Westfield church of Christ

Westfield church of Christ We are simply Christians worshiping God and preaching Jesus in the Westfield Indiana community.

06/05/2026

A Year with Jesus - June 5

Mark 12:28-44
The “most important” command is to love God with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Our devotion to God should encompass every part of our lives, excluding nothing. The second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). Later that day, Jesus publicly rebuked the scribes’ love of attention and harsh treatment of widows (v. 38-40). Though viewed as the “religious elite,” they exhibited the opposite of the greatest commands – love of self and contempt for others! It’s interesting, though, that the man with the wise answer was one of those scribes (v. 32-34). He understood Jesus’ teaching, but would he obey it?

Psalm 75
Psalm 75 answers the lament of Psalm 74. God felt so distant to the exiles (74:1), but now He is near (75:1). God withheld judgment against the enemies (74:10-11), but now He brings judgment on their heads (75:8). God Himself speaks – “When I choose a time, I will judge fairly…” (v. 2). God reserves the right to choose the when and how of judgment. The cup of wrath in God’s hand (v. 8) is the same in Revelation 14:10, 18:6 mixed and administered to those who persecuted Christians. Sometimes we must wait. In the meantime, we praise God (v. 1, 9).

06/04/2026

A Year with Jesus - June 4

Mark 12:13-27
You wouldn’t want to debate Jesus. Three major Jewish sects tried and walked away publicly shamed. These exchanges teach several lessons. First, people who frame complex concepts as a “yes or no” question often intend to weaponize their query as a trap (v. 14). Not every question can be answered with one word. Second, it’s also dishonest to try to find “loopholes” in Scripture (v. 18-23). God’s written word is consistent and coherent. Third, truth is objective. Jesus told the Sadducees, “You’re mistaken” (v. 24, 27). That’s only possible if truth is absolute and universal, not subjective. Jesus’ wisdom in debate reveals His authority to teach truth.

Psalm 74:12-23
In Babylonian exile, Judah lost their land, temple, and kingdom. In this psalm, the exiles ask “why?” (v. 1-11), remember God’s past works (v. 12-17), and appeal to God to restore His people and vindicate His own honor (v. 18-23). The center section is powerful because the people confess their belief in God as “King from ancient times” (v. 12). They recall God’s acts of deliverance, specifically the exodus from Egypt (v. 13-15). They remember God’s acts of creation still evident today (v. 16-17). When we don’t see God’s presence in the present, dwell on His work in the past and trust Him to work in the future.

06/03/2026

A Year with Jesus - June 3

Mark 12:1-12
The vineyard in Jesus’ parable represents Israel, especially highlighting God’s tender care for His people (compare Isaiah 5:1-2). This parable has two main points. First, it highlights God’s merciful patience. How many times would you have sent your servants to recover the harvest, just to have them beaten or killed, before you said “no more”? God put up with Israel rejecting His prophets (and Jesus!) far longer than I would have! Second, this parable shows Israel’s fatal unbelief. After mercy came justice (v. 9). The lesson – do not think lightly of God’s mercy, which is intended to bring us to repentance (Romans 2:4)!

Psalm 74:1-11
Imagine going to church one Sunday to find your church building had been vandalized overnight, its windows smashed and walls covered with vulgar graffiti. Multiply that disorientation and frustration ten times, and maybe we can understand Judah’s feeling when Babylon defiled and destroyed the temple (see 2 Kings 24-25). Psalm 74 voices the despair of the people who witnessed that horrific day. “Why?” (v. 1, 11) and “How long?” (v. 10), they ask! Perhaps this is the prayer of those who repented, or of the faithful who suffered for others’ sins. Regardless, they went to God in their time of crisis, even when He seemed absent. We should too!

06/02/2026

A Year with Jesus - June 2

Mark 11:12-33
Jesus’ final days in Jerusalem were filled with controversy. First (Day 2 after the triumphal entry), He cleared the temple complex of the merchants and bankers. His message to them (v. 17) came straight from the Old Testament prophets – Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Just like their forefathers, they turned the temple into a hideout where corruption could appear righteous. On Day 3, the priests, scribes, and elders directly confronted Jesus’ authority. Even they couldn’t ignore the authority with which Jesus spoke and acted! Neither can we. What will we do when Jesus confronts the status quo of our local churches or our pride in our religious institutions?

