http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org The teaching ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church of West Sacramento - a fresh perspective on God\'s Word of grace and hope. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:37:35 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:18. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this is mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/201 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:12-17. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these,* take the shield ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/200 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:12-17a. "For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places... Take the helmet of salvation." -Ephesians 6:12,17a Lots ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/198 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:12-16. "For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places... take the shield of faith, with ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/197 God's Word for us today is Acts 2:1-21. "And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/192 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:12-15. "Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace." -Ephesians 6:14-15 Shoes? Who cares about shoes ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/190 God's Word for us today is Philippians 3:8b-9 (the Apostle Paul speaking). "For his (Jesus') sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as garbage, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/186 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:12-14a. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/183 God's Word for us today is Ephesians 6:10-13. "Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." -Ephesians 6:11 Hey, I thought you said that evil was defeated on the cross! Well, that's true, but the devil hasn't given up ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/181 God's Word for us today is John 20: 24-31. Then he [Jesus] said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." -John 20:27 Thomas doubted and needed to see the scars of Jesus to believe. ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/178 God's Word for us today is John 21: 15-19. Dan Meyerpeter talks about how to love the shepherd and take care of the sheep. Take a listen. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/176 God's Word for us today is Mark 16:1-8 ....he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/174 God's Word for us today is Mark 15:33-40. When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, 'Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?' which means, 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' -Mark 15:33-34. Nobody expected ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/173 God's Word for us today is Mark 3:1-6. "And [Jesus] said to the man who had the withered hand, 'Come forward.' Then he said to them, 'Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?' But they were silent." -Mark 3:3-4 The ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/172 God's Word for us today is Mark 2:23-28. Jesus excuses his disciples for picking grain on the sabbath: "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath." Is Jesus the ultimate rule breaker? Please welcome guest preacher Nick Zylstra. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/170 God's Word for us today is Mark 2:18-22. "Jesus said to them, 'The wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/169 God's Word for us today is Mark 2:14-17. "When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, 'Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?'" -Mark 2:16-17 Jesus spent a lot of time with people who were looked down ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/168 God's Word for us today is Luke 1:1-13. "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/167 God's Word for us today is Mark 2:3-5. Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/163 God's Word for us today is Mark 1: 40-45. "Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, 'I do choose. Be made clean!'" -Mark 1:41 Jesus is confronted by a man with leprosy - an outcast from society - a true untouchable. Jesus chooses to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/160 God's Word for us today is Mark 1:35. In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Have you ever tried doing service for God when your tank was running on empty? Even Jesus needed time to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/158 God's Word for us today is Mark 1:29-34. And he [Jesus] cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. -Mark 1:34 In today's reading, Jesus heals the Apostle Peter's mother-in-law and also many other people who had all kinds of diseases and demon possession. Does God still heal ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/156 Today's Bible Reading is Mark 1:21-28. Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, "What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God." But Jesus ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/154 God's Word for us today is Mark 1:14-20. As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea-- for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." And immediately ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/152 God's Word for us today is Mark 1:4-11. "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/151 God's Word for us today is Matthew 2:11-12. "On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." -Matthew 2:11 What made these gifts worthy of the Christ ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/150 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 7:00 PM. Directed by Krista Penney. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/148 Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 11:00 PM. Narrations by Dan Meyerpeter, Debra Johnston, and Steve Whitney. Music by Joseph Faith. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/147 God's Word for us today is Luke 2:22-40. "Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed-- ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/146 God's Word for us today is John 1:1-5, 9-14. "And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth... From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/144 God's Word for us today is Luke 1:26-35. "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary... The angel said ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/141 God's Wood for us today is Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11. "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners." -Isaiah ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/140 God's Word for us today is Mark 1:1-8. