Western Hills Church, Temple, TX

Chapter 25: Grave Lessons

Scripture:  John 11

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  This message emphasizes the central question of faith: "Who is Jesus?" and explores the tension between human suffering and divine timing, illustrating how God’s delays are not necessarily denials. The message highlights that Jesus not only performs miracles but also enters into human grief, empathizing with those who suffer. The raising of Lazarus serves as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and his call to bring people out of despair into new life. Ultimately, the sermon reinforces that Jesus offers not just life after death but transformation and hope in the present.

Chapter 24: Lost and Found

Scripture:  Luke 15:1-2, Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:8-10, Luke 15:11-32

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary: The sermon focuses on the theme of being lost and found, drawing from Luke 15, where Jesus shares three parables—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—to illustrate God's relentless pursuit of those who are spiritually lost. Scott highlights that God's heart longs for His lost children and that He actively seeks them rather than waiting for them to find Him.  The message challenges believers to align with God’s mission of seeking and saving the lost rather than merely enjoying their place in the church. The sermon concludes with a powerful illustration of a mother searching for her lost daughter, paralleling God’s unwavering love and desire to bring His children home.

Chapter 23: When Jesus Shows Up

Scripture:  John 1:18, John 1:2-9, John 1:40-42, John 2:7-10

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary: Scott Meyer, Lead Minister, brings a message from Chapter 23 of The Story. The sermon emphasizes how the presence of Jesus transforms lives. It explains that Jesus did not come to introduce a new religion but to fulfill and reveal God's nature, making Him accessible and personal. The message highlights four key aspects of Jesus’ ministry: revelation (Jesus reveals God clearly), reconciliation (He bridges the gap between humanity and God), transformation (He changes lives and identities, as seen in Peter’s story), and restoration of hope (He brings hope even in hopeless situations, like the woman at the well). The sermon concludes with an encouragement to invite Jesus into one's life, as His presence assures that "the best is yet to come."

Chapter 22: Shine, Jesus, Shine

Scripture:  John 1:1-5, Luke 1:46-55,  Luke 2:17-20,  Matthew 2:11-12, Matthew 2:16

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from God's 400 years of silence to the birth of Jesus, marking the fulfillment of God's promises. Scott compares this moment to the opening of an epic story, using the Gospel of John to highlight Jesus as the divine Word and light that shatters darkness. Key figures such as Mary, the shepherds, and the Magi demonstrate humble responses to Jesus, while Herod represents resistance and fear. The sermon emphasizes that God's promises are always fulfilled, and true understanding of Jesus comes from a posture of humility. It concludes with a call to action, asking the audience how they will respond—through worship, sharing the good news, or resistance.

Chapter 21: A Word in the Hand

Scriptures:  Ezra 7:8-10, Malachi  4:4-5, Luke 24:7, John1:1

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  The sermon focuses on the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the theme of renewal through the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi. It highlights how God used the pagan King Artaxerxes to fulfill His promise by allowing the Jewish people to return and rebuild their temple and city, showing God's faithfulness. The message stresses the importance of being in alignment with God's word, as seen in Ezra's dedication to studying, living, and teaching scripture, which kept God's hand upon him. The sermon warns against merely outward renewal, emphasizing that true transformation comes from internal renewal through God's word. Ultimately, it points to Jesus as the final Word of God, fulfilling the scriptures and offering lasting renewal and guidance through the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 20: God Behind the Scenes

Scripture:  Esther 4:14-16,Esther 6:6-10, Esther 9:20-22, Galatians 3:13, Philippians 2:6-11

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary: The sermon focuses on the story of Esther and how God's providence works even when He seems silent. It highlights the key characters—King Xerxes, Esther, Mordecai, and Haman—and the unfolding drama of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews, which is ultimately overturned through Esther's courage and divine intervention. Scott emphasizes three key takeaways: God’s silence does not mean His absence, the importance of having wise counsel like Mordecai, and the danger of settling for a "shadow mission" rather than God's true purpose. Esther’s willingness to risk her life for her people mirrors Christ’s sacrifice, as Jesus stepped down from glory to save humanity. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their own divine opportunities and to use them for God's purpose rather than personal comfort.

Chapter 19: Finishing Strong

Scriptures:  Ezra 1:1-4, Ezra 4:24, Haggai 1:2-9, Haggai 2:6-7, John 2:19-21, Ephesians 2:19-22

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  This sermon focuses on the concept of completing the work God has started in us, drawing parallels to the Israelites rebuilding the temple under Ezra and Haggai's leadership. It highlights how the people initially began rebuilding the temple with enthusiasm but were distracted by opposition and personal priorities, leaving God's work unfinished for years. Scott connects this to modern life, urging us to reflect on what God has called us to do but left incomplete, whether in our faith journey, relationships, or ministries. The temple's significance is traced from a physical structure to Jesus, who represents God's ultimate presence and atonement, and finally to believers as the spiritual temple, carrying God's presence to the world. Scott closes with a call to refocus on God's agenda, resist distractions, and trust in His promise to complete the good work He began in us.

Chapter 18: Tips for Living in Babylon

Scripture:  Daniel 1:1-6, Daniel 1:8, Daniel 2:14, Daniel 3:16-18, Isaiah 43:2, Daniel 6:5, Daniel 8:10

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary: This sermon focuses on living faithfully as Christians in a culture that feels foreign or opposed to God’s values, using the story of Daniel and his friends in Babylon as an example. It emphasizes four key tips: maintain hope and trust in God’s word, resist bitterness, remain respectful even in challenging circumstances, and develop a consistent prayer life. The sermon illustrates these points with stories of Daniel and his friends standing firm in their faith, refusing to bow to cultural pressures, and showing integrity, even when faced with dire consequences. The central reminder is that this world is not our true home; believers are ambassadors of God's kingdom in a foreign land. Ultimately, the message encourages reliance on God's presence during trials and trust in His guidance for living faithfully in any circumstance.

Chapter 17: An Unpopular Message

Scripture:  Jeremiah 2:13, Lamentations 3:22-24, Ezekiel 37:11-14, 

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary: This sermon emphasizes the faithfulness of God even in challenging and dark seasons of life. It recounts the story of the Israelites during their exile, focusing on the messages of the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The central theme is that God's discipline is not meant to punish but to restore and transform, shaping character over comfort. Despite their rebellion and suffering, the sermon underscores that God's love and mercy are constant, with new opportunities for hope and renewal each day. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reflect on whether Jesus is enough for them, inviting them to find hope and restoration in Him even during trials.

Why Church Still Matters in 2025

Scripture:  Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:6-8, 1 Peter 2:4-10

Speaker:  Scott Meyer

Summary:  The sermon emphasizes the enduring relevance of the church in 2025, built on an unshakable foundation—Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. It highlights the church's unstoppable mission to make and grow disciples, rooted in the teachings of Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Scott talks about personal experiences, societal challenges, and biblical principles to argue that the church remains a vital community for spreading hope, love, and truth in a world often plagued by uncertainty. Through initiatives like "Vision 5," the church engages in outreach, diversity, and new church planting efforts, reinforcing its role as a beacon of light. Finally, the message calls for trust in God's power to accomplish the seemingly impossible, urging the church to live boldly and faithfully as His chosen people.

 

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