Atlanta Westsidehttps://atlantawestside.org/sermons/Sun, 04 Nov 2018 18:56:49 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-15962-15962 (http://www.squarespace.com)Walter HenegarSermons from Atlanta Westside Church.Sermons from Atlanta Westside Church. For additional resources, visit www.atlantawestside.org. Older sermons are also available by emailing the office at info@atlantawestside.org.Sermons from Atlanta Westside Church. For additional resources, visit www.atlantawestside.org. Older sermons are also available by emailing the office at info@atlantawestside.org.noWalter Henegaroffice@atlantawestside.orghttps://atlantawestside.org/sermons?format=RSS2018episodicGuard Your GardenAtlanta WestsideSun, 04 Nov 2018 19:34:17 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/11/4/guard-your-garden5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bdf40f1c2241b7f4fbb5efdDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:14

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:14The seventh commandment endorses sexual activity between a husband and wife – and prohibits it in every other relationship. This sermon offered seven reasons. Because: 1) God remarries us. 2) Sex is not essential to happiness 3) Sexual desire is designed to drive us toward other people 4) Sex in marriage is a walled garden 5) Sexual integrity blesses children 6) Sexual fragmentation destroys 7) No muscles build yes muscles The first of these reasons contains the gospel heart of sexuality: That God only betroths himself to spiritual adulterers, continually giving grace to us in our sexual adulteries as well. The sermon closed with seven quick “hows” for keeping the seventh commandment.noGuard Your GardenGuard Your GardenPrize All LivesAtlanta WestsideSun, 28 Oct 2018 13:59:17 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/10/28/prize-all-lives5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bd5c09124a69425bd0bbfcaDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:13

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:13The sixth commandment has both negative and positive applications. Negative applications cover extreme, systemic, and everyday actions. On the extreme level, God prohibits any action that ends another human life unlawfully. These differ in seriousness according to the degree of premeditation, yet in Christ they are all forgivable: murder (1st and 2nd degree), manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary), homicide (reckless or negligent), and almost every form of suicide, abortion, and euthanasia. Historically, most Christians have understood “lawful” forms of killing to include just warfare, self-defense, and capital punishment. On the systemic level, God also prohibits our participation in unjust systems that devalue, diminish and ultimately shorten the lives of another group of people – as racism in America has, and continues to do. On the everyday level, Jesus makes clear in Matthew 5:21-26 that the heart of the commandment prohibits any attitude of self-righteous hatred toward other people, as well as the demeaning words we often direct at them (or to others about them). In this light, we are all unmasked as murderers, desperately in need of the grace of Jesus to forgive us. Positively, then, the sixth commandment challenges Christians who are saved by grace to consistently prize the life, dignity and flourishing of all human beings. One of the most important ways we can do this is by adopting habits of biblical conflict resolution, especially with fellow Christians. The more we tame our tongues, tell the truth, forgive others, and seek to reconcile with our enemies, the more clearly others will see the passionately people-loving heart of God. noPrize All LivesPrize All LivesLove Those Over YouAtlanta WestsideSun, 21 Oct 2018 20:16:47 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/10/21/love-those-over-you5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bccdcdb24a694be07cacd0aDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:12

]]>Jason KriaskiExodus 20:12God promises to bless us when we honor the people he has placed over us. Honoring our parents looks different depending on your age, and your relationship with your parents. Children are called to obey, teenagers to submit, and adults to listen. But if your parents aren’t in a healthy place spiritually or emotionally or relationally, you can honor your parents by grieving and forgiving. But the only way we can truly honor our parents, and our only true motivation, is knowing that our Father God has adopted us in Christ and given us his Spirit. And when Christ returns, and we’re in the new creation, we’ll enjoy what our families here are only a dim reflection of: perfect loving relationships with God and each other.noLove Those Over YouLove Those Over YouShare His restAtlanta WestsideSun, 14 Oct 2018 13:53:21 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/10/14/share-his-rest5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bc34a2115fcc00e13b1cb0cDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:8-11