Psalm 73:16-28
Asaph’s doubts tormented him, until he “came into to sanctuary of God” (v. 17). It was there he realized God does care, and that He will judge the wicked quickly and definitively (v. 18-20). Regular worship recalibrates our hearts to God. It reminds us of what we know about God’s goodness, faithfulness, and justice. Though it was unpleasant to look back on (v. 21-22), Asaph learned from his struggle. The greatest lesson comes in verse 26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Whatever your struggle, make God your rock!

06/01/2026

A Year with Jesus - June 1

Mark 11:1-11
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was very intentional and served a symbolic purpose for His ministry. After looking around at everything, He left (v. 11). In other words, Jesus went into Jerusalem simply to make a statement – “I am the son of David, the Messiah, the King.” The crowds understood the implications loud and clear. It was them who shouted, “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (v. 10). Less than a week later, the city that welcomed Him with unqualified praise will crucify Him with unqualified hatred. Indeed, this is the irony of the gospel.

Psalm 73:1-15
Asaph contended silently with this age-old question – why do the wicked succeed while the righteous suffer? It wasn’t a question debated in a university philosophy class that shook his faith (v. 2); it was his real-life experience. The wicked had health and wealth and were proud of it (v. 4-12). But Asaph lived for God and had only affliction to show for it (v. 13-14). Was it all for nothing? Was integrity worth the effort? Didn’t God care anymore? If these questions appear irreverent or whiny, remember that brutal honesty is better than artificial righteousness. If you’re struggling with doubt, betrayal, pain, anxiety, or disappointment, talk to God about it!

05/29/2026

A Year with Jesus - May 29

Mark 10:35-52
The healing of Bartimaeus (v. 46-52) parallels the healing of the blind man in 8:22-26. The stories in between have highlighted the disciples’ blindness, especially to Jesus’ impending death. Jesus just finished telling them (the third time!) that He came to suffer (v. 33-34), and all James and John can think about is how Jesus’ kingdom can fulfill their ambitions (v. 37)! Jesus’ question is the same to James and John, and to Bartimaeus – “What do you want me to do for you?” (v. 36, 51). But their answers couldn’t be more different. The disciples wanted power. Bartimaeus only wanted to see. Lord, open our eyes!

Psalm 72:12-20
The ideal king will rule “to the ends of the earth” (v. 9). When did ancient Israel ever have universal, worldwide dominance? Solomon’s kingdom was the golden age of Israel, but it was far from a global empire. No, Psalm 72 prophesies of a future king – the Messiah! How does Jesus fulfill this psalm? His reign is absolute over all authorities, earthly and spiritual (Ephesians 1:20-22). His rule is a blessing to every nation, offering salvation to all (Acts 10:35). His kingdom values the least and lowly (Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus is the perfect king! “Let all kings bow in homage to him, all nations serve him” (v. 11).

05/28/2026

A Year with Jesus - May 28

Mark 10:17-34
From the outside looking in, the rich man seemed well-qualified to enter God’s kingdom. That’s why the disciples were “astonished” twice (v. 24, 26) at Jesus’ teaching that turned the man away. Their reasoning – “If not this man, then who?” Jesus’ answer is, only those who give up everything for Him (v. 21). Jesus’ demand of discipleship requires a fundamental change of priority and decisive self-denial (Mark 8:34f) that extends even to our bank accounts (1 Timothy 6:17-19). The apostles exemplified this, though still lacking humility (v. 28-31). But no example of sacrifice eclipses Jesus. Knowing all He would suffer, He led the way to Jerusalem (v. 32-34).

