Shows
United Methodist Church Westlake VillageFruits of the SpiritSend us a textHave you ever felt overwhelmed by the complexities of our world—political divisions, global conflicts, economic injustice—wondering what God expects from you in such confusing times? This exploration of Paul's letter to the Galatians cuts through the noise with refreshing clarity.At the heart of Paul's message lies a fascinating paradox about freedom. Unlike our American understanding of individual liberty, Paul describes a freedom that comes through willingly "enslaving" ourselves to one another in love. "For freedom Christ has set us free," he writes, not so we can indulge our own...2025-07-2019 min
United Methodist Church Westlake VillageBreaking Free from Religious RulesSend us a textFreedom takes on profound new meaning when examined through the lens of Paul's letter to the Galatians. Beyond the political liberty we often celebrate, Paul reveals a deeper spiritual freedom that liberates believers from the burden of religious rule-following toward an authentic relationship with God.The message unpacks how early Christianity navigated its Jewish roots while establishing a distinct identity. Paul's nuanced contrast between "law" and "faith" wasn't rejecting divine guidance but transforming how we understand it. The Levitical laws—from dietary restrictions to circumcision—once served as clear markers of reli...2025-07-0619 min
Westlake Baptist ChurchPreparing For War Part 5-The Nature of WarWhy does Paul call it a wrestling match? We need to know not only our opponents, but their tactics as well in order to have victory2025-06-2949 minWestlake Baptist ChurchPreparing For War Part 4: Know Your Enemy-The WorldWhat does Paul mean when he says we wrestle against principalities? How is our nation being shaped the same way the Greeks shaped the world in the 300’s B.C.2025-06-2245 min
The Supporting CastDr. Jon Carroll on Building a SchoolIn June of 2025, Dr. Jon Carroll will depart Harvard-Westlake after thirteen years—the first three leading HW Aquatics and the last ten as a middle school dean. Jon is not departing to join another school community, however—but to build one. In the fall of 2026, Jon will open Jabali Academy, a K-8 independent school centered in Inglewood with the mission of inspiring excellence in students and preparing them for places like Harvard-Westlake. Jabali, which means “rock” in Swahili, is emblematic of the foundation that education provided in Jon’s own life—growing up in West Philadelphia as the child of educators...2025-04-3048 min
United Methodist Church Westlake VillageThe Heart of Les Misérables Shows Us What True Love RequiresSend us a textThe bright spot in our Lenten journey through Les Misérables has arrived as we explore God's gift of love through the romantic relationship between Cosette and Marius. Their love story unfolds against a backdrop of revolution and upheaval, offering a glimpse of hope amid darkness.Victor Hugo's masterpiece reveals multiple dimensions of love throughout its narrative. We witness romantic love between young Cosette and Marius, familial love through Fantine's ultimate sacrifice for her daughter, and agape love (godly, selfless love) when Jean Valjean rescues Marius from the barricade despite his p...2025-03-3129 min