The Word of God

The primary emphasis of ministry at Westview Bible Church is a commitment to clear, sound, solid Bible teaching and preaching. We believe in the absolute sufficiency of God's Word to minister every need man has (Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, we are committed to verse-by-verse, expository bible preaching that unleashes the transforming truths of God's Word to our hearts and lives. We refuse to manipulate the Bible to try and make it say what we want it to say or what appears popular to people. Our desire is to be always faithful to the text of Scripture in our preaching and teaching. If you possess a spiritual hunger for knowing and understanding the Word of God, Westview could be the church for you!

The Gospel of God

Westview is committed to the faithful proclamation of the true gospel of God's grace that declares: 1) Man's lost spiritual condition in sin; 2) God's holy wrath and judgment against man's sin; 3) Christ's death on the cross as the only satisfying payment for our sins; and 4) Faith alone in Christ alone as the sole means of obtaining salvation that leads to repentance from sin and a life dedicated to God. We refuse to water down the gospel message to make it more appealing to those who do not wish to hear about God's holiness that justly leads to His wrath and judgment against our sin. Although preaching about man's sin and God's judgment is unpopular with many today, we believe that only those who understand the bad news of God's justice against our sin, can fully appreciate the good news of God's saving grace in Christ. John Calvin said, "Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone." We believe that true saving faith always results in a living faith that seeks to consistently obey, honor and serve God.

The Glory of God

The ultimate focus of our ministry is on the glory of God rather than the felt needs of people. When a church becomes preoccupied with pleasing people rather than God, it can fall into the trap of becoming more man-centered than God-centered in its worship and ministry. This leads to giving people "what they want" rather than "what they need." Westview Bible Church is committed to maintaining a high view of God and an emphasis upon His glory, not our own. We believe that God should never be portrayed merely as a spiritual friend or guide that exists to minister to us at our beck and call. We exist for His glory. He does not exist for ours. As our Creator and Sovereign Lord, God is deserving of our highest praise, our greatest obedience and our most sacrificial service. While lovingly ministering to people's true spiritual needs is important, our greatest concern should never be,"What pleases the most people?" but rather, "What is most pleasing to the Lord?".

The Worship of God

While many churches today have chosen to abandon the great hymns of the Christian faith in favor of the sole use of contemporary songs for worship, we welcome the use of every song new or old that glorifies God and reinforces the teachings of His sacred Word. Our desire is for all of God's people, both young and old, to be able to worship the Lord in a meaningful way. We encourage our older and younger members to embrace the humility of heart that is more concerned for the spiritual welfare of others than their own personal preferences (Philippians 2:3-5).

We believe that many of the traditional hymns of the faith not only serve to minister to the hearts of older members, but they also possess strong faith messages that can enrich the lives of younger believers as well. We love and appreciate the rich musical heritage God has given to His Church over the centuries.

Upon hearing the complaint of a young man who said, "I don't like the traditional hymns we sing in church. They don't do anything for me," his discerning pastor responded, "Since when was worship about you?" This pastor's response was designed to help that young man to get his eyes off of himself and upon exalting the Lord. He wanted him to see that true worship is focused upon God's glory rather than our personal preferences. True worship focuses upon exalting the goodness and greatness of God rather than providing the worshiper with an emotional experience.

Hymns like "Amazing Grace," "Great is Thy Faithfulness," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Crown Him with Many Crowns" and "How Great Thou Art" are examples of a legacy of music that places God, not us, at the center of Christian worship. In a similar way, newer songs help young and old to put the proper focus upon God's glory as well, songs like, "Jesus Messiah," "Blessed Be Your Name," "Before the Throne of God Above," "In Christ Alone," "Shout to the Lord," "The Father's Love" and "I Will Glory in My Redeemer".

God wants all of His children, both young and old, to have a place to offer Him worship and praise. Regardless of your age, we hope you will find Westview a place to grow, a place to worship, a place to belong.

Take the time to read Dr. James Montgomery Boice's excellent article on worship entitled, Whatever Happened to God?  as well as The Problem Defined by Mark Dever.

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