FBCWest

First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

5.0 (2)
Religion & Spirituality
Updated Daily

FBCWest is a place where church means family. As a family that follows the Lord, we are commanded to love one another as we love ourselves. We hope that this site and our church can be an effective place for your family, and life, so that we can show the affect God has had on us to the world.

1d ago

Superstition not Faith

Israel’s disastrous decision to treat the Ark of the Covenant like a lucky charm. After losing a battle to the Philistines, Israel never asks God why they were defeated or whether they should fight again. Instead, they bring the Ark into the camp, assuming that possessing the symbol of God’s presence will guarantee victory. The people celebrate, and even the Philistines become afraid—but the Ark is not God. Israel suffers a devastating defeat, the Ark is captured, Eli’s sons die, and Eli dies after hearing the news. Phinehas’s wife then names her child Ichabod, declaring that the glory has departed from Israel. The warning for us is not to confuse religious objects, routines, traditions, or church attendance with genuine trust in God. Faith seeks God, listens to Him, and obeys Him. Superstition tries to control outcomes through symbols and rituals. The battle belongs to the Lord. Our confidence must rest in Him, not in anything we treat as a spiritual good luck charm. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 4:1 & 2 Israel loses a battle to the Philistines 1 Samuel 4:3 & 4 Israel decides to get the Ark of the Covenant because it will defeat the Philistines 1 Samuel 4:5 – 8 Israel shouts when the Ark arrives and the shout causes the Philistines to become fearful 1 Samuel 4:9 – 11 The Philistines regain their courage, fight and defeat Israel. They capture the Ark and both Eli’s sons die 1 Samuel 4:12 – 18 Eli hears the report of the capture of the Ark and the death of his sons, he falls back and dies of a broken neck
Jul 26

Samuel Confirmed as a Prophet

How does God call someone, and how is that calling confirmed? Although Samuel had faithfully served in the sanctuary, he did not yet recognize the Lord’s voice. Three times he went to Eli before Eli understood that God was calling the boy and instructed him to answer, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” God then gave Samuel a difficult message concerning Eli’s household. Samuel was afraid to deliver it, but he faithfully spoke everything God had revealed. As Samuel continued to grow, the Lord remained with him and allowed none of his words to fail. Eventually, all Israel recognized that Samuel had been confirmed as a prophet. God’s calling is not limited by age, natural talent, status, or human importance. God calls servants, gives them the ability to accomplish His purpose, and asks them to remain faithful; whether the results appear successful or not. Every believer is called to serve and to bear witness to what God has done. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 3:1 Samuel as a boy ministered to the Lord. The word and visions from the Lord was rare in those days 1 Samuel 3:2 & 3 Eli’s eyesight was decreasing. Samuel sleeps in the temple 1 Samuel 3:4 – 9 The Lord calls Samuel, but not knowing it’s God, goes to Eli in response to the call. After the third time Eli tells him it is the Lord calling and tells him what to say 1 Samuel 3:10 – 14 The Lord stans and tells Samuel what He is going to do with Eli and his household 1 Samuel 3:15 – 18 Samuel doesn’t want to tell Eli what the Lord said, but Eli compels him to 1 Samuel 3:19 - 21 Samuel continued to grow, the Lord was with him and all Israel knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet
Jul 19

Different Sons

Samuel was still a boy, yet he faithfully ministered before the Lord under Eli’s guidance. His mother, Hannah, continued supporting his calling by making him a linen garment each year. Samuel grew in stature and in favor with both God and people. Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were the opposite. Though they inherited positions of priestly service, they did not know the Lord. They abused the sacrifices, exploited the people, dishonored the Tabernacle, and used their ministry for personal gain. Eli confronted them verbally but failed to remove them from service or take decisive action. This sermon examines the difference between inherited position and genuine faithfulness. It challenges parents, church leaders, and believers to help young people serve God, honor the Lord above family loyalty, take ministry seriously, and respond to correction with repentance. God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The question is whether we will follow Samuel’s example of faithful service or harden our hearts like Eli and his sons. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 2:11 Samuel as a boy ministered to the Lord 1 Samuel 2:12 The sons of Eli were worthless and did not know the Lord 1 Samuel 2:13 – 17 Examples of their conduct as priests 1 Samuel 2:18 &19 Samuel ministered before the Lord in linen clothing made by his mother 1 Sameul 2:20 Eli blessed Samuel’s parents because of their dedication to the Lord 1 Samuel 2:21 Hannah has 5 more children 1 Samuel 2:22 – 25 Eli hearing his sons misconduct tells them to stop but does not act 1 Samuel 2:26 Samuel grows in stature and in favor with the Lord and men 1 Samuel 2:27 – 36 The Lord judges Eli and his house and gives him a sign when the judgment will take place
Jul 12

