Western Hills Church Of Christ, Temple

Scripture:  Mark 5:1-20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The "Interrupted" series continues, focusing on how Jesus handles interruptions by going to places others avoid. Using the story from Mark 5, where Jesus heals a demon-possessed man in a graveyard, the sermon illustrates how Jesus willingly enters dark and scary places to bring redemption and renewal. Note that Jesus redeems our past, renews our strength and mind, and restores our identity, even when we feel overwhelmed by our sins and failures. The story demonstrates that no matter how dire our circumstances, Jesus has the power to transform our lives.  The application for us is to let Jesus interrupt our lives and make all things new, with the hope and renewal that Jesus offers.

Scripture:  Mark 4:35-41 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary: The speaker shares a personal story about his family's experience with fostering a child named David, who was eventually moved to an unsafe placement despite their prayers. This event led him to grapple with the notion of unanswered prayers and feeling abandoned by God. He relates this to the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4, where the disciples, in their fear, doubted Jesus' care and ability. The sermon emphasizes that fear often interrupts faith, leading us to believe that Jesus either doesn't care or isn't able to help. However, the true lesson is that Jesus cares and is able, regardless of whether every storm is calmed. The speaker concludes by encouraging the congregation to remain faithful and obedient, using their past experiences and the reality of eternity to strengthen their faith amidst fear.

Scripture:  Mark 3:20-35 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:   In this message, the theme of interruptions in life continues, emphasizing how Jesus’ ministry often faced unexpected disruptions. Using the Gospel of Mark, the message explores how Jesus was misunderstood by both his family and religious leaders, who labeled him as insane and demonic. These labels are seen as attempts to fit Jesus into preconceived notions of who God is and how He should act.  Notice how Jesus redefined relationships, calling those who do God's will his true family, thus challenging societal norms and labels. This redefinition calls followers to embrace a broader, inclusive concept of family and to wear the label of Jesus as Lord, which transcends all other social and cultural divisions. Our call as followers of Jesus is to answer the call to embody Jesus’ radical love and acceptance in everyday interactions.

Scripture: Mark 2:1-12 Speaker:  Leland Sawyer, Missionary to Uganda Summary: This message focuses on Mark 2, highlighting three key elements: the friends, Jesus, and the paralyzed man. It begins by noting Mark's direct approach, quickly establishing Jesus' authority over spiritual and physical realms. The friends' unwavering commitment to bringing their paralyzed friend to Jesus, even breaking through a roof, demonstrates their faith. Jesus, recognizing their faith, forgives the man's sins, emphasizing the importance of spiritual healing before physical healing. The text challenges us to consider our own roles in leading others to Jesus, emphasizing the importance of faith, commitment, and discipleship in bringing people closer to Christ.

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39 Speaker:  Grant Perkins Summary:  This message is the first in the series, INTERRUPTED, using texts in Mark about the interruptions Jesus experienced during his ministry.  How Jesus deals with these interruptions offers us an example of how we can go about dealing the interruptions in our lives.  Defining the difference in distractions and interruptions is the beginning point to understanding how to follow Jesus example of interactions with those people and those events that interrupt us. Jesus embraces the interruption in this text, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing people and their needs over personal plans.  There is a great need for us to adopt practices in our day to day lives that make us more interruptible, like Jesus, to better serve and love others​.

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:10-20 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This message emphasizes that while we often try to fight our own battles, it is God who truly fights for us. As the series on  Ephesians concludes, the encouragement is  to understand and live out the truth that the enemy is not people but the spiritual powers of evil. Paul instructs believers to put on the whole armor of God, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. He warns against the extremes of "truthless grace" and "graceless truth," advocating for a balanced approach that loves and serves others without compromising on truth. The sermon calls for an awakening to these principles, urging the church to be a force of peace and righteousness in a divided world.     4o

Scripture:  Ephesians 6:1-9 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The apostle Paul's teachings on household codes are revolutionary, as they call for mutual submission within families, countering traditional hierarchical norms.  Scott encourages children to obey their parents not just as a cultural norm but as an act of honoring God. Moreover, he challenges parents (or guardians) to nurture their children without provoking anger, emphasizing the importance of leading with love, transparency, and forgiveness. Applying these principles in everyday life, both in family dynamics and professional relationships, fosters a community centered on mutual respect and service in Christ.

Scripture:  Ephesians 5:21-33 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: In this message, Scott discusses Paul's teachings on submission. He emphasizes the need for understanding and patience when approaching this sensitive topic, especially for those who have experienced challenging marriages. Paul's message in Ephesians 5 is that living under the Spirit's influence includes mutual submission and respect within marriages. He adapts the household codes familiar to his audience, advocating for a model where husbands love their wives sacrificially, as Christ loved the church.

