The Bridge Church, Reno: Recent Episodes
The Bridge Church in Reno, Nevada
The Bridge Church exists to build bridges for people to come to Jesus and grow in his grace. Every week, our teaching team brings the truth of God's word and provides a relevant application for everyday life.
God provides us with supernatural resources—His Word and prayer—to guide us in making right
decisions, even when our experience falls short.
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The Bible says not to be anxious about ANYTHING. Wow, that is a tall order. But instead of just commanding that, God’s word also gives us clear instructions on how to make it possible.
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Every single one of us has a desire to live with peace in our hearts. Peace that says no matter how bad things are at this moment I know that it will be okay. That peace is the peace of God and IT IS available and attainable. How willing are you to change in order to get it.
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Pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Those are not words that are commonly used today. Instead our culture is one of dread and negativity. We need to find a way to set our minds on what God says, not what pop culture says. I believe it is the most important ingredient in the recipe.
The Recipe to Win Over Worry
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Some of our anxiety comes from the incorrect perception that God is out to get us. That he wants to ruin our plans and our lives. According to scripture this is not true.
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Jesus Himself is interceding for us. This mean Jesus is an advocate for us. Jesus is always pleading our case before the Father, desiring our best for Him.
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If you are saved through Jesus than there is nothing that can separate you from Him. There is nothing that has ever or will ever be created that can separate you from the Love of God. That means your future is secure and your worry can become less.
God is For Us
A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. Mark4:37-39
-In this passage the disciples believed things were out of control, but they were wrong. God is always in control
-Fear and anxiety can go hand in hand, however they are not the same. Fear sees a threat, while anxiety often imagines one. Yes their was a “furious” storm on the sea. But it was the “what if we drown” that consumed the disciples. Is what your worried about a real threat. Probably not. Most of our worries never even happen.
-Is it possible that our anxiety is a reflection of our belief that God is not really in control. If we had a greater confidence in God’s sovereignty wouldn’t we deal with less anxiety?
God is in Control
Every great story has an epilogue. This is the epilogue to John’s great eyewitness account to Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. In it, he shares a great story of forgiveness. Peter had done the unthinkable. After telling Jesus he was ready to die for him he swore three times to other people he never even knew Jesus. Peter was desperate for forgiveness and reconciliation and Jesus was more that willing to offer it. John sets out on a quest to share with the world that Jesus was God’s one and only son, and the only true messiah. He starts with a thesis statement and uses the entire book to prove it is correct. It is a great book to share with our friends and family that they too may also believe.
Jesus Reinstates Peter
Jesus had predicted his death and his resurrection several times in the Gospel of John and it happened exactley as he said it would. John was an eyewitness to all of the things written in this book. Most importantly he was an eyewitness that first morning and saw the empty tomb. He also saw that evening in the flesh. Some of Jesus’ first words to his disciples after the resurrection were “peace be with you.” How can we experience peace in this world amongst so much chaos?
Jesus is Raised to Life
Jesus speaks several things here on the cross, each one with significant meaning a purpose behind it. John, the author of this gospel, was an eyewitness to these things. He was there at the cross and saw the spear that was thrust into Jesus’ side. He tells you this for two reasons; that you may know for certain that Jesus was dead not passed out. And that you may believe he is the son of God. Two of the Jewish leaders did believe. They did recognize Jesus as the messiah. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are ready to pledge their public believe in Jesus.
Jesus Crucified
The religious leaders of the day were corrupt and refused to deal fairly with Jesus. They were threated by his authority and feared they would lose their positions of power. Do we sometimes fear what it would mean to allow Jesus complete control of our lives? Governor Pilate is no friend of the Jews and knows they have handed Jesus over to him out of jealousy. Pilate is conflicted, he must choose what to do with Jesus. We must choose what to do with Jesus. Commit to him fully or reject him.
