Westlake Lausanne Podcast

Today’s episode is our penultimate advent podcast, and Raphael Pinson talks about his favourite Christmas song… from The Messiah. At the end you get to hear it!

Today’s episode is our last look at a Christmas book... in fact, I read one of my favourite children’s books - Jesus’ Christmas Party- to the Owens boys! And you get to hear what they think of it!

As we enter the last week of Advent, in today’s episode Rhys and I take our last look at the prophecies of Christ’s coming. This time it’s Micah’s prophecy, that from somewhere insignificant God is going to bring someone great.... which tells us something incredible about the workings of God.

Today’s episode is part 3 of our short story for Advent.

Today’s episode is our Friday ‘Thought for the Day’ for Advent, brought to you by Geert Hendriks. It’s about Mary, her faith and obedience and what that has to say to us about teenagers.

In today’s episode I interview Peter Randewijk about the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, and what it has to tell us about the reliability of the Bible, the power of government and the sovereignty of God. We finish with the most beautiful of carols - Once in Royal David’s City.

In today’s episode I talk to Noémie Neighbour about her favourite Christmas Carol. But before we get there we hear about her love of Christmas and what her students have to suffer!

In today's episode I talk to Su about her favourite book for Christmas... the one that makes her cry... every year!

In today’s episode we look at Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 9: that to those who walk in darkness a child is born, and he will be more than anyone could ever imagine. And we finish with a new song for Christmas - Hope of the Ages.

Today’s episode is Part 2 of our short story for Advent.

Today’s episode is our weekly ‘Thought for the Day’ - today with Nik Papageorgiou. It’s about the glory of Christ and how the eternal God has experienced what it is to be human. In other words, he has walked in your shoes. We finish with a beautiful advent carol: Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendour.

In today’s episode I interview Mike Evans, ex-director of the Institute Biblique de Genève about angels. What are they? Why do they keep showing up in key moments of salvation history? What’s with the intriguing parallel between the announcement to Samson’s parents and that regarding Jesus? Plus, there’s a song… about angels.

In today’s episode I talk to Doug Cripe about his favourite carol - the words of which catch something of the beauty of God in the incarnation of Christ. And at the end you get to listen to it.

In today's episode Noel Kabskopf and I review a Christmas classic - Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. A story of ghosts and transformation and generosity and... Christmas. But is it Christian?

In today's episode we look at the Old Testament prophecies that narrow the line of Messiah down. Through Abraham - Judah - David - the promised king is coming.

Today's episode of our Advent podcast is part 1 of a serialisation of a short story for Advent.

Today's episode is this week's Advent Thought for the Day by Christoph Jung on Matthew 1:18-25: Emmanuel - Experiencing God With Us

In today's podcast I interview Linley Bennett about her favourite carol, and I can almost guarantee you won't know it! Time to be educated!

In today's episode, I'm joined by David Niblack, Director of the Institute Biblique de Genève. And the question I ask him is 'why Bethlehem?' His answer doesn't just give us the facts, it can encourage our hearts.

In today's episode of Tidings of Comfort and Joy I'm joined by 4 very special guests, to discuss a book we've enjoyed reading together! I hope you have as much fun listening to this as we had recording it!

In our first podcast for Advent, Rhys and I look at the first, and great, prophecy of the coming of Christ - the One who will undo all the work of the devil. Plus... there's an advent medley at the end!

A disagreement over a single, seemingly insignificant, word - filioque - laid the ground for the first major church split. A split that still divides eastern and western churches. In today's podcast Nik and I discuss that word and the controversy around it.  Prepare to be educated!

In today's Episode we discuss how our current culture tells us that morality is socially constructed. And yet, at the same time, it is deeply inconsistent and moralistic. So how are we supposed to think about morality?

In today’s podcast I interview Randall Zindler on why leadership matters. As a former CEO and board chair, he should know! So… what makes for good leadership in a crisis? Why is character so important for a leader? What are some common deficiencies in leaders? And… what would an old and mature Randall say to a young Randall just starting out?

Our culture tries to form and shape us - not least to do with identity. Does that matter? And if it does, what can you do about it? Today’s episode - Identity Matters - discusses the stories our culture tells us about where we get our identity from, the dark side of that, and a much better story.

In today's episode, Nick Papageogiou and I discuss an ancient controversy about Jesus. Except, it's not so ancient, at least not in its importance. As one member of Westlake discovered this week, you may even get a letter in your mailbox from an organisation promoting it. It was also controversial enough to make St Nicholas slap someone. But you've got to listen to the end to discover what that was about!

