Grace in the West

24: Washing Their Feet

God's Word for us today is John 13:1-17.

Then Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Forgiveness

God's Word for us today is Romans 12:17-21 and Ephesians 4:29-32.

"Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Worship

God's Word for us today is Psalm 95:1-10.

"O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. O that today ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Giving

God's Word for us today is Luke 12:13-34.

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Rest

God's Word for us today is Exodus 20:8-11 .

Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any work." ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Service

God's Word for us today is Ephesians 2:4-10. ""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. For we are what he has ...

Boot Camp: Practicing Prayer

God's Word for us today is Mark 1:35-39 .

"In the morning, while it was still very dark, [Jesus] got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they ...

The Big Decision

God's Word for us today is Mark 1:9-15.

"He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him." -Mark 1:13

After being baptized by John in the Jordan River, the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness. He gets ...

Christmas Hope: A Wise Man Pursues

God's Word for us today is Matthew 2:1-12.

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have ...

Christmas Hope: God Keeps Promises

God's word for us today is Luke 2:21-40.

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the ...

Christmas Message: Do Not Be Afraid

God's Word for us today is Luke 2:1-20.

"Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news ...

Ready for Christmas: Mary, Saying ‘Yes’ to God!

God's Word for us today is Luke 1:26-38.

Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." (verse 38)

Have you ever had a "Mary moment"? When you sensed that God was calling you to do something unusual? ...

Ready for Christ, Ready for Christmas: New Hope is Coming

God's Word for us today is Isaiah 9:1-7.

"For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." -Isaiah 9:6

Have you ever felt like you were ...

Ready for Christ, Ready for Christmas: Preparing the Way

God's Word for us today is Luke 3:7-18.

"John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him... 'Bear fruits worthy of repentance... Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.'" -Luke 3 selected ...

Ready for Christ, Ready for Christmas: Any Time – 2012, 3000, or Tomorrow!

God's Word for us today is Matthew 25:1-13.

"But at midnight there was a shout, 'Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, ...

Who is Jesus: The Vine

God's Word for us today is John 15:1-17.

[Jesus said,] I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! -John 15:11

Why do you think God gives us his revelation in the Bible? Did you ever think of ...

Who Is Jesus: The Way, the Truth, and the Life

God's Word for us today is John 14:1-14.

"Thomas said to Jesus, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?' Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John ...

Walking the Path of the Blessed

God's Word for us today is Malachi 3:10.

"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 ...

Who Is Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life

God's Word for us today is John 11:17-27

""When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days... Martha said to him, 'I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the ...

Who is Jesus: The Good Shepherd

God's Word for us today is John 10:11-21.

[Jesus said,] "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (v. 11) What does it mean that Jesus was willing to lay down his life for us?

In what way might I be able ...

Who Is Jesus: The Gate of the Sheep

God's Word for us today is John 10:1-10.

[Jesus said,] "I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture." -John 8:12-13

What does it mean for Jesus to be "the gate" for the sheep? Is he ...

Who is Jesus? The Light of the World

God's Word for us today is John 8:12-20.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." -John 8:12

Walking in the darkness is scary. You don't know what ...

Who Is Jesus: I Am the Bread of Life

God's Word for us today is John 6:31-42.

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.'" -John ...

Relationships God’s Way: Christian Marriage

God's Word for us today is Ephesians 5:21-33.

"Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord... Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her..." -Ephesians ...

Relationships God’s Way: Friendship in the Image of Christ

God's Word for us today is Philippians 2:1-11.

(The Apostle Paul speaking:) "Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?.... Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose." -Philippians 2:1a-2

Friendship "in the image ...

Relationships God’s Way: With People Who Are Different From Us

God's Word for us today is Revelation 5:9.

"You [Jesus] are worthy to take the scroll... for you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation." (New Living Translation)

When we realize that Jesus died 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ... Now you are the body of Christ and individually ...

The Good Life: Generous and Worry-Free

God's Word for us today is Luke 12:22-34.

"[Jesus said,] And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying... Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." ...

From Failures to Faithful Disciples

God's Word for us today is 1 Corinthians 1:27.

"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong." (New Revised Standard Version)

Do you sometimes feel weak and inadequate, so much ...

The Good Life: Jesus’ Burden Is Light?

God's Word for us today is Matthew 11:25-30.

[Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and ...

The Good Life: Don’t Bury Your Talents

God's Word for us today is Matthew 25:14-30.

"The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one ...

The Good Life: God’s Good Plan for Us

God's Word for us today is Proverbs 3:5-7.

""Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; ...

I’m Not Ashamed of the Dynamite Gospel!

God's Word for us today is Romans 1:16.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (New Revised Standard Version)

Can I honestly say that I ...

God’s Love Never Fails… No Matter What!

God's Word for us today is Romans 8:35.

"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?" (New Living ...

Loving God With All You Are

God's Word for us today is Mark 12:10-11.

"Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see." (NLT)

Jesus Christ is that rejected cornerstone who has become the ...

Preaching Their Passion: Lost and Found

God's Word for us today is Luke 15:1-10.

"Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he ...

The Armor of God: Prayer Holds It All Together

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 ...

The Armor of God: The Sword of the Spirit

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 ...

The Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation

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 ...

The Armor of God: The Shield of Faith

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 ...

The Power of God: Pentecost!

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 ...

The Armor of God: Good Shoes, Good News!

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? ...

The Armor of God: Protected by the Breastplate of Righteousness

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 ...

The Armor of God: The Belt of Truth

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 ...

The Armor of God: Where’s the Battle?

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 ...

Stop Doubting and Believe!

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 ...

Love the Shepherd, Love the Sheep

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.

Jesus Is Going Ahead of You

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 ...

The Mystery & Misery of the Cross

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 ...

To Heal or to Kill: The Price of Grace

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 ...

Love that Trumps the Rules

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.

Jesus: New Wine, New Wineskins, and a Big Party!

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 ...

Tax Collectors, Sinners, and Jesus

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 ...

Led into the Wilderness

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 ...

Jesus & the Paralytic: the Power of Intercession

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, ...

Jesus Touches the Untouchable

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 ...

Ministry in the Spirit

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 the Healer

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 ...

Come Out of Him!

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 ...

Follow Me!

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 ...

Baptism: Sealed by the Holy Spirit

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 ...

Gifts Worthy of a King/Priest/Savior

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 ...

Trinity Chime Choir

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 7:00 PM.

Directed by Krista Penney.

The Christmas Story

Christmas Eve, December 24, 2008, 11:00 PM.

Narrations by Dan Meyerpeter, Debra Johnston, and Steve Whitney.

Music by Joseph Faith.

The Season of Fulfilled Promise

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 ...

God is With Us!

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 ...

The Season of Expectation (What will God do next?)

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 Season of Anticipation (and POWER!)

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 Season of Preparation

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 ...

The Season… of Gratification?

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 ...

Joshua: The Big Decision

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 ...

Joshua: No Fear!

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 ...

Joshua: The Walls Come Down

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 ...

Joshua: Using What God Has Given

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 ...

Cheerful Giver: Part 4

Carole Dunsmore presents her take on giving cheerfully.

Joshua: A Dry River, a Pile of Rocks, and a Promise

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 ...

Joshua: Taking Up the Mantle of Moses

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 ...

Joshua: A Defining Moment

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 ...

Joshua: Halfway up the Mountain

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 ...

Presbyterian Ministry in Mexico

Pablo Feliciano Cruz speaks about the history and ministry of the Presbyterian Church in Mexico, particularly the southernmost state of Chiapas.

Joshua: Where Does the Power Come From?

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 ...

Trinity’s Last Call - Radio Spot

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 ...

Streams of Holiness

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, ...

Called Out: You Can’t Force the Spirit

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 ...

Teach Them to Your Children

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. ...

Called Out: Sticking with God When It Gets Tough
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 ...

Called Out: Called to Serve – In Balance
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 ...

Called Out: What Is Real Commitment?
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 ...

Going through the Storm with Jesus
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 ...

Trinity Kids Sing the National Anthem
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 ...

We’re OK… How Are You?
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 ...

Called Out: Should I Listen to Them or to God?
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 ...

Weeds Among the Wheat
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 ...

How to Empty a Church
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 ...

Called Out: Healing in the Name of Jesus
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 ...

Called Out: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
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 ...

Called Out: What Do We Do Now?
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 ...

Called Out: Empowered by the Spirit
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, ...

Called Out: Looking for God’s Will
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 ...

