Western Hills Church Of Christ, Temple

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 31 of The Story. The message begins by confronting the common fears and anxieties that grip people today—financial struggles, health worries, relationship pain—and reveals that underneath it all lies the fear of death. Drawing from Revelation, the sermon emphasizes that Jesus, who conquered death and now holds the keys to it, invites us to live without fear because He transforms whatever He passes through. John’s vision of Jesus in Revelation contrasts worldly power, like that of the Roman emperor, with the true authority of the Lamb who was slain and now reigns on the throne. The sermon celebrates Easter as the declaration that the tomb is empty, the Lamb reigns, and the story is far from over—it is the beginning of a new creation. Ultimately, the hope of Easter is that Jesus makes all things new, and no matter where we are in our personal story, He offers to rewrite it with grace, victory, and eternal life.

Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 30 of The Story.

Chris Stephens, Lead Minister of the Avenue G. Church, brings a message from Chapter 29 of The Story.

Scripture:  Acts 1:1-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott reflects on the things we often take for granted, highlighting how we only realize their value when they're suddenly gone, like electricity. He emphasizes the miracle of being present today, worshiping Jesus, which ties into the story of the early church's launch in Acts. Jesus, after His resurrection, teaches His disciples, urging them to wait for the Holy Spirit's power to be His witnesses, not just informed but empowered. Scott challenges the idea that witnessing is for "professional Christians" and encourages everyone to share their personal testimony of what Jesus has done in their lives. Ultimately, the message is that ordinary, imperfect people empowered by the Holy Spirit can carry out Jesus' mission, spreading the gospel through an unbroken chain of witnesses, just as it has reached us today.

Scripture:  Luke 24:13-36 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon emphasizes that the Christian faith is not based on the Bible itself but on a single historical event—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Scott stresses that if the resurrection did not happen, then the rest of Christian teachings would not hold significance, but if it did, it validates everything Jesus said and did. The passage from Luke 24 is used to illustrate how the resurrection transformed despair into purpose for Jesus’ disciples, particularly the two on the road to Emmaus. The sermon highlights that the resurrection turns disappointment into direction and that Jesus’ presence brings peace even in moments of failure and regret. Ultimately, it concludes that our worst moments do not have the final say—Jesus, through his resurrection, does.

Scripture:  John 13:1-5, John 13:12-17, Matthew 26:26-29, John 19:28-30, Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:51-54,                    Romans 5:8 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a reflection on pivotal historical events, like the Challenger explosion, that change everything, leading into the central theme—the crucifixion of Jesus as the defining moment of history. Jesus, knowing his impending sacrifice, humbles himself by washing his disciples' feet, demonstrating that true leadership is rooted in servanthood. During the Last Supper, he redefines the Passover meal, revealing that he is the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice will bring deliverance from sin. On the cross, Jesus endures suffering, abandonment, and ultimately declares, "It is finished," signifying the completion of his mission to redeem humanity. The message concludes by emphasizing that Jesus' sacrifice is final and complete, calling believers not just to admire him but to follow his example of love and selfless service.

Scripture:  John 11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This message emphasizes the central question of faith: "Who is Jesus?" and explores the tension between human suffering and divine timing, illustrating how God’s delays are not necessarily denials. The message highlights that Jesus not only performs miracles but also enters into human grief, empathizing with those who suffer. The raising of Lazarus serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his call to bring people out of despair into new life. Ultimately, the sermon reinforces that Jesus offers not just life after death but transformation and hope in the present.

Scripture:  Luke 15:1-2, Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:8-10, Luke 15:11-32 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the theme of being lost and found, drawing from Luke 15, where Jesus shares three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—to illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who are spiritually lost. Scott highlights that God's heart longs for His lost children and that He actively seeks them rather than waiting for them to find Him.  The message challenges believers to align with God’s mission of seeking and saving the lost rather than merely enjoying their place in the church. The sermon concludes with a powerful illustration of a mother searching for her lost daughter, paralleling God’s unwavering love and desire to bring His children home.

