In a world of dating apps, highlight reels, and hook-up culture, how do you date with wisdom and purpose? In this episode, we explore Ephesians 5:22–33 to uncover how the gospel reshapes our approach to dating. Dating isn’t just about chemistry or compatibility — it’s about discernment. Pastor Jacob walks us backward through the passage to show that the goal of dating is to find someone you can partner with for the sake of the Gospel. If marriage is a living picture of Christ and the Church, the...
Jul 27, 2025•38 min•Ep. 265
What does it look like to finish life well? In this episode, we explore the final words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6–8 and reflect on what it looks like to live with intentionality in our final season. From confronting death with conviction to committing to lifelong faithfulness, and ultimately chasing the eternal prize, this message calls us to a legacy worth leaving. Whether you're near the end or just getting started, this episode will challenge you to live today in light of the end—b...
Jul 20, 2025•39 min•Ep. 264
What if singleness isn’t a detour—but a signpost of God’s eternal kingdom? In this episode, we explore one of Jesus’ most surprising teachings: that some people will choose singleness for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Through Jesus’ words in Matthew 19, we uncover how singleness is not a secondary status but a sacred space for undivided devotion, eternal vision, and profound redemption. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this message reframes how we view singleness in lig...
Jul 13, 2025•43 min•Ep. 263
In this episode, we dig into Deuteronomy 6:1–25 to unpack God’s vision for generational discipleship. We explore how the home is meant to be the first and most important place where faith is formed. With the big idea that parents are saved by God to love Him and to pass on their faith to their children , we answer the pressing question: How can parents faithfully disciple their children? Through three clear movements—responding in faith, cultivating wholehearted devotion to God, and making God a...
Jul 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 262
In our new message series, You Are Here , we’ll find that Scripture provides practical instruction and spiritual insight into God’s plan for each of us — no matter where we find ourselves in life. Today, we welcome Woodside Royal Oak campus pastor CT Eldridge as he preaches God's intent for husbands and wives in marriage. We are to follow the way of Jesus—sacrifice and love—in how we live, whether or not we are married.
Jun 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 261
In this episode of Reach: Advancing the Gospel Together , we explore how the early church in Antioch models a vision of Christian community that doesn't just gather—but sends. Anchored in Acts 12:25–13:3, Pastor Jacob challenges us to reimagine the church not as a theme park that entertains, but as an airport that equips and launches disciples into mission. Through unpacking the text, you'll discover what it looks like to be a Spirit-led, multi-ethnic, prayerful, and sending church—one shaped no...
Jun 22, 2025•39 min•Ep. 260
What happens when the gospel mission hits resistance? In this episode, we explore how God's unstoppable mission breaks through some of the most difficult obstacles the early church faced—persecution, imprisonment, and political power. Drawing from Acts 12, we’re reminded that suffering and opposition are not the end of the story. Whether it's the execution of James, the imprisonment of Peter, or the pride of Herod, God's mission moves forward. Through honest reflection, real-world examples, and ...
Jun 15, 2025•48 min•Ep. 259
We're all searching for purpose: what if Jesus has the answer? In this powerful message from Acts 11, Pastor Steve Zarrilli reminds us that the mission of the Church is to help people belong to Christ, grow in Christ, and reach the world for Christ. This passage challenges us to move past self-preservation and step into Gospel-centered living. We’ll look at how early believers made a difference by boldly sharing their faith, equipping everyday people for leadership, and living out the mission of...
Jun 08, 2025•40 min•Ep. 258
In this kickoff episode of our new series Reach , Pastor Jacob Ley helps us explore Acts 11:1–18 and discover a powerful truth: God is already at work reaching the world—are we joining Him? Through this message, we’ll unpack some of the ways God works to reach the world. Whether you're called across the street or across the globe, this message will stir your heart to embrace God’s mission and trust His Spirit to work through you. Listen now and join us in advancing the Gospel—together....
Jun 01, 2025•40 min•Ep. 257
Today, we explore the true story of the disciples on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus following Jesus' death and resurrection. As they journey together, discussing all that happened and acknowledging their hopes, disappointments, confusion, and sadness, Jesus meets them. In this standalone sermon by Pastor Joel Tomkinson, we discover how Jesus meets us through the gift of spiritual friendship.
May 25, 2025•42 min•Ep. 256
Can God work through you to share the Gospel? In this special message celebrating Woodside’s 70th anniversary, Senior Pastor Chris Brooks illustrates the evangelism of the early church through the lens of Acts 10:34-43. Pastor Chris reminds us that God can use anyone while encouraging us to live in boldness for Christ, right where we are. Listen in to discover why sharing the Gospel isn't just for pastors or missionaries, but for every believer, everywhere.
