Behind the Message

Avocado Hand Warmers:https://www.amazon.com/Gaiatop-Rechargeable-Magnetic-Settings-Avocados/dp/B0CMQPRHDH Cigars vs. Cigarettes:https://cigarcountry.com/blog/cigars-vs-cigarettes/ Plug-In Solar Panels for OR:https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/09/oregon-lawmakers-seek-to-shine-light-on-balcony-solar-but-safety-issue-linger/ Started talking about the message at 11:05 Foursquare disaster response in the Middle East:https://foursquaredisasterrelief.org/disasters/middle-east-response-2026/ C.S. Lewis, “Why I’m not a pacifist.”:https://www.cslewis.com/why-im-not-a-pacifist/ Cynicism as a coping mechanism:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/possibilitizing/202503/why-cynicism-feels-smart-but-can-sabotage-your-success Denial as a coping mechanism: https://www.relationalpsych.group/articles/understanding-denial-as-a-defense-mechanism Julian of Norwich:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_of_Norwich Westside’s Community Garden:https://westsidechurch.org/all-church-updates/community-garden-seed-planting/

Rivalry between NZ and Australia https://nzpocketguide.com/the-new-zealand-australia-rivalry-what-you-need-to-know/ IHOP and Applebees https://franchise.ihop.com/en/applebees-co-branded-franchising/why-dual-brands

What happens to the merch of the losing Super Bowl team? https://people.com/what-happens-to-losing-team-merch-after-the-super-bowl-8786961 Proper trail etiquette https://wildlandtrekking.com/blog/trail-etiquette/ Start talking about the message 13:340 Who was defeated in the winter in Russia? Napoleon? https://www.history.com/articles/napoleons-disastrous-invasion-of-russia The Paschal mystery https://iws.edu/2014/04/holy-week-14/ Prayer practice from Brian Zahnd https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6021960f4c1ff711fe8a549c/t/62e336507ae96720bd6df0fa/16590577…

Started talking about the message at 13:34 Shofarhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar Heresies popular during the time of John’s writing: Gnosticism – https://iep.utm.edu/gnostic/Docetism – https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/docetism Davinci Codehttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0382625 “Let them”https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ Valentine’s Dayhttps://www.britannica.com/topic/Valentines-Day Seattle Seahawks are going to the Super Bowl:https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47728615/seattle-seahawks-win-los-angeles-rams-nfc-championship… What do the bars on your cell phone mean?https://nextivityinc.com/blog/what-do-the-bars-on-my-cell-phone-mean/

John 2 and the Kind of “Religious” That Makes Jesus Mad. John 2 holds a paradox on purpose: the kingdom looks like extravagant grace at a wedding and uncompromising confrontation when worship becomes a gatekeeping machine. Jesus is abundant for the empty—and fiercely opposed to religious systems that keep people out while claiming God’s authority. 14:15 – Start talking about the message How early is too early to eat non-breakfast foods? https://mashable.com/article/eat-lunch-before-noon The Last Battle https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-last-battle-c-s-lewis Does Jesus ever critique Rome? Pentecostalism https://www.britannica.com/topic/Pentecostalism Different interpretations of Revelation https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/4-ways-to-read-the-book-of-revelation/ Was Star Wars about the Nazi regime? https://www.history.com/articles/the-real-history-that-inspired-star-wars

Stories from Uber**https://www.uber.com/blog/once-upon-a-ride/** Started talking about the message at 9:34 Timeline of John’s retelling:https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/0 Summer sausagehttps://www.southernliving.com/what-is-summer-sausage-8363025

In this special Advent edition of Behind the Message, we’re slowing down with short, reflective conversations designed to help you engage the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season. Each mini episode offers a simple takeaway and a moment to recenter your heart on the wonder of Christ’s coming.

In this special Advent edition of Behind the Message, we’re slowing down with short, reflective conversations designed to help you engage the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season. Each mini episode offers a simple takeaway and a moment to recenter your heart on the wonder of Christ’s coming.

