Pastor Will addressed follow-up questions and elaborated on the second commandment regarding carved images, discussing crucifixes and modern media like “The Chosen.” He also explained the Christian view on the Sabbath, obedience to governmental authority, the ethics of wealth and career, the value of animal life, and the distinction between discontentment and deep longing.
If you could write a “top 10” list of rules for governing human behavior, what would you include? Many have offered their suggestions: Ted Turner’s list included a pledge of allegiance to the United Nations and a limit of 2 children per couple, to ration the planet’s resources. George Carlin reduced his list to just three commandments: “Thou shalt always be honest and faithful; Thou shalt try really hard not to kill anyone; and Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself”. Atheist apologist Christopher Hitchens’ list culminated in the command to “Renounce any god”! But try as we may to reshape morality, to “be a law unto ourselves”, there is only one Law and one Lawgiver: the Lord God. And He has not left us in the dark about how we ought to live. In this sermon, we examine God’s “Top Ten” list together from Deuteronomy 5:1-21.
Brian, Thad, and Will—held a discussion on the concept of “theological triage,” a method for categorizing theological doctrines based on their level of importance. They defined a three-tiered system: Tier 1 for issues essential to salvation (gospel issues); Tier 2 for urgent doctrines that are important enough to cause separation into different churches if disagreed upon; and Tier 3 for secondary issues where disagreement is permissible within the same church.
They then applied this framework to a series of theological topics, including baptism, same-sex marriage, justification by faith, and speaking in tongues, debating which tier each topic belonged to and discussing the practical implications for church unity, membership, and leadership.
As we settle in for Moses’s retelling of God’s Law in chapters 5-26 of Deuteronomy (lit. “second law”), we need to be aware of how prone we are to reduce the Law to just a list of “Do”s and “Don’t”s. But in his preface in chapter 4, Moses reminds us why the Law is so important and so personal: because of whose Law it is. Before we can fully appreciate God’s Law, we must first learn to appreciate the God of the Law.
Welcome to ask the pastors a segment of the West Hills Podcast. We have the opportunity to ask your questions and receive biblically grounded, pastorally sensitive answers from our pastoral staff. My name is Brian, I’m your host. I’m joined by our lead pastor Will. Hey and Pastor Thad. Hello. And today we’re continuing call this I think part three kind of focusing on one of our listeners. Emma sent in these questions. Part three, I’m a new Christian, how do I live like it? And just a wonderful list of questions. And we talked beforehand going online that we would limit our responses to five minutes,
The podcast episode was a follow-up Q&A session where Pastor Will answered a series of questions from a listener named Brad, based on Sunday’s sermon on Deuteronomy chapters 2 and 3. The main topics discussed included God’s sovereignty over both nations and individual lives, the challenge of trusting God during confusing or unfair circumstances, and the critical balance between human responsibility and dependence on God.
As we noted in our introduction to Deuteronomy, the book is mostly comprised of three sermons Moses preached to the people of Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. This Sunday, Moses continues his first sermon by recapping their journey through the wilderness and reminding God’s people of the lessons He has taught them over the past 40 years. As God’s new covenant people, still living between our own “exodus” (salvation) and our eventual homecoming to the better “Promised Land” (Heaven), we need these reminders today just as much as the Israelites once did. Check out this sermon for God’s “Lessons from the Wilderness”, part two!
As we noted in our introduction to Deuteronomy, the book is mostly comprised of three sermons Moses preached to the people of Israel just before they entered the Promised Land. This Sunday, Moses opens his first sermon by recapping their journey through the wilderness and reminding God’s people of the lessons He has taught them over the past 40 years. As God’s new covenant people, still living between our own “exodus” (salvation) and our eventual homecoming to the better “Promised Land” (Heaven), we need these reminders today just as much as the Israelites once did. Join us in this sermon for God’s “Lessons from the Wilderness”!
The pastors had a discussion centered on three listener questions about prayer. They offered advice on how to start and maintain a strong prayer life, suggesting practical habits like integrating prayer with Bible reading, praying out loud, and scheduling specific times for prayer.
They discussed various effective ways to pray, such as using scripture to shape prayers, following models like the ACTS acronym (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), and praying for others on the spot.
Finally, they addressed how to discern God’s answers to prayer, explaining that while some answers are clear, others may be “not yet,” and some come in unexpected forms, requiring believers to trust that God is working, especially when their prayers align with his revealed will, such as personal sanctification.