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:8-11The fourth commandment is arguably the most blessed, and the most often broken, of the ten commandments. God built the seven-day cycle of work and rest into the fabric of creation, and Hebrews 4 even describes the new heavens and new earth as a “Sabbath rest” for the people of God. But even though it invites us to enjoy a full day of rest and worship – which we know our souls desperately need – our culture, and our hearts, steadfastly resists. Thankfully, the person and work of Jesus, the “Lord of the Sabbath,” meets pitiful sabbath-breakers like us in our failure, gives us abundant mercy, and fuels us with fresh resources to grow in Sabbath faithfulness. As he does, our lives grow more godly, more peaceful, and more useful to others.noShare His RestShare His RestHallow His NameAtlanta WestsideSun, 07 Oct 2018 18:51:40 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/10/7/hallow-his-name5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bba52698165f56086eeb04bDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:7

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:7The third commandment is not about coarse or indelicate speech. It focuses on the name of the LORD God, and therefore also, the name of Jesus Christ and the name of the Holy Spirit. Because there is only one true God (#1), and because his character should not be shrunk by using images in worship (#2), it is all the more important for us to speak his name expansively – to “hallow” it, or treat it as holy. There are at least three main ways we tend to break this commandment today – each of which counterfeits an appropriate way of using God’s name. a) logorrhea: thoughtlessly using God’s name without considering his person at all b) misappropriation: using God’s name to add weight to our own words c) circumlocution: attempting to add weight to our words by implying, but not actually saying, God’s name Failing to honor God’s name in practice ultimately has the same effect as worshiping with images: it shrinks his character in our own hearts, and also in the eyes of others. Sincerely hallowing his name, however, cultivates humility, wonder, attentiveness, and trust – first in ourselves, and then in others. noHallow His NameHallow His NameDon't Shrink GodAtlanta WestsideSun, 30 Sep 2018 13:44:02 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/9/30/dont-shrink-god5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5bb0d2f9c830254901dc9035Discussion Guide for Exodus 2:4-6

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:4-6If the first commandment is about whom we worship (the one and only true God), the second commandment is about how we worship: We should not worship with images, especially not of God himself. The Israelites at Sinai broke this commandment immediately by worshiping the LORD in the form of a golden calf. The problem with images is not artistic skill – which God specifically empowered and commissioned them to use in creating the temple – but the effect that they have on our view of God. Inevitably, worshiping an image of God shrinks God’s expansive greatness into a smaller, more controllable, or more simplistic package. And when we break the second commandment, it eventually becomes much easier to break the first. This is why God includes a reminder of his holy jealousy and the long-term consequences of how we respond to him. Consistent with his gracious character in Christ, though, these positive consequences are dramatically longer-lasting than the negative ones.noDon't Shrink GodDon't Shrink GodThe One and OnlyAtlanta WestsideSun, 23 Sep 2018 17:12:26 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/9/23/the-one-and-only5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ba7c90da4222f4947a0e96dDiscussion Guide for Exodus 20:1-17

]]>Walter HenegarExodus 20:1-17The Ten Commandments are a picture of the Good Life under the reign of God’s grace, and the first commandment lays the foundation for all others: Personal, intimate, exclusive worship of God alone. The only way we will ever begin to obey it is if we remember God’s worthiness, his rescuing grace, and his absolute superiority over every alternative object of our worship.noThe One and OnlyThe One and OnlyEveryday TalkAtlanta WestsideSun, 16 Sep 2018 16:27:07 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/9/16/everyday-talk5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b9e834b0e2e72b096917365Discussion Guide for Deuteronomy 6:1-9

]]>Walter HenegarDeuteronomy 6:1-9Christians not only need to talk more to God in prayer; we need to talk more about God to each other. We do this to cultivate our love for God, for our own good, and so the next generation will love and enjoy him. We tend to resist talking about God because sacred language has been abused in shallow and toxic ways, because we’re afraid of being misunderstood, and because we don’t want God to run our lives. In order to reverse this tendency, we need to listen to God in scripture, to look constantly for opportunities in everyday life, and to use tools that remind us of God’s presence and promises.noEveryday TalkEveryday TalkDisruptive PlaceAtlanta WestsideSun, 09 Sep 2018 18:06:20 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/9/8/disruptive-place5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b9463b00ebbe8f03f4c7319Discussion Guide for Acts 19:23-41

