FBCWest

First Baptist Church of Westminster, California

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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.

6d ago

The Consequences of Failing to Wait

Faith is easier when circumstances are calm and everything appears to be going according to plan. But what happens when the situation looks desperate, time seems to be running out, and God does not appear to be acting when we think He should? Saul faces an overwhelming Philistine army while his own soldiers scatter in fear. Samuel had instructed Saul to wait seven days, but as the pressure increased, Saul became impatient. Rather than continuing to trust God and obey His command, Saul took matters into his own hands and offered the sacrifice himself. Samuel’s question to Saul is, “What have you done?” Saul responds with excuses. The people were scattering. Samuel had not arrived when Saul expected him. The Philistines were gathering. The circumstances seemed to demand immediate action. But the real issue was not the sacrifice. The issue was faith. Saul allowed what he could see around him to become more important than what God had said. Instead of waiting on the Lord, he tried to take control of the situation himself. His impatience had consequences not only for Saul but for his family: his kingdom would not continue through his descendants. This passage also reveals an important difference between Saul and David. David was not sinless, but when confronted with his sin, he sought forgiveness and a clean heart. Saul instead tried to justify his actions. David sought forgiveness; Saul sought self-justification. Meanwhile, Israel’s circumstances continued to look impossible. Saul’s army had dwindled to about 600 men. The Philistines possessed overwhelming military strength, and Israel did not even have adequate weapons. Whatever circumstances you are facing, God remains in control. Our faith should not rest in the situation. Our faith rests in Him. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 13:1 Note on Saul’s reign 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul drafts his army 1 Samuel 13:3 & 4 Saul’s son defeats a Philistine garrison 1 Samuel 13:5 – 7 Philistines assemble an army and the Hebrews fear hid, and flee 1 Samuel 13:8 – 10 Because of the circumstances, Saul offers the burnt and peace offerings instead of waiting for Samuel as instructed. 1 Samuel 13:11 & 12 Samuel arrives and Saul gives his excuse why he acted rather than waiting for Samuel 1 Samuel 13:13 & 14 Samuel announces Saul is rejected and the Lord will find a man after His own heart 1 Samuel 13:15 – 18 Saul’s army now at 600 and the Philistines raid the land 1 Samuel 13:19 – 23 The Hebrews do not have weapons of war Psalm 25:5
Sep 27

Consider What Great Things God Has Done for You

Israel was entering a time of enormous change. The nation had moved from a family, to a nation, to leadership under judges, and now to an earthly king. Yet Samuel reminds the people that despite all these transitions, the most important thing had not changed: they were still called to fear the Lord, listen to His voice, serve Him, and follow Him with all their heart. Samuel reminds Israel of God’s faithfulness throughout their history. God delivered their ancestors from Egypt. He rescued them from their enemies. Even when they sinned, turned away, and later repented, God continued to show mercy and provide deliverance. Now Israel has asked for a king. Although having a human king represents a major change in the nation, Samuel makes clear that their security and blessing will not ultimately depend upon the king. The key has always been God. The same is true for us. Our lives contain constant transitions: school, careers, relationships, families, promotions, retirement, uncertainty, and changing circumstances. We can easily convince ourselves that once the next stage arrives, then we will seriously follow God. But faithful obedience to God is not something to postpone until circumstances become convenient. Samuel also gives Israel hope after they recognize their sin. He does not tell them that they are beyond forgiveness. Instead, he tells them not to turn aside from following the Lord, but to serve Him with all their heart. God’s faithfulness rests not upon our perfection, but upon who He is. Samuel then gives them a practical way to remain faithful: “Consider what great things He has done for you.” Instead of spending our lives consumed by anxiety over everything that might go wrong, we can remember what God has already done. We can remember His provision, His mercy, His faithfulness, and ultimately the greatest thing He has done for us: sending His Son to take away our sin and make us His children. Every day presents the same choice Israel faced: Will we trust ourselves, trust other people, pursue temporary things, or follow God with all our heart? Take time today to consider what great things God has done for you. If this message encourages you, please like the video, share it with someone who may need this reminder, and subscribe for more biblical teaching from FBCWest. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 12:1 – 5 Samuel asks if he ever defrauded or oppressed them and their response is No 1 Samuel 12:6 – 11 Samuel gives them a history lesson 1 Samuel 12:12 & 13 They wanted a king even though God was their king 1 Samuel 14 & 15 Nothing really has changed – Love and serve the Lord, but if not the Lord will be against them 1 Samuel 12:16 – 18 The Lord through Samuel’s call showed them that they sinned 1 Samuel 12:19 The people acknowledged they added to their sins 1 Samuel 12:20 – 25 Samuel gives a message of encouragement
Sep 20

