United Methodist Church Of Westlake Village

Send us a textWhen courage gets confused with noise and muscle, we step back and ask what strength really looks like. We follow a fresh reading of Ephesians 6—often reduced to battle talk—and uncover a protective way of living that lets love stand its ground without turning hard. Our guiding vision is simple but demanding: love boldly, serve joyfully, lead courageously. To make that real, we reach for images that breathe—civil rights sit-ins as living armor, campus crowds navigating faith in public, and yes, Superman admitting that his greatest power is being human.We unpack the armor of God as a set of practices rather than weapons: a belt of truth that holds our lives together when spin is cheap, a breastplate of righteousness that guards motives, shoes made for the gospel of peace that move us toward people we’d rather avoid, a shield of faith that absorbs the darts of cynicism, a helmet of salvation that protects our minds from despair, and a Spirit-shaped word that cuts through noise without cutting down

Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the real meaning behind Jesus's parable of the sheep and goats? This exploration of Matthew 25 takes us beyond simple interpretations into the heart of what it means to serve others.The journey begins with a humorous confession about a teaching mishap involving teenagers and a misquoted Bible verse, setting the stage for a fresh look at familiar scripture. As we dig deeper into the text, profound questions emerge: What happens to grace in a story where people seem judged solely on their actions? Who exactly are "the least of these who are members of my family" that Jesus mentions? Does this refer only to fellow Christians or to all of humanity?When paired with Jesus's Good Samaritan parable, we discover a revolutionary understanding of service that transcends tribal, religious, and cultural boundaries. This message resonates deeply because we all recognize moments in our lives when we have been "the least of these" – perhaps not lacking

Send us a textWhat does it mean to "love boldly" in a society fractured by political division and violence? At a pivotal moment in American culture, this exploration of Jesus's greatest commandment couldn't be more timely or necessary.The United Methodist Church has embraced a powerful new guiding vision centered on loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously. This sermon unpacks the first principle by examining Jesus's famous conversation with the Pharisees about the greatest commandment. His answer—love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself—has been recognized as the cornerstone of faith by Jewish and Christian thinkers for two millennia. Yet we struggle tremendously to put this teaching into practice.When current events force us to confront painful questions about who counts as our "neighbor" and what our love should look like in practice, we often retreat to safer, more comfortable alternatives. Rather than letting love lead, we defer t

Send us a textWhat do Jack Palance's one-armed push-ups and the wisdom of "City Slickers" have to do with our spiritual journey? As it turns out, everything. Drawing an unexpected but powerful parallel between the classic film's message about finding your "one thing" and Paul's letter to the Ephesians, this message explores how we discover our true purpose within the body of Christ. Paul's metaphor of the church as a body reveals a profound truth: we are not isolated individuals competing for limited resources but interconnected parts of a greater whole, each with unique gifts and contributions to make.Our modern world constantly reinforces feelings of isolation and independence, blinding us to the beautiful possibility of what we can accomplish together. But God envisions something far better—a community where each person flourishes by embracing their giftedness and playing their distinctive role. This understanding transforms our very concept of success from individua

Send us a textWhat happens when you pair Indiana Jones with spiritual growth? A revelation about intentional faith that might just change your spiritual journey.Our summer movie series concludes with the ultimate adventure film—Raiders of the Lost Ark—offering surprising spiritual insights about our relationship with God. While Indy pursues the Ark of the Covenant across deserts and oceans, we discover that his determined quest mirrors our own search for deeper connection with the divine.The biblical Ark's remarkably detailed design specifications weren't arbitrary but purposeful. Like master craftspeople who understand that meticulous attention transforms ordinary materials into something extraordinary, our spiritual lives require similar intention. Whether through careful Bible study, compassionate care for others, or technical ministry support, intentional practice becomes our pathway to knowing God more deeply.Indiana Jones represents the quintessential American hero—resourceful, principled, and

Send us a textWhat happens when you combine a children's movie about dragons with one of Jesus's most challenging teachings? A surprisingly profound exploration of conflict, empathy, and the radical power of loving your enemies.Using "How to Train Your Dragon" as a creative entry point, we dive into the timeless wisdom behind Jesus's command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." The film's protagonist, Hiccup, discovers that dragons—long considered mortal enemies of his Viking community—aren't the mindless killers everyone believes them to be. Through understanding and connection, he transforms a generational conflict into peaceful coexistence.This cinematic journey parallels our real-world struggles with Jesus's difficult teaching. We wrestle with honest questions: Is there a limit to loving our enemies? What about the Hitlers of the world? Yet history offers us powerful examples in figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., who em

Send us a textSuperman has captivated American audiences for generations, from Christopher Reeve's wholesome portrayal to Henry Cavill's darker interpretation, and now the latest iteration returning to Superman's optimistic roots. But what makes this character so enduring isn't just his extraordinary abilities—it's what he represents: the very best of humanity, ironically embodied by an alien.Created in 1938 as World War II loomed, Superman's motto of "truth, justice, and the American way" stood in direct contrast to the Nazi concept of the "Übermensch." While the Nazi regime promoted an Aryan ideal of superiority, Superman—an undocumented immigrant from another planet—championed universal justice. This brilliant subversion established him as a character who fought not for the few, but for everyone.The storytelling challenge with Superman has always been creating meaningful conflict for a nearly invincible character. The real struggles often center around the