In this special Advent edition of Behind the Message, we’re slowing down with short, reflective conversations designed to help you engage the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season. Each mini episode offers a simple takeaway and a moment to recenter your heart on the wonder of Christ’s coming.

Started talking about the message: 10:15 What’s the difference between La Nina and El Nino?https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html The Farmer’s Almanac – Ben Franklin did not invent it:https://www.almanac.com/history-old-farmers-almanac Nicolas Cage:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000115 SBC removes Saddleback from its denomination:https://edition.cnn.com/2023/06/14/us/southern-baptist-convention-annual-meeting Bold Ventures: Gingerbread cake – I guess it’s a thing:https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/gingerbread-cake Minced Meat Pie – A meat pie with no meat:https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-mincemeat-pie A brief history of egg nog:https://time.com/3957265/history-of-eggnog

Philip’s tomb in Hierapolishttps://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-sites-places/biblical-archaeology-sites/tomb-of-… The walk to Hierapolishttps://www.gettyimages.com/photos/hierapolis This I believe – Hillsong Same God – Elevation Modern-day Nicea – Iznik in the Bursa Province of northwestern Turkeyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/İznik The Great Theater of Ephesus from Acts 19:23-41https://turkisharchaeonews.net/object/great-theatre-ephesus Church History Series The Beatles Yellow Submarine: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063823/ The Quarrymen: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Quarrymen The Jungle Bookhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061852https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/why-the-beatles-turned-down-jungle-book

Mariners clip of a man crying after the win:https://www.si.com/mlb/mariners-fans-full-emotion-seattle-first-home-playoff-win-since-2001 His Favorite Song of all – Phillips, Craig, and Dean Stacey Orricohttps://www.youtube.com/stacieorrico Barlow Girlhttps://www.youtube.com/user/barlowgirlmusic

9/29/25 – David and Goliath Adventures in Odyssey Garrison Keeler Chris Theeley Nickel Creek Now 95 Wow Worship Best Friend Inside Out Darlene Zschech    Reuben Morgan Crystal Lewis Awesome God Shout to the Lord Sometimes by Step Like Incense Rich Mullins 17:00 start talking about the message Malcolm Gladwell’s book Davie and Goliath Miracle on Ice Babe Babe Ruth Hank Aaron

Emotionally healthy spirituality – Pete Scazzero Teddy Roosevelt https://theodoreroosevelt.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=991271&module_id=339332 John Wayne The Night at the Museum https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0477347 The Natural History Museum in NYC https://www.amnh.org Presidential podcast by the Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/presidential Safe Parking https://www.mvcdoregon.org

9:45 started talking about the sermon John 5:39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me. 1 Peter 3:20-21 to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, When did we start […]

Good and Beautiful books by James Bryan Smith Dallas Willardhttps://dwillard.org Rich Mullinshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rich_Mullins Gen Z now Leads in Church Attendance: Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z:https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins Safe Housing: Rich Villodashttps://www.richvillodas.com Rich Villodas’ Church:

What is the project? Why this matters: About the program: Outcomes & Success: Addressing Concerns: Why the Church? Encouragement & Hope: Call to Action:

Unsolved Mysteries Robert Stack https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0821041 JOHN WALSH https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0909696 America’s Most Wanted https://www.fox.com/americas-most-wanted Jerry Seinfeld https://jerryseinfeld.com Perfect Strangers https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090501 TGIF https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TGIF_(TV_programming_block) 9:13 – started talking about Big Questions Lazarus https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2011%3A1-44&version=NLT John the Baptist https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2011%3A1-6%2C%2011&version=NLT Zacchaeus https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2019%3A1-10&version=NLT James Byran Smith – Good and Beautiful books

