http://westsidechristianfellowship.org Glorifying Christ, Multiplying Disciples Fri, 24 May 2013 03:35:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Westside Christian Fellowship Westside Christian Fellowship Sermons from Westside Christian Fellowship and Pastor Shane Idleman. Pastor Shane emphasizes the Bible as the ultimate source of truth and authority. We affirm the truth of the Bible as the inspired, inerrant Word of God. We believe that Jesus Christ is God. Because of our sin - for all have sinned sin - we are in need of a savior, so Christ came as the sacrifice to pay the price to redeem us. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, died for our sins, and rose again on the third day to make a way for us to join him in heaven for eternity. We believe in a literal heaven and hell, and believe that the only way to heaven is through Christ. Fore more information, or to read our full statement of faith, please visit westsidechristianfellowship.org. Glorifying Christ, Multiplying Disciples Westside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Morality no Westside Christian FellowshipWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,MoralityReligion & Spirituality/Christianityadmin@wcfav.orgWestside Christian Fellowshiphttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/WestsideChristianFellowshiphttp://feedburner.google.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/Ln6lbSjr_pI/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5252013-do-you-truly-want-revival-most-say-no-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 12:30:39 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2558 "We need to close every church in the land for one Sunday and cease listening to a man so we can hear the groan of the Spirit which we in our lush pews have forgotten” (Leonard Ravenhill)... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5252013-do-you-truly-want-revival-most-say-no-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=Ln6lbSjr_pI:nbruWmL01fE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/Ln6lbSjr_pI" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5252013-do-you-truly-want-revival-most-say-no-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 &quot;We need to close every church in the land for one Sunday and cease listening to a man so we can hear the groan of the Spirit which we in our lush pews have forgotten” (Leonard Ravenhill)... Continue reading &rarr;&quot;We need to close every church in the land for one Sunday and cease listening to a man so we can hear the groan of the Spirit which we in our lush pews have forgotten” (Leonard Ravenhill).       A genuine revival is God reviving His people—“Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6 KJV). As noted last week, repentance if often a mark of true revival...of true change. Griffith Jones, who preached during the Welsh revivals of the 18th century, recounts his experience, “The tears of the congregation began to flow in streams down their cheeks. Soon, they wept openly, and cried out, ‘What shall we do to be saved?’” Further, it was not uncommon for people to tremble and weep under the anointed preaching of George Whitefield. Whitefield was the primary evangelist during the Great Awakening that occurred in the mid 1700s. During this time, old grudges and debts were forgiven, morality improved, many were added to the church, and there was a greater sense of the fear of the Lord.      Those who use past revivals to in an attempt to validate odd events today, perhaps have not truly researched revivals. In reading Charismatics and Calvinists, Pentecostals and Puritans, Acts and Azusa, as well as countless biographies of leaders such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, John Wesley, Robert Murray M’Cheyne, Charles Spurgeon, and D.L. Moody, and puritans such as Thomas Goodwin, John Bunyan, John Owen, and Richard Baxter, nowhere do these leaders encourage the hysteria or the outright weirdness that we sometimes see today. Granted, there were times of strong conviction such as when people held on to trees thinking that they were falling into the abyss of hell during the famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, by Jonathan Edwards. And people did cry out to God, experience tremendous joy, or fall on the ground under the strong conviction of sin during the Revivals of George Whitefield, John Wesley, and Evan Roberts, but this is because sin, righteousness, and holiness were preached—“falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you” (1 Corinthians 14:25). This is true revival.      Perhaps a balanced approach to this topic of revival is found in an excerpt from Duncan Campbell’s book, The Price and Power of Revival: “How is it that while we make such great claims for the power of the Gospel, we see so little of the supernatural in operation? Is there any reason why the Church today cannot everywhere equal the Church at Pentecost? I feel this is a question we ought to face with an open mind and an honest heart. What did the early Church have that we do not possess today? Nothing but the Holy Spirit; nothing but the power of God. Here I would suggest that one of the main secrets of success in the early Church lay in the fact that the early believers believed in unction from on high and not entertainment from men....How did the early Church get the people? By publicity projects, by bills, by posters, by parades, by pictures? No! The people were arrested and drawn together and brought into vital relationship with God, not by sounds from men, but by sounds from heaven....The early Church cried for unction and not for entertainment. Unction is the dire and desperate need of the ministry today.”       There is a desperate need to preach and proclaim God’s word with genuine power if we are to experience true revival. Without God’s power, words are lifeless. Where are those with uncompromising power and authority in the pulpits today? The one thing that all of the great revivals in church history had is the one thing that we often lack—the power of the Holy Spirit. The very thing that we need is the very thing that we are afraid of. Many do not truly want revival because of fear of what it may involve. I agree with Leonard Ravenhill, “We need to close every church in the land for one Sunday and cease listening to a man so we can hear the groan of the Spirit which we in our lush pews have forgotten.”      Within the first year of planting Westside Christian Fellowship, I prayed, “Lord, bring revival to the churches.” I was not ready for the response that followed. I felt impressed with these words: “You don’t want revival—it will ruin your schedule, your dignity, your image, and your reputation as a person who is ‘well balanced.’ Men will weep throughout the congregation. Women will wail because of the travail of their own souls. Young adults will cry like children at the magnitude of their sin. With the strength of My presence, the worship team will cease playing. Time will seem to stand still. You won’t be able to preach because of the emotions flooding your own soul. You’ll struggle to find words, but only find tears. Even the most dignified and reserved among you will be broken and humbled as little children. The proud and self righteous will not be able to stand in My presence. The doubter and unbeliever will either run for fear, or fall on their knees and worship Me—there can be no middle ground. The church will never be the same again.&quot; You don’t want revival...do you?     By Shane Idleman; www.WCFAV.org http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5252013-do-you-truly-want-revival-most-say-no-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/X_JXBfblmyc/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5182013-truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 23 May 2013 04:58:52 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2554 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/66729591?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 5/18/2013 "Truth About Repentance" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5182013-truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X_JXBfblmyc:UtQbRv2AQ3w:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/X_JXBfblmyc" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5182013-truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 5/18/2013 &quot;Truth About Repentance&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 5/18/2013 &quot;Truth About Repentance&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5182013-truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/o8acNEKisfA/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-5182013/#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 02:00:27 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2556 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/5-18-13_truth_about_repentance.mp3" "Truth About Repentance" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 5/18/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-5182013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=o8acNEKisfA:SZrO8D9Maqo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/o8acNEKisfA" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-5182013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/truth-about-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-5182013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/XqbICwwKpHQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5182013-the-truth-about-repentance-will-set-you-free-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 18 May 2013 13:30:06 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2544 “You can be certain that at the forefront of every significant recovery from backsliding...the doctrine of repentance has been among the precious truths that God has quickened and used” (Richard Owen Roberts). Believe it or not, many Christian leaders are seeking to remove the word “repent.” Apparently, we need to rethink our narrow view of the gospel and our restricted view of Biblical hermeneutics, so they say. Their rescripting seems ridiculous, but it’s true. They argue that “repentance” may not actually mean what we think. In reality, it’s no surprise that they take this position—in order for Christianity to appear palatable and less intrusive to our culture, many feel that we need to rethink, redefine, and rename difficult truths, including repentance... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5182013-the-truth-about-repentance-will-set-you-free-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XqbICwwKpHQ:-VzlgX1hfGo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/XqbICwwKpHQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5182013-the-truth-about-repentance-will-set-you-free-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 “You can be certain that at the forefront of every significant recovery from backsliding...the doctrine of repentance has been among the precious truths that God has quickened and used” (Richard Owen Roberts). Believe it or not, many Christian leaders are seeking to remove the word “repent.” Apparently, we need to rethink our narrow view of the gospel and our restricted view of Biblical hermeneutics, so they say. Their rescripting seems ridiculous, but it’s true. They argue that “repentance” may not actually mean what we think. In reality, it’s no surprise that they take this position—in order for Christianity to appear palatable and less intrusive to our culture, many feel that we need to rethink, redefine, and rename difficult truths, including repentance... Continue reading &rarr;“You can be certain that at the forefront of every significant recovery from backsliding...the doctrine of repentance has been among the precious truths that God has quickened and used” (Richard Owen Roberts). Believe it or not, many Christian leaders are seeking to remove the word “repent.” Apparently, we need to rethink our narrow view of the gospel and our restricted view of Biblical hermeneutics, so they say. Their rescripting seems ridiculous, but it’s true. They argue that “repentance” may not actually mean what we think. In reality, it’s no surprise that they take this position—in order for Christianity to appear palatable and less intrusive to our culture, many feel that we need to rethink, redefine, and rename difficult truths, including repentance. I often preach about the desperate need for repentance—it’s one of the hallmarks of my ministry—as a result, I’m often labeld “hard-core,” “extreme,” “un-loving,” and “narrow-minded.” But nothing could be further from the truth...I simply want to see people changed and transformed by the power of God through repentance. Richard Owen Roberts states it well, “The Lord has been so deeply grieved by the refusal of the church to faithfully proclaim the whole counsel of His word in the power of the Holy Spirit that He has largely withdrawn from the church and left her to her own devices.” Whether the word for repentance is nocham in the Old Testament, or metanoeō in the New, biblical repentance involves turning from sin and turning to God—it’s a condition of the heart. Acts 3:19 unapologetically confirms this: “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Jesus said that “unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:5). The influential Baptist evangelist, John R. Rice (1895-1980), said, “There is no way you can please God, no way you can have the sweet communion with Him to get your prayers answered if you are in rebellion against the known will of God.” Failing to turn from sin and turn to Christ results in rebellion against God. When Mark 6:12 records that, “they went out and preached that people should repent,” Jesus wasn’t suggesting that the disciples rethink their narrow-mindedness, redefine their view of sin, or reinterpret the meaning of repentance. He was saying that people need to turn from sin and turn to God. To suggest that everyone from the Old Testament prophets to Christ and the apostles, to the early church fathers and the reformers, to present day scholars and theologians, misunderstood the real meaning of repentance, is the height of arrogance and deception. I’d respect people more if they’d just say that they don’t like the concept of repentance rather than trying to reinterpret its already crystal clear meaning. Repentance is a true gift from God that affects everything in our lives. If our priorities, our passions, our goals, our dreams, and our desires are not changing—are we changing? I only say this because so many today have religion and not a true relationship with Christ. They are simply going through the motions. They have never truly repented. It’s been said that if your religion has not changed your life, change your religion. Do we truly “know” Jesus Christ (relationship), or do we only know “about” Him (religion)? “The gospel, when rightly understood and received, sets the heart against all sin” (Matthew Henry). I John 2:15 declares, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” A disobedient life should raise concerns. A.W. Tozer said it this way, “The idea that God will pardon a rebel who has not given up his rebellion is contrary both to the Scriptures and to common sense.” (See 2 Thessalonians 1:8.) Repentance is not an outdated, irrelevant word—it’s a very relevant word from the heart of God. Isaiah 59:2 reveals that, “your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Psalm 66:18 adds: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Jesus as well as John the Baptist both began their ministry by proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17). They openly encouraged people to turn from sin and to turn toward God. However, in order for Christianity to appear enticing and less intrusive to our postmodern culture, difficult truths, including repentance, are minimized, or avoided. They fail to realize that repentance opens the line of communication between God and man. This is the lifeline for our dying world. It’s not our hold on God but rather God’s hold on us that secures us. Jesus compared those who did not repent with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, saying that it would be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for those who did not repent (Mark 6:7-12). No guesswork here. Some even suggest that repentance is self-improvement or a call to fulfill our natural potential. When we repent we do improve, and our God-given potential becomes more apparent, but repentance is not about self-improvement—it’s about renouncing sin and turning from it. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in action—brokenness, genuine sorrow over sin, and humility are marks of sincere repentance. Lasting hope and joy are also by-products of a right relationship with God, beginning with “repentance.” This is nothing to fear but to cherish. There is always a link between genuine faith and sincere repentance. The truth about repentance will set you free. ​(By Shane Idleman; WCFAV.org)​ ​​ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5182013-the-truth-about-repentance-will-set-you-free-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/x-EXFp888lI/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman-5112013/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 02:00:30 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2550 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/5-11-13_Gods_Roadmap_For_Mothers_And_Fathers_1-2.mp3" "Gods Roadmap For Mothers [And Fathers] (Proverbs 31)" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 5/11/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on 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http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman-5112013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman-5112013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/blieFJu1zwU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5112013-gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 02:00:04 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2542 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/66128636?