Two Prayers

Two prayers from Hannah’s life: one prayed in deep distress, and one prayed in joyful praise. Hannah was barren, provoked, misunderstood, and grieved. In her pain, she poured out her soul before the Lord and made a vow that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him back to the Lord. Eli the priest misunderstood her at first, but after hearing her heart, he blessed her prayer, and Hannah left no longer sad. God answered her prayer, and Hannah gave birth to Samuel. But the story does not end with answered prayer. Hannah fulfilled her vow and returned Samuel to the Lord. Then she prayed again, not in sorrow, but in praise, exalting God for His holiness, strength, justice, and faithfulness. Hannah's reminds us that prayer should not only be passionate when we are asking God for help. Our praise and thanksgiving should be just as passionate when He answers. Whether God says yes, no, or wait, we are called to trust Him, rejoice in Him, and give Him the glory. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 1:1 – 8 A man had 2 wives, one had children and the other was barren because of the Lord 1 Samuel 1:9 – 11 Hannah prayed, wept in distress and made a vow to the Lord 1 Samuel 1:12 – 16 Eli, the priest misinterpreted Hannah’s prayer and condition 1 Samuel 1:17 & 18 Eli says may the Lord grant your prayer and Hannah leaves no longer sad 1 Samuel 1:19 – 23 God grants Hannah’s prayer and has a son 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28 Hannah fulfills her vow 1 Samuel 2:1 – 5 Hannah prayer is full of praise to God
Jul 5

Even If

What decision will you make before the pressure comes? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego face a life-or-death test. King Nebuchadnezzar commands everyone to bow before his golden image, but these three men had already made their commitment: they would worship God alone. When given one final chance to compromise, they refuse. They declare that God is able to deliver them. But even if He does not, they will not bow. Their faith is not based on whether God gives them the outcome they want. Their faith is rooted in who God is. The challenge is clear: don’t wait until the fire is in front of you to decide where you stand. Make your commitment now, before the circumstance comes. Sermon Notes Daniel 3:1 – 7 King’s golden image created and law issued to worship it Daniel 3:8 – 12 Certain Jews were made known to the king they were not worshipping it Daniel 3:13 – 15 3 Jewish men were given a chance to change their minds and worship the image, but if they don’t immediately, they would be cast into the fire Daniel 3:16 – 18 Instead of accepting the king’s offer they say they won’t worship and that God is able to deliver them, but if He does not they still won’t worship the image Exodus 20:1 – 5 Commandments against what king is demanding Daniel 3:19 – 30 God delivers them and the king blesses God Matthew 5:11 & 12 Rejoice at persecution Hebrews 11:35 – 38 People the world is not worthy of
Jun 28

Love

Love is not merely a feeling, preference, or sentimental idea. Biblical love is an action rooted in the love God has already shown us. Scripture calls believers to love in several distinct ways: to love the Lord completely, to love our neighbor as ourselves, to love our enemies, to love one another as Christ loved us, and for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not seek its own. Love covers a multitude of sins. Most importantly, love comes from God. Because we are secure in His love, we can risk loving others. Even when they do not love us back. The challenge is clear: love is not only something we receive from God. It is something we are commanded to live out. Sermon Notes Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the Lord your God completely Leviticus 19:18 Love your neighbor as yourself Matthew 5:43 & 44 Love your enemy John 15:12 Love other believers as Christ did Ephesians 5:25 & 26 Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church 1 John 4:7 Love is from God 1 Peter 4:8 Love covers a multitude of sins 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 13 Love defined
Jun 21

Faith

Biblical faith is not assumption, wishful thinking, or simply believing hard enough for something we want. True faith is believing what God has said and trusting that He will do what He has promised. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Abraham becomes a key example: he obeyed when God called him, journeyed without knowing the full destination, and trusted God even when the promise seemed impossible. Explore saving faith, justified faith, walking by faith, living by faith in Christ, and the honest prayer, “I believe; help my unbelief.” Faith is essential to the Christian life, and Scripture tells us how it grows: faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. If you want stronger faith, the answer is not assumption or emotion, it is hearing God’s Word, trusting what He says, and walking in obedience. Sermon Notes Hebrews 11:1 What faith is Hebrews 11:6 Without faith impossible to please God Hebrews 11:8 –10 & 17 – 19 Abram an example of faith Matthew 17:19 & 20 What the size of a mustard seed can faith do Luke 7:40 – 50 Saving faith Romans 5:1 Justified by faith 2 Corinthians 5:6– 9 We walk by faith Galatians 2:20 We live by faith in Christ Habakkuk 2:4 The righteous lives by his faith Mark 9:14 – 24 Help by unbelief Romans 10:17 Faith comes by hearing the word of God Jude (1) 17 – 21 Build up your most holy faith
Jun 14

Forgive

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things God calls us to do. Many people say unforgiveness harms us emotionally or physically, but Scripture shows that refusing to forgive carries an even deeper spiritual consequence. Jesus commands us to forgive others as God has forgiven us in Christ, not merely once, not only when it feels easy, and not only after someone asks. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus shows the seriousness of receiving mercy while refusing to give mercy. From the cross, Jesus prayed for those crucifying Him before they even asked for forgiveness. And through Joseph’s story, we see how God can take what others meant for evil and use it for good. This sermon challenges us not only to forgive one person, but to become forgiving people, reflecting the heart of our Father, who forgave a debt we could never repay. Sermon Notes Ephesians 4:32 Forgive each other as God has forgiven you Matthew 18:21 – 35 How many times are we forgive & what happens if we don’t Matthew 6:12 We are to pray forgive us as we have forgiven. Matthew 6:14 & 15 If you don’t God. Does not forgive you Luke 23:34 Jesus prays for those who are crucifying Him and they have not even asked for forgiveness

5

out of 5

2 Ratings

FBCWest is a place where church means family. As a family that follows the Lord, we are commanded to love one another as we love ourselves. We hope that this site and our church can be an effective place for your family, and life, so that we can show the affect God has had on us to the world.

Creator

First Baptist Church of Westminster, California
Years Active

2017 - 2026
Episodes

459
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© All rights reserved
Show Website

FBCWest