AI language Asbury revival How was the civil rights movement connected to the churchhttps://www.detroitpbs.org/news-media/american-black-journal/paving-the-way-for-today-how-the-black-church-supported-the-civil-rights-movement Desert Mothers and Fathershttps://www.britannica.com/topic/asceticism St. Ignatius of Loyola Julian of Norwichhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_of_Norwich Tooth and Nail Record Companyhttps://www.toothandnail.com Life is short, pray hardhttps://images.app.goo.gl/nLeanPCcCDdPC6MYA Have you considered the Lord lately?https://www.grailed.com/listings/18757333-vintage-vintage-90s-consider-the-lord-religious-jesus-tee-t-shirt Jesus is my homeboy MXPXhttps://www.mxpx.com T-Bonehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Bone_(rapper) Skillethttps://www.skillet.com CCMhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_Christian_music Michael W. Smith Amy Grant Sandy Pattyhttps://www.sandipatty.com

Chopstick etiquettehttps://everythingchopsticks.com/Guide-to-Chopsticks-Etiquette-Around-the-World.html Ben’s favorite movie monsterhttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073195 Foursquare International Conferencehttps://www.foursquare.org/events/connection

Randy Remingtonhttps://www.foursquare.org/about/leadership/#senior-leadership B4 Churchhttps://www.b4church.org 27:25 – start talking about the message

Small talkhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/field-guide-to-families/202503/the-enormity-of-small-talk-as-an-introvert 12:36 – start talking about the message Les Mis Bo Stern Bradyhttps://www.bostern.com “Why we laugh when it’s not even funny”https://synapse.ucsf.edu/articles/2023/01/08/why-you-laugh-when-its-not-even-funny

1:55 – Kentucky Derby & F1 Racing 7:35 – Recapping Sunday: God’s Grace vs. Self-Righteousness 14:50 – How should we interact with God’s grace? 18:50 – God’s grace should motivate us to do good 22:20 – Grace should not be seen as optional 26:00 – The importance of driving stick, The Amazing Race, and The Bachelor 28:54 – Reading scripture in context (and with curiosity) 35:35 – Cherry-picking scripture vs. theology in cultural context 37:47 – Taking the Bible seriously 44:15 – Wrapping things up

Moanahttps://movies.disney.com/moana Flight of the Conchordshttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0863046 Start talking about W1 – 6:00 Resurgence of Christianity Onesimushttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philemon 1&version=NLT Powers being humiliated by Christ’s work on the crosshttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians 2%3A14-15&version=NLT Daughtership? Yes, it is a word.https://www.oed.com/dictionary/daughtership_n?tl=true Going (formerly Scott’s cheap flights)https://www.going.com The Last Dance Documentaryhttps://www.netflix.com/title/80203144

This week, Ben and Evan discuss the significance of Good Friday. They also debate the shape and weight of the perfect coffee mug. Show Notes 6:50 – Holy Week10:25 – Gospel narrative post-resurrection14:07 – Sermon from Sunday The perfect mug:https://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/article/what-makes-a-good-mug Dutch Bros Annihilatorhttps://www.dutchbros.com/menu/dutch-faves/annihilator Judas Maccabee – Palm Sundayhttps://www.christiantoday.com/news/what-is-palm-sunday-and-why-do-we-celebrate-it Brian Zahnd quote: “The crucifixion is not the ultimate attempt to change God’s mind about us — the cross is the ultimate attempt to change our mind about God. God is not like Caiaphas seeking a sacrifice. God is not like Pilate requiring an execution. God is like Jesus, absorbing sin and […]

Mini donkeys:https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/miniature-donkey Pengolin:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pangolin The Rabbit Hole podcast:https://www.nytimes.com/column/rabbit-hole Cub’s fan story:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1908471 Canonization of scripture: Storks movie:https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4624424 Why do we eat ham on Easter?https://www.bhg.com/holidays/easter/ham-on-easter The Rise and Fall of Prime Rib:https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/24/dining/christmas-prime-rib.html