Called Out: Waiting for God
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 ...

Special Edition
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)

Called Out: Our Purpose in Life
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. ...

Storage for Blessings
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 ...

Loving the Way God Loves
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 ...

Talking in God’s Kingdom
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 ...

God and Sex
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 ...

Anger, Disputes, and Murder
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 ...

Salt and Light: Being a Christian in the World
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 ...

Jesus, Promised Messiah

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 ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: Mary, Peter, and John
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 ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: The Powerful

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 ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: Lazarus
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.’” ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: The Man Born Blind

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 ...

Sorry, our site was attacked.
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 ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: The Woman at the Well
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 ...

Re-born in the Spirit: Re-born From Above
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, ...

Hanging Out with Jesus: Satan
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 ...

Unexpected Blessing
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 ...

Fishers of People
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 ...

The Spring of Living Water
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? ...

Jesus’ Baptism: Marked for Life
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 ...

Dear Herod: Advice for Life
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 ...

One of Their Own
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' ...

Elizabeth and the Impossible Works of God
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 ...

Waiting for God
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 ...

The Second Coming: Is the World on the Road to Ruin?
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 ...

How Can I Understand the Trinity?
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 ...

Is there a heaven or hell? Are they physical places?
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 ...

How Much Should We Forgive?
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 ...

How much does God protect us?
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, ...

How do we know how much to give financially?
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 ...

What about other religions? Is There Good in Them?
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 ...

How Do We Get Into Heaven?
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 ...

How Can I Tell When God Is Speaking or Acting?
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 ...

Do We Still Have Spiritual Gifts?
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 ...

How Can God Allow Incredible Suffering?
“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 ...

Did Everything Change Between the Old and New Testaments?
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 ...

How Can We Interpret the Bible
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 ...

Take Heart, Jesus is Calling
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 ...

God Transforms Us
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 ...

God Made Us
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 ...

God Is There
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? ...

God Knows Me
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 ...

Draw Near to God and God Will Draw Near to You
"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 ...

Jesus Christ Will Build His Church

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 ...

Why Resurrection Matters
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 ...

To Love as God Loves
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 ...

The Power of the Spirit to Offend

“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 ...

Taking the Plunge
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 ...

Healing: By What Power?
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 ...

The Power of the Spirit: Power to Heal
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 ...

The Power of the Spirit: Given in Christ
“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.”

God’s Will through the Spirit
“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. ”"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 ...

New podmasters
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 ...

Seeking God’s Will for my Service

“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 ...

Seeking God’s Will: For My Stuff
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 ...

Seeking God’s Will: Freedom for My Soul

“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 ...

The God of Second Chances - Corrected

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?’ ...

God’s Promises vs. Ours
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 ...

Meeting Jesus Again
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 ...

On the Cross for ME?!?

“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 ...

Gideon: The Need for Eternal Vigilance
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 ...

Gideon: Going Beyond God - When Triumph Becomes Vengeance

“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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: From the Jaws of Defeat
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 ...

Trinity Kids Sing!
Listen to the Trinity's Kids' Choir sing an updated "Jesus Loves Me" in English and Spanish.

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: God Is Still in Charge
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 ...

Temptation: Looks Good, Feels Bad
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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: The World’s Worst Military Strategy
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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: Give Me Another Sign!
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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: Pulling Down the Altars
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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: Calling All Reluctant Warriors
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 ...

Gideon - An Unlikely Leader: In the Shadow of Midian
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 ...

Trinity Classics: Sharing the Gospel the Apostles’ Way
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 ...

Jesus Has Come: Bowing Down Before Him
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; ...

Jesus Has Come: Recognizing Him
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 ...

Jesus Has Come: The Light of All People (Christmas Eve)
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 ...

Jesus Is Coming: Saying Yes with Mary
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 ...

Jesus Is Coming: Getting the Message
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?

Jesus Is Coming: Preparing the Way
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?

Jesus Is Coming: He’ll Be Back
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 ...

The Da Vinci Code: The Holy Spirit vs. The Gnostic Gospels
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?

The Da Vinci Code: The Role of Women in Christianity
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 ...

The Da Vinci Code: What Is the Bible?
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 ...

The Da Vinci Code: Was Jesus God?
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?

Not born yet…
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 ...