This episode of the After the Sermon Podcast from “Sanctity of Life Sunday,” is from Deuteronomy 30’s exhortation to “choose life.” Pastor Will discussed the cultural and political context of the pro-life movement, expressing disappointment in the lack of a staunchly pro-life major political candidate and the church’s historical shortcomings on the issue.
He answered a listener’s question on how to argue against abortion from a philosophical and scientific perspective, centering the argument on the question of when human life begins. He also addressed a theological question about reconciling God’s sovereignty (predestination) with human free will, describing it as a divine mystery.
The conversation concluded with personal applications from listeners, including a powerful testimony from a woman who repented and found healing after a past abortion.
Reach Reproductive Health joins us for Sanctity of Life Sunday, and their message to uncertain pregnant mothers echoes Moses’s exhortation to the people of Israel in Deuteronomy 30: “Choose LIFE!” Join us for this sermon as we discover what it means for us to choose life personally, collectively as a church, and corporately as the Church in America.
Pastors Will and Thad answered a series of questions from a new Christian named Emma about how to approach Bible study. They provided practical advice on building consistent spiritual habits, recommending starting with the Gospels in an accessible translation like the ESV or CSB. The pastors emphasized the importance of studying in community, using a structured method, and actively seeking to apply scripture to daily life through prayer and discussion.
Pastor Will explained that earthly blessings should be seen as a “foretaste” of heavenly ones, meant to stir worship and a longing for God. He contrasted this Christian perspective with an atheistic one, arguing the goal of life is to glorify God, not just maximize pleasure. Will then discussed how church members can encourage each other by continually pointing back to God as the source of all good things. He also reflected on other questions he had anticipated from his sermon, specifically concerning his point about God calling people to “move on” from certain life stages and clarifying that his message about God’s blessings was not an endorsement of the prosperity gospel.
It’s often said that “those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it”. Yet many of us in the modern world are ignorant of history, preferring instead the recent and “relevant”. God’s word declares “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways” (Ps 128:1). Yet we repeatedly disobey God, at times without even knowing “his ways”. God assures us “I know the plans I have for you… to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). Yet we are often quick to forget God’s promises, and live in fear and worry instead. Remembrance. Obedience. Faith. God wants each of these virtues for each of us, His people. And He offers them to us in the book of Deuteronomy. Even more importantly, God offers us Himself here: His law, His love, and His invitation to relationship. Join us for this sermon as we begin our journey together through this beautiful book of the Bible!
It’s often said that “people hate change”. Perhaps, but one thing is for sure: we love the NEW. The smell of a new car, the bells and whistles of a new phone, the excitement of a new relationship, the hope and promise of a new year. And it’s especially true when it comes to our spiritual lives: we delight in God’s “new mercies every morning” (Lam 3:23); we respond by “sing[ing] unto the Lord a new song” (Ps 96:1); most of all, we rejoice that in Christ, we are “a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” (2 Cor 5:17). Join us for this sermon as we trace this theme of newness throughout the entire story of Scripture, praising the God who is “making all things new” (Rev 21:5).
As we come to the final Sunday of 2025, it’s a natural moment to pause and look back. This past year likely holds moments of growth and gratitude, but also regret, failure, and things left undone. For some, looking back may even feel overwhelming, aware of the ways we didn’t follow Christ as faithfully as we should have. The question is: what do we do with all of that? In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul reminds us that our story doesn’t end with who we were, but with what Christ has done. “And such were some of you.” Those words invite us to look back honestly, remember the grace of Christ, and step into the new year as people made new. The Christian life is more than resolutions, it is renewal through the gospel.
In this podcast episode, Pastor Will answered follow-up questions from his recent sermon on community. He discussed the church’s growth in community cohesiveness over the past year, reflecting on a 2025 resolution and looking ahead to how an upcoming building renovation might strengthen intentionality. He also addressed the role of shared hobbies and affinities in building Christian friendships, arguing they are important for practical connection alongside the deeper bond of shared faith. Finally, he provided a detailed theological interpretation of 1 Corinthians 7, arguing that it allows for temporary, restorative separation in marriages that have become destructive, with the ultimate goal of reconciliation.