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'" -Mark 8:2-3 God ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/139 God's Word for us today is Psalm 25:1-10. "Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/138 God's Word for us today is Joshua 24:14-23. "...choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/137 God's Word for us today is Joshua 1:1-9. "Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them... I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/136 God's word for us today is Joshua 6:1-7,11-16,20. Now Jericho was shut up inside and out because of the Israelites; no one came out and no one went in. The LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have handed Jericho over to you, along with its king and soldiers. You ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/135 Read Joshua 13:1, 6b-8, 14 "When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the LORD said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over… Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/134 Carole Dunsmore presents her take on giving cheerfully. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/133 God's Word for us today is Joshua 3:9-4:9. When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua: "Select twelve men from the people, one from each tribe, and command them, 'Take twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/132 God's Word for us today is Numbers 27:12-14. "The LORD said to Moses, ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim range, and see the land that I have given to the Israelites. 13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/131 God's Word for us today is Numbers 13:1-2, 13:17-33, 14:1-9. "Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron; the whole congregation said to them, "Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/128 Read Exodus 24:12-18 “So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, ‘Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/127 Pablo Feliciano Cruz speaks about the history and ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Mexico, particularly the southernmost state of Chiapas. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/126 Read Exodus 17:8-16. Here's an experpt... “So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.  Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.” Exodus 17:10-11 When the Amalekites attacked ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/125 Trinity has never used radio advertising before, but we're trying it for the launch of Last Call.  Here's a sneak peek at the ad that people will hear on 103.9 FM, "The Fish."  Join us for Last Call, Sunday evenings at 5PM, starting September 28th!  Real people.  Real worship.  Real ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/124 God's Word for us today is Matthew 1:18-25, James 1:19-22 “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's righteousness.  Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/123 Read Acts 8:9-25 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ (Acts 8:18-19)  Many of us would like to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/122 God’s Word for us today is Deuteronomy 11:18-21 & Mark 10:13-16. "You shall put these words of mine in your heart and soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and fix them as an emblem on your forehead. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/121 God’s Word for us today is Acts 6:8-15, 7:51-60. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he died. -Acts 7:59-60 Stephen was a ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/120 God's Word for us today is Acts 6:1-7. "And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, ‘It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/119 God's Word for us today is Acts 5: 1-10. Ananias," Peter asked, "why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/118 Today's Bible Scripture is Mark 4:35-41. (This is the same passage Pastor Steve preached in his candidate sermon at Trinity 5 years ago.) "And leaving the crowd behind, they took Jesus with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/115 On August 3, 2008, 27 children in the Trinity Kids' Choir and Drama Team sang the national anthem at a Sacramento River Cats game.  They did a fine job so we wanted to share it with you.  If you'd also like to see them signing the song in American Sign ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/114 Guest preacher, Dr. Tom Smith Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/113 Today's Bible scripture is Acts 4:1-22. "But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in God's sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard." -Acts 4:19-21 All of us face pressure to conform. ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/111 Today's Bible verse is Matthew 13:27b-29. "‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?' He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.' The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them in?' But he replied, ‘No; for ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/110 Today's Bible verse is Luke 2:34-35. "Then Simeon blessed them (Joseph and Mary) and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that inner thoughts of many will be revealed-and ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/109 Today's Bible verse is Acts 3:1-10. "One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o'clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/107 Today's Bible verse is Acts 2:41-47. "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers... they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/106 Today's Bible verse is Acts 2:14-21, 36-41. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/105 Today's Bible verse is Acts 2:1-13. "When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/104 Today's Bible verse is Acts 1:13-17, 21-26. "So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/103 Today's Bible verse is Acts 1:1-12. So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?" He replied, "It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/100 Sunday, June 1, 2008 Praise Set Send the Fire (Lex Loizides, William Booth) Ancient of Days (Gary Sadler, Jamie Harvill) Blessed Be Your Name (Beth Redman, Matt Redman) Draw Me Close (Kelly Carpenter) Prayer of Confession Prayer Response:  Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) chorus (Kelly Carpenter) http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/102 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 28:16-20. And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/98 Today's Bible Reading is Luke 12:13-21. "And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.