In today's episode of our relaunched podcast I interview Nick Mahtani about how God saved first his father, then his family. It's all the more extra-ordinary as his father was Hindu.

Today's episode - The World is My Parish - is the last of our Westlake Daily Podcasts! Nik and I talk about the great evangelist of the the 18th Century, John Wesley. We may not agree with everything he taught, but when it came to a love for people of all classes, and a passion to see them saved, he was extraordinary! An encouraging way to start your weekend, and to end these podcasts!

Today's episode - When God Smiles Upon You - is our Friday 'Thought for the Day', and our penultimate daily podcast. What do you need to get through the day? What, if you have it, brings everything else into place? Psalm 80 gives us a clue.

In today's episode - The People Who Shape a Life - I ask Mope who it is who has most influenced her. I was looking for, maybe, one person... I got four! But each of them has shaped her into a woman of God.

In today's episode - The Rest You Need - Rhys and I discuss the fourth commandment, Remember the Sabbath Day, and why you can enjoy a deep inner rest.

In today's episode - Who God Says I am - Inge and I talk about our identity. How do you see yourself? Think about yourself? What is shaping that? How does that influence the choices you make, or the joy you experience? And what can happen when we are more influenced by what God our Heavenly Father says than the world or the enemy?

Today's episode is no.2 in our series on a hymn you've got to listen to at least once before you die, or Jesus returns! For Linley that is, Have Faith in God My Heart. You may not know it - I didn't - but it's a hymn for today.

In today's episode - When Everything Else Fails - Nik and I discuss the remarkable life of Hudson Taylor, missionary to China, who saw incredible fruit from his ministry that continues to shape China (and cross-cultural mission) today. But he also knew what it was like to be brought to the end of himself. When that happens, what can you do? Here are the books we discuss at the end: The Autobiography of Hudson Taylor The Spiritual Secret Hudson Taylor and Maria: by John Pollock

Today's podcast is Friday's 'Thought for the Day' with Christoph Jung, one of our elders. It's on the love of God: Finding the Thing We Long For.

In today's episode - Knowing you Love - Andrew Parris gives us five complements to the five love languages. How do you put those languages into practice? What are the signs you love and how does the other person know you love them?

In today's episode - Don't Use it in Vain - Rhys and I discuss the 3rd commandment. It's about the Lord's name. What does his Name mean and how can taking it in vain slip under our radars?

Why does the Bible repeatedly compare the Christian life to an endurance race? And what does physical endurance have to teach us about sticking with it as a Christian? Today's podcast - Like an Endurance Event - I talk to David Niblack about running for miles and crossing the line.

The hymns you've got to listen to at least once before you die, or Jesus returns, whichever is sooner! That's our new Monday podcast. And in today's episode - My Heart Awaking Cries - Su says you've got to listen to When Morning Gilds the Skies. And you don't want to argue with Mrs Slack. It's not easy to find a good recording, but Su says this one is 'half-way decent': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKkTB617sDU

What is God up to when life is far from awe-inspiring? When, let's face it, it's a bit monotonous, maybe even humdrum? In today's episode - Perfect Preparation - Nik and I talk about Corrie Ten Boom, and just one of her many inspiring quotes. And how can you not be inspired by such a woman of God? Here are the books we mention: The Hiding PlaceTramp for the LordCorrie Ten Boom: Keeper of the Angels' DenReflections of God's Glory

Where do you go, what do you do, when you are confused or perplexed. In today's episode - In the Upper Room - Geert Hendrick's brings us our 'Thought for the Day.'

In today's episode - Seeing the Goodness of God - I talk to Peter Lyon about a psalm that has spoken comfort and encouragement to him over the years, but especially at the moment.

In today's episode - Sliding into the Snare - Rhys and I take a look at the second of the Ten Commandments. If you're unlikely to go carve a wooden idol, what has this commandment got to say to you?

Today's episode is part 2 of my conversation with Colin Donaldson, who heads up GBEU/IFES in Switzerland. In part 1 we talked about the challenges of ministering to students in a post-Christian environment. In part 2 we discuss the joys. And they are great!

Today's episode - Heard By Our Singing... Together - is part 2 of my discussion with Doug and Linley on worship. Why do we sing together? And why does what we sing together matter?