Send us a textEver set out on a journey only to realize you're woefully unprepared? Like hiking up steep trails to Griffith Observatory in completely wrong footwear? These moments of physical discomfort mirror something deeper about our spiritual lives—the persistent "thorns" we can't seem to overcome no matter how hard we try.The Apostle Paul knew this frustration intimately. His mysterious "thorn in the flesh" became the focal point of repeated prayers for relief. Three times he begged God to remove this weakness, whatever it was. But instead of healing, Paul received something far more profound: "My grace is sufficient for you." With these words, everything shifted. What had been merely an annoying limitation became a powerful reminder of divine love. The very weakness that frustrated Paul transformed into a blessing—a constant reminder that he was fully accepted despite his imperfections.This transformative power of grace finds an unexpected parallel in the animated

Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the theological messages hidden within your favorite blockbuster films? This eye-opening exploration uses the Jurassic Park franchise as a springboard to examine one of humanity's most persistent temptations: playing God.The dinosaur-filled adventures of Jurassic Park aren't just thrilling entertainment—they're modern parables warning us about the consequences of unchecked ambition. As Jeff Goldblum's character Dr. Ian Malcolm famously observes, "Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." This critique of innovation without ethical boundaries connects directly to biblical wisdom found in the Tower of Babel story.Drawing fascinating parallels between ancient scripture and contemporary concerns, we explore how God's response to humanity's tower-building ambitions wasn't merely punishment but potentially protection. When God scatters the people and confu

Send us a textHave you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of our world—political divisions, global conflicts, economic injustice—wondering what God expects from you in such confusing times? This exploration of Paul's letter to the Galatians cuts through the noise with refreshing clarity.At the heart of Paul's message lies a fascinating paradox about freedom. Unlike our American understanding of individual liberty, Paul describes a freedom that comes through willingly "enslaving" ourselves to one another in love. "For freedom Christ has set us free," he writes, not so we can indulge our own desires, but so we might serve each other. The entire law, complex as it seemed, can be distilled to a single commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself."What makes this teaching so powerful is how it speaks directly to our fractured society. When Paul warns against "biting and devouring one another," we can't help but see reflections of our political hostility

Send us a textThe parable of the Good Samaritan might be the most familiar story Jesus ever told—so familiar that we risk missing its truly radical message. Stepping into the pulpit, Guest Preacher Rev. Gary Keene offers a fresh perspective by reading this well-worn tale through a transliteration of the original Greek, creating just enough distance for us to hear it anew.Through careful textual analysis, Gary reveals two profound subversions Jesus embeds in this simple story. The first is obvious: making a despised Samaritan the hero would have shocked Jesus' original audience, challenging their deeply held stereotypes about who could be "good." The second runs deeper: by stripping the victim naked and rendering him unconscious, Jesus removes all identity markers that would tell passersby who this person was—Jew, Gentile, friend, or enemy.This nakedness completely transforms the lawyer's original question from "Who is my neighbor?" to "Who am I when confronted with human suf

Send us a textFreedom takes on profound new meaning when examined through the lens of Paul's letter to the Galatians. Beyond the political liberty we often celebrate, Paul reveals a deeper spiritual freedom that liberates believers from the burden of religious rule-following toward an authentic relationship with God.The message unpacks how early Christianity navigated its Jewish roots while establishing a distinct identity. Paul's nuanced contrast between "law" and "faith" wasn't rejecting divine guidance but transforming how we understand it. The Levitical laws—from dietary restrictions to circumcision—once served as clear markers of religious devotion. But Paul suggests we've matured spiritually, much like children who grow from needing explicit rules to grasping the principles behind them.This evolution brings remarkable freedom. No longer must we measure our worthiness through perfect adherence to religious regulations. Instead, we're justified through faith—tr

Send us a textA simple email from David Keddle with seven words—"I'm going to need to hear your feelings around the LGBTQ issue"—set the stage for one of the most meaningful pastoral relationships I would form during my first year at this church. David, a warm man of deep faith who also happened to be homosexual, challenged me to address LGBTQ issues at least once during the year. On June 29th, nearly one year after my arrival, I fulfilled that promise.The sermon explores Micah 6:8, a profound passage that cuts through religious pretense to reveal what God truly desires from us. The prophet Micah speaks to a society experiencing both prosperity and uncertainty—much like America today—where cracks are forming and people are anxiously drawing battle lines over complex issues. In this polarized environment, Micah's message is revolutionary: God doesn't want our sacrifices or rituals but asks simply that we "do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God."For too long, our