]]>Walter HenegarActs 19:23-41Individual Christians can pick a fight with evil, but it takes a church to undermine idols of the heart that are deeply embedded in a community’s economy and culture. The Good News of Jesus exposes the empty promises of our idols and calls us to cling to God’s better promises. This is not only why every Christian needs a church, but why every local community needs the influence of a church’s members. A critical mass of Christians living their faith has the power to transform whole societies. At Westside, we think this transformation is most effective when we live, work, worship and serve together as closely as possible.noDisruptive PlaceDisruptive PlaceCostly CompassionAtlanta WestsideSat, 01 Sep 2018 20:03:29 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/9/1/costly-compassion5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b8af067352f53facc1a20eeDiscussion Guide for Luke 10:25-37

]]>Walter HenegarLuke 10:25-37On the most straightforward level, Jesus’ famous parable of the Good Samaritan challenges all Christians to perform costly acts of compassion toward people in need – including a very practical example for how to “go and do likewise.” We forget, however, that Jesus told the parable in response to a specific question from a specific person: An expert in religious law was seeking to justify himself by limiting which “neighbors” God required him to love. But by erasing all boundaries on the Second Great Commandment, Jesus’ parable drove him (and us) back to the Greatest Commandment. Only loving God with everything we have will enable us to have compassion for our neighbors in need. And the only way to love God like that is to be captivated by the beauty of God's love for us through Jesus, who rescued us when we were his helpless, unworthy, loveless enemies.noCostly CompassionCostly CompassionHiding in Plain SightAtlanta WestsideSun, 26 Aug 2018 20:46:05 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/8/26/hiding-in-plain-sight5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b83116c0e2e72fa78fdb4c9Discussion Guide for Luke 12:1-7

]]>Claude BallLuke 12:1-7Living honest lives can be fearful, which makes it easy to hide who we really are from each other, and more than likely from God. The sad but joyful reality is that there’s a beautiful message that the Lord has for us that addresses that fear. Jesus invites to live honest lives with a rightful fear of him, so that we can truthfully grow up into all he has for us to be out of his grace for us. noHiding in Plain SightHiding in Plain SightProfoundly Plain TalkAtlanta WestsideSun, 19 Aug 2018 11:35:01 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/8/19/profoundly-plain-talk5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b7955aeb8a0455bb1ef1332Discussion Guide for 1 Corinthians 14:20-25

]]>Walter Henegar1 Corinthians 14:20-25This passage about controversial manifestations of the Spirit – prophecy and speaking in tongues – actually teaches a simple and hugely important principle for Christian worship: It should be understandable to both believers and to those who are not yet familiar with the language and practices of the faith. Ironically, what might seem like “advanced” Christianity, whether in the form of ecstatic speech or theological jargon, is actually childish to practice in gathered worship. Not only does it confuse those God wants us to bless, but it enables us to hide from God behind God-talk. By contrast, straightforward “prophetic” speech has the power both to expose our hearts and to captivate them in loving wonder toward God.noProfoundly Plain TalkProfoundly Plain TalkRedemptive Ethnic UnityAtlanta WestsideSun, 12 Aug 2018 22:48:05 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/8/12/redemptive-ethnic-unity5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b70b7010ebbe8405ce55d3cDiscussion Guide for Acts 2:1-13

]]>Walter HenegarActs 2:1-13When God gave birth to the new covenant community of the church, he went out of his way not just to include people from multiple ethnicities, but to speak the Gospel to them in the language of their birth. Pentecost was more about love than creative communication. Today, the Holy Spirit still empowers Christians to continue this loving trans-cultural work, whether by miraculous tongues or through the ordinary work of befriending, understanding, and translating the Gospel into different cultural contexts. As we do this work, God forges a rare kind of social unity that further sanctifies each one of us, while powerfully portraying the power of the Gospel to the world.noRedemptive Ethnic UnityRedemptive Ethnic UnityTransforming PraiseAtlanta WestsideSun, 05 Aug 2018 18:22:09 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/8/5/transforming-praise5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b67397e758d46d3427b6f17Discussion Guide for Colossians 3:15-17

