The Westside Podcast—featuring Jonathan Hansen

Advent Week 4: Love Beyond Feelings | Receiving God’s Unconditional Love

This Advent episode explores biblical love (agape) and how it differs from the emotion-based, conditional love often celebrated in culture. Through the incarnation of Jesus, we see God’s love in action—unearned, intentional, and present with us in our brokenness.

The conversation addresses common barriers to receiving God’s love, including performance-based thinking and projecting past relationship wounds onto God. Listeners are invited to receive love as they are and reflect it through presence, compassion, and community this Christmas season and beyond.

Advent Week 3: Finding True Joy This Christmas: Beyond Happiness and Pleasure | Conversations with Troy Kennedy

Show Notes: Advent Week 3 — Joy (Luke 1:46–55)

This week, Troy guides us through Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46–55—a beautiful reminder that Joy is rooted in God’s presence, not circumstances.

Reflection Questions:
• How does culture’s approach to Advent drain your joy?
• How can you intentionally turn your focus toward Jesus this season?
• What familiar patterns can you surrender to Him for renewal?
• How does the world define joy—and how does Jesus redefine it?
• Are you fighting for joy? When was the last time you truly pursued it?
• Will you pray, “Lord, I want Your joy—show me how to receive it”?
• Who do you need to bring into your life to help remind you of Jesus’ joy?

Helpful Resources Mentioned:
• Wired for Negativity: https://www.verywellmind.com/negative-bias-4589618
• 15-Second Gratitude Boost: https://www.thezoereport.com/wellness/the-15-second-gratitude-trick-that-will-boost-your-mood-daily

Definitions & Quotes:
• Jim Wilder: “Joy is when someone is glad to be with me… being the sparkle in someone’s eye.”
• Dallas Willard:
“God is the most joyous being in the universe… All of the good and beautiful things from which we occasionally drink tiny droplets of soul-exhilarating joy, God continuously experiences in all their breadth and depth and richness.”

This conversation will invite your heart back to the joy that Jesus brings—deep, lasting, and life-giving.

Advent Week 2: Finding True Peace Beyond the Holiday Chaos | Conversations with Troy Kennedy

Show Notes: Advent Week 2 — Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

In Week 2, we reflect on the Peace Jesus brings—the kind rooted in shalom: wholeness, completeness, flourishing. Through Isaiah 9:6, Troy walks us through the powerful names of Jesus and what they mean for our lives today.

Reflection Questions:
• Which name do you need to call on in this season?
Wonderful? Counselor? Mighty God? Everlasting Father? Prince of Peace?
• How is shalom different from the modern idea of peace?
• How does the arrival of Jesus bring biblical peace?
• How is peace something we are, not just something we try to create?
• What holiday traditions bring peace to your soul?
• Is conforming to cultural pressure keeping you from peace this year?
• How will you hold onto spiritual practices that help you stay grounded?
• How has Jesus provided peace for you in the past?
• What belongs in your “peace toolkit” this season?
• Who can you invite into this journey for accountability and encouragement?

Let this episode guide you toward the Prince of Peace, who still brings calm to our chaos.

Advent Week 1: Finding Hope in the Waiting | Conversations with Troy Kennedy

Show Notes: Advent Week 1 — Hope (Isaiah 9:2–7)

In Week 1 of our Advent journey, Troy Kennedy explores the deep, biblical meaning of Hope through the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2–7. Advent is a season of anticipation, longing, and making room for Jesus. Together we reflect on:

Reflection Questions:
• What comes to mind when you hear the word Advent?
• How do you plan to approach this Advent season?
• What are you hoping for in this moment of your life?
• When have you had to wait for something good?
• What are you saying, “Lord, help me make room for…” this year?
• How does Scripture define hope differently than our culture?
• What is one small, daily practice that excites you as you mark Advent?

Troy also shares Eugene Peterson’s reminder:
“Hope has almost nothing to do with forecasting the future… It’s waking up to the presence of God right now and living as if Jesus is alive today—because he is.”

Join us as we rediscover true Hope—the kind that steadies our hearts and awakens us to God’s presence.

How To Read The Bible • Q&A — How to trust, understand, and apply the Bible with confidence today

Have questions about the Bible? You’re not alone. In this episode, Troy and guest Eric Boles tackle common questions about Scripture’s trustworthiness, inspiration, and relevance today. From “How did we get the Bible?” to “Why does the Old Testament God seem different from Jesus?”, this conversation is designed to deepen your confidence in God’s Word.

