Westminster Presbyterian Sumter

Join Pastor Stuart for Part 8 in our series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. Today, we turn to Hebrews 5:9-6:3 as we hear an exhortation to . . . "Go On to Maturity". In this lesson, we learn: God calls us to maturity in Christ. Because this is true, we have a responsibility to: Start where we are, but not stay where we are. Grow in discernment. Be on guard against dullness of hearing and spiritual lethargy. Rely on God. Maturity is not simply knowing more; it is pressing on to deeper expressions of our fellowship with Christ. Therefore, by the work of the Spirit, we can commit  to grow in maturity in Christ. So, let’s pray for and pursue maturity in Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for the seventh part in our series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. Today, we turn to Hebrews 4:14-5:10 as we take a closer look at . . . "Our Great High Priest". In this lesson, we learn: Jesus is our great high priest. He is appointed to this position by God the Father. He has been perfected in this role. He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin.  He deals gently with the ignorant and wayward. He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. Therefore, because Jesus is our great high priest, we can hold fast to our confession. Furthermore, through Jesus, we can draw near to God daily with confidence to receive the mercy and grace we need. So, let’s celebrate our great high priest, Jesus! You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social medi

Join Pastor Stuart for the sixth lesson in our series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. Today, we examine Hebrews 3:3:7-4:13 as we learn learn the how to . . . "Deal with Unbelief Today". In this lesson, we learn: Today is the day to deal with unbelief. Unbelief is what keeps people from God’s rest. God’s promise of rest is fulfilled only in Jesus. Therefore, we can and should take our unbelief to Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s rely on Jesus to change our unbelief to belief. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for the fifth lesson in our series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. Today, we examine Hebrews 3:1-14 as we learn about . . . "The Problem of Drift". In this lesson, we learn: We need to beware of an unbelieving, hard heart caused by the deceitfulness of sin. Three ways we can guard against unbelief and hardness of heart:  Focus on Jesus. Hold fast to our confession of Christ. Exhort each other daily  to stick with Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s help each other pursue and persevere with Jesus. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Nathan for the fourth lesson in our series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. In this lesson, we examine Hebrews 2:14-18 as we learn about . . . "Our Humble High Priest". In this lesson, we learn: Salvation is found in the merciful and faithful love of Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let us look to our merciful and faithful brother, our High Priest, Jesus Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we continue in our new series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. In this third lesson, we examine Hebrews 2:5-13 as we see that . . . "Your Destiny Awaits". In this lesson, we learn: Part of the mission of Jesus is to restore people to their God-given destiny. The Son of God assumed human nature to fulfill our destiny so he could restore us to that destiny. Jesus not only restores fallen sinners; he calls us “family.” Knowing our identity and our future destiny in Christ affects the way we live today. Therefore, you can live in light of your destiny in Christ. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s celebrate and live out of our destiny in Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we continue in our new series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. In our second lesson, we examine Hebrews 1:1-2:4 as we learn about . . . "The Problem of Drift". In this lesson, we learn: Give close attention to the message of Jesus lest you drift away. If messages given by angels should be heeded, how much more should we heed the message of the Lord Jesus. There are several reasons why we may drift: Deception. Doubt. Discouragement. Distraction. Disengagement. Therefore, no matter what you’re facing in life, keep going back to the good news of Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s keep our focus on Jesus knowing he will never fail to keep us. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we begin our new series, Don't Stop Believin', a sermon series on the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews. In our first lesson, we turn to Hebrews 1:1-4 as we learn about . . . "The Culmination of Revelation". In this lesson, we see: Jesus is the culmination of God’s revelation to us. If the truth from God through the prophets is important, how much more vital is the truth found in God’s Son. The Son of God is the apex of God’s revelation because he is: The Creator of all things. The Sustainer of all things. The heir of all things. The radiance of God the Father’s glory. The exact imprint of his nature. The great High Priest. The Lord of all. Therefore, don’t disengage from Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s grow in knowing and abiding in Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we conclude our series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In this final lesson, we turn to the Apostle Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:1-4 as we learn about having a . . . "Christ-Centered Mindfulness". In this lesson, we are encouraged to: Remember your status in Christ. Set your mind on Jesus and all you have in him. Seek Christ and all his benefits. Savor all you have in Jesus. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s seek and savor Jesus now and forevermore. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we move toward the end of our series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In this seventh lesson, we turn to various passages in the Old and New Testament as we here an encouragement on . . . "Minding Our Shame". In this lesson, we see: In one way or another, shame affects everyone. Shame affects our subjective identity. When we feel shame, we tend to hide and cover-up. We also tend to either shift the blame or take the blame inappropriately. Ultimately, the remedy for shame is Jesus. Therefore, you can: Single out your shame. Huddle. Admit your need. Meditate on the good news of Jesus. Embrace Jesus and all he has for you. So, by the power of the Spirit, let’s address our shame appropriately in the name of Jesus.. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social

Join Pastor Nathan for the next part in our series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In this lesson, we turn to various passages in the Old and New Testament as we here a lesson . . . "Concerning Guilt". In this lesson, we see: The love of Christ takes our guilt and gives us innocence. So, let’s walk faithfully after God, for Jesus, in his amazing love, has taken our guilt, and given us innocence. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for the next part in our series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In our fifth lesson, we turn to various passages in the Old and New Testament as we here an exhortation on . . . "Minding Our Envy". In this lesson, we see: To deal with envy well, it’s helpful to understand a few things: While often conflated, envy and jealousy are technically not the same.  There is a good bit of complexity with both envy and jealousy. Envy is often subtle and hidden. Envy drains joy. The love of Christ for us is the cure for the sin of envy. Therefore, we ought to: Grant that you may be envious. Refuse to allow envy to grow. Aim for God’s glory and relational peace. Speak truth to yourself.  Pray for those you envy. So, by the work of the Holy Spirit, let’s put away our envy and grow in humble gratitude. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sund