May 18, 2025•35 min•Ep. 255
In a world that often values greatness at the expense of dignity, how does God’s Kingdom define a life well-lived? On this special Mother’s Day episode, we explore the story of Tabitha in Acts 9—a woman honored not for power or prestige, but for her faithful service and quiet influence. Contrasting the empire-building myths of Rome with the resurrection power of Jesus, we uncover a gospel vision that elevates women like Tabitha as heroes of the faith. Discover how serving with grace, influencing...
May 11, 2025•38 min•Ep. 254
The Kingdom has been inaugurated—but not yet completed. In this episode, we explore Acts 1:6–11 and the powerful promise that Jesus will return to finish what He started. Why the delay? What are we supposed to do in the meantime? And how should His future return shape the way we live today? Discover why guessing the timing is a distraction, why witnessing is our current calling, and why our hope is anchored in a King who will return personally, physically, and visibly to judge evil and restore a...
May 04, 2025•47 min•Ep. 253
Most people can quickly recount the highlights of Jesus' life—His birth, miracles, death, and resurrection. But what about His ascension? Why does it matter? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked reality of Jesus' ascension and why the early church saw it as central to the Christian faith. Anchored in Acts 1:9–11 and Daniel 7:13–14, we discover that the ascension is not just an ending—it’s a coronation. Jesus is enthroned as King, ruling over us, interceding for us, and commissioning ...
Apr 27, 2025•49 min•Ep. 252
What does it mean that Jesus is the risen King—and why does it matter today? In this episode, we take you into the powerful closing scene of Mark’s Gospel, where a group of unexpected witnesses—including a Roman centurion, a Jewish council member, a trio of devoted women, and a mysterious young man—testify to the shocking reality of the resurrection. Together, their stories reveal not only the truth of Jesus' death and victory over the grave, but also the hope that shame can be exchanged for glo...
Apr 20, 2025•40 min•Ep. 251
On this Good Friday, we reflect on the central symbol of our faith—the cross—not as a sign of defeat, but as the throne of our King. In this episode, we explore Mark 15:1–39 and discover how the cross reveals Jesus not only as the suffering servant, but as the victorious Son of God. Through Roman irony, prophetic fulfillment, and a striking portrait of substitutionary love, we see how Jesus reigns through suffering—not despite it. Is Jesus truly the King? This message invites you to behold Chris...
Apr 19, 2025•48 min•Ep. 250
What does Palm Sunday reveal about Jesus? In Mark chapter 11, Jesus enters Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week, where He reveals Himself as the Messiah to the multitudes who had traveled there to celebrate the Passover. Now, thousands of years later, His identity remains the same: our righteous deliverer and promised king. Jesus is the solution to our sin, emptiness, and restlessness — so how will you respond to His arrival? We have the choice to either accept and celebrate His offer of salv...
Apr 14, 2025•40 min•Ep. 249
Each month, the people of Woodside Bible Church gather for a unique meal—not a pizza party or potluck—but the sacred practice of communion. In this episode, we explore the rich meaning behind the Lord’s Supper through the lens of 1 Corinthians 11. What does it mean to truly "come to the table"? Pastor Jacob Ley unpacks the Apostle Paul’s words to a divided Corinthian church, revealing how communion isn’t just a ritual—it’s a rhythm of grace that deepens our unity with Christ , invites personal r...
Apr 06, 2025•46 min•Ep. 248
In this episode of Signs of the King , we explore one of Jesus’ most powerful miracles—raising Lazarus from the dead in John 11:1-47. This sign wasn’t just about restoring life; it was a declaration of who Jesus is and a call to respond. You can’t escape responding to Jesus. Why? Because His purpose is intentional, His passion is invitational, and His power is irrefutable. Join us as we dive into this transformative story, discovering how Jesus’ delay was an act of love, how His tears reveal His...
Mar 30, 2025•38 min•Ep. 247
Sometimes, an encounter with someone different from us can challenge how we see the world. In this episode, Pastor Jacob Ley explores the sixth sign in the Gospel of John—Jesus’ healing of a man born blind. Through this powerful encounter, we’ll ask: How do we respond to the revelation of Jesus? Are we curious, skeptical, afraid, dismissive, or spiritually blind? Join us as we uncover what it truly means to see the Light of the World and follow Him in faith. Listen now and reflect: Are you seein...