]]>Walter HenegarColossians 3:15017Singing God’s praise with other believers is not a sideshow or warmup for the sermon; it is one of God’s most powerful tools for transforming our lives together. Like everything else in the Christian life, the practice of praise originates with the good news of God’s love for us in Jesus. When we understand and believe the Gospel, we can’t help but sing thankful praise. Our praise is one of the key ways we experience the peace of Christ that unites us in peace with each other. It is also one of the key ways we practice “teaching and admonishing” one another – by singing biblical content, centered on the Word of Christ, applied “with all wisdom” to the various situations of our lives.noTransforming PraiseTransforming PraiseForgiven MuchAtlanta WestsideMon, 30 Jul 2018 11:48:57 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/7/29/forgiven-much5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b5e174ff950b7feeb7a0ed9Discussion Guide for Luke 7:36-50

]]>Chris TalleyLuke 7:36-50Associate pastor Chris Talley preached this sermon on Luke 7:36-50, where Jesus is invited to the home of a Pharisee and encounters an unexpected intrusion.noForgiven MuchForgiven MuchChasing PleasureAtlanta WestsideSun, 22 Jul 2018 20:34:38 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/7/22/chasing-pleasure5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b54d9e76d2a73038b76ecf6Discussion Guide for Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, 24-26

]]>Michael PhillipsEcclesiastes 2:1-11, 24-26Rev. Michael Phillips, RUF Campus Minister at Georgia Tech, preached this sermon from the book of Ecclesiastes.noChasing PleasureChasing PleasureServing One AnotherAtlanta WestsideSun, 22 Jul 2018 20:34:08 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/7/22/serving-one-another5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b54dfe203ce640bec911ea4Tim LaneJohn 13:1-17Rev. Dr. Tim Lane preached this sermon from John 13:1-17noServing One AnotherServing One AnotherMaker Made: MisalignedAtlanta WestsideSun, 08 Jul 2018 22:03:34 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/7/8/maker-made-misaligned5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b427fa76d2a73e49d78fddcDiscussion Guide for Genesis 2:21 - 3:24

For further resources on gender and sexuality, see affirminggender.com and centerforfaith.org

]]>Walter HenegarGenesis 2:21 - 3:24The Fall of humanity misaligned the three core relationships of human life: with God, with the rest of creation (including our own bodies), and with each other. This reality helps Christians consider multiple, complex factors that influence our experience of the world. More important, God mercifully pursues us in spite of our failures, progressively realigning us with his original design. This realignment includes the ways we embrace the distinct genders he gave us, and how we express our sexuality. noMaker Made: MisalignedMaker Made: MisalignedMaker Made: DefinedAtlanta WestsideSun, 01 Jul 2018 22:04:19 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/7/1/maker-made-defined5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b39496e03ce646d6a531b22Discussion Guide for Genesis 2:4-25

]]>Walter HenegarGenesis 2:4-25Human beings do not create our own identities; rather, God defines who we are. In particular, Genesis 2 teaches that we are defined primarily by relationships of difference: First, we are related to God (who is different from us) in a position of dependence. Second, we relate to creation (which is different from us) in a position of interdependence. Third, we relate to other people, especially across genders (which are different from ours) in a position of interdependence. [Walter will elaborate on this point next week] Jesus is the only human being who has lived perfectly in all three relationships, but through his Holy Spirit, those who trust him by faith are being progressively restored to our original design in all three ways. noDefinedDefinedMaker Made: DesignedAtlanta WestsideMon, 25 Jun 2018 18:52:10 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/6/25/maker-made-designed5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b31361faa4a9930e2788b1bDiscussion Guide for Genesis 1:1 - 2:3

]]>Walter HenegarMaker MadeThe first three chapters of the Bible are not primarily concerned with how God created all things, but why. In particular, the seven-day sequence in 1:1 – 2:3 is designed to orient us to the most important realities about God, ourselves, and our world. God, we learn, is an artistic architect who is supremely able to bring the universe into being with a word. His speaking is not only an act of creative power but an extension of his own inter-Trinitarian conversation, through which he reveals himself to us and draws us into his plans. Ultimately, it is Jesus the Word of God, present as part of the Trinity at creation and active throughout the history of redemption, who speaks to us and graciously draws us into the healing and redemption of the world.noMaker Made: DesignedMaker Made: DesignedThe Spirit of the FruitAtlanta WestsideSun, 17 Jun 2018 21:21:36 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/6/17/the-spirit-of-the-fruit5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b26d065352f53967a6a0c14Discussion Guide for Romans 8:5-14