“Why am I here?” It’s a question we’ve all asked at some point, perhaps often. According to a recent survey, 58% of young adults in the U.S. report feeling “little or no meaning or purpose in my life within the past month” (APA, 2023). And the numbers are trending upward in every age demographic. In a world that feels more and more aimless and adrift by the day, God’s word offers us a clear and changeless reason to keep getting out of bed every morning. The question is: “What IS it?” And just as important: “Are we pursuing it?” Check out this sermon for God’s prescription for the world’s purposelessness.
In an episode of the “Ask the Pastors” podcast, host Brian, Pastor Thad, and Will debated the nature and quality of various Christmas songs. They addressed a listener’s question about whether “Joy to the World” is a Christmas song, discussing its origins as a “second advent” hymn. The pastors also offered a broader critique of many traditional carols, arguing they often lacked theological depth. They shared their opinions on the song “Mary, Did You Know?”, and revealed their personal favorite and least favorite Christmas hymns, frequently highlighting modern efforts to “redeem” older songs by rewriting lyrics to be more theologically robust.
Pastor Will addressed a detailed question about whether it was disobedient for married believers to choose not to have children or use birth control, concluding it was a matter of conscience that required examining one’s heart motivations. He also discussed which of God’s purposes (reflecting, glorifying, or proclaiming) was most underdeveloped at their church, how to measure faithfulness, and the importance of not “coasting” in the Christian life, particularly for retirees. The conversation concluded with practical advice on how being made in God’s image should impact daily life and how to identify and change habits that fail to glorify Him.
“Why am I here?” It’s a question we’ve all asked at some point, perhaps often. According to a recent survey, 58% of young adults in the U.S. report feeling “little or no meaning or purpose in my life within the past month” (APA, 2023). And the numbers are trending upward in every age demographic. In a world that feels more and more aimless and adrift by the day, God’s word offers us a clear and changeless reason to keep getting out of bed every morning. The question is: “What IS it?” And just as important: “Are we pursuing it?” Check out this sermon for God’s prescription for the world’s purposelessness.
The pastors tackle two listener questions about whether believers will “work” in heaven, sparked by a line in Sunday’s sermon. They emphasize humility, noting Scripture gives hints but not definitive clarity, and that Christians can faithfully disagree on this low-tier doctrinal issue. Will walks through common biblical arguments for work in the new creation—Genesis 2, God’s work, angelic activity, Revelation 22, Isaiah 65, and Jesus’ parables—but explains why none of them conclusively convince him. All three remind listeners not to miss the central point: the greatest joy of heaven isn’t our tasks but being fully in the presence of God.
We live in a non-stop, fast-paced, 24/7 world that celebrates and demands constant activity. And yet as Christians, we follow the example of our Lord, who often “withdrew… to lonely place(s) by himself” (Mt 14:13) and similarly invited his disciples to “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mk 6:31). What is busyness, why is it such a problem, and how can it be cured? Check out this sermon for answers!
Brian, Thad, and Will, address a listener’s question about why and how miscarried babies go to heaven, acknowledging the emotional weight and theological complexity of the topic.
They outline key biblical principles—such as God’s perfect justice and mercy, the reality of original sin, and scriptural hints like David expecting to see his deceased infant again—that collectively support the belief that God graciously saves infants who cannot consciously reject or receive revelation.
While Scripture doesn’t give a single definitive verse, they conclude that God’s character and the broader witness of Scripture allow Christians to trust that miscarried and young children are welcomed into God’s presence through Christ.
Pastor Thad answered follow-up questions related to Sunday’s. He began by providing a detailed explanation of the Greek grammatical term “present active command,” using “do not be anxious” from Philippians 4:6 as an example. He emphasized that such commands are meant for ongoing obedience and are not mere suggestions. He then assessed the health of his church, West Hills, in terms of members praying for one another and bearing each other’s burdens, describing it as “growing.” He identified pride and discomfort as barriers to deeper vulnerability and offered practical steps for the congregation to improve, such as making prayer a habit, praying for others in the moment, and being more open in small groups.
We live in a world where stress is constant, pressure is unrelenting, and noise fills nearly every corner of our lives. For many, worry has become a daily companion, something we carry into our relationships, our work, our homes, and even our sleep. It’s no surprise that anxiety has become one of the most universal human experiences of our time. Long before modern culture named anxiety, Scripture spoke directly to the restless heart. God does not minimize our fears, ignore our burdens, or shame our struggles. Instead, He invites us to bring our worries to Him and promises a peace that does not depend on circumstances. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul offers a path that is both honest and hopeful: we bring everything to God in prayer, and God responds by guarding our hearts with a peace only He can give.