Jesus Questioned
The night before Jesus was tortured and crucified, he is focused on his church. He not only prays for the group of disciples that is following him currently, but he also prays for all who will believe. It’s amazing that his focus is on this more than what he will face tomorrow. Jesus does not pray that the Father would take His disciples out of the world so they might not suffer. He prays that they are protected from the evil one whose desire is to turn them against Jesus. Jesus is focused on completing the mission and becoming the sacrifice for all of mankind’s sin, and also expresses a desire for His church to be with him forever in the presence of His glory.
The Prayer of Jesus for Believers
Jesus spends a great deal of time teaching about the Holy Sprit in these verses. Often we look at the book of Acts for scripture on the Holy Spirit but Jesus give a clear definition here of WHO the Sprit is and what his roll is. Jesus reveals that the Holy sprit is a person, not a force or power. Jesus refers to the Holy Sprit as “he” ten times in this passage. We can see today that some in the church are over focused on the Holy Sprit and some never teach on the Holy Spirit. We must not ignore teaching on this important person. Jesus gave us so much in the verses to discover about the roll of the Holy Spirit.
The Advocate
Jesus uses a uses a beautiful agrarian metaphor to give insight into the trinity. Vine keeping was a way of life in that culture and it was a great way to help the disciples understand not only Jesus’ relationship to the Father but our relationship with Jesus. Jesus explains that staying connected to Him is crucial to the believers walk. It is not enough to confess Jesus and go about our own way, we must stay connected to Him in order to bear fruit.
The True Vine
These verses take place at the tail end of the last supper. John does not mention the institution of communion but records a monologue from Jesus about the events that are about to unfold. Here he explains that he is the only way to salvation. Jesus prepares his disciples for life without him. He explains that it is necessary for him to leave but he will also return.
The Way, The Truth, The Life
Jesus had previously mentioned that He had “other sheep”, “not of this pen.” He was referring to the gentiles. Now here in this week's passage we see that “some Greeks” were seeking Jesus and wanted to hear from Him. Immediately after that, Jesus says that His “hour has come.” We see that all along Jesus has had a plan to redeem the whole world not just the Jewish nation. Also Jesus was deeply troubled at the thought of bearing the weight of mankind’s sin. But he stood firm in His resolve to complete his mission and become the perfect sacrifice for sin.
The Hour Has Come
Jesus makes several “I am” statements in this passage. He says “I am the gate.” He also says “I am the good shepherd.” He is using some imagery that would have been well understood by shepherds of that day. We need to learn a little about context so that we might understand what he means. Jesus said that he came that His followers may have life and life to the full. What did he mean exactely? Are we seeking to have a “full life” through Jesus or are we looking for life somewhere else?
The Good Shepheard
Jesus makes an incredible statement and the crowd is torn over who he is. They must make up their own minds about who Jesus really is. We must make up our own minds on who Jesus really is. He cannot be just a “good” person. If Jesus said these things and he was not the messiah than he was lying and deceiving the people. -Nicodemus makes his second appearance in John’s gospel here. It appears he disapproves of the religious leaders condemning Jesus before he is thoroughly investigated. Nicodemus must make up his mind about who Jesus is too.
Living Water
The key to understanding this tough passage is to look at the context of the entire lesson Jesus is trying to teach. Previously Jesus fed the crowd of five thousand. The people we chasing him down now so that he could continue to provide that food for them. Jesus explains that they are too concerned with the physical and need to become more aware of their spiritual need. Physical food on earth will never fully satisfy. And it certainly won’t provide for our number one need, salvation.
The Bread of Life Part 2
In his gospel John reveals that Jesus made seven “I am” statements. This is the first iconic “I am the bread of life” statement. The people were chasing Him down not because they believed in His power to bring them salvation but because he could be the one to provide food for them and make their lives easier. We need to ensure we are not doing them same. We do not follow Jesus so he can make our lives easier.
The Bread of Life Part One
Jesus made it clear that there was no birth right to heaven. He said that “no one” is born into the kingdom of heaven, you must be born again. Nicodemus was convinced that his standing was right before God because of his background and status. Are we sometimes fooled into the same thinking? Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Believe in Jesus and nothing else is where salvation comes from.