Holy Anger and God’s Victory

What happens when surrendering to evil seems easier than standing in faith? The people of Jabesh-gilead face an enemy demanding a devastating price for surrender. What appears to be a hopeless situation becomes a powerful demonstration of God’s involvement in the lives of individuals and nations, the difference between fear and courage, and the truth that deliverance ultimately belongs to the Lord. We take a look at Saul’s response when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon him mightily, the place of righteous or holy anger, Israel’s movement from fear to courage, and the remarkable victory God provides over the Ammonites. Even Saul recognizes that the triumph is not his own, declaring that “the Lord has accomplished deliverance in Israel.” There is also a warning: surrender to spiritual evil is never without cost. Compromise can leave lasting scars. Yet even when circumstances appear overwhelming and it seems that no one is coming to help, God knows exactly where His people are and is able to deliver. Saul’s story also reminds us that God repeatedly confirms His calling and His faithfulness. Saul would later make serious mistakes, but here God demonstrates His power, establishes Saul before the people, and reminds Israel where their victory truly comes from. Whatever difficulty or seemingly insurmountable problem you are facing, your help does not ultimately come from numbers, strength, or human power. Our help comes from the Lord. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 11:1 – 3 Ammonites besiege an Israeli city and the citizens ask for terms of surrender 1 Samule 11:4 & 5 A messenger brings the news and the people weep 1 Samuel 11:6 Saul wants to know why the people are weeping 1 Samuel 11:6 The sprit of the Lord comes upon Saul mightily and he becomes angry 1 Samuel 11:7 & 8 Saul cuts up a yoke of oxen and sends the parts with a threat and 330,000 respond 1 Samuel 11:9 &10 A plan of attack is communicated with those being besieged 1 Samuel 11:11 The Ammonites are defeated 1 Samuel 11:12 & 13 The people want to kill those who didn’t want Saul as king, but Sau acknowledges that it was the Lord who accomplished the deliverance 1 Samuel 11:14 & 15 Samuel says to renew the kingdom at Gilgal and Saul made king Proverbs 21:31 The victory belongs to the Lord
Sep 13

God Changes Hearts

In 1 Samuel 10, Saul is anointed to lead God’s people, and Samuel gives him a series of signs confirming that God is at work. Then Scripture tells us something even more significant: God changed Saul’s heart. Saul’s calling, strength, and ability to fulfill what God had given him to do would not come merely from himself, but from God’s work within him. The Bible’s picture of the heart goes far beyond emotion. It speaks to the core of who we are. Yet even when God changes a heart, we remain dependent on Him. Saul’s story reminds us that knowing God has called us does not remove the need for obedience, faith, and continued reliance on His power. Psalm 51 shows the same truth from another direction. After David’s sin was exposed, he did not excuse himself or attempt to repair his life through willpower. He appealed to God’s mercy and prayed, “Create in me a clean heart.” David understood that only God could cleanse him, restore the joy of salvation, renew a steadfast spirit within him, and sustain him in faithful obedience. We may resolve to do better, change our habits, or think differently, but lasting spiritual transformation is the work of God. We need more than a changed heart for a moment. We need a clean and steadfast heart that continues to pursue Him. That kind of life is possible only as we depend upon God and allow Jesus to live through us. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 10:1 Samuel anoints Saul 1 Samuel 10:2 – 8 Samuel prophesizes to Saul what is going to happen soon 1 Samuel 10:9 God changes Saul’s heart 1 Samuel 10 – 13 Saul himself prophesizes with other prophets 1 Samuel 10:14 – 16 Saul tells his uncle about the search for the donkeys, but not being king 1 Samuel 10:17 – 27 Saul selected king while hiding Psalms 51:1 – 13 God forgives and creates clean hearts
Sep 6

Searching for Donkeys but a King Is Found

Saul's on what begins as an ordinary search for his father’s lost donkeys. Saul and his servant then travel from place to place without success until the servant suggests seeking Samuel; the man of God. What Saul does not know is that God has already told Samuel that Saul is coming. While Saul is looking for donkeys, God is directing every step toward a much greater appointment. Samuel tells him that the donkeys have already been found, and then reveals that Saul is the man Israel has been seeking. Saul sees himself as insignificant, coming from the smallest tribe and an unimportant family, yet God has chosen him for a new calling. God shows us that what looks like an unsuccessful search may actually be part of God’s direction. He can take care of the concerns that brought us onto the road while simultaneously leading us toward His greater purpose. And when God calls us, He does not leave us without direction. Before Saul can step into what God has appointed for him, Samuel tells him to remain and hear the Word of God. You may think you are searching for one thing while God is preparing you for something entirely different. Trust God with the journey, the unanswered questions, and the calling ahead. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 9:1 & 2 Saul’s family and physical characteristics 1 Samuel 9:3 – 10 Unsuccessful search for the donkeys. Servant suggests asking a prophet (seer) 1 Samuel 9:11 – 14 Saul and servant find Samuel 1 Samuel 9:15 – 17 God tells Samuel about Saul a day before 1 Samuel 9:18 – 21 Samuel tells Saul donkeys have been found and he is the one the people are seeking, but Saul thinks his family is unworthy 1 Samuel 9:22 – 27 Samuel tells Saul to send the servant home, but Saul is to remain to hear the word of the Lord
Aug 30

