Westminster Presbyterian Sumter

Join Pastor Stuart as we begin our new Christmas series, What Child Is This? In our first lesson, we turn to the Gospel of Matthew 1:1 to hear the proclamation of . . . "Jesus, the Christ". In this lesson, we see: Jesus is the Christ. The word “Christ” is the equivalent of the word Messiah, and both words mean “anointed one.” Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to deliver sinful people from their sin. Therefore, we ought to believe in and celebrate Jesus as the Christ. So, let’s find great joy in our Deliverer, Jesus, the Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we conclude our series, Freedom! In our fourth lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 3:1-18 for Part 2 of . . . "The Spirit of Freedom". In this lesson, we see: The Spirit gives us freedom to know and experience the glory of God. To grasp the significance of this Spirit-given freedom, we need to understand the account of the veiled glory on the face of Moses.  The veil is a symbol of judgment against hard-heartedness. The Spirit removes this veil and frees us to gaze on God’s glory. When we gaze on God’s glory, we can’t help but be changed. We see God’s glory most clearly in the face of Christ. Therefore, for those who don’t yet believe, ask the Spirit to remove the veil so you can know and experience the glory of Christ. And, for those who do believe, ask the Spirit to show you more of the glory of Christ. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s gaze upon Jesus to know and experience his glory. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at

Join Pastor Nathan as we continue in our series, Freedom! In this third lesson, we turn to the Apostle Paul's Letter to the Galatians 5:1-15 as we learn about . . . "For Freedom's Sake". In this lesson, we see: Do not waste the freedom Christ has given you So, you ought to take the glorious unshackling from sin and show the love you have received at every available moment.  You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we continue in our new series, Freedom! In our second lesson, we turn to the Apostle Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 3:1-18 as we learn about . . . "The Spirit of Freedom". In this lesson, we see: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. The Spirit gives freedom from the law as law. The “law as law” can be summarized as “Meet the demand or else face the penalty.” Instead of relating to the law as law, the Spirit gives us freedom to relate to the law as a coach guiding and training us. Since the Spirit resides in those who believe, we have this freedom. Therefore, for those who believe, by the work of the Spirit, we ought to work to see God’s law as a coach training us in what it means to be more like Jesus. And, for those who do not yet believe, by the work of the Spirit, you can turn to Christ who will free you from the law as law. So, let’s find true freedom in Christ by the work of the Spirit. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.w