]]>Claude BallRomans 8:5-14Pastoral Intern Claude Ball completes our Fruit of the Spirit sermon series with this examination of the person and work of the Holy Spirit.noThe Spirit of the FruitThe Spirit of the FruitThe Fruit of Self-ControlAtlanta WestsideSun, 10 Jun 2018 22:57:37 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/6/10/the-fruit-of-self-control5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b1da713575d1f37d74b0be3Discussion Guide for 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

]]>Walter Henegar1 Corinthians 9:24-27In this passage Paul is not talking about salvation, which is a gift of pure grace, but about eternal rewards, which are a grace upon grace. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to actively participate in God’s transformation of our lives. Self-control, then, is not primarily about self-denial, but about guiding our desires to want the things that last forever. We guide our desires here in two ways: 1) by aiming them toward the Lord (or re-aiming them through faith and repentance) and 2) by taming them, mentally and physically. Ultimately, self-control characterizes all the fruit of the Spirit, helping us grow a holy and beautiful life.noThe Fruit of Self-ControlThe Fruit of Self-ControlThe Fruit of GentlenessAtlanta WestsideSun, 03 Jun 2018 23:38:38 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/6/3/the-fruit-of-gentleness5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b146e56f950b72b5373824eGentleness is not needing to force our way in life. It is not being overly impressed by a sense of our own self-importance. Gentleness champions the importance and place of others and seeks the interest and well-being of others ahead of our own. Gentleness is a willingness to lose so that others might gain.   Unfortunately, we often think that gentleness is either a natural disposition we are born with or manners that we can cultivate on our own. But true gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit. It is born out of the new life God is working in us. We need to remember our new freedom, bond and engage with our new family and lean into the new forte´(strength) the gentleness of Jesus gives us by his indwelling Spirit.Discussion Guide for Galatians 5:13-15; 25-6:3

]]>Chris TalleyGalatians 5:1, 13-15, 25; 6:1-3Gentleness is not needing to force our way in life. It is not being overly impressed by a sense of our own self-importance. Gentleness champions the importance and place of others and seeks the interest and well-being of others ahead of our own. Gentleness is a willingness to lose so that others might gain. Unfortunately, we often think that gentleness is either a natural disposition we are born with or manners that we can cultivate on our own. But true gentleness is the fruit of the Spirit. It is born out of the new life God is working in us. We need to remember our new freedom, bond and engage with our new family and lean into the new forte´(strength) the gentleness of Jesus gives us by his indwelling Spirit.noThe Fruit of GentlenessThe Fruit of GentlenessThe Fruit of FaithfulnessAtlanta WestsideSun, 27 May 2018 14:05:50 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/5/26/the-fruit-of-faithfulness5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b09da3e562fa7e07bdcbf0bDiscussion Guide for Matthew 25:14-30

]]>Walter HenegarMatthew 25:14-30Jesus’ parable of the talents is not primarily about how God holds us accountable to use the resources he has entrusted to us. It is primarily about our personal trust in his character. When we understand that God is sovereign, generous, reasonable and gracious, we will be faithful in using everything he has entrusted to us for his glory and the good of others. When we disbelieve or forget the character of God, we refuse to take risks out of fear.noThe Fruit of FaithfulnessThe Fruit of FaithfulnessThe Fruit of GoodnessAtlanta WestsideSun, 20 May 2018 11:41:37 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/5/20/the-fruit-of-goodness5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5b015ebdf950b7644ad4b2bdDiscussion Guide for Luke 6:43-45

]]>Walter HenegarLuke 6:43-45Goodness is not primarily a set of behaviors but a quality of the heart. Its Greek root, agathos, suggests words and actions that are beneficial, useful or life-giving to other people. True goodness demonstrates congruence or consistency between who we are in private and who we are in public. This consistency not only requires the presence of goodness in our hearts, but an abundance of goodness that has been stored in it like treasure. In light of this incredibly high standard, we realize that only a heart transformed by the grace of God is able do good.noThe Fruit of GoodnessThe Fruit of GoodnessThe Fruit of KindnessAtlanta WestsideSun, 13 May 2018 13:47:13 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/5/13/the-fruit-of-kindness5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5af841be2b6a28d7522396a5Discussion Guide for Titus 3:1-8