Mar 23, 2025•38 min•Ep. 246
The human heart aches for deliverance. In our everyday struggles, we all long for rescue—for ourselves and for our world. But what if our search for deliverance leads us to a distorted view of Jesus? In this episode, we explore John 6 and the challenge of rightly knowing Jesus. Many saw Him as a great prophet, a political revolutionary, or a means to an end—but missed the fullness of who He is. Through this powerful sign, John reveals that Jesus is more than a prophet, more than a king—He is the...
Mar 16, 2025•44 min•Ep. 245
What are your motives for following Jesus? Not everyone follows Him for the right reasons, but eventually our true motives will reveal themselves. As we walk with Jesus, it's important to do a heart check and ask ourselves if we're aligned with His purpose. Listen in as we walk through John 6 and consider these three questions: Are you following because of who you want Jesus to be? Are you following because of what you can get? Are you following because of who Jesus is?...
Mar 09, 2025•43 min•Ep. 244
How does Jesus demonstrate His divine authority? In the Gospels, we see Jesus healing the sick, drawing people to repentance, and working on the Sabbath. These countercultural acts revealed His ultimate authority as the Son of God. Jesus is the sovereign Lord who commands us to live in the fullness of His grace, repent of our sins, and join in His ongoing work of renewal in the world. Listen in as we walk through John 5:1-18
Mar 02, 2025•41 min•Ep. 243
What kind of "fan" are you of Christ? Are you in it for what He can do for you, or are you committed to Him for who He truly is? As we continue in our study of the Gospel of John, we dive into the second sign, where a desperate man seeks healing for his son and learns a powerful lesson about faith. In this passage, Jesus challenges us to reflect on the kind of faith we have. Is it conditional, based only on signs and wonders, or is it a faith grounded in trusting Jesus' word, no matter what? Thr...
Feb 23, 2025•35 min•Ep. 242
We are continuing in our message series, Signs of the King , looking at the Gospel of John to discover who Jesus is. In life, we are constantly searching for direction. We desire guidance, even if we are getting it from the wrong places. As a result of our misguided searches, we are left even further from our hope. The Bible makes it clear for us, that in every circumstance, we can lean on Jesus. What does it mean to lean on Jesus? We must come to Jesus, fully obey Him, and receive the gift of C...
Feb 16, 2025•45 min•Ep. 241
We are beginning a new sermon series titled, Signs of the King , where we will dive into the first eleven books of John while looking at the signs and wonders Jesus performed. As we walk through each of these chapters, we will consider openly who Jesus is and what that means for us. So, what will you find if you investigate Jesus? When we’re in Christ, we discover that He answers honest skepticism, honors sincere inquiry, and calls for sustained attention. We are offered an invitation to investi...
Feb 09, 2025•44 min•Ep. 240
Prayer reveals much about our priorities, and in this final prayer, we learn that God's desire is for us to know Him deeply and to make Him known to others. Jesus prayed that we would experience the fullness of His unity, glory, and love, and in this episode, we discover how that transforms our lives and our prayers. Join us as we reflect on Jesus' desires for His followers and what that means for our own walk with God today.
Feb 02, 2025•40 min•Ep. 239
Do you ever wonder what your purpose is? How do you find it? Do you even have one? These are questions many of us have wrestled with, but we each have a greater, deeper purpose than we might realize. We have been studying John 17 throughout our series Why Pray? In this passage, we read a prayer that Jesus prayed just hours before His crucifixion. At the Last Supper, we see Him praying to His Father over His disciples and His purpose. Within Christ’s prayer, we can find the purpose that He longs ...
Jan 26, 2025•46 min•Ep. 238
Today, as we continue in our series, Why Pray? We will continue to see how, through prayer, we can come to know Christ deeper. Can we be confident when we pray for God’s protection? Yes, we can! But to solidify this truth, we will see examples from scripture. We can be confident in God’s protection because God keeps us in salvation, in His joy, and from the evil one. Why should we pray? To seek God’s protection. We don’t have to live in fear because we have a Father who is more than able to prot...
Jan 19, 2025•38 min•Ep. 237
Have you ever wondered if God is generous? Maybe you have trouble fully understanding what God has given us or if He’s given us anything. But we see in scripture that He is generous, giving more than we could ever imagine. As we continue in our series, Why Pray? We will look at how the Lord has been generous towards us. The more time we spend in the Word, the more we will learn God's character. Jesus’ heart is for His children and those who will follow Him. He is trustworthy and His Word is true...
Jan 13, 2025•43 min•Ep. 236