God Rejected as King

Israel’s demand for a human king, Samuel is growing old, his sons are dishonest judges, and the people want a ruler who will make them “like all the nations.” Samuel takes their request to the Lord, and God makes the real issue clear. Israel is not rejected Samuel. They have rejected God from being King over them. God warns Israel exactly what their choice will cost. A human king will take their sons and daughters, their labor, their fields, their produce, their possessions, and eventually make the people his servants. Yet Israel still insists on having a king who will judge them and “fight our battles.” God calls His people to be holy, to seek His kingdom first, and to trust Him as provider, protector, and King. Sometimes God allows us to have what we insist upon, but that does not mean it is His best for us. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 8:1 – 3 Samuel’s sons are dishonest judges 1 Samuel 8:4 & 5 Israel wants a king. Their reasoning is Samuel is old, his sons are dishonest and other nations have a king 1 Samuel 8:6 Samuel did not like it and prays to the Lord 1 Samule 8:7 The Lord tells Samuel that they are rejecting Him not Samuel. He also tells him to listen to the people 1 Samuel 8:8 & 9 God tells Samuel what to say and what the procedure will be for a king 1 Samuel 8:10 –18 Samuel tells them what a king will cost them 1 Samuel 8:19 & 20 Israel still wants a king like other nations and that the king will “fight for them” 1 Saamuel 8:21 & 22 Samuel repeats to God what the people said and God tells him to listen to the people
Aug 23

Remembering God’s Help

After the Ark of the Covenant remains at Kiriath-Jearim for twenty years, Samuel calls the people to turn from their foreign gods, direct their hearts toward the Lord, and serve Him alone. Israel gathers at Mizpah, confesses its sin, and asks Samuel to continue praying. When the Philistines move against them, Samuel offers a sacrifice and cries out to God. The Lord answers with a mighty thunder, throws the enemy into confusion, and gives Israel the victory. Samuel then raises a memorial stone called Ebenezer, declaring, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” God has helped us, saved us, sustained us, and brought us into His presence. We must not forget what He has done. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 7:1 & 2 The Ark was placed in the house of Abinadab and Eleazer was tasked to care for the Ark and it remained there 20 years 1 Samuel 7:3 - 6 Samuel spoke and prayed and the people repented 1 Samuel 7:7 & 8 After hearing that Israel had gathered the Philistines moved to fight them and Israel was afraid 1 Samuel 7:9 & 10 Samuel offered a sacrifice and prayed for the people and the Lord answered 1 Samuel 7:11 Israel defeats the Philistines 1 Samuel 7:12 - 14 Samuel places a memorial stone and Israel’s borders are restored and they have peace 1 Corinthians 11:23 – 26 Our act of remembrance of what the Lord has done
Aug 16

Who Is Able to Stand Before the Lord

Who is able to stand before a holy God? The Ark of the Covenant as the Philistines finally decide to send it back to Israel. They prepare a guilt offering, place the Ark on a cart, and return it according to the instructions they have been given. When the Ark arrives, Israel initially responds with sacrifice and rejoicing. But the story quickly becomes a warning. Some of the men fail to treat the Lord as holy and look inside the Ark. God judges them, leading to the sobering question: Who is able to stand before the Lord, this holy God? God’s holiness should never be treated casually. Hebrews 4:14–16 points us to Jesus, our great High Priest, through whom we are invited to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace in our time of need. We do not approach God because we have made ourselves worthy. We approach because Jesus has made the way. Sermon Notes 1 Samuel 6:1 & 2 Philistines ask how to get rid of the Ark 1 Samuel 6:3 They were told how to send it away 1 Samuel 6:4 – 9 They were also to prepare a guilt offering and how to send the Ark to where it belonged 1 Samuel 6:10 – 12 They did as instructed 1 Samuel 6:13 – 16 The Ark and the offerings arrived back to the people of Israel and the priests handled them 1 Samuel 6:17 & 18 Memorial stones were set 1 Samuel 6:19 – 21 The men there did not take the Lord seriously and looked inside the Ark and God struck them and a great number died. So they sent to have the Ark sent elsewhere Hebrews 4:14 – 16 We can draw near to the throne with confidence because of Jesus

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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

468
Rating

Clean
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FBCWest