]]>Walter HenegarTitus 3:1-8Kindness is first and foremost a characteristic of God’s own heart. Before we can become kind, we must receive the kindness of God in the Gospel – rescuing us from our natural state of foolish fragmentation and delivering us into a new life of gracious transformation by the Holy Spirit. When this has happened, we grow in kindness by being “ready for every good work,” resisting busyness and cultivating space for kindness to flourish. As God’s Spirit bears kindness in us, he surprises us with fresh joy, using even the smallest actions to yield lasting blessings for ourselves and others.noThe Fruit of KindnessThe Fruit of KindnessThe Fruit of PatienceAtlanta WestsideSun, 06 May 2018 17:31:44 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/5/6/the-fruit-of-peace5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5aef3635aa4a9972fb2e0ffbDiscussion Guide for James 5:7-11

]]>Claude BallnoThe Fruit of PeaceAtlanta WestsideSun, 29 Apr 2018 18:14:32 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/4/29/the-fruit-of-peace5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ae609261ae6cfa83d5224fbDiscussion Guide for Romans 12:14-21

]]>Walter HenegarRomans 12:14-21In the Bible, there are at least four levels of peace: peace with God, peace in society, peace within ourselves, and peace in our relationships. All four interlock and reinforce each other, but peace as a fruit of the Spirit is primarily about the fourth level: peace in our relationships. When the Gospel of God’s grace is working in our hearts, the Spirit bears peace that includes gracious speech about other people, a habit of empathizing with both sufferers and victors, a humble-self-understanding shaped by actively associating with humble people, and a forward-thinking attunement to the likely consequences of our actions. Even these practices, however, cannot infallibly produce peace, which we must trust to the ultimate judgment of God. noThe Fruit of PeaceThe Fruit of PeaceThe Fruit of JoyAtlanta WestsideSun, 22 Apr 2018 18:00:24 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/4/17/the-fruit-of-joh5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ad61531f950b7d15eda2314Discussion Guide for John 16:16-22

]]>Walter HenegarJohn 16:16-22The fruit of the Spirit known as joy is a product of our relationship with Jesus. Jesus’ farewell discourse with his disciples made this connection explicit: when he was captured and crucified they would weep, but when he was resurrected, they would rejoice. Even after Jesus’ ascension, they continued to experience this joy through the indwelling presence of his Holy Spirit. Because Christians today share that same Spirit, we too possess a joy that “no one will take away” (v. 22). What this joy feels like in our experience, however, is far more complex than a simple positive emotion. Joy above all “sees” or communes with Jesus – but it also bleeds, dreams, and feasts.noThe Fruit of JoyThe Fruit of JoyThe Fruit of LoveAtlanta WestsideSun, 15 Apr 2018 13:28:02 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/4/15/the-fruit-of-love5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ad3533e758d46ce63199f4dDiscussion Guide for 1 John 3:11-18

]]>Walter Henegar1 John 3:11-18Love is not just a feeling; it does something. Love’s source is God’s resurrection love for us. Love’s agenda is the good of other people “in truth” (as defined by God). Love’s priority is the people nearest to us, especially fellow believers. Love’s price is laying down our very selves – both in ways that are natural to us, and ways that are unnatural to us. Love’s risk is being hated.noThe Fruit of LoveThe Fruit of LoveThe Fruit of the Spirit of FreedomAtlanta WestsideSun, 08 Apr 2018 13:36:38 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/4/8/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-of-freedom5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5aca1aa06d2a73d3a0e0f357Discussion Guide for Galatians 5:16-26