Send us a textHow do we recognize God's presence in our daily lives? Where do we turn when the divine feels distant? What actions can bring us closer to our spiritual purpose?Tim Bonds, a longtime church member and RAND Corporation senior fellow, opens his heart in this intimate conversation about faith, purpose, and presence. With remarkable vulnerability, Tim shares how his professional work supporting military families and personal experiences with family challenges have shaped his understanding of God's presence in both joyful and difficult seasons.At the core of Tim's testimony lies a profound insight: God is visible through the "angels" who extend kindness without expectation of return. From the child who welcomed his daughter after a difficult move to colleagues who offered support during professional challenges, these encounters reveal divine love in action. Yet Tim doesn't shy away from discussing seasons when God felt distant—during his father's terminal illness an

Send us a textHave you ever found yourself proudly declaring, "God and I are good on our own" only to discover the painful limitations of spiritual isolation? This soul-stirring journey explores the transformation from fierce independence to the healing embrace of community faith.The path begins with childhood church wounds and a Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack—"I am a rock, I am an island"—as spiritual self-sufficiency becomes both armor and prison. When cancer strikes, that carefully constructed independence crumbles in the face of fear and uncertainty. The contrast between facing a life-threatening diagnosis alone versus surrounded by church family becomes the powerful "tale of two scans" that reveals how deeply we need each other.Through authentic vulnerability, this message examines the complications of church-as-family without glossing over the hard parts. Yes, spiritual communities can wound us. Yes, some relationships require boundaries (Romans 12:18). But the gradual qu

Send us a textWe explore Jeremiah's prophetic journey as a young boy called to deliver difficult messages during Israel's national crisis, drawing parallels to today's graduates facing uncertain futures. God's affirmation that he equipped Jeremiah despite his youth offers powerful encouragement for young people wondering about their purpose and ability to make a difference in challenging times.• Jeremiah delivered his prophecy during Israel's fall to Babylon, making his message particularly difficult• As "only a boy," Jeremiah questioned his ability to speak truth to his community in crisis• God's response affirms that Jeremiah was equipped and supported despite his youth• The destruction of the Temple raised existential questions about God's presence and power• Jeremiah's revolutionary message that God would write laws on people's hearts rather than in temples• The comforting assurance that God remains as close as our hearts during all life transitions•

Send us a textWhat does it mean to truly embrace diversity within Christianity? John Wesley, Methodism's founder, offered a revolutionary answer in his sermon "On the Catholic Spirit" that still challenges us today.Against the backdrop of post-Reformation religious division, Wesley chose an unexpected path. Rather than demanding theological uniformity, he found wisdom in the biblical exchange: "Is your heart right as my heart is with your heart? If it is, give me your hand." This seemingly simple invitation became the foundation for a radical understanding of Christian unity that didn't require agreement on every point of doctrine.Wesley's approach wasn't about watering down conviction but recognizing that God intentionally creates diversity within the body of Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4, we see that different gifts—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers—aren't accidental but divinely ordained for the growth and maturity of the whole church. Our di

Send us a textJohn Wesley's vision of social justice provides a framework for understanding Jesus's teachings in the Beatitudes and challenges us to transform personal faith into active compassion.• Social justice defined as the belief in equal rights, opportunities and treatment for all people regardless of characteristics• The Beatitudes begin with blessing those who seem least blessed—the poor in spirit, mourners, the meek• Spiritual poverty, mourning and meekness often become moments when God can work most deeply in our lives• The Beatitudes show a progression from spiritual emptiness to active faith strong enough to withstand persecution• Wesley spoke of "social holiness" rather than just personal holiness, believing faith must lead to action• Wesley actively fought against poverty, slavery, and advocated for prison reform• Methodist social justice legacy includes founding the Salvation Army and championing various social causes• The Social Principles document represents Methodism&apo

Send us a textWhat does a mother's love on Mother's Day reveal about divine grace? Drawing this powerful parallel, today's episode explores grace as unconditional love that finds us even when we're struggling with our own imperfections.Looking at cultural images of "perfect mothers" from June Cleaver to Roseanne, we acknowledge that real parenting involves both triumphs and struggles – just like our spiritual journey. The letter to Ephesians provides our scriptural foundation, reminding us we're "created in Christ Jesus for good works." This isn't about some distant heavenly realm but God's vision for transforming this world through grace-filled living.John Wesley's three-part framework of grace offers profound insights into our spiritual development. Provenient grace comes before we're even aware – like infant baptism, where a community surrounds a child with such powerful love that they'll come to recognize God's presence through the

Send us a textJohn Wesley's disciplined approach to faith created a movement that continues to influence millions of Christians worldwide today. His journey from Oxford professor to founder of Methodism reveals how personal faith experience shaped an entire denomination.• Wesley's "Directions for Singing" reveal his intense, methodical personality and high expectations• At Oxford, Wesley and his brother Charles formed "holy clubs" focused on prayer, scripture study, and accountability• During a storm at sea, Wesley observed Moravian Christians remaining calm while he felt fear, prompting spiritual questioning• Wesley's "heart strangely warmed" experience at Aldersgate marked his personal encounter with grace• He traveled approximately 250,000 miles in his lifetime, spreading his message throughout England• Wesley never advocated leaving the Anglican Church; Methodism became separate primarily due to the American Revolution• From 132,000 Methodists at his death in 1