‘ But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/97 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 5:38-48. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven..." -Matthew 5:43-45a Give to, ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/96 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 5:33-37. "Let your word be 'Yes, Yes' or 'No, No'; anything more than this comes from the evil one." -Matthew 5:37 Jesus' standards in the Sermon on the Mount seem ridiculously high.  What's up with that.  And what's wrong with making promises and oaths?  What is Jesus ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/95 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 5:27-32. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." -Matthew 5:27-28 What does Jesus have to say about sex? Adultery? ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/94 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 5:21-26. "So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/93 Today's bible reading is Matthew 5: 13-20. "You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.  No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/92 Today's Bible Reading is Luke 24:27. “Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.” How did Jesus himself interpret the Old Testament writings, which were the only scriptures available to his disciples while Jesus was alive?  Why does it matter ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/90 Easter Sunday Today's Bible Reading is John 20:1-18. Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/89 Palm/Passion Sunday Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 27:11-32."So after they had gathered, Pilate said to them, ‘Whom do you want me to release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ … And they said, ‘Barabbas.’ 22 Pilate said to them, ‘Then what should I do ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/88 Today's reading is Read John 11:1-45. “Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” -John 11:21-23 Why did Jesus ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/87 Today's Scripture is John 9:1-38.“‘As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/86 We need to apologize to our faithful listeners. We were victims of a hacker attack and the most recent posting to "Grace in the West" originally included a number of completely inappropriate web links. We have deleted the links and applied a security patch to WordPress. ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/85 Today's Bible Reading is John 4:5-42. “The woman said to him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am he, the one who is speaking to you.’ … Many Samaritans from that city ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/84 Today's Bible Reading is John 3:3-17. “Jesus answered Nicodemus, ‘Very truly, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’” -John 3:3 Theologians have been battling over the precise meaning of the phrase “born from above” for some time now, but the main issue ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/83 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 4:1-11. “Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! for it is written, 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.'" Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.” -Matthew 4:10-11 The Spirit led Jesus out into he wilderness where, after ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/82 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 5:1-12. “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/81 Today's bible verse is Matthew 4:18-25. “As Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea-- for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish for ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/80 Today's Bible Reading is Jeremiah 2:9-13. "...for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water." -Jeremiah 9:13 Have we been looking for life in all the wrong places?  Are our lives empowered ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/79 Today's Bible Reading is Matthew 3:13-17. "And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/78 Today's scripture is Matthew 2:1-12. "In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/77 Rev. Dr. Thomas Smith Today's scripture is Hebrews 1:1-4. "He is the reflection of God's glory." In this Chrismas season, we are reminded that we are all children of God and come to Him as children, full of questions and wonder, hoping in the truth that 'nothing is impossible' with God. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/76 Today's scripture is Luke 1:37. “For nothing is impossible with God.” Christmas is the season of miracles, but for many of us it is a time when we focus on how far our lives have fallen short of our expectations…even in our faith walk.  Can we, like our sister Elizabeth, really believe ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/75  Today's scripture is Luke 1:5-24. "But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/74 Today's scripture is Matthew 24:36-44. "Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/73 Today's scripture is John 15:26-27, 16:12-15. "[The Holy Spirit] will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you.  All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." – John 16:14-15 What ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/72 Today's scripture is Luke 16:19-31. “The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.  In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.” – Luke 16:22-23 Do ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/71 Today's scripture is Matthew 18:21-35. “Then Peter came to him and asked, ‘Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me?  Seven times?’ ‘No, not seven times,’ Jesus replied, ‘but seventy times seven.’” Does God really expect us to forgive like that?   Won’t that make me a doormat or an enabler ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/70 Today's scripture is Luke 12:4-7 "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/68 Today's scripture is Malachi 3:6-12. "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/67 Today's scripture is Psalm 19. “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.  Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/66 Today's scripture is Ephesians 2:4-10 and James 2:14-20. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul writes, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast."  That sounds clear.  But ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/65 Today's scripture is 1 John 4:1-6. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 John 4:1 If God is indeed speaking and acting in the world, how can we tell what is ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/64 Today's scripture is 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.  