Scripture:  Ephesians 5:14-21 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This message  focuses on the Epistle to the Ephesians,  where Paul provides guidance on living as a new creation in Christ. He emphasizes the grace received through Jesus and the transformation it brings, urging believers to live wisely and with intention. Paul’s instructions contrast the old self with the new, advocating for living under the influence of the Holy Spirit rather than old habits. 

Note:  Due to technical difficulties the audio is not as clear as it usually is. Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-14 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: In this message Scott discusses Paul's emphasis on the importance of living a morally upright life in accordance with Christian teachings, particularly focusing on sexual ethics and behavior. Paul instructs that followers of Jesus must avoid participating in sexual immorality, greed, and coarse joking, as these actions harm others and are inconsistent with the new life in Christ. He highlights the significance of living as "children of the light," contrasting it with living in darkness. The text also stresses the importance of treating one's own body and others' bodies with respect, recognizing that Jesus is Lord over all. Ultimately, Paul calls for a balance of grace and truth, urging believers to uphold moral standards without demeaning or dehumanizing others.        

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:17-5:2 Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister Summary:  In this sermon as we delve into Ephesians 4:17-5:2, exploring Paul's teachings on putting off the old self and embracing the new life in Christ. We discover the transformative power of Jesus as we navigate through Paul's practical advice on living out our faith. Learn how to speak truth, build up one another, and embody the likeness of God in righteousness and holiness.

Scripture:  Luke 24 Speaker:  Scott Meyeer Summary: Discover the transformative truth that Jesus offers not just life after death, but life instead of death. As we reflect on the resurrection, we're challenged to consider where we seek true fulfillment and hope in our lives. Let's journey together as we embrace the Living Hope that transcends all temporary sources of security #Easter #LivingHope #HeIsRisen

Scripture:  Ephesians 4:1-16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: In this edition of our Awake series as we delve into Ephesians chapter 4:1-16. What does God expect of us? Through an exploration of Paul's teachings, we uncover the transformative power of living in a manner worthy of our divine calling, marked by humility, unity, and love. If you're seeking to deepen your understanding of God's calling and how to walk in grace, this message is for you. #Ephesians #fullyAwake

Scripture:  Ephesians 3:14-21 Speaker: Scott  Summary: Church is not merely a gathering but a spiritual community where individuals experience grace, grow in faith, and collectively witness the miraculous. This message underscores the importance of active engagement in a local church as a means to fully awaken to God's love and to expect the extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary.

Scripture:  Ephesians 2:11-22 Speaker:  Scott Meyer, Lead Minister Summary:  In Ephesians 2:11-22 we wrestle with this question. In this message we tackle the impact of the gospel on church unity, highlighting the transformative power of grace, breaking down walls of hostility. Emphasizing the unity of believers as a powerful gospel witness, the sermon challenges listeners to appreciate their need for grace and extend it to others. It concludes with a prayer for ongoing transformation and openness to display the gospel's power in the community. #fullyAwake #Ephesians

Scripture:  Mark 8:27-33, Romans 12:1-2, Mark 16:6-7, Philippians 2 Speaker:  Kyle Cunningham, Abilene Christian University graduate student. Summary: Kyle brings the message during a service led by ACU students from the Hillcrest Church in Abilene.  In his message he challenges each of us to answer a question:  "Who do you say I am?"    

Scripture:  Deuteronomy 6 Speaker:  Dr. David Fraze, Chair of Youth Ministry Summary: Dr. David Fraze, our guest from Lubbock Christian University, unpacks what it looks like for the church and families to work together to live out the life and teachings of Jesus as a family of faith. #familyministry #parenting #studentministry

Scripture:  Ephesians 2:1-10 Speaker:  Scott Seela Summary:  In Ephesians 2:1-10 the Grace of God expressed through Christ Jesus.  It is by GRACE we have been saved and it is through Grace we are empowered as we participate in bringing the reality of the Kingdom everywhere we go. #FullyAwakeChurch #TransformativeHope #ByGraceYouAreSaved

Scripture:  Ephesians 1:15-23 (ESV) Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  Woke World #3” - Feb 11 In Ephesians 1:15-23 we dive into the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul – from skeptic to believer after a divine encounter. Discover the three key revelations Paul prays for the church: a deep understanding of their calling's hope, a revelation of God's abundant inheritance, and a reliance on the immeasurable resurrection power within. Challenge your perspective, awaken hope, and join the journey of becoming a fully awake church. #FullyAwakeChurch #TransformativeHope

Scripture:  Ephesians 1:1-14 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: “Awake: Experiencing the Gospel in a Woke World #2“ - Feb 4 In Ephesians 1:1-14 we uncover the beauty of God's plan for us. Paul's poetic description takes us through the roles of the Father, the Beloved (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, revealing the depth of our chosen and adopted identity. As we reflect on being chosen, let's remember that our true response should be worship, not worry. Join us in embracing our role in the grand story of God's Kingdom breaking into the world.