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 5/11/2013 "Gods Roadmap For Mothers [And Fathers] (Proverbs 31)" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5112013-gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=blieFJu1zwU:PKbdBIewKOI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/blieFJu1zwU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5112013-gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 5/11/2013 &quot;Gods Roadmap For Mothers [And Fathers] (Proverbs 31)&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 5/11/2013 &quot;Gods Roadmap For Mothers [And Fathers] (Proverbs 31)&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/5112013-gods-roadmap-for-mothers-and-fathers-proverbs-31-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/nWCqpRQ4YMU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5112013-how-can-we-avoid-counterfeits-and-false-teachers-pastoer-shane-idleman/#comments Fri, 10 May 2013 05:50:40 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2533 Although disheartening, society’s trend away from God’s Word and absolute truth is not surprising. The apostle Paul warned of this many years ago: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (God’s Word), but according to their own desires … they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4)... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5112013-how-can-we-avoid-counterfeits-and-false-teachers-pastoer-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nWCqpRQ4YMU:Mt2P3pvulwY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/nWCqpRQ4YMU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5112013-how-can-we-avoid-counterfeits-and-false-teachers-pastoer-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Although disheartening, society’s trend away from God’s Word and absolute truth is not surprising. The apostle Paul warned of this many years ago: &quot;For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (God’s Word), but according to their own desires … they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables&quot; (2 Timothy 4:3-4)... Continue reading &rarr;Although disheartening, society’s trend away from God’s Word and absolute truth is not surprising. The apostle Paul warned of this many years ago: &quot;For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine (God’s Word), but according to their own desires … they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables&quot; (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Searching for spiritual fulfillment isn’t wrong, but where we search can be. There is tremendous power and wisdom in the Bible. Many religions and cults recognize its influence, often adding portions of the Bible to their own writings. In studying various religions, I learned that most originated from someone claiming to have received a &quot;vision from God,&quot; a &quot;new revelation,&quot; or a &quot;deeper truth&quot; that contradicts the Bible. These self-proclaimed prophets use their visions to begin their religion, and the rest is history. The fact that these groups have greatly altered the truth of God’s Word is a startling reality. Who would you rather trust your soul to, God or man? We don’t change God’s message—His message changes us. There are not &quot;many&quot; ways to God. The Bible and the beliefs of other religions cannot all be right. The Bible was not written &quot;in addition to&quot; anything; it stands alone. The apostle John, who walked with Jesus, said to test everything (I John 4:1), and Jesus said in Matthew 24:24 that false Christs and false prophets will appear and deceive many. A &quot;prophet,&quot; as mentioned here, can be anyone in a position of spiritual authority, or claiming to be. How do we &quot;test every spirit&quot; and avoid false teachers? It’s actually very simple: determine if what they are teaching agrees with the Scriptures. For example, if a cult or religion says that there are many gods, Isaiah 45:22 tells us otherwise: &quot;For I am God, and there is no other.&quot; If they claim that a &quot;messenger of light&quot; appeared to one of their prophets as the voice of God, we should point them to 2 Corinthians 11:14 where &quot;Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.&quot; If someone says that righteousness is only obtained by following rigid codes of financial and moral requirements, the New Testament says otherwise—we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Can you see the unparalleled truth in all of this? Unless a person is anchored in God’s Word, knows what the Bible says, and believes it, he or she will be like a child tossed back and forth and carried away by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men (Ephesians 4:14). It’s vitally important that we study the Bible. Recall Paul&#039;s words that a time will come when people will not be receptive to God’s Word. They will look for teachers who will tell them what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. As a result, many will turn from the truth and begin to follow fables. Galatians 1:8 adds, &quot;But even if we [the writers of the Bible], or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.&quot; Cults take advantage of the fact that many people are not well educated in fundamental biblical truths. To detect a counterfeit, one must first know what the original looks like. It’s impossible to gain a clear picture of absolute truth without going directly to God’s Word. Unless one is firmly grounded in God’s Word and led by His Spirit, one can easily be led astray. This reminds me of a person that I once knew who experimented with different religions and read dozens of &quot;spiritual&quot; books. He rejected the Bible as absolute truth. As a result, he was confused, depressed, and uncertain about life; he lacked direction and purpose. I often reminded him that where he was looking was what he was finding. The same holds true with you and me. We wouldn’t look for fish in the Mojave Desert, or almonds on a palm tree, but that’s exactly what we do when we look for truth outside of God’s Word. The human mind, apart from God’s Spirit, will never comprehend or understand spiritual truth. I Corinthians 2:14 validates this: &quot;The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.&quot; This is why many reject the Bible or change its message—their natural mind does not receive the things of God; truth is foolishness to them. What does this mean to you and to me? Everything. Man-made religions are lifeless; there’s no spiritual life in them. In my case, I realized that I had been looking for truth and fulfillment in all the wrong places. While I had focused on things such as money, status, physical appearance, and relationships, I had starved my soul. I found that before meaningful, lasting change can occur on the outside, it first must occur on the inside. We cannot successfully change actions or attitudes unless God changes our heart. We must embrace His absolute truth and avoid counterfeits. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/5112013-how-can-we-avoid-counterfeits-and-false-teachers-pastoer-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/YpEXkSYl2a0/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/characteristics-of-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-542013/#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 02:00:21 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2540 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/5-4-2013_Characteristics_of_False_Prophets.mp3" "Characteristics of False Prophets" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 5/4/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" 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noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/characteristics-of-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-542013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/iU_OA-ajUeE/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/542013-characteristics-of-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 02:00:17 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2536 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/65530605?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 5/4/2013 "Characteristics of False Prophets" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/542013-characteristics-of-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=iU_OA-ajUeE:Cg_qE-eWVto:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=iU_OA-ajUeE:Cg_qE-eWVto:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=iU_OA-ajUeE:Cg_qE-eWVto:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=iU_OA-ajUeE:Cg_qE-eWVto:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=iU_OA-ajUeE:Cg_qE-eWVto:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img 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http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/542013-characteristics-of-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/ZTv_U9kmiIs/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/542013-christian-leaders-continue-to-drift-from-truth-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 21:48:31 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2524 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). It’s not my practice to name names, but I was saddened (not surprised) to hear that Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Hill, Michigan, has come out in support of same-sex marriage during a forum on March 17, 2013 in San Francisco. <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/542013-christian-leaders-continue-to-drift-from-truth-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=ZTv_U9kmiIs:BtRE__M_-fc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/ZTv_U9kmiIs" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/542013-christian-leaders-continue-to-drift-from-truth-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). It’s not my practice to name names, but I was saddened (not surprised) to hear that Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Hill, Michigan, has come out in support of same-sex marriage during a forum on March 17, 2013 in San Francisco. Continue reading &rarr;“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (2 Timothy 4:3). It’s not my practice to name names, but I was saddened (not surprised) to hear that Rob Bell, founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Hill, Michigan, has come out in support of same-sex marriage during a forum on March 17, 2013 in San Francisco. In Bell’s words, &quot;I am for marriage. I am for fidelity. I am for love, whether it&#039;s a man and woman, a woman and a woman, a man and a man. I think the ship has sailed and I think the church needs—I think this is the world we are living in and we need to affirm people wherever they are.&quot; Bell misses the point that genuine Christians have nothing but compassion for those trapped in sexual sin. Those who strongly believe in the Bible and God’s will regarding sexual behavior also strongly believe in unconditional love and forgiveness. To say that authentic Christians hate or fear those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of the Christian faith. To “confront in love” simply comes from a desire to honor God and to truly love and care for others. We cannot “affirm” what the Bible clearly calls sin. The ability to relate to people on their level, show genuine concern, and love them regardless of their lifestyle is the mark of true Christianity. Unfortunately, Christians often embrace one of two extremes. At one extreme are those who insult or who are violent toward those trapped in this lifestyle. Homosexuality appears at the top of their sin list. With this group, there is very little love or compassion. The other extreme excuses this sin and looks the other way. Both extremes are wrong and offer a false impression of genuine Christianity—we must extend compassion but without compromise. Warning, confronting, challenging, advising, and admonishing are all characteristic of genuine love. Parents warn, confront, challenge, and admonish daily. Truly misled or self-serving individuals would wrongly attribute these traits to “hate-speech.” People like Bell and myself cannot be united because we are divided on foundational issues. This is why we can’t “just all get along”—although I wish we could. When people depart from truth, in essence, they are departing from God. Rob Bell continues, &quot;I think we are witnessing the death of a particular subculture that doesn&#039;t work. I think there is a very narrow, politically intertwined, culturally ghettoized, Evangelical subculture that was told &#039;we&#039;re gonna change the thing&#039; and they haven&#039;t (gay-marriage). And they actually have turned away lots of people. And I think that when you&#039;re in a part of a subculture that is dying, you make a lot more noise because it&#039;s very painful.” Rob Bell forgets that truth is narrow; it’s not popular. We are not “making a lot of noise”; we are contending for the faith, albeit not always in love. In reality, its the minority (the homosexual agenda) who is making a lot of noise. Are those who defend homosexuality, such as Bell, truly loving the homosexual, or are they simply seeking to avoid conflict? If they are more worried about being liked than being truthful, do they really care for homosexuals more than those who are willing to risk their reputation, and quite possibly their safety, in order to speak the truth in love? For example, an online viewer commented on a recent message that I gave, “When I watched the video, ‘Same-sex Attraction—Balancing Grace and Truth’, I was cut to the heart. I cried out to God to save me...and He did. I’m now trying to minister to my partner who is dying of AIDS.”(This message can be viewed here: http://vimeo.com/47460132).  Authentic Christians love the truth and others to the degree that we are willing to risk the consequences of confrontation in order to help others. This is genuine love, not hatred. Christian leaders would do well to revisit Jeremiah 23 regularly. Although this passage was written primarily to the leaders in Jeremiah’s day, the principle still applies today: “‘Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!’ Says the LORD…they also strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness…and to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come upon you’…I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied…but if they had stood in My counsel, and caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way…therefore, they shall not profit this people at all, says the LORD’” (Jeremiah 23:1-32). These leaders, like many today, have “perverted the words of the living God” (vs. 36) by not warning, instructing, challenging, and contending for the faith. As the church falls deeper into self-reliance and further from truth, our need for bold leadership has never been greater. Change will only occur in our nation when there is a strong conviction of sin and humility. We must stop confusing God’s patience with His approval and preach with conviction from the pulpits again. “When we become so tolerant that we lead people into mental fog and spiritual darkness, we are not acting like Christians—we are acting like cowards” (A.W. Tozer). “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship, in Lancaster, Ca. His sermons, books, articles, and radio program have sparked change in the lives of many. He can be reached at www.wcfav.org. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/542013-christian-leaders-continue-to-drift-from-truth-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/JpNTK_CPyNM/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-4272013/#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2013 02:00:39 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2528 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/4-27-2013_Avoiding_False_Worship_and_False_Prophets.mp3" "Avoiding False Worship &#038; False Prophets" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 4/27/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-4272013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=JpNTK_CPyNM:6z4I75ADmUE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/JpNTK_CPyNM" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-4272013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman-4272013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/us8kPsSfxfI/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4272013-avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2013 02:00:38 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2526 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/65044521?