At Westside Family Church, our mission is loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and sharing Jesus. Reading the Bible is one of the most powerful ways we live that out—it’s not just about gaining information, but about transformation. We encourage you to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a desire to encounter God’s love every day.

Remember:
🙏 Pray.
📖 Read.
🙏 Pray.
Every day.

Resources:

• Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
• Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter J. Williams
• How We Got the Bible by Neil Lightfoot
• The Bible Project: How to Read the Bible video series
• N.T. Wright for Everyone commentary series
• Overview of the Bible’s structure:
• Old Testament (39 books) — Law, History, Poetry, Prophets (17:5:17)
• New Testament (27 books) — Gospels, History, Letters, Prophecy (5:13:9)
• Recommended Translations: NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB

How To Read The Bible • Encounter — How to read the Bible as a living encounter with God that transforms your heart

The Bible isn’t just meant to be read—it’s meant to be experienced. In this episode, we explore Lectio Divina, a prayerful way of reading Scripture that helps us slow down, listen, and encounter God’s presence. Learn how Scripture can shape your heart, renew your mind, and draw you closer to the living God who speaks through His Word.

At Westside Family Church, our mission is loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and sharing Jesus. Reading the Bible is one of the most powerful ways we live that out—it’s not just about gaining information, but about transformation. We encourage you to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a desire to encounter God’s love every day.

Remember:
🙏 Pray.
📖 Read.
🙏 Pray.
Every day.

Resources:

• Lectio Divina Guide — Practicing the Way: Scripture Practice
• Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Haley Barton
• Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
• Scripture Practice by John Mark Comer — Practicing the Way
• Suggested passages for Lectio Divina: Luke 7:11–17, John 15:14–17, Matthew 13:31–32
• RightNow Media — spiritual formation studies

How To Read The Bible • Relationship — How to read the Bible to know God personally and grow in relationship with Him

Reading the Bible isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about knowing God. In this episode, we discuss how Scripture invites us into a growing relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. Using the Discovery Bible Method, we explore how to read relationally and apply God’s truth in community.

At Westside Family Church, our mission is loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and sharing Jesus. Reading the Bible is one of the most powerful ways we live that out—it’s not just about gaining information, but about transformation. We encourage you to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a desire to encounter God’s love every day.

Remember:
🙏 Pray.
📖 Read.
🙏 Pray.
Every day.

Resources:

• Discovery Bible Study Method — discoverapp.org
• Scripture Practice by John Mark Comer — Practicing the Way
• RightNow Media — Bible study resources and video teaching
• N.T. Wright for Everyone commentary series
• The Bible Project Podcast
• YouVersion Bible App (reading reminders and community plans)

How To Read The Bible • Story — How to read the Bible as one unified story that leads us to Jesus

The Bible isn’t just a collection of ancient writings—it’s one unified story revealing God’s heart for humanity. In this episode, we explore why we read the Bible, how Jesus is the central figure of Scripture, and how to read it with the “big story” in mind. Discover how every page points to the Living Word, Jesus.

At Westside Family Church, our mission is loving Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and sharing Jesus. Reading the Bible is one of the most powerful ways we live that out—it’s not just about gaining information, but about transformation. We encourage you to approach Scripture with humility, curiosity, and a desire to encounter God’s love every day.

Remember:
🙏 Pray.
📖 Read.
🙏 Pray.
Every day.

Resources:

• The Bible Project — thebibleproject.com (visual summaries, theme videos, reading plans)
• The Story by Randy Frazee
• Scripture Practice by John Mark Comer — Practicing the Way
• Study Bibles (NIV Study Bible, ESV Study Bible)
• Chronological Reading Plans (YouVersion Bible App)

Made for More | Week 4 | Grace that Changes Everything

We were once dead in our sins, but God’s grace made us alive through Christ. Salvation isn’t earned—it’s received through faith—so we can live out the good works God prepared for us with eternal purpose.

Powerful Prayers Part 2: Will Power VS God's Power

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Whether you’re facing illness, broken relationships, or loss, true strength comes from more than self-reliance—it comes from God’s power. In this episode, we explore how an ongoing relationship with Him and living in community with other believers can transform how you face every struggle.