Scripture:  John 1:18, John 1:2-9, John 1:40-42, John 2:7-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 23 of The Story. The sermon emphasizes how the presence of Jesus transforms lives. It explains that Jesus did not come to introduce a new religion but to fulfill and reveal God's nature, making Him accessible and personal. The message highlights four key aspects of Jesus’ ministry: revelation (Jesus reveals God clearly), reconciliation (He bridges the gap between humanity and God), transformation (He changes lives and identities, as seen in Peter’s story), and restoration of hope (He brings hope even in hopeless situations, like the woman at the well). The sermon concludes with an encouragement to invite Jesus into one's life, as His presence assures that "the best is yet to come."

Scripture:  John 1:1-5, Luke 1:46-55,  Luke 2:17-20,  Matthew 2:11-12, Matthew 2:16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from God's 400 years of silence to the birth of Jesus, marking the fulfillment of God's promises. Scott compares this moment to the opening of an epic story, using the Gospel of John to highlight Jesus as the divine Word and light that shatters darkness. Key figures such as Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi demonstrate humble responses to Jesus, while Herod represents resistance and fear. The sermon emphasizes that God's promises are always fulfilled, and true understanding of Jesus comes from a posture of humility. It concludes with a call to action, asking the audience how they will respond—through worship, sharing the good news, or resistance.

Scriptures:  Ezra 7:8-10, Malachi  4:4-5, Luke 24:7, John1:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the theme of renewal through the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi. It highlights how God used the pagan King Artaxerxes to fulfill His promise by allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple and city, showing God's faithfulness. The message stresses the importance of being in alignment with God's word, as seen in Ezra's dedication to studying, living, and teaching scripture, which kept God's hand upon him. The sermon warns against merely outward renewal, emphasizing that true transformation comes from internal renewal through God's word. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the final Word of God, fulfilling the scriptures and offering lasting renewal and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Scripture:  Esther 4:14-16,Esther 6:6-10, Esther 9:20-22, Galatians 3:13, Philippians 2:6-11 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon focuses on the story of Esther and how God's providence works even when He seems silent. It highlights the key characters—King Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman—and the unfolding drama of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, which is ultimately overturned through Esther's courage and divine intervention. Scott emphasizes three key takeaways: God’s silence does not mean His absence, the importance of having wise counsel like Mordecai, and the danger of settling for a "shadow mission" rather than God's true purpose. Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors Christ’s sacrifice, as Jesus stepped down from glory to save humanity. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own divine opportunities and to use them for God's purpose rather than personal comfort.

Scriptures:  Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 4:24, Haggai 1:2-9, Haggai 2:6-7, John 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  This sermon focuses on the concept of completing the work God has started in us, drawing parallels to the Israelites rebuilding the temple under Ezra and Haggai's leadership. It highlights how the people initially began rebuilding the temple with enthusiasm but were distracted by opposition and personal priorities, leaving God's work unfinished for years. Scott connects this to modern life, urging us to reflect on what God has called us to do but left incomplete, whether in our faith journey, relationships, or ministries. The temple's significance is traced from a physical structure to Jesus, who represents God's ultimate presence and atonement, and finally to believers as the spiritual temple, carrying God's presence to the world. Scott closes with a call to refocus on God's agenda, resist distractions, and trust in His promise to complete the good work He began in us.

Scripture:  Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel 1:8, Daniel 2:14, Daniel 3:16-18, Isaiah 43:2, Daniel 6:5, Daniel 8:10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon focuses on living faithfully as Christians in a culture that feels foreign or opposed to God’s values, using the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon as an example. It emphasizes four key tips: maintain hope and trust in God’s word, resist bitterness, remain respectful even in challenging circumstances, and develop a consistent prayer life. The sermon illustrates these points with stories of Daniel and his friends standing firm in their faith, refusing to bow to cultural pressures, and showing integrity, even when faced with dire consequences. The central reminder is that this world is not our true home; believers are ambassadors of God's kingdom in a foreign land. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on God's presence during trials and trust in His guidance for living faithfully in any circumstance.