To each is given the manifestation ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/63 “If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering.” - II Corinthians 1:6 Knowing that God can use our suffering to console others ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/62 Today's Word is Isaiah 55:1-12. “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.  ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NRSV) Did God change between the Old ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/61 Today's scripture is 2 Timothy 3:13-4:4. “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NRSV How can we interpret the Bible?  Are ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/60 We invite you to read Mark 10: 46-52. Have you felt too weak or ill-equipped to be useful?  Or that you couldn’t really make a difference in the world?  Jesus may just have other plans for you… Please welcome Reverend Julie Kim this week. “… As Jesus and his disciples and a large ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/59 Read Psalm 139:19-24. Ever get angry at someone? Or really frustrated by a situation? King David did! “O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me-- those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!" -Psalm 139:19-20, NRSV Can you really ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/58 Read Psalm 139:13-18 “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” -Psalm 139:13-14a (NRSV) Ever wonder why you’re here?  If there is a purpose for your life?  Or maybe if you are just ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/57 Read Psalm 139:7-12 “Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.” -Psalm 139:7-8 (NRSV) Ever try to get away from God? How did that work for you? ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/56 Read Psalm 139:1-6 "O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away..." Psalm 139:1-2 (NRSV) Ever feel that nobody would want to be around you if they really knew you? Or maybe that nobody ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/55 "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." -James 4:8a (NRSV) Draw near to God?  What does it even mean to draw near to God?  How can we do it? We'll look at James' insights into that and see how they can work in our own lives. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/54 Read Matthew 16:13-20 “And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.  And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/53 I Corinthians 15: 1-20 "If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain…If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are, of ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/50 Read I Corinthians 13:1-13 "And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love." I Corinthians 13:13 A nasty case of sibling rivalry had broken out in the Corinthian Church as to who were the "most spiritual," and the women were behaving more like pagan priestesses than ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/49 “They stirred up the people as well as the elders and the scribes; then they suddenly confronted Stephen, seized him, and brought him before the council.” -Acts 6:12 (NRSV) When God starts working in your life, it’s going to upset someone.  Why does that happen?  What do we do about it?  ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/48 Acts 4:23-31 "When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness." Acts 4:31 (NRSV) God wants to work in our lives, but God usually chooses to wait until we give ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/47 Read Acts 4:5-22 When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?" -Acts 4:7 (NRSV) Where does the power to heal come from?  What if we pray for healing and it doesn’t happen? What did Peter mean when he ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/46 Acts 3:1-10 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk."  7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/45 “This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses.  Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear.” -Acts 2:32-33 (NRSV) There’s lots ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/44 “Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. ”-Acts 2:3-4 What does it mean to be filled with the Holy ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/42 "Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."-Romans 12:4-5 Paul says we are one body in Christ. How does that ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/41 Grace in the West has new podmasters. Thanks to Alisha and Steve who will be posting the podcast in the future. We've had a few start-up issues as we get things transferred, but we hope to get back on a regular schedule again soon. Sorry for the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/40 “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”                             -Ephesians 2:10 Many of us try to earn God’s favor by “being good.”  Others feel that an hour on ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/39 We continue to explore God's will for various parts of our lives this week. We live in nation propelled by wealth and consumption. Is that compatible with the gospel? In Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus tells us that we can't serve both God and money. What does that mean for our day-to-day lives ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/38 “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”   Romans 8:6 What does true freedom look like? Living under our own power can only lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and eventually death. But God promises us that in Christ Jesus, ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/37 The original MP3 file we posted was missing most of the message.  This one is corrected.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’  Peter felt hurt because he said to him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’  And ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/36 The kids did a musical today so we're posting another Trinity Classic! For in [Christ] every one of God's promises is a "Yes." For this reason it is through him that we say the "Amen," to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 18:20 Ever been let down by someone who should have made ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/35 Jesus' disciples had given up hope. Jesus was dead. The dream was lost.  Ever feel like that?  But then early in the morning on that first Easter Sunday, everything changed... The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/34 “Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, ‘Truly this man was God's Son!’” - Matthew 27:54 Have you ever wondered what the cross really means? Why it was ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/33 Pastor Steve wraps up the series on Gideon this week with a look at Judges 8:22-35, the end of  Gideon's story.  “Gideon made an ephod of it and put it in his town, in Ophrah; and all Israel prostituted themselves to it there, and it became a snare to Gideon and to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/31 “Then Gideon took the elders of the town and taught them a lesson, punishing them with thorns and briers from the wilderness.  He also tore down the tower of Peniel and killed all the men in town." - Judges 8:16-17 Have you ever felt like “teaching someone a lesson?”  Listen on as ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/30 Pastor Steve looks at Gideon's great victory in Judges 7:16-25 “When they blew the three hundred trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow and against all the army; and the army fled ” – Judges 7:22 Do you ever wonder what God is up ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/28 Listen to the Trinity's Kids' Choir sing an updated "Jesus Loves Me" in English and Spanish. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/29 Pastor Steve speaks on Judges 7:9-15. “That same night the LORD said to [Gideon], ‘Get up, attack the camp; for I have given it into your hand.  But if you fear to attack, go down to the camp with your servant Purah; and you shall hear what they say, and afterward ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/27 Pastor Steve Whitney speaks on Luke 4:1-13 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,  where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.”  - Luke 4:1-2a The devil gave Jesus some pretty tempting offers, but he resisted.  How did ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/25 Pastor Steve Whitney continues the story of Gideon with Judges 7:1-8 “The LORD said to Gideon, "The troops with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand. Israel would only take the credit away from me, saying, ‘My own hand has delivered me.’”  - Judges 7:2 Gideon gathered ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/24 Pastor Steve speaks on Judges 6:33-40.“Then Gideon said to God, ‘Do not let your anger burn against me, let me speak one more time; let me, please, make trial with the fleece just once more..." Gideon has seen a sign from God already, but he asks for two more. Why ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/23 Pastor Steve speaks on Judges 6:25-32. The people ask for deliverance from the oppression of Midian, and God sends someone to tear down an altar… Could this be what we need too? What idols could we be worshipping? Do we need to tear down their altars to receive God’s blessing? We’ll ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/21 Debbie Johnston speaks on Judges 6:11-24. Have you ever told God you were the wrong person for the job? What do you think held you back…was it lack of confidence or maybe fear of burnout? Gideon had the same problem. How can we find the courage to accept the call of ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/20 Pastor Steve introduces a new series on the story of Gideon by exploring Judges 6:1-10. “The Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, and the LORD gave them into the hand of Midian seven years... Thus Israel was greatly impoverished because of Midian; and the Israelites cried ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/19 At Trinity we watched a video from the Alpha Course last week so the podcast is a classic message from the Trinity Vault. :-)  The Bible passage is 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 “So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/18 In the final installment in the "Jesus Is Coming" series, Pastor Steve explores the story of the wise men's visit to Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12. “When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/16 Read Luke 2:22-40 “Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, ‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/15 Pastor Steve on John 1:1-14. John tells us that Jesus brings life that is the light of all people. What does that mean in a world so afflicted by darkness? What does it mean in our own lives? How can we have that light in our own lives? Listen ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/11 Debra Johnston explores Luke 1:46-55. "And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden...for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/10 Read Luke 3:7-18 to hear the message that John the Baptist preached. That message probably wouldn't go over so well today. What kind of message would John have for us? http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/7 Luke 3:1-6 describes the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist whose main job was to prepare the way for Jesus.  Are we still called to prepare the way for Jesus?  If so, how do we do it? http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/6 Check out Luke 21:25-36.  At Christmastime, when we prepare for Jesus to come, it's importan to remember that even though Jesus came as a baby 2000 years ago, he'll be back.  And the mysterious signs he predicted line up pretty well with the end of the world as scientists predict ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/5 Using Acts 2:1-11, 1 John 4:1-4, we examine the issue of the "lost gospels." Does it really matter what documents we read to learn about Jesus? For that matter, why does it matter what we believe? And where does the Holy Spirit come into it? http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/14 This series explores the issues raised by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code, looking for God’s truth while attempting to be honest about where Christianity had fallen short. This week, we look at the role of women in Christianity - from the early church of the Apostle Paul's day to ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/4 John writes, "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in ... http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/13 This series explores the issues raised by Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, looking for God's truth while attempting to be honest about where Christianity had fallen short. This week's topic is "Was Jesus God?" The Bible says yes, Dan Brown says no. Where does the truth lie? http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/3 The Trinity podcast needs a little TLC to make it into the world. We'd like to make the Sunday message available to the world every week and with it a bit of the Good News of the Gospel. If you'd like to help, let us know at info@trinitywestsac.org. http://podcast.trinitywestsac.org/archives/1