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 4/27/2013 "Avoiding False Worship &#038; False Prophets" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4272013-avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=us8kPsSfxfI:HrIcL-eYJDM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/us8kPsSfxfI" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4272013-avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 4/27/2013 &quot;Avoiding False Worship &amp; False Prophets&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 4/27/2013 &quot;Avoiding False Worship &amp; False Prophets&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4272013-avoiding-false-worship-false-prophets-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/XWyo9CeSVhU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4272013-the-cure-for-fear-anxiety-and-depression-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 06:27:49 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2516 “Suicide has surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of injury death for Americans. Even more disturbing, in the world’s greatest military, more U.S. soldiers died last year by suicide than in combat,“ wrote David Kupelian, in his article entitled: Americans ‘snapping’ by the millions.... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4272013-the-cure-for-fear-anxiety-and-depression-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=XWyo9CeSVhU:Vw_gCvlxbX0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/XWyo9CeSVhU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4272013-the-cure-for-fear-anxiety-and-depression-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 “Suicide has surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of injury death for Americans. Even more disturbing, in the world’s greatest military, more U.S. soldiers died last year by suicide than in combat,“ wrote David Kupelian, in his article entitled: Americans ‘snapping’ by the millions.... Continue reading &rarr;“Suicide has surpassed car crashes as the leading cause of injury death for Americans. Even more disturbing, in the world’s greatest military, more U.S. soldiers died last year by suicide than in combat,“ wrote David Kupelian, in his article entitled: Americans ‘snapping’ by the millions. Kupelian continues, “Fully one-third of the nation’s employees suffer chronic debilitating stress, and more than half of all ‘millennials’ (18 to 33 year olds) experience a level of stress that keeps them awake at night, including large numbers diagnosed with depression or anxiety disorder. Shocking new research from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that one in five of all high-school-aged children in the United States has been diagnosed with ADHD, and likewise a large new study of New York City residents shows, sadly, that one in five preteens–children aged six to 12–have been medically diagnosed with either ADHD, anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.” “New research concludes that stress renders people susceptible to serious illness, and a growing number of studies now confirm that chronic stress plays a major role in the progression of cancer, the nation’s second-biggest killer. The biggest killer of all, heart disease, which causes one in four deaths in the U.S., is also known to have a huge stress component. Incredibly, 11 percent of all Americans aged 12 and older are currently taking SSRI antidepressants – those highly controversial, mood-altering psychiatric drugs with the FDA’s ‘suicidality’ warning label and alarming correlation with school shooters. Women are especially prone to depression, with a stunning 23 percent of all American women in their 40s and 50s–almost one in four–now taking antidepressants, according to a major study by the CDC.” These statistics reveal that we are a nation adrift. We have lost our moral compass and we have rejected the fear of God. This departure has left our nation in a moral, as well as an emotional crisis. We’ve become a society focused on prosperity instead of provision, we value wealth instead of wisdom, and we are drawn to charisma instead of character. Our foundation as a nation, and as individuals, has slowly deteriorated. We are reaping what was sown years ago. Please don’t misunderstand, I’m not discounting the deep emotional and psychological pain associated with depression and anxiety, and I respect and cherish our military, but I do want to remind you that God makes provision for all of our needs. There may be a time and a place for medication, but it should be the last resort, not the first. The first step must be toward God...toward genuine worship. Worship breaks addiction and depression; anxiety and fear must flee in the presence of heartfelt worship. Although not always, the symptoms listed earlier are often by-products of a misaligned heart. We consume food everyday to live, why then, do we think that we can avoid worshiping the one true and living God and not die spiritually? This article is a serious and urgent call toward heart examination. “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Are you worshiping Him in spirit and in truth? He is not an exalted man, a doting grandfather, or the “man upstairs”...He is Creator of heaven and earth. He dwells in approachable light. He must be magnified, worshiped, and feared (in a healthy way). Worship must be a priority. Truth cannot be truly understood or explained without God as the source of all truth. True worship is a reflection of a heart set toward God...toward truth. “Truth is that which is consistent with the mind, will, character, glory, and being of God…” (John MacArthur). We cannot live like hell all week and expect heaven to fall during worship. We cannot fill our mind with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine during worship. We cannot worship ourselves and things all week and expect to turn our affections toward God on one designated day. Worship is a lifestyle! Worship and holiness are interwoven: “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 96:9). 1 Peter 1:16 declares, “Be holy, because I am holy,” and 1 Timothy 2:8 adds, “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands...” Holiness is not a strange, outdated word. Holiness is being set apart or separated from anything that causes us to sin, whether mentally (in what we think) or physically (in what we do). Holiness encourages a heart of worship. A consistent theme from Genesis to Revelation is, “‘Return to Me and worship Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will return to you. I will heal and restore. I will bind up the broken and strengthen the sick’.” The Lord is our only hope...our only cure. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Do you have this peace? It all starts with worshiping the one true and living God. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4272013-the-cure-for-fear-anxiety-and-depression-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/5cf0Uv0hFSo/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman-42013/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 02:00:54 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2520 <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5cf0Uv0hFSo:jPbHn5D1zYs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/5cf0Uv0hFSo" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman-42013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman-42013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/x0PQwxFVhiQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/42013-direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 21 Apr 2013 02:00:19 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2518 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64646019?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 4/20/13 "Direction Often Involves Obedience" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/42013-direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=x0PQwxFVhiQ:y4-RTVXKaw8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/x0PQwxFVhiQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/42013-direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 4/20/13 &quot;Direction Often Involves Obedience&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 4/20/13 &quot;Direction Often Involves Obedience&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/42013-direction-often-involves-obedience-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/7qRHnsBGdmM/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4132013-changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 06:27:26 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2495 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64176026?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 4/13/2013 "CHANGED: God Takes Nothing &#038; Makes Something — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4132013-changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=7qRHnsBGdmM:YC64_eWxon0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/7qRHnsBGdmM" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4132013-changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 4/13/2013 &quot;CHANGED: God Takes Nothing &amp; Makes Something — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 4/13/2013 &quot;CHANGED: God Takes Nothing &amp; Makes Something — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/4132013-changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/nSbhyzDsoBM/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-sex-before-marriage-yes-no-or-maybe-so-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:12:31 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2500 References to sexual experiences in the Bible are sometimes defined as “he knew his wife.” To know, in this context, is to know intimately through sexual experience. Regrettably, for those who experience sex before marriage, it is impossible to un-know what is known. Sexual experiences cannot be undone. Each time we engage in premarital sex, we add additional emotional weight to our lives, and it’s difficult to run a marital marathon while carrying the extra weight of regret from past relationships. <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-sex-before-marriage-yes-no-or-maybe-so-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=nSbhyzDsoBM:GT-TzZ49ZxI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/nSbhyzDsoBM" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-sex-before-marriage-yes-no-or-maybe-so-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 References to sexual experiences in the Bible are sometimes defined as “he knew his wife.” To know, in this context, is to know intimately through sexual experience. Regrettably, for those who experience sex before marriage, it is impossible to un-know what is known. Sexual experiences cannot be undone. Each time we engage in premarital sex, we add additional emotional weight to our lives, and it’s difficult to run a marital marathon while carrying the extra weight of regret from past relationships. Continue reading &rarr;References to sexual experiences in the Bible are sometimes defined as “he knew his wife.” To know, in this context, is to know intimately through sexual experience. Regrettably, for those who experience sex before marriage, it is impossible to un-know what is known. Sexual experiences cannot be undone. Each time we engage in premarital sex, we add additional emotional weight to our lives, and it’s difficult to run a marital marathon while carrying the extra weight of regret from past relationships. Weakness means the absence of strength, whereas meekness means strength under control. Those who refrain from sex before marriage exhibit far more strength than those who don’t. In essence, it takes more strength to say “no” than to say “yes”. Isn’t that the case in so many areas of life? As men, we are called to be the leaders in the relationship. Don’t place the burden of leadership on the one you are dating—demonstrate self-control in the area of abstinence. When we display this type of discipline, we compliment her as someone of great value and respect. A word of caution to women who may be reading this, if the man you are dating is not concerned with purity (despite your past), reconsider the relationship. If he’s not concerned with doing what’s right now, he may not be concerned about protecting you in other areas once married. Although a man may find you attractive, his motivation to protect your purity, and his, should outweigh his desire for sex. If it doesn’t…you fill in the blank. If you’ve stumbled in this area, don’t keep stumbling from this point forward—God will reward your obedience. There is hope and healing for those who desire it. Unmistakably, the quality of your choice today will affect the quality of your life tomorrow. If you desire a good marriage or a fulfilled single life in the future, it begins with the right choice today. For those who have chosen to postpone sexual intimacy, it will be worth the wait. Ask yourself, “Do I want to experience the temporary pain of discipline or the lasting pain of regret?” Let me restate my point. If you’re currently involved in this type of relationship, understand that it’s not where God wants you to be. He cannot bless a decision to continue in a sexual relationship, which the Bible refers to as fornication, but He can bless a decision to repent and abstain until marriage. Pre-marital sex robs the couple of a level of intimacy and closeness reserved for life-long commitment. Sex was designed by God to enhance an intimate, lasting, committed marriage between a man and a woman. A recent poll stated that 45 percent of self-proclaimed, born-again Christians approve of living together before marriage, and 49 percent said that sex before marriage is morally acceptable. An even larger number, despite their beliefs, have experienced sex outside of marriage. Why do so many Christians fall in this area? I believe that, often, the motivation to abstain from sex does not outweigh the desire to heed God’s direction. To regain lost ground, we need to continually do those things that strengthen our relationship with Him. The enemy desires to take what God has designed for good and distort it. It’s been said that we cannot defeat an enemy that we cannot see; we also cannot defeat an enemy that we are not prepared for. For that reason, we’re often caught off guard; therefore, it’s critical to establish a commitment before a serious relationship begins, such as: “Because we have committed our relationship to God and ourselves, and because I care for you, we are not going to do this.” Joseph ran from Potiphar’s wife and cried, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). He didn’t say that he wasn’t attracted to her; he said how can I sin against my Lord. His motivation to serve God was the key to his success. Once we are convicted within our spirit, we can rest assured that our behavior borderlines on sinful. At that point, we have the opportunity to move toward or away. Take Paul’s advice and “flee sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18)—flee is the key! Again, if we respect and honor others the way God intended, we’ll either gain a godly spouse or learn from the experience. However, if we misuse His gift, a potential spouse may instead become a past regret. The current trend of divorce and marital problems may be a reflection of the violation of this principle. Becoming sexually involved before marriage does not only cloud the judgment of the couple before marriage, but can also feed thoughts of mistrust and doubt later. As a word of encouragement, it’s never too late to start a new beginning. You may feel depressed and hopeless, feeling that you can never get back on track. Throughout the Bible, God continually calls His people back to Him, “Repent and return to Me.” The only command Jesus gave the woman caught in the act of adultery was to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). He didn’t condemn her, criticize her, or bring up the past; He gave her clear direction on what to do from that point forward. My past is definitely not stellar, and there are consequences to past mistakes, but it’s best to live in God’s arms redeemed then broken outside of His will. Which way will you run? http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-sex-before-marriage-yes-no-or-maybe-so-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/2a8Lb4MgXj4/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-christians-catholics-mormons-jws-whose-truth-is-true-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:27:57 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2493 Historical Christianity is built primarily on two foundations: Jesus is God and the innerancy of the Bible. We can’t be united if we are divided on these foundational issues. This article may help to better understand differences, and why we can’t “just all get along”—although I wish we could... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-christians-catholics-mormons-jws-whose-truth-is-true-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=2a8Lb4MgXj4:pba35fnaGcA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/2a8Lb4MgXj4" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-christians-catholics-mormons-jws-whose-truth-is-true-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Historical Christianity is built primarily on two foundations: Jesus is God and the innerancy of the Bible. We can’t be united if we are divided on these foundational issues. This article may help to better understand differences, and why we can’t “just all get along”—although I wish we could... Continue reading &rarr; Historical Christianity is built primarily on two foundations: Jesus is God and the inerrancy of the Bible. We can’t be united if we are divided on these foundational issues. This article may help to better understand differences, and why we can’t “just all get along”—although I wish we could. We are encouraged to be at peace with all men, even with those who have different beliefs. But the Bible also encourages us to boldly and confidently present a scriptural basis for truth and compare differences...to be peacemakers but not religious negotiators. The Inerrancy of Scripture. Roman Catholicism promotes submission to the teachings of the Pope, bishops, and sacred traditions that often supersede Scripture. Traditionally, followers are not encouraged to read the Bible but to lean on Papal interpretation. The title, “Vicar of Christ,” implies that the Pope has the same power and authority that Christ has over the church. Mormons refer to the Bible, but look primarily to the Book of Mormon despite the fact that no geographical locations mentioned have ever been found (cf. 8th Article of Faith). We know where Jerusalem is, but we do not know where Zarahemla and Bountiful, nor any other location, are located. The challenge with believing both the Bible and the Book of Mormon is that Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith cannot both be right—they contradict each other at every turn. Mormon doctrine teaches that the inspired words of their living prophets become scripture; thus, superseding the Bible. After many years of saying, “I want to bear my testimony that I know this church is true...I know our prophet is a true prophet of God,” it becomes ingrained but rarely challenged. Jehovah Witnesses, through The New World Translation, claim that their version of the Bible is scholarly and more accurate. However, the translators were not biblical scholars or theologians. David Reed, an ex-Witness, says that the New World Translation came into being in 1961 for the sole purpose of eliminating the deity of Christ. They also believe that Jesus and Michael, the archangel, are one in the same. Historical Christianity is built on the written word of God alone. The Protestant Reformation set the world ablaze with a hunger to return to the word of God. Many who challenged Rome were killed because of this. The Bible is our infallible rule of faith, being sufficient to give us the sure knowledge of the Gospel: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We cannot add or subtract. Redemption Through Christ Alone. Roman Catholicism teaches that Mary was free of sin. She is a co-redeemer to assist in redemption. A bumper sticker reads, “Can&#039;t find Jesus, look for His mother.” Instead of teaching believers to rest in Christ by faith alone, Catholics often promote Mary worship and works to “merit grace.” Catholics remain dependent on the “Church,” even after death, to relieve suffering in Purgatory. Although sins are forgiven periodically in Confession, the punishment still remains. Mormons believe that God was once as we are, and is now an exalted man, and that men can become gods. The prophet Joseph Smith refers to this as “the great secret” (Times and Seasons 5:613; Aug. 1844). Some try to backpedal away from this, but Mormon doctrine teaches it. They also assert that God’s marriage partner is our mother in heaven; we are their spirit children; good works are necessary for salvation. If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration of truth, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Doctrine, p. 670). Jehovah Witnesses believe that salvation comes through works and not faith alone. Jesus Christ was a perfect man; a created being like us. According to John 1:1, in their Bible, Christ is “a god,” but not “the God.” They do not believe everything that Jesus claimed about Himself. The New World Translation and the Watchtower tracts systematically set out to eliminate evidence for the deity of Christ. Making Him a creature rather than the Creator. Historical Christianity teaches that Mary is highly favored, but not free from sin. She does not play a role in redemption. Any time we minimize Christ we are on very dangerous ground. Historical Christianity believes that Jesus is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (cf. John 14:6). He is not a “god”; He is God. We are totally forgiven when we repent and confess Christ as Lord. No punishment remains (cf. Romans 3:24-25). God the Father was never like us and we will never be like Him. This dangerous view exalts man. If a person claims that a “messenger of light” appeared to them with new truth, we should point them to Paul’s words, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed” (Galatians 1:8). Christ is the only Head of the Church. We do not need an additional mediator or priest; Jesus is our mediator and Priest (Hebrews 4:15). We do not need to belong to any Church, or Society, to be saved. Again, salvation comes through Christ alone: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). We can stand before God because our sin debt is paid in full...no intercessors, mediators, penance, or works can add to Christ’s finished work on the Cross. Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This truth is true! MORE CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.WCFAV.ORG http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/4172013-christians-catholics-mormons-jws-whose-truth-is-true-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/zmeHh73tZhI/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman-4132013/#comments Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:00:42 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2502 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/4-13-13_CHANGED_God_Takes_Nothing_&#038;_Makes_Something.mp3" "CHANGED: God Takes Nothing &#038; Makes Something — Pastor Shane Idleman - 4/13/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman-4132013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=zmeHh73tZhI:BJXwgrzxFzg:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/zmeHh73tZhI" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman-4132013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/changed-god-takes-nothing-makes-something-pastor-shane-idleman-4132013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/5wMWMTNfFWU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/492013-breaking-news-media-halts-coverage-of-serial-killer-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:21:49 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2483 Quoting the Family Research Council, “It has all the makings of a riveting courtroom drama: The man on trial is charged with killing seven children and a young mother in a filthy, blood-splattered building near Philadelphia. Over the course of several years, he preyed on his victims as a ‘doctor’ who relied on staff of teenagers posing as licensed anesthetists. Together, they stashed the bodies in the basement freezer, until authorities raided the office and arrested the man known to many as a ‘human butcher.’.. <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/492013-breaking-news-media-halts-coverage-of-serial-killer-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5wMWMTNfFWU:NHVE57sBV14:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/5wMWMTNfFWU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/492013-breaking-news-media-halts-coverage-of-serial-killer-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Quoting the Family Research Council, “It has all the makings of a riveting courtroom drama: The man on trial is charged with killing seven children and a young mother in a filthy, blood-splattered building near Philadelphia. Over the course of several years, he preyed on his victims as a ‘doctor’ who relied on staff of teenagers posing as licensed anesthetists. Together, they stashed the bodies in the basement freezer, until authorities raided the office and arrested the man known to many as a ‘human butcher.’.. Continue reading &rarr;Quoting the Family Research Council, “It has all the makings of a riveting courtroom drama: The man on trial is charged with killing seven children and a young mother in a filthy, blood-splattered building near Philadelphia. Over the course of several years, he preyed on his victims as a ‘doctor’ who relied on staff of teenagers posing as licensed anesthetists. Together, they stashed the bodies in the basement freezer, until authorities raided the office and arrested the man known to many as a ‘human butcher.’ Normally, the media would be tripping over themselves to report every grisly detail of this ‘house of horrors’—unless, of course, the accused is an abortion doctor named Kermit Gosnell and his victims were the babies born alive in his filthy clinic. As the gruesome testimonies spill out of former employees in Gosnell&#039;s real-life trial, the bright lights of the network cameras are nowhere to be found. And the keyboards of reporters, who race to recount the nightmarish details of every other tragedy, have fallen silent. It&#039;s not because the story lacks jaw-dropping revelations. This week, two of Gosnell&#039;s staffers described the monster they worked for and the evil that penetrated every inch of his Women&#039;s Medical Center. Sherry West, who had been with the office for years, told the court about a screaming baby that had been born in the clinic and then murdered. With tears streaming down her face, West said the tortured cries of the child ‘really freaked me out... I can&#039;t describe it.’ She says that she called the aborted babies ‘specimens’ because ‘it was easier to deal with mentally.’ Then, trying to collect herself, she told prosecutors, ‘I&#039;m trying to block a lot of this out’.” This article had me visibly shaken and emotional stirred. The secular media is obviously trying to protect their own. They slant the truth, justify sin, and avoid taking responsibility. The reason why many do not want to address this issue is because it’s controversial and unthinkable. They don’t want to “offend.” Sadly, the majority of the pulpits are silent on this issue as well. As the pulpit goes so goes the pew. Many prefer the Joel Osteen approach to ministry (don’t offend and always be positive), but sometimes we need the prophet Isaiah approach, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). The judgment hand of God is not a metaphor; it’s a biblical reality for a nation that has the blood of innocent children on her hands. Repentance, prayer, and humility are the only remedy. This type of information is extremely difficult to write. This was the hardest article I’ve written thus far, but I cannot, and will not remain silent, nor should you. To my shock, one so-called Christian leader actually said, “The topic of abortion is so 1980s. We need to get over it.” Did I miss something? When a physician can legally puncture the back of a child’s skull before delivering the baby, and when people carelessly fill trashcans with mutilated babies day after day in medical facilities without concern from the public, consciences have been seared. When human life is devalued, atrocities such as the holocaust, the slave/sex trade, and abortion occur. God help us when we destroy what He has created. Partial-birth abortion is a process where an unborn, often healthy (near full term), baby’s body is delivered feet first, until only the head remains inside the womb. The physician then punctures the back of the child’s skull with a sharp instrument and removes the child’s brains before delivering the dead baby. Christians will never be reconciled with one another in this area until we acknowledge that the sanctity of life is a top priority that comes before preference and personal liberty. This is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it’s a biblical issue with tremendous ramifications. Again, it is extremely painful to mention any of this. I wish this message could be positive and uplifting, but abortion is a travesty, and our nation is slaughtering innocent children. If you think otherwise, I’d encourage you to research this topic. The truth will change your life. It’s been estimated that hundreds of these types of abortions, including D &amp; E and saline abortions, are performed every day in America after the third month of pregnancy. We can no longer remain silent while silent screams go unheard. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words still echo with resounding clarity: “We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” I hold the same opinion today. But there is also hope for those who have participated in or who have had an abortion. If this is you, I encourage you to read Psalm 51. Both personal experience and the Bible have taught me that God’s unfailing love and compassion will see you through. The secular media and most of the nation has drifted from God, but it does not follow that we should: “‘Return to Me,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will return to you’” (Zechariah 1:2-3). As the moral and cultural war rages between our shores, the need to be awakened from our spiritual slumber has never been greater. “Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is tested” (Martin Luther). This battle is for the very soul of our nation. It’s our choice—stand or fall. Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, California. He can be reached at www.wcfav.org http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/492013-breaking-news-media-halts-coverage-of-serial-killer-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/RsODfFVLm1s/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman-462013/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:00:53 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2491 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/4-6-13_proverbs_finale_what_you_dont_know_can_hurt.mp3" "Proverbs Finale: What You Don't Know CAN Hurt" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 4/6/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a 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http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman-462013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman-462013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/5Cx1mi8_xg8/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/462013-proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 07 Apr 2013 02:00:17 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2489 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63917687?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 4/6/2013 "Proverbs Finale: What You Don't Know CAN Hurt" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/462013-proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=5Cx1mi8_xg8:c_q3I_n7RbI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/5Cx1mi8_xg8" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/462013-proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 4/6/2013 &quot;Proverbs Finale: What You Don&#039;t Know CAN Hurt&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 4/6/2013 &quot;Proverbs Finale: What You Don&#039;t Know CAN Hurt&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/462013-proverbs-finale-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/MKozuoWtfxc/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/462013-wanna-be-like-mike-think-again-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 04 Apr 2013 02:17:45 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2469 In celebration of Michael Jordan's 50th birthday, ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson spent some time with M.J. Thompson gives the sense that Jordan isn't happy. "I would give up everything now to go back and play the game of basketball," Jordan laments. When asked how he copes with the devastating fact that he will never be who he was, Jordan states, "You don't. You learn to live with it.".. <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/462013-wanna-be-like-mike-think-again-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=MKozuoWtfxc:8oEHdFu0aCw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/MKozuoWtfxc" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/462013-wanna-be-like-mike-think-again-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 In celebration of Michael Jordan&#039;s 50th birthday, ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson spent some time with M.J. Thompson gives the sense that Jordan isn&#039;t happy. &quot;I would give up everything now to go back and play the game of basketball,&quot; Jordan laments. When asked how he copes with the devastating fact that he will never be who he was, Jordan states, &quot;You don&#039;t. You learn to live with it.&quot;.. Continue reading &rarr;In celebration of Michael Jordan&#039;s 50th birthday, ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson spent some time with M.J. Thompson gives the sense that Jordan isn&#039;t happy. &quot;I would give up everything now to go back and play the game of basketball,&quot; Jordan laments. When asked how he copes with the devastating fact that he will never be who he was, Jordan states, &quot;You don&#039;t. You learn to live with it.