Scripture:  Jeremiah 2:13, Lamentations 3:22-24, Ezekiel 37:11-14,  Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God even in challenging and dark seasons of life. It recounts the story of the Israelites during their exile, focusing on the messages of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The central theme is that God's discipline is not meant to punish but to restore and transform, shaping character over comfort. Despite their rebellion and suffering, the sermon underscores that God's love and mercy are constant, with new opportunities for hope and renewal each day. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on whether Jesus is enough for them, inviting them to find hope and restoration in Him even during trials.

Scripture:  Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:6-8, 1 Peter 2:4-10 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the enduring relevance of the church in 2025, built on an unshakable foundation—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It highlights the church's unstoppable mission to make and grow disciples, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Scott talks about personal experiences, societal challenges, and biblical principles to argue that the church remains a vital community for spreading hope, love, and truth in a world often plagued by uncertainty. Through initiatives like "Vision 5," the church engages in outreach, diversity, and new church planting efforts, reinforcing its role as a beacon of light. Finally, the message calls for trust in God's power to accomplish the seemingly impossible, urging the church to live boldly and faithfully as His chosen people.   4o

Scripture:  1 Kings 16:29-33, 1 Kings 17:1,  1 Kings 18:16-26, 1 Kings 18:30-39, John 14:6 Speaker:  Scott Seela Summary: The sermon centers on the story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, emphasizing the need for decisive faith in God. It begins by highlighting Israel's wavering between worshiping God and Baal, which Elijah calls out as dangerous indecision. Through a dramatic showdown, Elijah proves God's sovereignty when fire from heaven consumes his water-drenched offering, while Baal's prophets receive no response. The sermon draws a parallel to modern life, urging believers to reject false gods like wealth, pleasure, or status, which cannot fulfill or save. Ultimately, it emphasizes that Jesus is the only way to true life, calling for complete devotion to Him alone.

Scripture:  Isaiah 6:1-8, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53:1-5 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary: The sermon begins with a story illustrating how we often mistake provision for the provider, setting the stage for the central message: God's sovereignty and presence amidst uncertainty and darkness. Drawing from Isaiah 6, it emphasizes that while earthly powers and securities may falter, God remains "high and exalted," in control, and present in the midst of life's chaos. The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, foretelling Emmanuel, "God with us," reinforces the Christmas message of God stepping into humanity's mess, embodying love and healing. Isaiah's vision reveals God's holiness and our need for cleansing, symbolizing how God calls and cleanses those He chooses, offering redemption and purpose. Ultimately, the sermon ties the Christmas story to God's profound love, bringing healing and hope into our brokenness, epitomized in the advent of Christ.

Scripture:  1Kings 12:1-14, 1 Kings 12:25-31, Ephesians 2:14-16 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon, "Going Dark," explores themes of insecurity, division, and redemption through the story of two kings, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, from 1 Kings. It highlights how their insecurities and failure to seek God's guidance led to a divided kingdom and spiritual darkness, illustrating the dangers of leading from insecurity rather than confidence in God. Scott draws parallels to modern life, urging individuals to seek godly counsel, avoid idolatry by reducing God to a single characteristic, and recognize how personal insecurities can affect leadership. The message culminates in the hope of Jesus as the "better King," who reconciles humanity, bringing light and unity where there was once darkness and division. The sermon concludes with a call for personal reflection, reconciliation, and a deeper understanding of Christ's sacrificial love as the ultimate unifier.

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 1 Kings 4:29-34, James 1:5, Proverbs 1:7, 1 Kings 11:1-4, Hebrews 12:1 Speaker:  Scott Meyer Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the journey of wisdom and obedience to God, using the story of Solomon as a central theme. It explores how Solomon, despite his initial humility and prayer for a "listening heart," eventually fell into disobedience, influenced by distractions and external pressures. The message underscores that true wisdom begins with submission to God's will and the acknowledgment that human understanding is limited. Solomon's rise and fall illustrate the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and obedience throughout life. The sermon concludes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of wisdom and a perfect King, encouraging believers to seek God's wisdom daily and to finish their spiritual race strong, regardless of scars or challenges.