In today's episode - Never Lost - Nik and I discuss Elisabeth Elliot, famous missionary, writer and speaker, and her quote: "You can never lose what you have offered to Christ." And she knew a thing or two about loss. Here are the books we discuss: Shadow of the Almighty Keep a Quiet Heart Let Me be a Woman Through Gates of Splendor

What is God's heart for you? How does he feel towards you? How can you know? In today's episode - Drawing Near - Dan Dubei brings us our 'Thought for the Day' on the love and welcome God has in store for you.

What does it mean to live in a post-Christian world? How does that influence the minds of students, and how you reach them with the gospel? Today's episode - The Challenges of a Post-Christian World - is part one of a conversation with Colin Donaldson on the joys and challenges of ministry on campus.

The Ten Commandments tell us about God and us. The first searches our hearts. In this episode - When We Go Looking Elsewhere - Rhys helps us to consider the first commandment, and what it is we adore, trust in, look to, thank, and the only person who has ever kept it.

Body image. Time taken. Achievement. Community. Just some of the ways sport or exercise can become an issue for us. So how to avoid it?

Today's episode - Heard By Their Singing - Doug Cripe and Linley Bennett discuss why, more than any other religion, Christians sing. Why?

In today's episode - God, Glory and a Happy Heart - Nik and I talk about Jonathan Edwards, arguably America's greatest ever thinker, philosopher and theologian, and one of his famous quotes: 'The happiness of the creature consists in rejoicing in God, by which also God is magnified and exalted.' If that's a mouthful, just think: you and I are the creature. So, this is about how to be truly happy and truly you. Here are two of the books we mention: Jonathan Edwards - A Life: George M Marsden: https://www.bookdepository.com/Jonathan-Edwards-George-M-Marsden/9780300105964?ref=grid-view&qid=1588969643221&sr=1-1 The Religious Affections: Jonathan Edwards https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Religious-Affections/9780486491028

If you could ask Jesus to teach you something, what would you ask? The disciples had just that opportunity. What did they ask? In today's episode - Loving God When No One Is Watching - Christoph Jung brings us our 'Thought for the Day'.

Today's episode - Sport, Exercise, Life - is a round table discussion with David Niblack, Geert Hendriks and Naomi Tiller on the impact of sport and exercise on the whole domain of our lives. Today we deal with the positives!

In today's episode - On God and Man - Rhys and I start a new series on the Ten Commandments. Used for centuries to form disciples, how do they leave you feeling? Cold? Great? because you think you keep them? Beaten down? because you don't? We begin by setting the scene of a people set free.

Today's episode is part 2 of A Peculiar People, our round table discussion on the best and worst things of being a pastor's kid. Can our panel find an answer to the best thing? You bet they can.

In today's episode - Found Just As I Am - I talk to Jeremie Moinat about his favourite song, Here I Am. It's a reminder of just how much we need the Lord's grace, and just how much he is willing to give it. You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNGdcq0pAuU

What's the lens through which you see the world? How do you make a story out of what you see? How do you make sense of it all? In today's episode - Seeing Everything Else - Nik and I discuss the great Christian writer, thinker and apologist, CS Lewis, and (one of) his most famous quotes.  It might not be a walk on the wild side, but it might be a waltz through the wardrobe.

We are experiencing what it is to have inactivity forced on us. But that is not the same as patience, or waiting, or waiting with patience. At least not if you think biblically. In today's episode - Waiting - Geert Hendriks, one of our elders, brings us today's thought for the day.

Today's episode - A Peculiar People! - is an in-depth journalistic investigation into the life of pastors' kids in Westlake. Well... ok... maybe not. But, like herding cats, it's fun! Join us for a round table discussion, featuring no less than 9 pastors' kids, on the best and worst things of being a PK. And we start with the worst.

In today's episode - The Power and the Glory - Rhys and I take a last look at the Lord's Prayer. A prayer to shape our prayers and that finishes with a line that says it all - that addresses what we should live for, how we can do it, and who we do it for. The kingdom, the power and the glory.

Our current experience of confinement can deepen relationships or put them under stress, or both. In today's episode - Languages to Learn in Lockdown - Inge Verboom, from our pastoral care team, talks about the 5 love languages. Not just for couples, these are helpful for all our relationships. There's never been a better time to learn a language!

'Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself. Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else.' So says the world. In today's episode - Getting Lost in the Lie - I talk to Naomi Tiller, one of our evening service worship leaders, about her song of the moment: Only Jesus. Sometimes you just have to recalibrate. So start the week with a song that can help you do just that. You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXIBP2BdYR8

There's nothing like hearing someone talk about something you struggle with to make you go, 'you too?' In today's episode - The Brave not Always Courageous - Nik and I talk about the life and famous quote of Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher. The subject of the quote? Depression. And Spurgeon was a fellow sufferer. Which makes what he has to say all the sweeter!

