The Westside Podcast—featuring Jonathan Hansen

During the Q&A series, we asked for your questions, and you didn’t hold back from submitting them! There are so many questions that Randy and Troy have recorded a weekly podcast to hit more of them than we can on Sunday.    WFC Podcast episode 122 tackles questions on confidence in Christianity.

There has been some controversy stirring around the practices of a few highly influential churches in contemporary worship. What are the issues? Are there truly some biblical conflicts with them? And if so, should other churches continue to utilize their music in corporate worship services?   So what are the issues with these churches and how much should we be concerned?   What unites Christians? What are the essentials?   Randy Recommends a Book: The Mosaic of Christian Belief by Roger Olson for information on the differences between Christian groups on secondary matters and schools of thought under the umbrella of orthodox, historic, Christianity.    The historic creed that has been historically fundamental, irreducible, and uniting for Christians: The Apostles Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty; Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary;  suffered under Pontius Pilate,  was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead;  he ascended into heaven;  and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;  from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.    I believe in the Holy Spirit;  the holy catholic (universal) Church;  the communion of saints;  the forgiveness of sins;  the resurrection of the body;  and the life everlasting. Amen.   Submit Q&A Questions and episode suggestions here.    Watch the podcast video here!

How to Find Peace When Anxiety Feels Overwhelming What do you do when anxiety feels overwhelming, and your mind won't stop thinking about everything that could go wrong? Anxiety has a way of pulling us out of the present and into a future filled with worst-case scenarios. We carry tomorrow's worries today, replay conversations, anticipate problems, and find ourselves asking an endless stream of “what if” questions. But in Matthew 6:25–34, Jesus gives us a different way to approach anxiety. He doesn't dismiss the reality of life's difficulties or simply tell us to stop worrying. Instead, He redirects our attention from “what if?” to “who?” Who is your Father? Who is the One who is good, sovereign, faithful, and already present in the future you're worried about? In this episode of The Westside Podcast, we explore what Jesus teaches about anxiety, worry, fear, and finding peace in uncertain times. Through Jesus' teaching and the story of God's provision of manna in the wilderness, we discover that God has always invited His people to trust Him one day at a time. We'll also talk about practical ways to respond when anxiety begins to take over—from honest prayer and speaking truth over anxious thoughts to gratitude, slowing down, staying present, and finding trusted people who can walk with us. And at the center of it all is the gospel. Our confidence in God isn't based on wishful thinking. It is rooted in His character and demonstrated through Jesus, who was rejected so that we could be received and forsaken so that we would never be forsaken. Peace doesn't come from knowing what tomorrow holds. It comes from knowing the One who holds tomorrow. Whether you're exploring faith, struggling with anxiety, carrying the weight of an uncertain future, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode offers biblical truth, practical help, and the hope of Jesus. In this episode: What Jesus teaches about anxiety and worry in Matthew 6 Why anxiety keeps pulling us into the “what ifs” What it means to trust God one day at a time What the story of manna teaches us about God's provision How prayer and Scripture can interrupt anxious thoughts How to speak truth over fear and worry The role of gratitude and staying present Why trusted relationships and counseling can be part of a healthy response to anxiety How the gospel gives us a foundation for lasting peace 📖 Matthew 6:25–34 | Psalm 42 If you've been searching for Christian answers to anxiety, biblical peace, ways to overcome worry, ways to trust God, or ways to find faith in difficult seasons, we hope this conversation encourages you. Westside Family Church

What does the Bible actually say about lust? In this episode, Jonathan Hansen walks through Matthew 5:27-30, where Jesus addresses one of the most personal and misunderstood struggles people face. Instead of merely condemning outward behavior, Jesus reveals that lasting freedom begins with the condition of the heart. Together, we'll explore the difference between temptation and lust, why Jesus says adultery begins long before an action is taken, and how the biblical framework of the heart, the eye, and the hand provides practical wisdom for overcoming sexual temptation. You'll also hear how the story of King David and Bathsheba serves as a powerful reminder of how unchecked desire can gradually lead us away from God's best. Whether you're personally battling pornography, lust, or unwanted temptation—or you're simply seeking a deeper understanding of biblical sexuality and the teachings of Jesus—this episode offers practical encouragement, biblical truth, and genuine hope. Freedom isn't found through trying harder. It begins by bringing hidden struggles into the light, inviting Jesus into the deepest places of our hearts, and taking faithful steps alongside trusted community. No matter where you've been or what you're facing, there is hope, healing, and freedom in Christ. In this episode: What the Bible says about lust Lust vs. temptation Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-30 Sexual purity and the Christian life Pornography, accountability, and healing King David and Bathsheba Practical steps toward lasting freedom

What does the good life actually look like? Every culture has its own answer. Wealth. Success. Comfort. Influence. Self-sufficiency. But in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers a completely different vision of what it means to be truly blessed. In this episode, we begin our journey through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and discover that the Christian life doesn't begin with achievement—it begins with surrender. Being poor in spirit means recognizing our complete need for God, letting go of the idea that we can earn His favor, and receiving the grace only Jesus can give. From there, Jesus unfolds a picture of Kingdom living that turns the world's values upside down. The mourners, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and even those who are persecuted are all called blessed—not because life is easy, but because their hope is rooted in the unshakable Kingdom of God. As we're continually being shaped by culture, social media, and the voices around us, Jesus invites us into a different way of living—one that transforms our hearts, redirects our desires, and leads to lasting joy. Whether you're exploring faith or have been following Jesus for years, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to live the good life. In this episode: The Beatitudes explained (Matthew 5:1–12) What it means to be poor in spirit The difference between worldly happiness and biblical blessing Spiritual formation and Christian discipleship How Jesus reshapes our desires and priorities Living according to Kingdom values today If you're in the Kansas City area, we'd love to welcome you to gather with us at Westside Family Church as we continue our Summer on the Mount series. Weekend Gathering Times Saturday: 5P Sunday • WFC Lenexa + Online: 8:00, 9:30 & 11A • WFC Speedway: 9:30 & 11A Thanks for listening to the Westside Podcast. If today's conversation encouraged you, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use the reminder that the good life isn't found in what we achieve—it's found in Jesus.