Brian, Thad, and Will, held a discussion centered on the question, “How sinful is gluttony?” Timed for the Thanksgiving holiday, the conversation began by establishing a biblical basis for a hierarchy of sins, arguing that while all sin separates one from God, not all sins carry the same weight or consequences. They defined gluttony not merely as being overweight but as an addiction to food used to fill an emotional or spiritual void. The pastors explored why gluttony is often treated as a “respectable sin” in the church, citing its pervasiveness, the complexity of one’s relationship with food, and cultural factors like the body positivity movement. They concluded by discussing the importance of addressing such sins with pastoral sensitivity and accountability, and offered thoughts on what it looks like to eat to the glory of God through moderation, thankfulness, and true celebration.
This conversation was a question-and-answer session from the “After the Sermon” podcast, hosted by Brian with lead pastor Will. Pastor Will addressed follow-up questions from the congregation regarding his recent sermon, “God’s Truth Cures the World’s Lies,” the first in a series titled “The Antidote.” He elaborated on how scripture provides joyful fulfillment, recommended resources for biblical apologetics, and clarified theological concepts such as eternal security (being “kept”), the specific nature of Jesus’s prayers for believers versus the world, the existence of false churches, and the ongoing intercessory work of Christ in heaven. The session concluded with an exploration of the sermon series’ central metaphor of the gospel as an “antidote” for sin rather than a preventative “vaccine.”
Never in the history of humanity have more people had more access to more information than we do today. And yet never have we been bombarded with more misinformation, disinformation, and outright lies. Surrounded by so much confusion, it’s no wonder that two-thirds of Americans today believe there is no such thing as absolute truth (Barna, “American Worldview Inventory 2025”, May 2025). But this crisis of truth is nothing new. The zeitgeist of our own postmodern age was well-summarized in Pontius Pilate’s question of Jesus during his trial 2,000 years ago: “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38). Jesus’ answer, however, is unequivocal: “Holy Father… your word is truth” (Jn 17:17). Join us this Sunday as we turn together to God’s word, the antidote for the world’s lies.
In an episode of “Ask the Pastors,” host Brian and Pastors Thad and Will discussed the viral slang term “six seven.” They explained its origins from a rap song by an artist named Skrilla, who they noted is an open practitioner of the occult religion Santeria. The conversation explored the term’s cultural meaning as “brain rot” and a symbol of meaninglessness, as recognized by its selection as Dictionary.com‘s Word of the Year. The pastors argued that Christians should care about this trend, not necessarily because their children are engaging in occult practices, but because it represents a cheapening of language and a discipleship opportunity.
As we wrap up Paul’s letter to the Galatians this Sunday, there is one message he wants to leave ringing in our ears and hearts: It’s all about the gospel. Not circumcision (v12), not keeping the law (v13), not what we have done for God (v13), but rather what He has done for us by sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins. As Paul concludes, “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v14). This gospel saves us (v14), it transforms us (v15), it guides and guards us (v16), and it empowers us (v18). Join us this weekend for Galatians’ grand finale, as we glory in the gospel together!
The pastors discuss the question of whether Christians should send their children to public school, private school, or homeschool. They shared their diverse personal experiences with each system and shared pros and cons for each.
As we near the end of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he offers us some (almost) final commendations. Having already exhorted us how we are to “use our freedom” (v13) personally – “walk by the Spirit” (v16) – as well as interpersonally in a more general sense – “through love serve one another” (v13) – Paul now gets specific about what loving service looks like in the context of gospel community. Jesus himself said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35). How do we put that love into practice? Check out Sunday’s sermon for edifying instruction and gospel-rich encouragement!
Brian, Will, and Thad, address a listener’s question about the biblical stance on gambling, with a specific focus on the newly legalized and pervasive practice of sports betting.
Recently in our walk through the book of Galatians, we have celebrated the freedom we now enjoy as followers of Jesus (“Christ has set us free!”; 5:1). The apostle Paul explained what we’ve been freed for (“for freedom”; 5:1), what we’ve been freed from (we are no enslaved to the “desires of the flesh”; 5:17), and what we’ve been freed by (“for through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness”; 5:5). In this passage, Paul will further explicate the purpose of our freedom: how are we now freed to live as God’s people? Join us as we discover and pursue what it means to walk in freedom!