What are you supposed to do when you see evil in the world, or feel weighed down by anxiety or stress? What resources are available to you? In today's episode - Take Your Stand - John Pollard brings us today's 'Thought for the Day' and takes us to the armour God provides.

How do you find peace in troubled times, or discover the task to do in stillness? In today's episode - Take Heart, Be Still - I talk to Brian and Cori Cover about two Bible verses that help them do just that.

In today's episode - Trials, Temptations and our Great Defender - Rhys and I take a look at the next line in the Lord's Prayer: 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil'. Not just a prayer for our own protection, but one that joins us to all the Lord's people in the trials they are facing, not least today.

Today's episode - The Pursuit of Marriage, The Place of Lament - is the second of my two part interview with David Niblack on singleness. Today I ask him what advice he would give to those who, like him, are single.

Start the week with a song! In today’s podcast - May His Beauty Rest Upon Me - Linley Bennett talks about the hymn that she is using each morning to focus her mind for the day ahead. When our thoughts run to anxieties, or problems of homeschooling, work, or relationships, what can shape our minds, emotions and behaviours positively? Well, this hymn tells us, and does so beautifully. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXUOuzJo1bE&feature=youtu.be

In today's episode - The Gates of Paradise Opened - Nik and I attempt the impossible... to consider in 5 minutes the life and famous quote of the great reformer, Martin Luther. We fail. By 2 minutes. Which must count as a win. Along the way we talk about what it was that opened the gates of heaven for Luther... and how it does the same for us. That's got to be worth the overrun. Here are our recommended books: Here I stand - Roland Bainton https://www.bookdepository.com/Here-I-Stand-Roland-H-Bainton/9781426754432?ref=grid-view&qid=1587145705799&sr=1-1 Luther the Reformer - James Kittelson https://www.amazon.com/Luther-Reformer-Story-Career-Second-dp-1451488882/dp/1451488882/ref=mt_paperback?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1587145811 Luther on the Christian Life - Carl Truman https://www.bookdepository.com/Luther-on-Christian-Life-Carl-R-Trueman/9781433525025?ref=grid-view&qid=1587145898139&sr=1-1

In today's episode - Comfort and Hope - Dan Dubei brings us our 'Thought for the Day'. The news is short on such things, God our heavenly Father is not.

In this episode - Someone to Rely On - I interview Mel Cretegny, one of our students, about the challenges of being a Christian on campus and among friends. And in response she talks about the blessing of faith and community, as well as the importance of facing your questions.

Ever been hurt by someone else? How can you escape the prison of bitterness and resentment? In today's episode - The Forgiven Forgive - Rhys and I consider the line in the Lord's Prayer, 'forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.' It tells us where can find the ability to do just that, and begin every day in joyful freedom.

Is marriage and family the ultimate? Is singleness good, bad, both or neither? In today's episode - The Ultimate Reality - I talk to David Niblack about his own experience of singleness and how, single or married, we can connect to the ultimate reality. Alternatively, we could miss it.

In today's episode - Morning by Morning New Mercies - I talk to Moises Vazcuez, one of our evening service worship leaders, about his favourite hymn - Great is thy Faithfulness - and why it talks to the big, and the seemingly not so big, things of life, all the time reminding him of his family.

In today's episode - My Heart Happy in God - Nik Papageorgiou and I talk about the incredible life of George Muller, the man who rescued thousands of orphans, who at his death the press called 'the robber of the cruel streets'. And he did it all by faith. His secret? To make his heart happy in God. To learn more, read one of his biographies listed below. To persuade you to do that, do a google image search for 'George Muller funeral' and ask yourself, why would a city line the streets to say farewell to a man who ran an orphanage? Here are some books to get you going: George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans - Janet and Geoff Benge: https://www.bookdepository.com/George-Muller/9781576581452   George Muller: Delighted in God - Roger Steer https://www.amazon.com/George-Müller-Delighted-Roger-Steer-ebook/dp/B01BYFBW9M/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=delighted+in+God&qid=1586550154&sr=8-1   George Muller of Bristol: His life of prayer and faith https://www.amazon.co.uk/George-Müller-Bristol-Prayer-Faith/dp/1979168261/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=at+pierson&qid=1586550652&sr=8-5

Today is Good Friday. What is good about the day on which the Son of God was crucified? Answer: so much. And in today's episode - Standing Around the Cross - Geert Hendriks, one of our elders brings us a 'Thought for the Day', taking us to the cross and to the various groups gathered around it. Which one would you find yourself in? Here is the link to the song Geert mentions: https://youtu.be/Mn-MLsaxt1Y

In today's episode - Joy in Risky Times - I interview Anne-Lize Hertgers. One of our student leaders, Anne-Lize has a serious lung condition that leaves her at risk of coronavirus. Where does she find joy and stability at the moment? Well... you'll just have to listen to find out!