Born Again
John the Baptist was a special messenger called by God to prepare the hearts of Israel for their coming messiah. Although he was not the physical Elijah in the flesh he came in the spirit of Elijah just as scripture had foretold. John was faithful to his calling and correctly identified Jesus as the messiah. He was willing to allow his ministry to become less and point his disciples to Jesus because he knew Jesus was greater than he. How do we learn to be faithful at all costs to God’s calling in our lives? Even when things may turn out differently than we hope or expect.
A Voice in the Wilderness
Jesus has always existed. His humanity began when he was born but Jesus himself had no beginning. He has always been, just as God the Father had no beginning. Jesus played a big roll in creation. The text says through Him all things were made and nothing was made that has been made. WOW! Think about that for a while. Jesus came into the world. God came to us. No other theology teaches that God came to us. Not only that but that God came to us to die. To make himself a sacrifice so that we might be able to be with Him.
The Word
Life is hard-none of us gets through this world without much pain and many scars. The reality is that few finish well in a life of faith. Paul was committed to doing so and he did. We will challenge all of us to remain true to the gospel, uncompromising with God’s word, resisting evil and loving both God and others.
Finish the Race
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only thing that can bring love peace and unity to those who give themselves to Christ. The gospel is the only thing that levels the playing field for everyone, regardless of race, economic status, political views or anything else. We are all sinners in need of a Savior and there is only one Savior for all of mankind. When the church is united around Jesus, it’s unstoppable in this world.
Protect the Unity
Jesus left his disciples a new command: Love one another. A new standard: As I have loved you! A new mark: By this shall all men know that you are my disciple-IF you love one another. Love for one another is what sets Jesus’ followers apart.
Love One Another
Jesus has all authority under heaven and earth and He has given His Church a mission. We are here to make disciples of all nation wherever we go and we cannot afford to make anything else our focus.
Stay on Mission
The resurrection proves that Jesus was who He said that he was. He constantly spoke about how He would be arrested by the religious officials, beaten, and battered and would die on a cross and then three days later He would rise from the dead. The resurrection is His final word: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” These are words of victory that change the course of history and have the power to change our lives today.
Words of Victory
Jesus now turns back to His Father and trusts Him to take care of Him even in death. Jesus was committed to being the person he needed to be to accomplish the work the Father had given to him. There were many people who tried to get him to be the person they wanted him to be but he refused to give in. At the end of his life, he knew that he could trust his Father to take care of him. He knew God's love for Him was all that mattered and that love motivated him to accomplish His work here.
Words of Trust
Jesus completed the purpose for which he came by dying on a cross. His suffering was finished, God's punishment on Him was finished, the sacrifice for our sins was paid in full for all eternity. When Jesus declared "It IS Finished" he meant that it is finished both now and forever. He is indeed the Messiah and the Hole One from God-the only way to God. In a world where people believe there are many ways to a right relationship with God, Jesus' death on the cross demonstrates that He is our only hope.
Words of Finality
The shortest of the last words which Jesus spoke reveal the humanness of his suffering. They reveal his physical needs. We can all identify with the physical aspect of thirst, but there is also the spiritual aspects of thirst that drives our life that only Jesus can fill. We will also address how our willingness to help meet the physical needs of others will also us to address the spiritual needs as well.
Words of Humanity
God is holy and therefore he cannot look upon sin. While Jesus was hanging on the cross he took our sins upon himself and therefore, God had to abandon him at his darkest hour. Jesus became our substitute while hanging on the cross so that we could have a right relationship with God. Our sin separates us from God and brings a sense of loneliness and sometimes even abandonment. Because Jesus experienced loneliness and alienation from God while hanging on the cross, he can offer help to us when we experience loneliness and alienation.
Despite the pain and suffering Jesus was experiencing one of his main concerns was providing for the needs of his mother. Jesus has that same concern for us as well and has promised to provide for our needs as we trust him. Also, we are to love others just as Jesus did and seek to help and serve those in need that God brings our way.