&quot; Thompson continues, &quot;Jordan might have stopped playing basketball, but the rage is still there. The fire remains, which is why he searches for release, on the golf course or at a blackjack table, why he spends so much time and energy on [the Charlotte Bobcats] and why he dreams of returning to play. The man has left the court, but the addictions won&#039;t leave the man. Most people live anonymous lives, and when they grow old and die, any record of their existence is blown away. They&#039;re forgotten, some more slowly than others, but eventually it happens to virtually everyone. Yet for the few people in each generation who reach the very pinnacle of fame and achievement, a mirage flickers: immortality. They come to believe in it. Even after Jordan is gone, he knows people will remember him. Here lies the greatest basketball player of all time. That&#039;s his epitaph. There&#039;s a fable about returning Roman generals who rode in victory parades through the streets of the capital; a slave stood behind them, whispering in their ears, ‘All glory is fleeting.’ Nobody does that for professional athletes. Jordan couldn&#039;t have known that the closest he&#039;d get to immortality was during that final walk off the court. . . . All that can happen in the days and years that follow is for the shining monument he built to be chipped away, eroded. His self-esteem has always been, as he says, ‘tied directly to the game.’ Without it, he feels adrift. Who am I? What am I doing?” This writer made a correct observation. Society tends to program our looks and actions. Women, as well as young girls, refer to magazines and TV to see how they should dress and act; teenage boys consult TV and the media for role models, and many men measure their self worth by what they have accomplished in business and financially, not realizing that a relationship with God, family, and others is the treasure they should be seeking. Secular values have eroded qualities such as integrity, discipline, and commitment from our lives, just as water and time have eroded the banks of the Colorado River and left a vast Grand Canyon. Erosion can occur so slowly that we are unaware until its work is done. It has the power to change the course of a mighty river and it can surely change the course of our lives. Don’t allow a declining culture to erode essential qualities in your life. You can make a difference by following and obey God’s Word. With life we were given power. The power to obey God is one of the greatest attributes that we possess. There is little we can do about life’s glitches except to control the way that we respond to them. The obstacles ahead are not greater than God’s power to take us through. Most of us understand that money can buy the best mattress, but it can’t guarantee sleep. Why do millionaires, movie stars and top entertainers often turn to spirituality, drugs and alcohol for the answers if success satisfies? Many discover that money, fame and recognition are not the answers. CEO’s, presidents and vice presidents frequently admit that they are happy when they reach production goals, but very unhappy when under budget, largely because they measure happiness by what’s happening to them. When things go well, they’re happy, when things go poorly, they’re unhappy. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t be productive, but if happiness is measured by our circumstances, it’s going to be a very rough road. One of the happiest times in my life, for example, was when I went from running multiple fitness locations to making much less money digging ditches, writing, and managing nothing but my daily life. During this transition, I quickly learned that the more I owned, the more owned me. Goals, dreams and aspirations are God’s desire for our lives, but when these things are based on self-gratification, we encounter problems emotionally, physically and spiritually. Success doesn’t satisfy because we were not designed to be idols. Matt Smethurst, associate editor of The Gospel Coalition, is spot on: “‘How can I find peace away from the game of basketball’? the aging legend asks. Michael, you never had peace. Triumph and fame, yes, but not peace. James Naismith invented a game that brought you a sense of purpose, of value, of calm. But it was only that—a sense, a counterfeit of the real thing. You will never find life outside the game for the same reason you never found life in it. It&#039;s not there. The peace you seek isn&#039;t available on a basketball court or a golf course but on a little hill outside Jerusalem. There, Yahweh incarnate hung in the place of sinners—wannabe Yahwehs like you and like me. You&#039;ve gained the world and found it lacking, Mike. Don&#039;t lose your soul.” What shall it profit any of us if we gain the whole world yet lose our soul? (cf. Mark 8:36). http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/462013-wanna-be-like-mike-think-again-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/8Q77ze3wXw8/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman-3312013/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:00:49 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2477 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/3-31-2013_desperate_for_more.mp3" "Desperate For More of God" - Pastor Shane Idleman - 3/31/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman-3312013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=8Q77ze3wXw8:t0r3aydBpi8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/8Q77ze3wXw8" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman-3312013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman-3312013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/FbUWkM64tdQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3312013-desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Mon, 01 Apr 2013 02:00:26 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2475 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63300593?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/31/2013 - Desperate For More of God - Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3312013-desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=FbUWkM64tdQ:F1nVO8LmO_U:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/FbUWkM64tdQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3312013-desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 3/31/2013 - Desperate For More of God - Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 3/31/2013 - Desperate For More of God - Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3312013-desperate-for-more-of-god-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/uGUpu22NBnk/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3302013-resurrection-life-desperate-for-more-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 31 Mar 2013 02:00:52 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2472 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/63062756?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/30/2013 "Resurrection Life Desperate For More!" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3302013-resurrection-life-desperate-for-more-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=uGUpu22NBnk:4xdh1U-Q2Ho:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/uGUpu22NBnk" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3302013-resurrection-life-desperate-for-more-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 3/30/2013 &quot;Resurrection Life Desperate For More!&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 3/30/2013 &quot;Resurrection Life Desperate For More!&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3302013-resurrection-life-desperate-for-more-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/1w3YUJSlUaY/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3302013-easter-should-christians-celebrate-holidays-shane-idleman/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:47:03 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2451 <em>Author’s Note: There is always an attempt to de-emphasize the true, spiritual significance of Christian holidays and place emphasis on Santa, toys, bunnies, baskets, and candy. That is a sincere cause for concern. This article assumes that is understood. This article is also not a hill to die on for me. I respect those who may disagree and they may have a valid pause for concern.</em> During the 2011 Christmas season, I received the following email from an online viewer, “I'm sorry, but every time I tried to watch the sermon the decorated Christmas trees in the background were disturbing to my spirit. I turned it off. I am discouraged and disappointed because of the trees.” <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3302013-easter-should-christians-celebrate-holidays-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=1w3YUJSlUaY:6Twr9rLQvt4:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/1w3YUJSlUaY" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3302013-easter-should-christians-celebrate-holidays-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Author’s Note: There is always an attempt to de-emphasize the true, spiritual significance of Christian holidays and place emphasis on Santa, toys, bunnies, baskets, and candy. That is a sincere cause for concern. This article assumes that is understood. This article is also not a hill to die on for me. I respect those who may disagree and they may have a valid pause for concern. During the 2011 Christmas season, I received the following email from an online viewer, “I&#039;m sorry, but every time I tried to watch the sermon the decorated Christmas trees in the background were disturbing to my spirit. I turned it off. I am discouraged and disappointed because of the trees.” Continue reading &rarr;Author’s Note: There is always an attempt to de-emphasize the true, spiritual significance of Christian holidays and place emphasis on Santa, toys, bunnies, baskets, and candy. That is a sincere cause for concern. This article assumes that is understood. This article is also not a hill to die on for me. I respect those who may disagree and they may have a valid pause for concern. During the 2011 Christmas season, I received the following email from an online viewer, “I&#039;m sorry, but every time I tried to watch the sermon the decorated Christmas trees in the background were disturbing to my spirit. I turned it off. I am discouraged and disappointed because of the trees.” Her statement begs the question, “Can we redeem holidays?” Redeem means to recover the ownership of something. Can we, in good faith, redeem Halloween, Christmas, and Easter with their roots saturated in paganism, superstitions, and the occult? Redeem and celebrate are not unfamiliar to Christians. God “redeems” man from a state of darkness and we “celebrate” this transformation of heart. Simply stated, it’s about why, who, and how we celebrate. For example, Halloween, a mixture of Celtic pagan superstition and early traditions is associated with witchcraft and satanic activity. This is not something to be celebrated, nor can it be redeemed as it stands with themes such as horror, death, and fear. We have children and we can’t always avoid the gory and grotesque decorations, so we change the theme in order to redeem. We use the opportunity to redefine Halloween to “good overcame evil day.” We don’t celebrate Halloween per se’; we remember Jesus’ victory on the cross and how He overcame evil. Many churches offer Fall Festivals and celebrations for this very reason—to redeem the theme of Halloween. What about Christmas? Rooted in pagan practices, it is abused and commercialized, but can it be redeemed? Christmas, unlike Halloween’s message of horror and death, celebrates eternal life through the birth of Christ. We don’t falsely worship the tree and the decorations referred to in Jeremiah 10:1-10; we worship the Creator of heaven and earth. Conversely, rich in symbolism, the Christmas tree can point to the cross: once a dead and barren tree, supporting a lifeless Savior, it now stands evergreen as the symbol of eternal life that darkness cannot overcome (cf. 1 John 1:5). Gift giving can also represent peace and goodwill among men (cf. Matthew 2): “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). It can, however, lead to extravagant spending and debt; this should be avoided. What about Easter with roots in neo-paganism and ancient Celtic and pagan rituals? Can it be redeemed? Many Christians who celebrate Easter are not swayed or influenced by pagan roots, Celtic rituals, or cult-like experiences. They are not worshipping the false goddess Eastre. Like Christmas, the historical roots and the secularization does not undermine the message in a sincere heart. Easter celebrates the reality of an empty tomb and the power of the cross to cleanse and redeem...to release us from sin and death. It offers hope and peace to a dying world. This is cause for great celebration. Holidays, in many cases, are redeemed when the focus is on Christ. Let’s look at this another way: it is my guess that there are a number of Christians who do not acknowledge holidays because of how they originated, I respect that. But let’s follow that line of thinking in other areas: should we not acknowledge days of the week whose names originate from false gods...Sunday from the sun god, Monday the moon god, and so on? Again, these issues are heart issues. God does not desire superficial sacrifice and “religiosity”; He desires a broken and contrite heart. Pleasing God is the most important issue of the heart. We can avoid celebrating holidays, yet still be rigid, arrogant, and judgmental. The “heart” is the main focus of this article. Considering that liberty has its limits, if all that we do honors God, He is pleased. Again, the key is to avoid arrogance and judgmentalism, and to avoid worshipping the wrong things. Strive to follow Paul’s advice and not “dispute over doubtful things,” and “live peaceably with all men” (cf. Romans 14:1 &amp; 12:18). For example, what the online viewer, previously mentioned, failed to realize was that I did not place the trees on the stage...the building was not ours. She neglected to err on the side of grace. Whatever your position, the question to ask is, “Is my stance leading to love, joy, peace, contentment, gentleness, and kindness. Or is it leading to rigidity, arrogance, legalism, divisiveness, criticism, and anger over non-essentials?” The former is the filling of the Spirit; the later is the slippery slope of judgmentalism. There are those who derail Christmas and its commercialism, yet purchase a $2500 Plasma on credit, book expensive vacations each summer, and never serve the community or help those in need. Time is spent posting videos exposing the root of holidays, but no time is spent in the prayer closet truly seeking God. Other’s ridicule the secularization of Christmas and Easter but allow their family to watch ungodly entertainment. Celebrating holidays is often not the issue; the issues is what, or who, we choose to worship...the attitude of the heart. This Easter, although we rejoice in the empty tomb, don’t forget about the power of the cross. “There is no peace until we see the finished work of Jesus Christ—until we can look back and see the cross of Christ between our sins” (D.L. Moody). This offers peace and hope to a dying world...truly a cause for celebration! http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3302013-easter-should-christians-celebrate-holidays-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/S7yyvTd7h3k/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/guest-speakers/3232013-proverbs-25-anger-destroys-families-guest-speaker-pastor-nofo-eletise/#comments Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:00:41 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2459 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/62704021?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/23/2013 "Proverbs 25: Anger Destroys Families" Guest Speaker, Pastor Nofo Eletise <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/guest-speakers/3232013-proverbs-25-anger-destroys-families-guest-speaker-pastor-nofo-eletise/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a 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noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-25-anger-destroys-families-pastor-shane-idleman-3232013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/-bwANBdG9rQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3232013-proverbs-25-anger-destroys-families-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 24 Mar 2013 02:00:09 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2457 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/62567557?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/23/2013 "Proverbs 25: Anger Destroys Families" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a 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http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3232013-proverbs-25-anger-destroys-families-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/LGCWDqd5E7Y/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3162013-proverbs-24-five-myths-of-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2013 02:00:29 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2455 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/62166455?