]]>Walter HenegarGalatians 5:16-26Christians become more like Jesus by the power of the Spirit of Jesus working in them. Just as God’s Spirit led the Israelites in the wilderness, he leads Christians today from slavery to the works of the flesh into the freedom of the fruit of the Spirit. The nine fruits Paul lists in v. 22-23 cannot be isolated, but rather, they overlap and interlock with one another as a single “fruit.” Just as we received the Spirit by grace, we cannot earn the fruit of the Spirit by working at them as a to-do list. Rather, we use the ordinary means of grace (scripture, prayer, sacraments, and fellowship) to draw near to the person of God. Our intimacy with him, not our work for him, is what changes us. noThe Fruit of the Spirit of FreedomThe Fruit of the Spirit of FreedomResurrection NowAtlanta WestsideSun, 01 Apr 2018 10:22:54 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/3/31/resurrection-now5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ac016df575d1f2de6431d63Easter Bonus! The end of the sermon includes Jeff Heck and other Westside musicians singing "Your Labor Is Not in Vain"

Discussion Guide for 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

]]>Walter Henegar1 Corinthians 15:1-11The bodily death and resurrection of Jesus is the central event on which the Christian faith stands. Those who carefully consider, believe, and hold fast to it can be assured of their own bodily resurrection, in a fully renewed world, when Jesus returns. Until then, the resurrection power of Jesus is already at work in three graces: disruptive grace that resurrects dead hearts, invigorating grace that fuels hard work, and contagious grace that passes the Gospel to others.noResurrection NowBonus! The end of the sermon includes Jeff Heck and other Westside musicians singing "Your Labor Is Not in Vain"

]]>Resurrection NowProne to WanderAtlanta WestsideSun, 25 Mar 2018 11:16:28 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/3/25/prone-to-wander5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5ab784d770a6adbbb6b1c7a2Unfortunately, the sermon audio did not get recorded due to faulty equipment . 

Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 13:4-31

]]>Strengthened by GraceAtlanta WestsideSun, 18 Mar 2018 12:32:23 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/3/18/growing-in-grace5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5aae5b7c1ae6cf0c78ca882fDiscussion Guide for 2 Timothy 2:1-10

]]>Byron Johnson2 Timothy 2:1-10God has called us to be strengthened by grace and to pass on our faith by enduring through all of life’s circumstances. We are to have an enduring devotion to our Savior and fellow-soldiers, an enduring discipline to compete and not give up, and an enduring diligence to work hard and wait patiently for the harvest. Life can be challenging and suffering is real, but God’s grace is greater and more powerful than the difficulties we face.noStrengthened by GraceStrengthened by GraceBlessed ObligationsAtlanta WestsideSun, 11 Mar 2018 19:03:44 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/3/5/blessed-obligations5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a9dc265f9619ac76db2e297Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 10

]]>Chris TalleyNehemiah 10:28-39As the people of God came back to the promised land, God began stitching them back together as his people. With the walls rebuilt, and the city more secure, the consistent gathering of God's people in the Temple for worship was now possible. In the previous chapter, Walter showed us the power of God's Word, both read and explained to the people, moved them to worship God, to praise him and also to apprehend a sense their own weakness and need and confess their sins. Here in Chapter 10, Nehemiah shows how God binds his people together through his holy covenant; quilting them into the beautiful patchwork of His redeeming love. Their strong move to recommit themselves to the Lord is in response to his incredible faithfulness and his powerful initiation to graciously save them, bring them back and establish their faithful witness to Him.noBlessed ObligationsBlessed ObligationsThe Truth About Us and HimAtlanta WestsideSun, 04 Mar 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/3/4/the-truth-about-us-and-him5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a9bfbe6ec212db87d3e9a70Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 9:1-38

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 9Confession and praise belong together. The people’s historical confession in Nehemiah 9 reveals the many ways that they, and we, are “prone to wander” from the steadfast love of God. More important, it reveals that God’s “great goodness” is undaunted by our sin, and despite his need to discipline us, he continues to forgive us and shower us with new mercies and new blessings. Taking in the whole passage, we see that our sin is so predictable it’s boring – while God’s manifold goodness is specific, surprising, textured and rich.noThe Truth About Us and HimThe Truth About Us and HimParty People of the BookAtlanta WestsideSun, 25 Feb 2018 20:30:01 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/2/25/party-people-of-the-book5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a931085e4966bf058512203Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 8:1-12

