Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Perseverence
Subject: Perseverence
Mining the Scriptures: Revelation 2:8-11
The second church Jesus wrote to was the church in Smyrna. The church is known as the persecuted church. This congregation was oppressed. As they sought to be faithful at this time, they were beset by tribulation (cf. James 1:24) and economic oppression. Even so they were rich spiritually!
Jesus comforted them. That comfort was not a promise to deliver them out of trials, but rather a promise to give them an eternal reward because of their faithfulness. “Be faithful until death, and I will give you a crown of life” (10). This end of the Christian’s sojourn on earth is our reason for hope. It is the reason we can live our lives in the midst of our enemies without fear! “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) (cf. Matthew 10:28).
Here is our promise, made by the Lord to the church in Smyrna at the end of the first century, “He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death” (11)!
Sermon: A Divisive Christ?
A discussion of Matthew 10:21-42 showing that reconciliation and peace with God, though it is valuable and secures us blessings, sometimes will cause division with even our closest family members.
Sermon Powerpoint View and Download:
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Struck Down but Not Destroyed
Various texts in the New Testament are examined to contrast the difficulties and limitations of this life as compared to our state and hope in eternity.
The Patternists: If
The little word if has a great and important place in the relationship men have with God. In both the Old and New Testaments, it indicates that which is conditional. For example in Deuteronomy 28:1, Moses said, “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.”
God’s promise to Israel was conditional. If they observed God’s will, he would exalt them. All that is required to note this truth is to examine Israel’s history. Too often the nation did not keep the conditions of the covenant, and God’s favor would leave them. Upon repentance, his favor would return. This is the way God dealt with Israel, and the way that He deals with men today.
Sermon: Endurance
Speaker: Aaron Collier
Aaron uses the example of endurance bicycling to talk about what true endurance is, making application to the Christian’s life.
Practical Christian Attributes
The apostle Peter promised that the adding of various attributes to our faith will preclude us being “barren [or] unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In fact, “you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8,10-11).
We might ask why are these attributes key? It is because they equip us to act and to be the type of people who please God. They direct us in the paths of righteousness! This is especially true in our interactions with others. Remember, the two great commandments are to love God and love your neighbor (cf. Matthew 22:37-40). If we keep the necessity of love for God and man at the forefront of our thinking, it is easy to see why Peter would call for these qualities to be present in our lives.
Sermon: Spring Meeting, 2021 with JR Bronger
JR Bronger from Blue Springs, MO preached a wonderful series of gospel sermons for the West Side congregation, May 1-6, 2021:
Saturday PM: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)
- A discussion of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. A religious terrorist who became a wonderful example of the saving power of God’s grace.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 1st Service: Evangelizing the World
- In the first century, Christians were able to spread the gospel throughout the known world, despite opposition and challenges. If we have the same mindset today, we can be just as successful!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday Class: Successful Marriages
- Foundational teaching on the subject of marriage. Principles which, if followed, will guarantee strong marriages existing in accord with God’s desire.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sunday 2nd Service: The Hate of Christ and Christians
- The world hated Jesus Christ because of His mission and righteousness. He promised that the world would hate his followers as well. In our day such hate is prominent.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Monday PM: Christians Are Running a Race
- A runner himself, brother Bronger uses the Hebrew writer’s imagery in Hebrews 12:1-2 to establish a few important truths regarding the race the Christian runs.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Tuesday PM: A Rebel Returns
- A powerful lesson on rebellion and redemption, based on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. Young people need to hear this message!
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Wednesday PM: Do You Want to be Made Well?
- If you really wish for spiritual healing, you must stop thinking of yourself as a victim, stop blaming others for your failings, free yourself from fear and recognize the difference between wanting relief, and wanting a cure.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Thursday PM: Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart
- There were three responsible parties in the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. God Himself with His demands. The wicked court magicians. And most prominently, Pharaoh himself.
- Facebook Live Video of Sermon
Sermon: The Need for Patience
Our time is no different from any other age. In every generation, the Christian is in need of patience as he seeks to do the will of his Master.
Sermon: Job’s Worst Day
Five things we can learn from Job’s response after losing his possessions and family. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21)
- Note: No video was recorded of this sermon.
COVID-19 (25) The Power of Patience
It was inevitable. Six weeks ago when the government started encouraging people to stay home, just about everyone was on board. The virus is extremely contagious, and we all were concerned about our health, and the health of our loved ones. But, as time has passed, people have started getting antsy. Many have lost their jobs, the economy has almost completely shut down, and the protests have begun. Whether you believe that there is legitimacy to the claims of government overreach, or you believe that protesters are acting selfishly and dangerously, it is clear that the patience of the American populace is wearing thin.
Protests have taken place in Ohio, North Carolina, New York, Kentucky, Wyoming, Utah, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. In Lansing, Michigan, almost 5,000 people showed up at the state Capitol on April 16th to protest the governor’s strong stay at home order. There has long been a debate over governmental regulation vs. personal liberty. The pandemic is putting these discordant views into sharp relief.
COVID-19 (1) Remember the Works of the Lord
I have decided to write what I hope to be a daily, short article, to help everyone at West Side (another others who read it) during this time of isolation from one another. I will at least do the weekdays, though I can’t promise which time of day it will be posted. (I’m not that organized!)
The 77th Psalm, a psalm of Asaph, begins as follows:
“I cried out to God with my voice— to God my voice;
And He gave ear to me.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;
My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing;
My soul refused to be comforted.
I remembered God, and was troubled;
I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (1-3).
Today is a day of trouble for our nation, and brethren everywhere. We are concerned and anxious, and there is a tendency in times such as these to question. We appeal to God and we ask why? We complain, we feel overwhelmed. It is hard for us to focus on the blessings of God; to trust in His providential care; to see the possibility of an end to our suffering. We ask with the Psalmist, “Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?” (9).
Continue reading “COVID-19 (1) Remember the Works of the Lord”
Sermon: Competing for a Crown
Based on 1 Corinthians 9:25, the sermon establishes the importance of self-control, rule following and endurance for the Christian. Using the metaphor of athletic endeavor, which the apostle Paul used as illustration.
Sermon: Zacchaeus
This lesson uses the example of Zacchaeus to illustrate how we may overcome formidable obstacles in order to see (be reconciled with) Jesus.
Invitation: Rich and Wicked
Invitation by Stan Cox
In James 5, we have a description of rich, wicked people who were oppressing Christians. Whether the wicked rich, or any other, if we live for God we will overcome such persecution, and live eternally in joy!
Sermon: Rejected in His Own Country
The rejection of Jesus by his hometown of Nazareth serves to teach us important lessons about perseverence, respect for the will of God, and ridding ourselves of personal prejudices. (Lesson text: Matthew 13:53-58).