(Start talking about message 6:15) Aladdin on Broadway https://www.broadway.com/shows/aladdin-broadway Lion King https://www.broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king Bluey https://www.bluey.tv https://news.mit.edu/2017/stress-can-lead-risky-decisions-1116 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark 14%3A 1-11&version=NIV https://bendmagazine.com/a-roller-skating-comeback-brings-nostalgia-and-thrill-to-bend/ https://www.scottericksonart.com

Ben, Lindsay and Mike talk about Jesus’ challenge for us to love our neighbor as ourself. What does that look like over years of relationship? What does that look like in traffic? And how does repentance and self-love bring the whole picture into focus? Show notes: Started the message at 2:09 Mark 12:28-34 28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord […]

This week, Ben and Evan discuss the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark chapter 10. Jesus said it’s impossible for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Did he really mean that? Show Notes Evan’s age meme – https://ifunny.co/picture/it-s-interesting-growing-up-and-learn-ing-that-most-ypuZtOEW6 7:48 started talking about the message Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17-22 Pete Kelley https://www.antiochchurch.org/about/ Pete Carol https://www.petecarroll.com/

To kick off Lent, Ben and Evan discuss the power of recognizing our mortality, and how Jesus’ identity as a suffering Messiah was a direct challenge to the religious nationalism of His day. 3:35 start talking about Ash Wednesday Church Calendar Explained: https://anglicancompass.com/what-time-is-it-an-overview-of-the-church-calendar-and-liturgical-year/#:~:text=Keeping sacred time did not,16%3A13-17 17:39 – Start talking about Mark 20:42 – Community Homeless Forumhttps://cohomelessforum.org Pete Scazzerohttps://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/aboutpete/

This week, Ben and Evan have a wide ranging conversation on the rise of AI, how Jesus pushes back against religious guilt, and why we spend so much time talking about Jesus. Should we use manners with AI?https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/should-you-be-nice-to-ai-chatbots-such-as-chatgpt/   What is a Luddite? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luddite   Roots of the last names Earwicker and Fleming:https://www.houseofnames.com/earwicker-family-crest  https://www.houseofnames.com/fleming-family-crest   Mark 5:24-34 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%205%3A24-34&version=NLT   Paddington in Peru https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5822536/   Eugene Peterson’s biography https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Bones-Authorized-Biography-Translator-ebook/dp/B083RZKZSB   Ben’s favorite blind guy https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%209%3A1-5&version=NIV   Gamaliel https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%205%3A34-39&version=NIV   Ananias and Sapphira https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=ananias+and+sapphira&version=NIV&oq=annanias+and+saphira   Simon the Sorcerer https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=simon+the+sorcerer&version=NIV

Show Notes: Superbowl halftime show [USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/01/30/super-bowl-halftime-show-kendrick-lamar-setlist-predictions/78019880007/) [Who is doing the Super Bowl halftime show 2025? Predicting Kendrick Lamar’s setlist](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/01/30/super-bowl-halftime-show-kendrick-lamar-setlist-predictions/78019880007/) [10 hours ago](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2025/01/30/super-bowl-halftime-show-kendrick-lamar-setlist-predictions/78019880007/) Lil’ smoky’s vs meatballs [Lil’ Smokies & Meatball Appetizer recipe](https://butterwithasideofbread.com/game-day-meatballs-lil-smokies-with/) [Grape jelly, lil smokies, frozen meatballs, chili sauce, bbq sauce](https://butterwithasideofbread.com/game-day-meatballs-lil-smokies-with/) Uncrustables [Uncrustables®](https://www.smuckersuncrustables.com/) Jesus Is King: The Gospel of Mark Series

This week on the podcast, Pastor Mike Meeks joins to talk about his own struggles in life and ministry, and reveals what he looks for in a church. Christmas Vacation https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/ Eastlake Church https://www.eastlake.church