Brian, Will and Thad, and pastoral assistant Jeffery address a listener’s question about the Word of Faith movement.
The young Christians in Galatia started their Christian life well. They were walking in the freedom of God’s grace. After hearing anti-Christian teachings, they were prone to turn towards a works righteousness. Because of our sinful nature, we are still prone to legalism and licentiousness and lose the very freedom Christ died to secure for us. In this sermon, we see how Christ has given us his Spirit to walk in gospel freedom.
The young Christians in Galatia started their Christian life well. They were walking in the freedom of God’s grace. After hearing anti-Christian teachings, they were prone to turn towards a works righteousness. Because of our sinful nature, we are still prone to legalism and licentiousness and lose the very freedom Christ died to secure for us. In this sermon, we see how Christ has given us his Spirit to walk in gospel freedom.
This conversation was the second part of a discussion where the pastors explained the reasoning behind the structure of their corporate worship service. They began by discussing the introduction of the Pastoral Prayer, detailing its purpose and structure.
The conversation then moved to the sermon, covering topics such as its ideal length, the practice of standing for the reading of scripture, and the importance of preaching the gospel every week. They also explained why they do not practice traditional altar calls, citing concerns about manipulation and false assurance.
The discussion concluded by covering the final elements of their service: communion, the closing song, and the final commissioning or benediction, explaining the theological and practical reasons for how each is conducted.
Will’s TGC articles:
5 Reasons for the Pastoral Prayer: www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/rea…4e32112f6e4
Why I Lead a Sinner’s Prayer Every Sunday: www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/sin…yer-sunday/
Paul retells, or really he just re-IMAGINES, he INTERPRETS the story of Abraham and his two SONS, by two different WIVES, as an ALLEGORY – a PICTURE – of the two different types of PEOPLE that exist: those under LAW, and those under GRACE. Every ONE of us is either an ISHMAEL… or we’re an ISAAC. And it all depends on how you answer the question of the day: “Who’s your MOTHER?”
Galatians 4:8-19 | 10/5/25 | Will DuVal Curtis James Jackson was born in Queens in 1975 to a mother who dealt drugs and a father
The pastors discuss the biblical and theological rationale behind the structure of their Sunday corporate worship service.
Galatians 3:23-4:7 | 9/28/25 | Will DuVal I will never forget the story of how we came to adopt our son Elijah. For starters, we
Pastors Thad and Will, hosted by Austin Gooch, discussed the popular Netflix movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters.” They analyzed the film’s plot, which involved a trio of K-pop stars who fought demons using music and spiritual weapons. The central question revolved around whether Christian parents should allow their children to dress up as characters from the movie for Halloween. The pastors dissected the movie’s themes, such as shame, acceptance, spiritual warfare, and community, identifying both “half-truths” that aligned with Christian concepts and problematic messages, particularly the idea of self-acceptance without redemption. They debated the pros and cons of the Halloween costumes, weighing the potential for evangelistic conversations against the tacit approval of the movie’s jumbled spiritual message. The conversation concluded with an exhortation for the church to be a place where people could bring their brokenness and find true acceptance and transformation in the gospel.
Galatians 3:10-22 | 9/21/25 | Thad Yessa We all know the feeling: that sense of not measuring up. It’s like running on a treadmill that
This conversation covers the pastors’ reflections on their personal and pastoral responses to the assassination of public figure Charlie Kirk. They discussed their initial reactions of shock, sadness, and anger, and explored themes of prayer for the victim’s family, the perpetrator, and the nation. The conversation also covered the desensitization of culture to violence, the spiritual nature of the conflict, and the hope that the tragedy might serve as a “wake-up call” for Christians to become more bold in their faith and evangelism, all while emphasizing the ultimate hope of the gospel and eternal life.
Galatians 2:16-3:9 | 9/14/25 | Will DuVal “All religions are basically the same.” You’re probably no stranger to this assessment of the spiritual landscape. “They’re
This conversation explores why responding to the gospel in faith is not considered a “work” that earns salvation. The pastors explain from a Reformed theological perspective that faith is not a meritorious human action but rather a gift from God.