Psalm 72:1-11
Psalm 72 calls for God’s blessing on Israel’s king (“Solomon” – see heading). The ideal king rules with “justice” and “righteousness” (v. 1-2). Specifically, he defends the least and lowly, and crushes those who oppress the defenseless (v. 4). Because he rules righteously, righteous citizens flourish and his kingdom enjoys long-lasting prosperity (v. 7). Acknowledging ancient Israel was unique in their theocracy, these general ideals still apply to government today. Civil leaders are God’s servants for our good, a defense for the good and a terror to the wicked (Romans 13:1-4). All governments uphold this ideal to a lesser or greater extent. Tomorrow we’ll see how Jesus fulfills it perfectly.

05/27/2026

A Year with Jesus - May 27

Mark 10:1-16
Jesus’ teaching on divorce is clear – “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (v. 9). Marriage is a permanent covenant between a husband, wife, and God. Moses’ provision in the Old Law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) wasn’t an approval of divorce, but a regulation of it. Jesus said it existed “because of the hardness of [their] hearts” (v. 5). The same heart is evident in our own culture. Divorce is easy and our overall view of marriage is cynical. Anecdotally, countless families suffer timeless wounds because of divorce. Jesus’ teaching may be ancient, but it will remain relevant to the end of time.

Psalm 71:12-24
In the second half of this psalm, the old man prays to God for urgent help (v. 12-13) and vows to praise God for His salvation (v. 14-24). We never outgrow our dependence on God, even when we are “old and gray” (v. 18). Maturity isn’t a warranty against suffering; in fact, the only path to seasoned faith is perseverance through hardship. When we’ve grown old, our responsibility shifts to teaching the younger generation about God’s strength (v. 17-18). I hope to be like this old man one day – still clinging to God’s hand like a toddler! May our faith increase in proportion with our age.

05/26/2026

A Year with Jesus - May 26

Mark 9:30-50
After predicting His death and resurrection a second time (v. 30, compare 8:31), Jesus warned the disciples of three ever-present dangers. First, ambitious pride (v. 33-37). While they debated who was preeminent, Jesus exposed the cause of their shamed silence and used a child as a model of humility. Second is righteous prejudice (v. 38-41). How easy it is to assume if someone isn’t “following us” they’re not following the Lord. Last are spiritual hazards that cause us to sin and fall away (v. 42-50). Jesus warned against being that influence to others or ourselves. Jesus died to save us; let’s not make it harder for ourselves or others!

Psalm 71:1-11
This is the prayer of an aged man whose life since childhood has seen God’s goodness (v. 5-7). But in his age, enemies draw near and God seems distant (v. 9). As his physical health declines, he becomes frail and more vulnerable to the attacks of the wicked. They even say, “God has abandoned him, so he should be easy to catch” (my paraphrase of v. 11). It takes a special kind of evil to plot schemes against the elderly! Even today, scammers specifically target this demographic. But God’s strength never wanes. Rely on Him! “Those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).

05/25/2026

A Year with Jesus - May 25

Mark 9:14-29
The scene was a disaster until Jesus finally restored order! Most obviously, the father and son had experienced years of nightmarish terror and pain. On top of that, Jesus’ disciples were unable to help and instead got sucked into a petty argument with the crowd. So He rebuked their unbelief (v. 19). They were confused; hadn’t Jesus given them authority to drive out demons (3:15, 6:7)? Yes, but it required faith in God’s power over their own. Simply put, they failed to pray (v. 29). Prayer would have accomplished what their self-reliance couldn’t. How much more could you do if you prayed?

Psalm 70
David prayed for God to hasten to his help. It was an urgent, desperate cry. “Hurry! Don’t delay!” (v. 1,5). Verses 2-3 describe David’s enemies who had no greater delight than plotting against his life, harming him intentionally, then celebrating his demise at their hands. They weren’t nice people! Compare what Jesus’ enemies said of Him as they watched Him being crucified – “Ha! The one who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days…!” (Mark 15:29). But that wasn’t the end of it. God raised Him from the dead. God hears the desperate cries of His people. He is our help and deliverer (v. 5).

Address

624 North Union Street
Westfield, IN
46074

Opening Hours

Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 11am
5pm - 6pm

Telephone

+13175589266

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Westfield church of Christ posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category