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/16/2013 "Proverbs 24: Five Myths Of Repentance" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/3162013-proverbs-24-five-myths-of-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=LGCWDqd5E7Y:Sk55d0qJIEM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img 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17 Mar 2013 02:00:28 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2461 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/3-16-13_proverbs_24_five_myths_of_repentance.mp3" "Proverbs 24: Five Myths Of Repentance" — Pastor Shane Idleman 3/16/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-24-five-myths-of-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-3162013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a 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noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-24-five-myths-of-repentance-pastor-shane-idleman-3162013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/6iqCHQaI-iQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3162013-pastors-speak-as-a-dying-man-to-dying-men-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:08:22 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2444 A few years back, I listened in astonishment as some prominent “Christian leaders” talked about replacing “preaching” with “having a conversation.” At first, I thought that they might be confusing individual conversations with how we should speak to the masses, but I was wrong. They felt that we should stop “preaching” from the pulpit and start being more passive and less confrontational. Never mind the fact that Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). But according to many, it’s time to replace the pulpit with a couch and preaching with conversing... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3162013-pastors-speak-as-a-dying-man-to-dying-men-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6iqCHQaI-iQ:OjCRmqIMe3c:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/6iqCHQaI-iQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3162013-pastors-speak-as-a-dying-man-to-dying-men-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 A few years back, I listened in astonishment as some prominent “Christian leaders” talked about replacing “preaching” with “having a conversation.” At first, I thought that they might be confusing individual conversations with how we should speak to the masses, but I was wrong. They felt that we should stop “preaching” from the pulpit and start being more passive and less confrontational. Never mind the fact that Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). But according to many, it’s time to replace the pulpit with a couch and preaching with conversing... Continue reading &rarr;A few years back, I listened in astonishment as some prominent “Christian leaders” talked about replacing “preaching” with “having a conversation.” At first, I thought that they might be confusing individual conversations with how we should speak to the masses, but I was wrong. They felt that we should stop “preaching” from the pulpit and start being more passive and less confrontational. Never mind the fact that Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). But according to many, it’s time to replace the pulpit with a couch and preaching with conversing. As I’ve said before, there is a very troubling trend in the evangelical church as a whole. We are in desperate need of genuine leadership—broken, humble men—men who are not afraid to admit that they need God; men who are more worried about prayer than about status and recognition; men who petition God rather than position themselves. Many men want the recognition, but not the brokenness; the honor, but not the humility. The state of the family today is disheartening as well. Men have largely forsaken their God-given role as spiritual leaders in their homes…that, no one can deny. And I believe that the pulpit is partly to blame. Today, the truth is often neglected, watered-down, or avoided altogether in the hope of not offending members and building a large audience. Judgment is never mentioned; repentance is never sought; and sin is often excused. We want to build a church rather than break a heart; be politically correct rather than biblically correct; coddle and comfort rather than stir and convict. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (I Timothy 1:15), yet, many avoid words such as sin and repentance. The good news about Christ can only be appreciated with the bad news as the backdrop. There are times when the saints must be fed, and there are times when the sinners must be warned (C.H. Spurgeon). Preaching, witnessing, and teaching are to be done with God-given authority to truly be effective. When we fail to proclaim God’s Word faithfully, we run the risk of “encouraging sin” and “perverting the words of the living God” (cf. Jeremiah 23). Pastors are to be pillars who support truth, not who oppose it. Truth is not “flexible” when it comes to absolutes—it’s solid and unyielding. Truth liberates. Truth rebuilds. Truth restores. Truth heals. Truth transforms. Truth prevails—you don’t change truth—truth changes you! We must begin here. Where are the Isaiahs and Jeremiahs calling nations to repentance? Where are the Peters and Pauls who spoke with such authority that martyrdom did not silence them? Though they are dead, they still speak! Where are the Wycliffs who stood so unyielding for the truth that he was called The Morning Star of Reformation? Where are the Tyndales and Huss’ who were burned at the stake for simply declaring the truth? Where are the Luthers who, when asked to recant or face possible execution, said, “Here I stand; I can do no other”? Where are the John Calvins who shape the religious thoughts of our Western culture? Where are the John Knoxs who cried, “Give me Scotland [for the cause of Christ] or I die”? Where are the Whitefields who shook continents? Where are the Howell Harris’, Daniel Rowlands’, and Griffith Jones’ who preached with such passion during the Welsh revivals of the 18th century that we still honor them today? I say again, “Where are they?” Where are the John Wesleys who said, “Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and we will shake the gates of hell?” Where are the David Brainerds who spent so much time in prayer that even the great Jonathan Edwards was convicted? Where are the Robert Murray McCheynes who, even though he died at age twenty-nine, was one of Scotland’s most anointed preachers—causing people to weep before even preaching a word (not emotionalism, but anointing)? Where are the Martin Luther King, Jr.s, who gave his life for a worthy cause? Where are the Spurgeon’s who spoke with such authority that his sermons are read more today than ever before? Where are the D.L. Moodys who brought America to her knees? Where are the Evan Roberts’ who, during the Welsh Revivals of 1904-5, preached so powerfully against sin that people cried out to truly know God? Where are the Puritans like Richard Baxter, who said with such humility, “I speak as a dying man to dying men”? As the church falls deeper into self-reliance and further from reliance on God, our need for bold leadership has never been greater. Change in our nation will only occur when there is a strong conviction of sin, genuine faith, humility, and sincere repentance, beginning in the pulpits. May God grant us the wisdom and strength to proclaim these truths. We must stop confusing God’s patience with His approval and preach with conviction from the pulpits again—as dying men to dying men. Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, Ca., just North of Los Angeles. He just released his 6th book, Answers for a Confused Church. He currently resides in So Cal. with his wife and children. His sermons, articles, books, and radio program can all be found at www.WCFAV.org. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/3162013-pastors-speak-as-a-dying-man-to-dying-men-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/_6DNzxzSoGU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2013 02:00:36 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2447 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/61665346?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 3/9/2013 "Proverbs 23: How Does 23 Apply To Me?" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=_6DNzxzSoGU:XLirPyLIOtQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/_6DNzxzSoGU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 3/9/2013 &quot;Proverbs 23: How Does 23 Apply To Me?&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 3/9/2013 &quot;Proverbs 23: How Does 23 Apply To Me?&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/0_0KheHHmYk/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman-2/#comments Sun, 10 Mar 2013 02:00:13 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2449 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/3-9-2013_how_does_23_apply_to_me.mp3" "Proverbs 23: How Does 23 Apply To Me?" — Pastor Shane Idleman 3/9/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=0_0KheHHmYk:oiudC8uI_o8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/0_0KheHHmYk" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman-2/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/392013-proverbs-23-how-does-23-apply-to-me-pastor-shane-idleman-2/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/VR11zyixwhU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/392013-the-price-of-pleasure-war-against-the-soul-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:30:30 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2438 Society’s influence on the church is very alarming. In times past, the hero was the father, not Edward (from Twilight). The greatest influence was the mother, not Bella. Kids once quoted Scriptures; now they are casting spells. What a sad commentary on the state of the family today. Hollywood, not the Holy Spirit, is guiding us... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/392013-the-price-of-pleasure-war-against-the-soul-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=VR11zyixwhU:iuCzJdIu9GA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/VR11zyixwhU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/392013-the-price-of-pleasure-war-against-the-soul-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Society’s influence on the church is very alarming. In times past, the hero was the father, not Edward (from Twilight). The greatest influence was the mother, not Bella. Kids once quoted Scriptures; now they are casting spells. What a sad commentary on the state of the family today. Hollywood, not the Holy Spirit, is guiding us... Continue reading &rarr;Society’s influence on the church is very alarming. In times past, the hero was the father, not Edward (from Twilight). The greatest influence was the mother, not Bella. Kids once quoted Scriptures; now they are casting spells. What a sad commentary on the state of the family today. Hollywood, not the Holy Spirit, is guiding us. An important question for all Christians to ask is, “Are we ‘affecting’ the world, or is the world ‘infecting’ us?” A.W. Tozer reminds us: “Where does Christianity destroy itself in a given generation? It destroys itself by not living in the light, by professing a truth it does not obey.” The church should not reflect or imitate the world, but lovingly confront it. We do the most for the world when we are the least like the world. We are to love them but not learn from them (cf. Psalms 107:35-37). No other decision will impact our lives more than who or what we choose to follow...what we choose to love. Americans give approximately four billion but spend over one hundred and fifty billion a year on pleasure. A serious misplacement of priorities. In Biblical terms, fulfilling unhealthy pleasures (or pushing healthy ones to the limit) leads to poverty—financially, relationally, and spiritually. He who loves the things of this world will destroy his own soul. “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). When pleasures, even good ones, draw us away from God...when they crowd Him out...we are in danger of “loving the world.” God is in the background while pleasure and self focus are in the foreground. Granted, finances, relaxation, and healthy balanced entertainment are God-given resources that aid in rest and recuperation. This is not the problem; it is the “love” of pleasure and entertainment that leads us away. We cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve the god of this world and the one true God. John Owen, the prolific Puritan author, wrote, “Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you.” Carnality and lukewarm living wage war against the soul. The carnal person wants to live without God’s restraints. Do you struggle in this area? Here is a test: “Does this article anger or convict; are you upset or repentant?” The old adage reminds us, “When a rock is thrown into a pile of dogs the one who yelps was struck.” If this article upsets, it applies. J.C. Ryle in his book on holiness wrote that we must stand guard as a soldier on enemy ground. The problem is that many who profess to be Christians love the world and have a hard time separating. They believe in heaven but they don’t truly long for it. They “say” that they fear God but they don’t live like it. They indulge temptation rather than fight it. They enjoy sin rather than confront it. The lukewarm church avoids the heat of conviction. They don’t like many of these articles. Holiness, to them, is outdated...old-fashioned. Please don’t misunderstand, we all fall short, but our lifestyle should reflect our faith. It’s not about perfection, but direction. Galatians 5:16 reminds us that if we “live by the Spirit,” we will “not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” What we feed grows, and what grows can quickly become the dominating force within our lives. Sin is never static—it either grows or withers depending on whether we feed or starve it. A daily diet of violence, lust, anger, and depression will fuel those very things in our lives. Pay close attention to what you watch and listen to...what you take pleasure in—the force controlling it ultimately controls you (cf. Ephesians 2:12). What entertains you? Are you drawn to things honorable and excellent or dark and depressing? Do you prefer programs about vampires, witches, zombies, the occult, illicit sex, and perversions? Do you listen to music that stirs and motivates ungodly lusts and attractions? This isn’t rocket-science: “If your sinful nature controls your mind, there is death. But if the Holy Spirit controls your mind, there is life and peace” (Romans 8:6). “The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil” (Matthew Henry). A Christian should not be entertained by darkness. If we are entertained, our heart needs spiritual resuscitation. We, like the mighty Roman Empire that collapsed centuries ago, are crumbling from within. Historian Edward Gibbon once wrote about the conditions of Rome before her fall. The spending of public funds on food and entertainment, and the mad craze for pleasure and sport, topped the list. Sound familiar today? I believe that anyone who suggests that carnality and lukewarm living are not propelling us in this same direction, does so in sheer ignorance or is in denial because they love the things of this world more than the things of God. “The gratification of the flesh and the fullness of the Spirit do not go hand in hand” (R.A. Torrey). We cannot feed the flesh and be filled with the Spirit. “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). You and I cannot serve both God and the god of this world. Are you willing to do what it takes to protect your relationship with the Lord? It all begins here... “as a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, Ca., just North of Los Angeles. He just released his 6th book, Answers for a Confused Church. The brief trailer is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=VsWh-yUdJJE He currently resides in So Cal. with his wife and children. His sermons, articles, books, and radio program can all be found at www.WCFAV.org. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/392013-the-price-of-pleasure-war-against-the-soul-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/kl2brTcBMmQ/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-22-how-should-we-then-live-pastor-shane-idleman-322013/#comments Sun, 03 Mar 2013 02:00:29 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2436 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/3-2-13_proverbs_22_how_should_we_then_live.mp3" "Proverbs 22: How Should We Then Live" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 3/2/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a 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Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/322013-proverbs-22-how-should-we-then-live-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=YzdohkyiZzk:IC8FeKea9dQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=YzdohkyiZzk:IC8FeKea9dQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=YzdohkyiZzk:IC8FeKea9dQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=YzdohkyiZzk:IC8FeKea9dQ:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a 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Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 3/2/2013 &quot;Proverbs 22: How Should We Then Live&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/322013-proverbs-22-how-should-we-then-live-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/BpEzrReRjLE/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/322013-have-we-lost-the-fear-of-the-lord-yes-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 02 Mar 2013 13:30:38 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2442 J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) once said that true Christians must stand guard as soldiers on enemy ground. The problem is that many love the world and do not fear God. They believe in heaven but they don’t truly long for it. They “say” that they fear God but they don’t live like it. They indulge temptation rather than fight it. They enjoy sin rather than confront it. And they compromise rather than conquer. The lukewarm church disdains the heat of conviction. Holiness, to them, is outdated and the fear of the Lord is old-fashioned... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/322013-have-we-lost-the-fear-of-the-lord-yes-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=BpEzrReRjLE:9K91bbNwo3g:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/BpEzrReRjLE" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/322013-have-we-lost-the-fear-of-the-lord-yes-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) once said that true Christians must stand guard as soldiers on enemy ground. The problem is that many love the world and do not fear God. They believe in heaven but they don’t truly long for it. They “say” that they fear God but they don’t live like it. They indulge temptation rather than fight it. They enjoy sin rather than confront it. And they compromise rather than conquer. The lukewarm church disdains the heat of conviction. Holiness, to them, is outdated and the fear of the Lord is old-fashioned... Continue reading &rarr;J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) once said that true Christians must stand guard as soldiers on enemy ground. The problem is that many love the world and do not fear God. They believe in heaven but they don’t truly long for it. They “say” that they fear God but they don’t live like it. They indulge temptation rather than fight it. They enjoy sin rather than confront it. And they compromise rather than conquer. The lukewarm church disdains the heat of conviction. Holiness, to them, is outdated and the fear of the Lord is old-fashioned. The present condition of the church leaves one to wonder if the lack of the fear of the Lord is contributing to her spiritually dead condition: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:15-17). A healthy respect of God (fear) is what our culture, and the church, desperately need. Please don&#039;t misunderstand: there are great churches doing wonderful things. God is still working through His people. I&#039;m referring to the church collectively, as a whole, rather than &quot;all&quot; churches. The fear of the Lord is mentioned frequently throughout the Bible as the beginning of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.” Many feel that we should avoid mentioning the fear of the Lord because it makes people feel uncomfortable. Just writing that sentence makes me feel uncomfortable. “The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him…” (Psalm 147:11). Joshua encouraged the people to “fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness” (24:14). It’s clear from Genesis to Revelation that we are to “serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling” (Psalm 2:11). Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Jesus spoke more on the fear of hell than on the glory of heaven. He thought it to be timely and urgent. “That makes me both love Him and fear Him! I love Him because He is my Savior, and I fear Him because He is my Judge” (A.W. Tozer). The overall direction of the church away from the fear of the Lord is a sad reality. It is an indication that we may fear men more than God. Those who avoid teaching the fear of the Lord to soften the message are missing the balance. We are running from the very thing we need: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come” (Revelation 14:7). Acts 9:31 says that the early church walked “in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” Did you catch that: the church was powerful and multiplied because they walked in the fear of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Anointing and fear go hand-in-hand. Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:12 that we should work out (not work for) our own salvation with “fear and trembling.” We must lovingly proclaim the fear of the Lord again in our pulpits if we are to experience genuine revival. Fear often motivates repentance. The fear of the Lord will cause an adulterer to seek forgiveness. It will motivate the prodigal to return. It will stop much of the violence that we see today. It will motivate pastors to spend extended time in prayer for anointed sermons. When the fear of the Lord is preached the world will repent: “Falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you” (1 Corinthians 14:25). A true fear of the Lord saves man from himself. We should take His commands seriously...not legalistically, but reverently. Fearing the Lord isn’t the type of fear one would have toward an abusive father, but rather, it’s the type of fear that involves respect and reverence for God. For example, we fear jumping off a 100-story building because we respect gravity. Fear, in this sense, is good and God-given; it protects. It is often through reverent fear that we come to Christ and redemption. The church cannot neglect, water-down, or avoid preaching the fear of the Lord in the hope of not offending, or securing an audience. The fear of the Lord offends, and rightly so. The goal of the church is faithfulness to God, not crowd appeal. The church, as a whole, may have forgotten the fear of the Lord, but it doesn’t follow that we should. Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, Ca., just North of Los Angeles. He just released his 6th book, Answers for a Confused Church. The brief trailer is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsWh-yUdJJE&amp;feature=player_embedded http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/322013-have-we-lost-the-fear-of-the-lord-yes-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/SkwwZY6kFRk/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2232013-proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2013 02:00:45 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2422 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/60391744?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 2/23/2013 "Proverbs 21 (part 2): The Price Of Pleasure" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2232013-proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=SkwwZY6kFRk:rFiNgcxynyc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/SkwwZY6kFRk" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2232013-proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 2/23/2013 &quot;Proverbs 21 (part 2): The Price Of Pleasure&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 2/23/2013 &quot;Proverbs 21 (part 2): The Price Of Pleasure&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2232013-proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/3bc-EvOAPn0/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman-2232013/#comments Sun, 24 Feb 2013 02:00:13 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2428 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/2-23-2013_Proverbs_21_Part_2_The_Price_Of_Pleasure.mp3" ""Proverbs 21 (part 2): The Price Of Pleasure" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 2/23/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman-2232013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=3bc-EvOAPn0:uNJgRKLnOdk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/3bc-EvOAPn0" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman-2232013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-21-part-2-the-price-of-pleasure-pastor-shane-idleman-2232013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/eiyIkC0pzcg/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2232013-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 23 Feb 2013 13:30:58 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2440 Rev. Gary Hall recently called on lawmakers in Washington to stop fearing the gun lobby and fulfill their “moral duty” to restrict guns: “Everyone in this city seems to live in terror of the gun lobby,” Hall said. “But I believe that the gun lobby is no match for the cross lobby.” Hall’s comments are disheartening... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2232013-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=eiyIkC0pzcg:96waZ9KO5cs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/eiyIkC0pzcg" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2232013-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 Rev. Gary Hall recently called on lawmakers in Washington to stop fearing the gun lobby and fulfill their “moral duty” to restrict guns: “Everyone in this city seems to live in terror of the gun lobby,” Hall said. “But I believe that the gun lobby is no match for the cross lobby.” Hall’s comments are disheartening... Continue reading &rarr;Rev. Gary Hall recently called on lawmakers in Washington to stop fearing the gun lobby and fulfill their “moral duty” to restrict guns: “Everyone in this city seems to live in terror of the gun lobby,” Hall said. “But I believe that the gun lobby is no match for the cross lobby.” Hall’s comments are disheartening. What we’re seeing today is not a gun problem; it’s a moral problem called sin. We are witnessing the rapid deterioration of a nation. We have lost our moral compass...we have lost the fear of the Lord. When the fear of the Lord decreases, evil increases. “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both” (Dwight D. Eisenhower). One of the Scriptures often used to support banning weapons is found in Proverbs 20:22, “Do not say, ‘I will recompense evil’; wait for the Lord, and He will save you.” This scripture is dealing with vengeance and vigilantism, not self defense. According to Romans 13:4 one of the purposes of the authorities is to “execute wrath on him who practices evil.” They are God’s avengers: “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the Word of God, or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible, or by the bayonet” (Robert Winthrop; 1809 – 1894). Please don’t misunderstand...as Christians, I believe that we are to seek peace at every turn and not drape the cross with the flag. But what about self-defense as a last resort and biblical mandates to protect? The Old Testament offers a plethora of examples, but what about the New? It does as well. In Matthew 26:52 Jesus says to Peter, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Jesus didn’t denounce the sword, but clarified it’s place. When we take premature emotionally charged action, it may cost us our life. Later Jesus adds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me?” If He was a thief and a robber, the clubs and swords would have been justified. In my opinion, these Scriptures imply that weapons do have a place in society. Albeit we must be careful. Additionally, In Luke 22:36 Jesus says, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” What is one to do with this Scripture? First, I would err on the side of peace, but this isn’t always an option. One thing is certain: a sword was for defense. Jesus initially sent them on a peaceful mission trip where they did not need these items, but now Jesus may have been saying, “I was your provision and your safety, and I still am, but I also want you to be prepared...to use wisdom.” But some may argue, “Didn’t Jesus say to love our enemies, and bless those who curse us, and do good to those who hate us, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us?” (cf. Matthew 5:43-48.) Yes. However, these references refer to personal assaults, offenses, and character assassinations. It is taking a quantum leap to believe that Jesus is saying, “Do good to those who are trying to maim or destroy you or your family.” Paul tells Timothy that if “anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). But if I protect my family, which is often a greater responsibility (if not equal), then I’m labeled a war-monger and accused of mis-applying the Scriptures? The Scriptures must be read in their totality. For example, when Jesus was slapped He didn’t turn the other cheek. He said, “If I have spoken wrongly, testify of the wrong; but if rightly, why do you strike Me?” (John 18:23). Although we are to err on the side of grace and peace, there is a time and a place for confrontation and protection. Clearly understand that I’m not advocating violence or aggression; I’m advocating scriptural consistency and continuity. Context is the key factor here. Forgiving is not being passive, and granting grace is not being gullible. Are we called to guard our families spiritually, emotionally, and financially but not physically? This makes no sense. However, my concern with the current gun debate is that we are buying into the fear frenzie. A minimizing of sovereignty is directly related to a magnifying of worry. “Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man” (R.C. Sproul). Many are prepared militarily but not spiritually; instilling unhealthy fear in their families. We are putting the fear of man into them rather than the fear of God. I hear all about Glock, Smith and Wesson, and Remington, but little about brokenness, surrender to God, and humility. Our gun safes are full but our prayer closets are empty. We need to spend less time watching O&#039;Reilly, Hannity, Beck, and Coulter, and more time with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Every time God’s people trusted in their weapons and armies, He called them to repentance. Our protection is in daily submission to Him. Psalm 121:2 adds, “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber...” Our current trend beckons us to be very careful about who, or what, we “worship.” Who, or what, we place our trust in. Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship, a nondenominational church in Lancaster, Calif. (www.wcfav.org) Idleman is the author of six books, with his latest titled Answers for a Confused Church. http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2232013-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/X59vaIOTshA/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:00:30 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2420 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/60000402?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 2/16/2013 "Proverbs 21 (part 1): Decisions Determine Destiny" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=X59vaIOTshA:opmLzi_kF1I:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/X59vaIOTshA" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 2/16/2013 &quot;Proverbs 21 (part 1): Decisions Determine Destiny&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 2/16/2013 &quot;Proverbs 21 (part 1): Decisions Determine Destiny&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/pOhrGNfw4OU/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman-2/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 02:00:20 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2425 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/2-16-2013_Proverbs_21_Decisions_Determine_Destiny.mp3" "2/16/2013 "Proverbs 21 (part 1): Decisions Determine Destiny" — Pastor Shane Idleman Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=pOhrGNfw4OU:O7YptsGELtQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/pOhrGNfw4OU" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman-2/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/2162013-proverbs-21-part-1-decisions-determine-destiny-pastor-shane-idleman-2/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/KoH6tpj9YWo/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2162013-genuine-worship-dont-run-from-it-run-to-it-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:07:02 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2410 As mentioned last week, most who attend church are not truly worshipping God—they are simply going through the motions. Those who have truly experienced God worship Him...it’s a byproduct of genuine faith. Our lifestyle should reflect a heart of worship. This is not optional, it’s vital. We cannot live like hell all week and expect heaven to fall during worship. We cannot fill our mind with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine during worship. We cannot worship ourselves, and things, all week and expect to turn our affections toward God on one designated day.... <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2162013-genuine-worship-dont-run-from-it-run-to-it-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=KoH6tpj9YWo:dtW9UwAMKR0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/KoH6tpj9YWo" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2162013-genuine-worship-dont-run-from-it-run-to-it-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 As mentioned last week, most who attend church are not truly worshipping God—they are simply going through the motions. Those who have truly experienced God worship Him...it’s a byproduct of genuine faith. Our lifestyle should reflect a heart of worship. This is not optional, it’s vital. We cannot live like hell all week and expect heaven to fall during worship. We cannot fill our mind with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine during worship. We cannot worship ourselves, and things, all week and expect to turn our affections toward God on one designated day.... Continue reading &rarr;As mentioned last week, most who attend church are not truly worshipping God—they are simply going through the motions. Those who have truly experienced God worship Him...it’s a byproduct of genuine faith. Our lifestyle should reflect a heart of worship. This is not optional, it’s vital. We cannot live like hell all week and expect heaven to fall during worship. We cannot fill our mind with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine during worship. We cannot worship ourselves, and things, all week and expect to turn our affections toward God on one designated day. What we watch and listen to affects the heart—it’s impossible to separate the two. If we would make it our goal to know Christ more personally, we would preach Christ more powerfully. For example, if a Christian fills their mind with the world all week and expects to worship God on Sunday, they will be gravely mistaken. “The gratification of the flesh and the fullness of the Spirit do not go hand in hand” (R.A. Torrey). In regard to pastors and preachers, E.M. Bounds states, “The sermon cannot rise in its life-giving forces above the man. Dead men give out dead sermons, and dead sermons kill.” Bounds continues, “Everything depends on the spiritual character of the preacher.” Who he is all week is who he will be when he steps to the pulpit—the passion and conviction of his message is only as strong as the passion and conviction within him. The same is true for you: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). What goes in ultimately comes out. Genuine worship must begin with a desire for holiness...a desire to be in the presence of God. Oswald Chambers offers this insight, “You have to wrestle against the things that prevent you from getting to God.” Distractions can prevent us from worshipping God. Contrary to what many think, a devotional life centered around worship actually helps with the utilization of time. Worship aids in discipline, patience, peace, and joy. What distracts you? Here is a clue: what zaps your time, energy, and resources? Time, like money, is multiplied when we give first to God. Social life, business life, and personal life all benefit from making worship a priority. If we are too busy to worship God—we are too busy! Genuine worship also involves, and generates, heartfelt forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 5:24, Jesus encourages us to fix broken relationships before worshipping. Why is this a key ingredient to genuine worship? In short, critical, divisive people who do not forgive or release bitterness, anger, and hurt, never experience freedom, happiness, or true worship. Worship is often hindered as the result of past pain and resentment. It silences the heart. The act of true worship from a grateful heart is impossible when these conditions exist. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Simply stated, bitterness, negativity, and anger hinder genuine worship. Take the time now and repent of these destructive attitudes if they exist. Call or write those who have offended you; asking for forgiveness (if warranted) or restoration, especially spouses (or x-spouses). 1 Peter 3:7 also reveals why worship is often stifled and why many prayers go unanswered, “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” We can’t yell at our family all week and participate in heartfelt worship on Sunday. Repentance must take place first. Hebrews 12:15 encourages “that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Forgiveness, restoration, repentance are pivotal steps toward genuine worship. Finally, many fail to worship God because they don’t truly know Him—they have never embraced His truth. Jesus said, “For this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). Sadly, many go through the motions and believe that they are worshipping God and in right relationship with Him. But in Matthew 7:23 Jesus says the following to those who “thought” they knew Him: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” Several years ago, I applied these verses to my life: “But Lord, I attend church and pray from time-to-time, and I’m basically a good person.” The answer was the same, “I don’t know you.” That realization transformed my life. Knowing “about” someone is not the same as knowing someone personally. Matthew 7:19-21 also confirms this, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” These Scriptures are not promoting a works-based religion, they’re demonstrating the importance of having a genuine relationship with Christ—a relationship that produces godly fruit. Genuine faith is reflected in worship toward the one true and living God. Does your life reflect genuine worship? Arrogance and a hard heart prevent us from turning to God. “The proud, self-justifying, self-reliant, self-seeking self has to come simply as a lost, undone sinner, whose only hope is a justifying Savior” (Norman Grubb). Take time now and ask God to help you remove those things that hinder your relationship with Him. It is in the living and giving of genuine worship that we are transformed. Don’t run from it, run to it! http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/2162013-genuine-worship-dont-run-from-it-run-to-it-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/6OBtQ_qOPPg/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman-292013/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2013 02:00:13 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2413 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/2-9-13_proverbs_20_guns_what_does_the_bible_say.mp3" "Proverbs 20: GUNS–What Does The Bible Say?"— Pastor Shane Idleman - 2/9/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman-292013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=6OBtQ_qOPPg:gIc7LlyJ0Rs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/6OBtQ_qOPPg" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman-292013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane-idleman-292013/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/b2fPyPI0C0U/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/292013-proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane/#comments Sun, 10 Feb 2013 00:00:28 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2403 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/59377587?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 2/9/2013 "Proverbs 20: GUNS–What Does The Bible Say?"— Pastor Shane <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/292013-proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=b2fPyPI0C0U:_4P1KZq0UT8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/b2fPyPI0C0U" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/292013-proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane/feed/ 0 2/9/2013 &quot;Proverbs 20: GUNS–What Does The Bible Say?&quot;— Pastor Shane Continue reading &rarr; 2/9/2013 &quot;Proverbs 20: GUNS–What Does The Bible Say?&quot;— Pastor Shane http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/292013-proverbs-20-guns-what-does-the-bible-say-pastor-shane/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/PDRJs6GH0pM/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/292013-worship-the-thermometer-of-the-heart-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sat, 09 Feb 2013 13:30:58 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2430 “It is appropriate to ask whether there is much genuine, deep, heartfelt worship in our churches. In many evangelical churches people do not truly worship God...If genuine worship is lacking in our churches, we should ask how we can bring ourselves to experience much more of the depth and richness of worship, which is the natural response of the believing heart...” (Wayne Grudem). Dr. Grudem is spot on—most who attend church are not worshipping God, they simply go through the motions. But what is genuine worship? Worship is a combination of attitude and acts focused on reverence to God. The Hebrew meaning denotes a “bowing down, or prostrating oneself”; it is a posture reflecting homage and reverence toward the one true and living God. If there is a problem with worshipping God, the problem isn’t with God, the problem is with us. Worship serves as the thermometer of the heart by measuring our spiritual condition...are we hot, cold, or lukewarm? Granted, worship isn’t necessarily measured by actions such as jumping up and down; it’s measured by the condition (temperature) of our heart—is it rejoicing for joy and breaking and submitting to God? <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/292013-worship-the-thermometer-of-the-heart-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=PDRJs6GH0pM:ozreCPPya7s:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/PDRJs6GH0pM" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/292013-worship-the-thermometer-of-the-heart-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 “It is appropriate to ask whether there is much genuine, deep, heartfelt worship in our churches. In many evangelical churches people do not truly worship God...If genuine worship is lacking in our churches, we should ask how we can bring ourselves to experience much more of the depth and richness of worship, which is the natural response of the believing heart...” (Wayne Grudem). Dr. Grudem is spot on—most who attend church are not worshipping God, they simply go through the motions. But what is genuine worship? Worship is a combination of attitude and acts focused on reverence to God. The Hebrew meaning denotes a “bowing down, or prostrating oneself”; it is a posture reflecting homage and reverence toward the one true and living God. If there is a problem with worshipping God, the problem isn’t with God, the problem is with us. Worship serves as the thermometer of the heart by measuring our spiritual condition...are we hot, cold, or lukewarm? Granted, worship isn’t necessarily measured by actions such as jumping up and down; it’s measured by the condition (temperature) of our heart—is it rejoicing for joy and breaking and submitting to God? Continue reading &rarr;“It is appropriate to ask whether there is much genuine, deep, heartfelt worship in our churches. In many evangelical churches people do not truly worship God...If genuine worship is lacking in our churches, we should ask how we can bring ourselves to experience much more of the depth and richness of worship, which is the natural response of the believing heart...” (Wayne Grudem). Dr. Grudem is spot on—most who attend church are not worshipping God, they simply go through the motions. But what is genuine worship? Worship is a combination of attitude and acts focused on reverence to God. The Hebrew meaning denotes a “bowing down, or prostrating oneself”; it is a posture reflecting homage and reverence toward the one true and living God. If there is a problem with worshipping God, the problem isn’t with God, the problem is with us. Worship serves as the thermometer of the heart by measuring our spiritual condition...are we hot, cold, or lukewarm? Granted, worship isn’t necessarily measured by actions such as jumping up and down; it’s measured by the condition (temperature) of our heart—is it rejoicing for joy and breaking and submitting to God? Sadly, many confuse false worship with genuine worship. According to numerous theological resources, false worship is when an entity, person, or object is worshipped instead of God—our passion for “something” outweighs our passion for Him; it draws us away. Most don’t have idols on the shelf because they are parked in the garage. We don’t pay homage to a statue in the living room because we are memorized by a 44” box affectionately known as “the entertainment center.” We don’t sacrifice things on the altar, but we do sacrifice our time (and time with of our children) on the altar of misguided priorities. Of course cars, televisions, and the Internet are not evil, they are neutral; but it is our love for them that tilts the scale away from God. We find hours a day for entertainment, but have little time to worship. Do we honestly believe that this misapplication of priorities doesn’t affect our spirituality? Think again. False worship also includes inappropriate and improper acts supposedly directed toward God. Many simply go through the motions at church. They attend as if they are doing God a favor. The heart is not engaged and the soul is not lifted up...they are bored. Here is a test to measure the spiritual condition of the heart: Do we want the worship time to hurry and finish? Are we dreading another song as our eyes glance at the clock? Do we come late to miss the boring worship? If so, I would seriously encourage heart examination. I am not suggesting that if the worship seems dead it’s our fault...not all of the worship taking place is heartfelt and Spirit-led. There is dry formalism and dead ritualism taking place in the church today. Many sing “about” God but they have never truly experienced Him—head knowledge without heart knowledge. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. He is not a cosmic force, universal love, or a doting grandfather, He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We must worship Him. He created, redeemed, and saved us. One of the countless hymns states it well, “O’ The Blood: washes me; shed for me...what a sacrifice that saved my life, yes the blood, it is my victory!” Luke 19:10 records, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” John 1:29 passionately declares, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” And 1 Peter 2:24 reminds us that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross.” These facts demand worship. Many go ballistic when a favorite team wins, but appear handcuffed and bored in church. How sad. Worship must be a priority. This is not optional, it’s vital. “I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands...&quot; (1 Timothy 2:8). We cannot live like hell all week and expect heaven to fall during worship. We cannot fill our mind with darkness all week and expect the light of Christ to shine during worship. We cannot worship ourselves and things all week and expect to turn our affections toward God on one designated day. Worship is a lifestyle! Worship and holiness are interwoven. 1 Peter 1:16 says, “Be holy, because I am holy.” Holiness is not a strange, outdated word. Holiness is being set apart or separated from anything that causes us to sin, whether mentally (in what we think) or physically (in what we do). Holiness begins in the heart: “The Holy Spirit is first of all a moral flame. It is not an accident of language that He is called the Holy Spirit, for whatever else the word holy may mean it does undoubtedly carry with it the idea of moral purity” (Tozer). To view the accompanying sermon, visit WCFAV.org and search: A CALL TO WORSHIP Shane Idleman is the founder and lead pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship in Lancaster, Ca., just North of Los Angeles. He just released his 6th book, Answers for a Confused Church. The brief trailer is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsWh-yUdJJE http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/articles/292013-worship-the-thermometer-of-the-heart-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/NqXYADOmWHA/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/222013-proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:00:53 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2407 <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/59007605?byline=0&#38;portrait=0&#38;color=000000" frameborder="0" width="600" height="338"></iframe> 2/2/2013 "Proverbs 19: LORD! Why Is This Happening?" — Pastor Shane Idleman <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/222013-proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=NqXYADOmWHA:W25PxDURtYc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/NqXYADOmWHA" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/222013-proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman/feed/ 0 2/2/2013 &quot;Proverbs 19: LORD! Why Is This Happening?&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman Continue reading &rarr; 2/2/2013 &quot;Proverbs 19: LORD! Why Is This Happening?&quot; — Pastor Shane Idleman http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/videos/222013-proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~3/bISFos_JY44/ http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman-222013/#comments Sun, 03 Feb 2013 02:00:50 +0000 admin@wcfav.org (Westside Christian Fellowship) http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/?p=2412 <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/WP/wp-content/uploads/Audio/2-2-2013_proverbs_19_lord_why_is_this_happening.mp3" "Proverbs 19: LORD! Why Is This Happening?" — Pastor Shane Idleman - 2/2/2013 Download MP3 <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/westside-christian-fellowship/id386117063">If you want to always have the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to <strong>subscribe to this podcast on iTunes.</strong></a> <a class="twitter-share-button" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <a href="http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman-222013/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?a=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/WestsideChristianFellowship?i=bISFos_JY44:9E2IGeNPDvM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/WestsideChristianFellowship/~4/bISFos_JY44" height="1" width="1"/> http://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman-222013/feed/ 0 noWestside,Christian,Fellowship,Pastor,Shane,Idleman,Lancaster,California,Glorifying,Christ,Multiplying,Disciples,God,Christian,Truth,Love,Power,Holy,Spirit,Prayer,Christ,Church,Sermon,Discipleship,Video,Bible,Message,Genesis,Creation,Relative,Moralityhttp://westsidechristianfellowship.org/audio/proverbs-19-lord-why-is-this-happening-pastor-shane-idleman-222013/ Westside Christian FellowshipnonadultGlorifying Christ, Multiplying Disciples