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 8:1-12Nehemiah 8 sets the pattern for one of the main ways God's people worship together: By listening attentively to, understanding and responding to God's Word. The particular way they do it here has been used to shape several historic patterns of worship, including: intergenerational worship (v. 2-3); reading from a raised platform/pulpit (v. 4); elevating the physical book of scripture and standing as it is read (v. 5); responding with "Amen," raising hands and bowing heads (v. 6); and providing authoritative interpreters to help people to understand what they heard (v. 7-9). This kind of attention to God's Word should not just transfer information but also stir deep emotion, especially sorrow over our sin and weaknesses (v. 9). However, the primary emotional tone of God's people - especially those who now know Jesus' salvation - should be joy, which empowers us to share with those in need and also to obey God's life-giving law (v. 10-12).noParty People of the BookParty People of the BookLiving the DreamAtlanta WestsideSun, 18 Feb 2018 18:44:13 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/2/18/living-the-dream5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a89c8f624a694d707d23923Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 6:15-7:4

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 6:15 - 7:4Finishing the wall of Jerusalem set Nehemiah at a crossroads: either rest on his laurels, or slide into workaholism. Christians face this same kind of choice whenever we approach and achieve our goals. Thankfully, Nehemiah chose neither, instead continuing to work both wisely and dependently on the Lord. Wise believers know that the enemies of our soul do not rest with our victories, and so they take steps to guard against being compromised in the future. At the same time, they embrace their need for the Lord's ongoing help to live their dreams. The habits of dependence include slowing down, sharing responsibilities, and practicing the regular rhythms of worship. The priority Nehemiah places on singing in particular highlights how essential shared musical worship is in the life of faith.noLiving the DreamLiving the DreamCalling KillersAtlanta WestsideSun, 11 Feb 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/2/12/calling-killers5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a81b1ef8165f5f21d0beef9Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 6:1-14

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 6:1-14Nehemiah faced three subtle, personal attacks on his calling to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem: distract, divert, and discredit. All three were effectively temptations to make choices that would sabotage his calling. Christians today face similar attacks on the many callings God has given us. The common tactic in all of them is fear, which threatens to take away the things we are tempted to love more than God, like our comfort, our reputation, or our security. This is why we need Jesus' Gospel. Only if our God is a sufferer will we keep plodding through the pain of life. Only if our King has been crucified in our place will we resist trying to become our own king. Only if our hope is in his perfect eternity will we live for something bigger than saving our own skin.noCalling KillersCalling KillersJustice and GenerosityAtlanta WestsideSun, 04 Feb 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/2/4/justice-and-generosity5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a7753aac830259c53d4f699Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 5

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-19

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 5:1-19noJustice and GenerosityJustice and GenerosityHatersAtlanta WestsideSun, 28 Jan 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/1/29/haters5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a6fb750c830254f3375d643Description of haters.Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-23
Discussion Guide for Nehemiah 4

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 4:1-24noHatersHatersKingdom Work - Better TogetherAtlanta WestsideSun, 21 Jan 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/2/21/kingdom-work-better-together5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a8dc17fec212d7827f88efeDiscussion Guide for Nehemiah 3

]]>Chris D. TalleynoKingdom Work - Better TogetherKingdom Work - Better TogetherThe Good Hand of Our GodAtlanta WestsideSun, 14 Jan 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/1/29/the-good-hand-of-our-god5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a6fcfbcf9619a7515386050Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-20

]]>Walter HenegarNehemiah 2:1-20noThe Good Hand Of Our GodThe Good Hand Of Our GodBroken-Hearted PrayerAtlanta WestsideSun, 07 Jan 2018 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/1/29/broken-hearted-prayer5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a6fd0c0652dea8efbbb7fc7Scripture: Nehemiah 1
Community Group Sermon Guide

]]>Walter HenegarWalter HenegarnoBroken-Hearted PrayerBroken-Hearted PrayerThe Best Hard NewsAtlanta WestsideSun, 31 Dec 2017 15:30:00 +0000https://atlantawestside.org/sermons/2018/1/5/the-best-hard-news5a4e9a741f318d07aef572ce:5a4f922bf9619a5160b85b2a:5a4f92d953450ac4a9242b07Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7 

]]>Michael PhillipsGenesis 3no00:40:18The Best Hard NewsThe Best Hard News