The Westside Podcast—featuring Jonathan Hansen

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.

Transform Your Prayer Life: Discover the Power of Consistent Connection with God

Are your prayers stuck on repeat? Discover how to move from routine to relationship in this powerful message on the life-changing power of prayer. Drawing from Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, learn practical steps to deepen your connection with God, shift your prayer focus, and embrace a kingdom mindset.

We’ll unpack three key characteristics of Paul’s prayer model—consistency, gratitude, and focus on others—and explore how starting with thanksgiving can reduce anxiety, grow your faith, and align your heart with God’s purposes.

Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to strengthen your spiritual growth, this message offers tools to help you:

• Develop a deeper relationship with God

• Pray with intentionality and confidence

• Move beyond self-focused prayers to kingdom impact

• Experience the same power that raised Christ from the dead

Start transforming your prayer life today!

📖 Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:15-23

Who Does God Say You Are? Discover Your True Identity

Are you anchoring your identity in things that don’t last—career, relationships, achievements, or possessions? In this message from Ephesians, we explore how Paul reveals the life-changing truth of who we are in Christ: blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, and heirs to God’s inheritance. Many struggle with identity in today’s culture of “my truth” and “self-definition,” but real freedom comes from embracing who God says you are. Learn how to put off the old self, put on the new, and live with unshakable confidence in your God-given identity. Practical steps, powerful scripture, and eternal truths—this message will help you move these identity statements from your head to your heart.

The Price of Your Device: A Conversation on The Digital Fast

What is your screen time costing you—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually?

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Randy Frazee talks with Pastor Darren Whitehead, author of The Digital Fast, about the toll our digital habits take and how intentional disconnection can lead to renewed life in Christ. This episode kicks off Westside’s new teaching series and invites you into a 28-day journey to reset your soul and restore what matters most.

If you're feeling drained, distracted, or disconnected... this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign.

📖 Learn more about the Digital Fast at https://www.westsidefamily.church/digital-fast