Join Pastor Stuart as we begin our new series, Freedom! In this first lesson, we turn to the Gospel of John 8:31-36 as we learn the truth of being . . . "Free Indeed". In this lesson, we see: True Freedom is found in Jesus. Jesus sets us free from enslavement to sin. Those who believe in Jesus are set free from: The penalty of sin. The power of sin. The practice of sin. The freedom found in Jesus is the freedom to be what we were created to be – the image of God reflecting his goodness. Therefore, we can pray that we will experience the true freedom found in Christ Jesus. So, let’s know and celebrate the freedom found in Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for the final part in our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we turn one last time to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Never Ends". In this lesson, we see: Love never ends. God’s love for us in Christ lasts forever. God wants our love for others to have this kind of lasting permanence. Loving the way God calls us to love is maturity. Therefore, we ought to pursue love every day for the rest of our lives. So, by the work of the Spirit and in the name of Jesus, let’s abound in love more and more. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 12 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Hopes". In this lesson, we see: Love endures. Love demonstrates grace-filled, wisdom-saturated, truth-abiding persistence in the face of opposition. Love perseveres even in suffering. The love of Jesus for his people always endures. Therefore, we ought to rehearse the truth of Christ’s enduring love for you daily – especially when loving others is difficult. So, by the work of the Spirit let’s continue to persevere in loving others well. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 11 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Hopes". In this lesson, we see: Love is constant and consistent in hope. The hope of love is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation that God is able to work in those we love. Because God is able to do more than we can imagine, we don’t consider others “a lost cause.” The confident expectation of Jesus for us will never fail. Therefore, instead of writing off others, we ought to pray for them. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s grow in a love that hopes. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Nathan for part 10 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Believes All Things". In this lesson, we see: Love believes all things. So let us love in a manner that believes in the Lord and bestows honor to all of our neighbors.  You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 9 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Bears All Things". In this lesson, we see: Love bears all things. Love is willing to deal with all kinds of difficulties for the sake of the one loved. There are at least three ways love deals with various difficulties: Love is willing to help carry the burdens of others. Love is willing to wisely tolerate the offenses of others with kindness, gentleness, and patience. Love is willing to suffer for others. Jesus demonstrates this kind of love perfectly. Therefore, we ought to ask the Holy Spirit for the kind of love that is willing to bear all things. So, by the work of the Spirit, let’s pursue growth in this Christ-like, bearing all things love.  You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 8 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Celebrates the Right Things". In this lesson, we see: Love celebrates the right things. Love does not celebrate sin. We are celebrating sin when we: encourage or praise sin in others. delight in the exposure of sin in others. A godly response to sin is not celebration, but heartache and grief. Instead of celebrating sin, love celebrates the truth. The ultimate truth we celebrate is the good news of Jesus.  Therefore, we ought to celebrate Jesus, not sin. So, by the power of the Holy Spirit, let’s grow in a love that celebrates the right things. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Nathan for part 7 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Is Not Irritable or Resentful". In this lesson, we see: Love is not self-centered. So, let us abound in steadfast love and pursue reconciliation. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 6 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Does Not Envy". In this lesson, we see: Love is not self-centered. Sin is self-centered. Love desires what is best for the one loved. Jesus demonstrates his love for us by not seeking to please himself but to serve us generously and sacrificially.  Because we have been loved this way, we can grow in loving others by the work of the Spirit. Therefore, we ought to ask the Spirit: to reveal how you are selfish and self-centered. to produce in you selfless love for others. So, let’s continue to experience the selfless love of Christ so that we will grow in loving others well.  You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 4 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Does Not Envy". In this lesson, we see: Love is humble. Pride’s focus is on self; love’s focus is on others. We can grow in humble, selfless love because of the love Christ has for us. Therefore, we ought to: Ask the Holy Spirit for humble love. Humble yourself to demonstrate love for others. So, by the power of the Spirit, let’s grow in humble love. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 4 of our series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love Does Not Envy". In this lesson, we see: Love does not envy. Love celebrates when others are blessed; envy is bothered by those blessings. Not only is envy a lack of love, it is a lack of trust in God. The solution to our envy problem is God’s love for us in Christ. Therefore, we ought to: Admit envy is part of your life. Confess your envy as sin. Take your envy to Jesus. So, by the power of the Spirit, let’s grow in love that does not envy.. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 3 of our new series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return again to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love is Patient". In this lesson, we see: Love is kind. Kindness is shown by behavior that blesses and benefits others. Showing kindness involves being: considerate and thoughtful. gracious and merciful. generous with our time, talents, and treasures. We are enabled to love others with kindness because of the loving-kindness of God in Christ. Therefore, we ought to (1) pray for the habitual fruit of kindness to abound in your life, and (2) practice not-so-random acts of kindness. So, by the power of the Spirit, let’s grow in demonstrating lovingkindness to others. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart for part 2 of our new series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this lesson, we return to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 13:1-13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us that . . . "Love is Patient". In this lesson, we see: Love is patient. True patience is both active and willing. Being patient with others involves at least three things: Waiting. Bearing with graciously. Considering context. We are enabled to love others patiently because of the patient love of God in Christ. Therefore, when you’re tempted to be impatient, remind yourself of God’s loving patience. So, by the power of the Spirit, let’s grow in demonstrating patient love to others. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart as we begin our new series, I Want To Know What Love Is. In this first lesson, we turn to the Apostle Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 12:29-13:13 as the Holy Spirit teaches us . . . "The More Excellent Way". In this lesson, we see: Love is preeminent. Love is the greatest of all the virtues. Love is what makes our gifting and actions meaningful, significant, and worthwhile. Love is THE defining characteristic of the followers of Christ. We are enabled to grow in love because God loved us first in Christ. Therefore, we ought to take growing in love seriously. So, let’s drink deeply of the love of Christ so that we will overflow in love for God and others. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart in the final installment of our series, Rest in a Restless World. In our fourth lesson, we turn to the Epistle to the Hebrews 3:7-4:11 as we learn about . . . "Striving to Enter God's Rest". In this final lesson, we see: God calls us to “strive” to enter his rest. This “striving” is engaging in a diligent, purposeful, and earnest battle against unbelief. Unbelief and rest are ultimately incompatible. Jesus will bring all who genuinely believe into the ultimate rest of the new heaven and new earth. Therefore, we ought to be zealous to promote belief and actively fight unbelief. So, let’s grow in trusting that God’s promises of rest are truly “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.

Join Pastor Stuart in part 3 of our series, Rest in a Restless World. In our third lesson, we turn to several passages of Scripture as we learn about . . . "Rhythms of Rest". In this lesson, we see: God has graciously given us rhythms of rest. The Sabbath rest rhythm is written into the very fabric of creation. We harm ourselves when we ignore these rest rhythms. These rhythms of rest point us to the ultimate rest we have in Christ. Therefore, we ought to apply God’s rest rhythms to your life. So, let’s rest well for the glory of God, our own good, and the good of others. You can learn more about Westminster Presbyterian Church at https://www.westminsterpca.net. Find us on social media at @WPCSumter.