Join Pastor Stuart for the next lesson in our series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In this fourth lesson, we turn to Psalms 42 & 43 as we here an encouragement to walk faithfully after God even in the midst of . . . "Our Grief & Depression". In this lesson, we see: Grief, in general, and depression specifically are not sin in and of themselves. How we handle grief and depression and what’s underneath our grief and depression may be sin. We may not be able to completely control how we feel when we’re depressed, but we can address our thinking and actions. Jesus is the ultimate hope for depressed people. Therefore, you can: Set realistic goals. Allow yourself to feel sadness. Don’t isolate.  Note the how’s and the why’s. Evaluate. Speak truth to yourself. Savor Christ. So, by the work of the Holy Spirit, let’s focus on Jesus and grow in managing our grief and depression well. You can learn more about W

Join Pastor Stuart for the third part in our new series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In this lesson, we turn to various passages in the Old and New Testament as we here an exhortation on . . . "Minding Our Anxiety". In this lesson, we see: Anxiety in and of itself is not sinful. What is often sinful is how we handle anxiety and what is underneath our anxieties. Anxiety is often driven by desires for security, control, and certainty. While these desires are not sinful in and of themselves, they can become idolatrous. Jesus speaks calm and comfort into our anxious minds. Therefore, you can: Admit your anxieties. Note your how’s and why’s. Xanax can be helpful. Involve your body. Evaluate your values. Try facing your fears. Yield to your heavenly Father’s good, sovereign care. So, by the work of the Holy Spirit and because of Christ Jesus, let’s grow in managing our anxieties well. You can learn more about Wes

Join Pastor Stuart as we continue in our new series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In our second lesson, we turn to various passages in the Old and New Testament as we here an exhortation on . . . "Minding Our Anger". In this lesson, we see: Anger, in and of itself, is not sinful. How we handle our anger and what is underneath our anger is often sinful. Humility is a good corrective to the issues we have with anger. Jesus is the double cure of our anger problems. Therefore, you can: Admit your anger. kNow why. Go slow. Evaluate what’s underneath. Respond by the help of the Spirit. So, by the work of the Holy Spirit, let’s cultivate Christlike humility and grow in handling our anger well. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we begin our new series, Dark Side of the Mind, a sermon series on dealing with the "dark emotions" (anger, anxiety, depression, envy, guilt, and shame). In our first lesson, we turn to Proverbs 4:23 and Romans 12:2 as we here an exhortation to . . . "Mind Your Mind". In this lesson, we see: God calls us to mind our mind/heart. The way we think affects the way we live. This is why we are to evaluate our thoughts with all vigilance. God promises that in Christ and by the Spirit our minds can be renewed. Therefore, you ought to: Check in frequently on the way you are thinking. Evaluate your thoughts in light of the truth of Jesus. So, by the work of the Holy Spirit, let’s mind our minds knowing he will renew our minds in Christ Jesus. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

(Note: During the worship service this last Sunday, we ran into several challenges affecting the quality of both the audio and video recordings. I’ve done my best to clean things up, but there are still many glitches remaining. Please bear with them as you are able and, Lord willing, we will have things back on track next week. PT) Join Pastor Stuart for the ninth and final lesson in our series, Living on a Prayer. We return one last time to the Gospel According to Matthew 6:7-13 as we examine the idea of . . . "A Fitting End to Our Prayers". In this lesson, we will answer the question, "Why is the phrase 'For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.' in some Bibles, but not in others?" While the issue is somewhat complicated, it can generally be reduced to different views on how to understand the manuscript evidence. Regardless of what view we may take, the phrase in question has definite biblical support and is therefore an appropriate way to end any prayer. Remember, the Lord’s Pra

Join Pastor Stuart for the eighth lesson in our series, Living on a Prayer. We return again this week to the Gospel According to Matthew 6:7-13 as we examine the idea of . . . "Praying for Our Daily Bread". In this lesson, we see: Because temptation is always a reality in this fallen world, we pray for God’s intervention. We need to understand that temptations come from both within and without. Satan is an actual, personal enemy we dare not ignore. Jesus is more than able to keep us from giving in to temptation and to deliver us from Satan. Therefore, we ought to pray for deliverance from Satan and temptations. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Nathan for the seventh part in our series, Living on a Prayer. We turn again to the Gospel According to Matthew 6:7-13 as we examine the idea of . . . "Praying for Our Forgiveness". In this lesson, we see: Our prayers need to be filled with confession and our hearts moved to compassion. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for the sixth lesson in our series, Living on a Prayer. We return again this week to the Gospel According to Matthew 6:7-13 as we examine the idea of . . . "Praying for Our Daily Bread". In this lesson, we see: God invites us to pray for our needs. Our prayers for the necessities of life are: not to be self-centered. mainly focused on today. We pray for our needs because God is abundantly able to meet those needs. God is also the generous Father who loves to give his children that which is good for them. God has promised he will meet our ultimate needs in Christ. Therefore, we ought to pray that God will meet all the needs of his people. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Join us Sunday Mornings at 10:30 a.m. at 230 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC! Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.