people. Sin messed this all up, but the story of the Bible is how God is working to reunite heaven and earth, so that one day He and His people will dwell together again. We will discuss these implications in the story of Jacob, the life of Jesus, and our own lives today.

The Laughter of the Lord’s People | Genesis 12:1-9

The Laughter of the Lord’s People | Genesis 12:1-9

When you read through the Bible, you might assume all the people in God’s story are holy and perfect and qualified. You’d be wrong. In fact, it is downright laughable the types of sinful people God chooses to include in His story of salvation. Laughter is a big theme in the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac. Laughter can mean multiple different things depending on the situation. We might laugh because of disbelief, bitterness, sarcasm, or it may be because of humor, relief, or joy. We see several examples of this kind of laughter in the section of Genesis we are reading this week. Join Pastor Smith as we discover how laughable it is that God chooses people like Abraham (and people like us!) in His story. 

The Marathon of the Multitude | Hebrews 12:1-3

The Marathon of the Multitude | Hebrews 12:1-3

Imagine that you are running a marathon for which you did not willingly register. And it’s really hard. There are numerous obstacles and difficulties, not to mention pain and suffering, standing between you and the finish line. You feel like giving up. But then you notice people cheering you on. These are people who have already finished the race, and they are encouraging you toward the finish line. This is what the author to the Hebrews describes to us in this passage. The life of faith is like a marathon. A multitude of the faithful have gone before us, and by the grace of God have also finished the race. We look to them, and especially to Jesus, for an example, for encouragement, for strength. This helps us endure to the end to receive the victory Jesus has won for us. 

Rich Man, Poor Man | Luke 12:13-21

Rich Man, Poor Man | Luke 12:13-21

We will look at two different men in this text. The first is rich beyond all comparison, but willingly gives it all away. The second thinks he is rich, but actually possesses nothing at all. The first is Jesus. The second is the man who is the main character in Jesus’ parable. In this sermon we will explore our relationship with material possessions and wealth. What does it mean to be rich? What does it mean to be rich toward God? How does it happen that someone could lose their soul because of their sinful relationship with possessions? Jesus gives a strong warning, but also provides the way to be saved.

Six Easy Ways to Get What You Want | Genesis 18:17-33 & Luke 11:1-13

Six Easy Ways to Get What You Want | Genesis 18:17-33 & Luke 11:1-13

When we have to ask someone else for something we want, we often think we have to form a strategy for how to get what we want. We approach this with the underlying assumption that the person whom we ask does NOT want to give us something. So we come up with somewhat sneaky ways to get it anyway. We might use flattery, persuasion, bargaining, persistence, or other such approaches. Should we try the same thing when we ask God for what we want? Looking at both the Genesis 18 and Luke 11 texts, we learn that we do not have to trick God into giving us good things. Through careful study of these texts, we will learn the exceedingly simple way we are to approach God in prayer for the things we want and need.

Measuring Stick | 1 Kings 19:9b-21, Gal. 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-6

Measuring Stick | 1 Kings 19:9b-21, Gal. 5:1, 13-25, Luke 9:51-62

  1. What areas (Fruit of the Spirit) do you see God most working in you? What areas do you feel weakest?

  2. Which of the 3 potential pitfalls (becoming prideful; becoming burdened; comparing with others) do you resonate with the most?

  3. What do you think the point of good works are?

  4. (How) can you have an honest conversation with a Christian who doesn’t seem to be very “in step with the Spirit”?

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Get The Devil Out Of Here | Isaiah 65:1-9, Luke 8:26-39

The Public, Old, Delightful Wisdom of God | Proverbs 8:1-4; 22-31

  1. It was important for Jesus to assure His followers (Jews and Gentile) that He has power over not only sin and death….but also the DEVIL. Driving demons out of possessed people was an important illustration of this power. Discuss how the power of our BAPTISM gives us that same assurance?

  2. Share some modern day examples of how the Devil gets at us with these 3 steps: He creates doubts; lies about God’s will; and throws in worthless promises of his own.

  3. Luther said in the Battle Hymn of the Reformation: This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will…he can harm us...none… he’s judged...the deed is done...ONE LITTLE WORD CAN FELL HIM. What is that one little word? (PS. There may be more than one.)

  4. The Devil LIES...Jesus is the TRUTH.

  5. The Devil works in DARKNESS...Jesus is the LIGHT.

  6. The Devil promotes HATE...Jesus promotes LOVE.

  7. The Devil urges SELFISHNESS...Jesus urges SERVANTHOOD.

  8. So, discuss how we “get the devil out of here” when we live in TRUTH, LIGHT, LOVE, AND SERVANTHOOD.

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The Public, Old, Delightful Wisdom of God | Proverbs 8:1-4; 22-31

The Public, Old, Delightful Wisdom of God | Proverbs 8:1-4; 22-31

It is Holy Trinity Sunday, the time when the church reflects upon the unique relationship and nature of God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This passage from Proverbs talks about the wisdom of God, and how it has existed since before the beginning. The church throughout its history has identified the Wisdom of God as being the same as the Son of God. So, in a way, we get the “prequel story” of the Son of God, and we get a window into the relationship between the Father and the Son, especially during creation. We learn three important things about God’s Wisdom in this passage: Wisdom is public knowledge; Wisdom has insight to know how God’s creation was meant to be; and Wisdom delights in the Father’s creation. 

Whether you have been following Jesus for years, or you have just begun to find out who Jesus is (or you’re somewhere in between!), you might be looking for a church to call home. Come and see how you can follow jesus with us here at St. Paul Westlake.