In today's episode - Needs, Greeds and Daily Bread - Rhys and I talk about the next line in the Lord's Prayer - Give us today our daily bread. It's not just about daily provision, it's about dependency and generosity. All in one power-packed sentence.

Given the state of things at the moment, anxiety may be a problem. In today's episode - The Boy on The End of the Rope - I talk to Inge Verboom about what anxiety looks like, what we can do to give our anxieties to God and what practical steps we can take to achieve this.

In today’s podcast - A Blessing Buried in the Broken Pieces - I talk to Katie Slack, one of our Evening Service worship leaders about her current favourite song: There was Jesus, by Zach Williams. A song for those times when it feels like God is absent, or we have fallen on our faces, or the future is uncertain. Amazingly, it even features Dolly Parton. Dolly Parton on the Westlake Podcast, who'd have believed it. Westlake... the place where miracles occasionally happen.   You can listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZXRIw5uBuY&list=RDMMVZXRIw5uBuY&start_radio=1

There have been some incredibly inspirational figures over the history of the church. Men and women who didn't have it easy but who pursued and loved God anyway. In today's episode - My Heart I Give to You - Nik and I talk about John Calvin, the great reformer and pastor of Geneva, and his life's motto. Different from his popular caricature, he wasn't just influential in his day, he was inspirational. Plus, he was instrumental in the founding of international churches in Geneva not unlike Westlake. All that, and more, in 6 minutes. A little light listening for Saturday.

In today's episode - God Works it for Good - Christoph Jung brings us this week's 'Thought for the Day'. It's a reminder that even when things seem bad, God is at work. Even when that bad involves those we love. And in reminding us he tells a story that will leave you thankful and encouraged.

With the state of the world as it is, it's not hard to want things to be different. Jesus knows that even better than us - and encourages us to pray for exactly that. In today's episode - When You Want His Kingdom to Come - Rhys and I talk about the next line in the prayer to shape our prayers.

Experiencing the joys and challenges of children at home all day? Well... help is at hand! In today's episode - Home School Survival (plus Miracles) - I interview Jimena Pinson (no novice to home schooling) and ask for her top survival tips. And, as a bonus, she tells us how the Lord has spoken to her of the miracles that come with obedience.

In today's episode - No Fear or Panic - Thinking Biblically about Covid-19 - I'm joined by Mike Evans (Director, Evangile 21) and David Niblack (Dean, Institute Biblique de Genève) to discuss how we should think biblically about the situation we find ourselves in. Judgement? The end times? A random event? As they answer those questions Mike and David point us back to where our faith and courage can stand strong.

In today's episode - My Father's Care Circles Me - Doug Cripe tells us about his current favourite hymn: Whate're My God Ordains is right. A song for the moment. And along the way he tells us about how he ended up in Switzerland, his work with the WMO, and the way he first learnt this song - singing it with 18 other worship leaders. All that in just 6 minutes! Here's the link to the hymn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7H4qwj5rpo

Stuck at home under lock-down? Bored of doing press-ups? Just ever so slightly restless?In today's episode we take a mini, bite-sized look at one of the great and inspiring figures from the early church, St. Augustine - at his life, writings and most famous quote: 'Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in thee.'It's got to be better than press-ups.

In today's episode, John Pollard brings us a 'Thought for the Day' from the letter to the Hebrews. This is for anyone who knows that life can be like a wilderness, who knows what it is to wander, but who also knows that something much better lies ahead.

In this episode I interview Jo Ashok about how she is learning to speak God's word to her heart. Unable to go home, with things not going the way she wants, how does she encourage her heart in God?

When Jesus said, 'pray like this' he was giving us a form to shape our prayers. And what a form! The Lord's prayer leads us from the intimacy of God as our Father, to the climax of his kingdom, power and glory enduring forever! There is nothing like it. Begin to let this shape your praying and your praying will be revolutionised.

What songs are our worship leaders listening to at the moment? Hear from one of them.