In this week’s episode, Ben and Evan discuss how work is worship and why Christmas deserves a fresh look. Evan’s message: https://westsidechurch.org/podcast/evan-earwicker-christ-with-us-mark-140-45/ The Anticipated Christ by Brian Zahnd – https://brianzahnd.com/2022/09/the-anticipated-christ/ Ephesians 6:12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Johnny Carson – https://www.johnnycarson.com/

This week, Ben and Evan talk about how honest we should be at Christmas, and discuss their best and worst Christmas presents from childhood. Fun dip https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fun-Dip-Cherry-Razz-Apple-Powdered-Candy-0-43-oz-48-Count/416047138?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0 Mousetrap https://www.target.com/p/classic-mouse-trap-board-game/-/A-85895913?ref=tgt_adv_xsf&AFID=google&CPNG=Toys&adgroup=87-10 Glenn Close 101 Dalmations John 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it. 1 John 1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. The Anticipated Christ by Brian Zahn A Burning in My Bones: an Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson Long Obedience In the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson Scott the Painter – Honest Advent https://www.honestadvent.com/ The Christmas Story https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1004151-christmas_story A Muppet Christmas Carol https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104940/

Former lead pastor Steve Mickel joins Evan and Ben to discuss what it’s like coming back, and how faith is deepened on the other side of suffering. Former lead pastor Steve Mickel joins Evan and Ben to discuss what it’s like coming back, and how faith is deepened on the other side of suffering. Show notes: Brian Zahnd prayer liturgy – https://westsidechurch.org/dailyprayer/ C.S. Lewis – Silver Chair Cheryl Bridges Johns – Re-enchanting the Text Brian Zahnd Sermon- “Re-Enchanting the Christian Soul” Steve’s favorite Jedi quote “That is why you fail” – Yoda Brian Zahnd – When Everything’s on Fire John Williams https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002354/

Pastor Mike Meeks joins the podcast to share his journey in prayer, and how letting go of control is a crucial part of living a life of prayer.

Ben and Evan discuss the 70th anniversary of Westside Church, and how prayer fits into a forward-facing vision.

What qualifies as prayer? Evan and Ben discuss how prayer is the first stop on the path towards the way of Jesus and explore how different forms of prayer are critical to “pray without ceasing”.

In this episode of Westside Church’s Behind the Message Podcast, author Joshua Ryan Butler joins Ben and Evan to discuss his new book, The Party Crasher: How Jesus disrupts Politics as Usual and Redeems our Partisan Divide.

This week, Behind the Message returns to discuss Westside’s new approach to leadership, as Pastor Steve Mickel announces the addition of 2 senior pastors. Our panel discusses.

On this first episode of season 3, Pastor Steve Mickel announces the release of his book, Walking in the Dark: Trusting God when Life Happens. “I hope what I believe is right, like when Jesus said, ‘I go to prepare a place for you where you can be with me.’ I hope he was telling me the truth, not just for me but for [my son] Chase… The sun’s going to rise again. Not just on that day when Jesus comes back and we all get to experience His presence, but it’s going to rise on this day… There could still be a best day ever for me, without Chase. Why not? That’s who God is. He does want to produce beauty out of ashes.” – Steve Mickel

Steve Mickel joins the live podcast to discuss being known for vulnerability and when it can cross over into over sharing.

Westside’s new church plant will be pastored by Seth Waters. Seth joins the podcast to discuss his message on our new identity in Christ.

We look at ways to connect ourselves to the relationships and activities that fuel the soul. When we allow our souls to run on empty, we have little to offer those around us.

In his book, Soul Keeping, John Ortberg says that the key to a healthy soul is first to “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life”. We sit down with Pastor Steve Mickel to discuss the hectic rhythms of life and how we can find a place of rest for our souls.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.

In a special 4 part live series, we look back on some of the most memorable messages of 2018 and discuss on stage at Westside Church.