Words of Love and Compassion
Salvation is not found in what we do but is found in the person of Christ and the work he has done for us. One criminal demanded salvation for himself-the other acknowledged that he deserved the punishment he was getting. Yet, in humility asked for Jesus to remember him. Jesus words of certainty to him are also extended to us-we can be certain of our salvation here and now and one day being with Jesus in heaven.
Words of Certainty
All of us have a need for forgiveness. We all have done things that we should never have done and we all have not done some things that we should have. We have hurt those we love and those who love us. We all carry around guilt and shame because of our thoughts and our actions. We also do all kinds of things trying to get rid of our guilt-we go to church-we try to do better-we give money and help others. We hope that our good will outweigh our bad but we're never quite sure that we've done enough. Jesus offers forgiveness to us by the work that he accomplished for us. Even while hanging on the cross suffering at the hands of so many, his main concern was forgiveness.
Words of Forgiveness
Jesus had eagerly looked forward to this Passover meal with His disciples. The Passover Meal looked back to the Exodus but it also looked forward to the coming Messiah. On this night Jesus would use this meal to explain what would take place the next day on the cross. We are instructed to share this meal together to remember and to proclaim His death until He returns.
Jesus Easts with the Disciples
Jesus joins his dear friend for a meal and uses this time to clarify some things for them and us. He said there are many things that you can and should do, but that there is really only one thing that you need to do. In a culture that values activity and accomplishment; Jesus makes it clear that we find more value in taking time to be with God and others. Relationships matter more than accomplishments.
Jesus Eats with Mary and Martha
Jesus is invited to share a rare meal with a Pharisee named Simon. An uninvited prostitute showed up and anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume. Simon silently expresses his disgust as Jesus allowed this to happen. Jesus, knowing Simon’s heart uses this occasion to discuss the issue of hospitality and forgiveness.
Jesus Eats with a Pharisee and a Prostitute
Jesus gives his disciples an impossible task that cannot be done apart from His work in their lives. Jesus now gives them the task of feeding over 5,000 people which they cannot do. He uses this event to demonstrate to them their inability to provide and His ability to provide, and to provide even MORE than we could ever imagine or need.
Jesus Feeds and Eats with 5,000
Jesus boldly invited Levi to follow Him. Levi left it all to answer that call. He then invited Jesus to share a meal with him and his tax collector friends and sinners. Jesus infuriates the Pharisees as he eats with these people. Jesus is trying to say to those there, and to the Pharisees, that God’s grace is extended to everyone.
Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners at Levi's House
Help is here. Our temptation can be to think that we’re alone in our wait for help, but the truth of Christmas is that help is already here. Simeon waited many years for the “consolation of Israel,” and when he met Jesus, he was finally ready to rest.
Simeon: With Us While We Wait
There is a big difference between God for us and God with us. The birth story is a perfect example of that. A bunch of shepherds and a couple poor kids gather at a barn in some backwater Roman province. Yes, God was with us there and any other “place on earth where you might find yourself tonight.” God is with us here, too. God is with you wherever you are tonight, all you have to do is turn to Him.
God With Us Now
The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth begins with a dilemma. Mary’s pregnancy creates a real issue for Joseph. He was a righteous man and knows that he is not the father; this situation not only creates personal pain; it also could cause a public scandal. Joseph chooses not to disgrace Mary, but instead he will divorce her, the best that could be hoped for in this situation. The Spirit of God meets Joseph in His confusion and guides him in ways that he could not have planned. He even redefines his view of righteousness in the process.
Joseph: With us in Our Confusion
God calls us into unknown places that we wouldn’t foresee for ourselves. And even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, God is with us. God meets Mary and it frightens her but His presence and promises to her gives her the faith to follow His will.
Mary: With us in Our Fear
Need a little more peace in your life right now? I know a lot of us do. Paul gives us an incredible recipe for getting more of God's peace in our lives, and some of the ingredients just might surprise you.
Guarded by Peace
Why does God keep must here on this earth and not take us to be with Him when we come to know Him? What is it that we can only do here that we will not be able to do when we leave this world? The only answer as to why we are still here and why he has not returned is simply we are here to continue to share the good news of Christ by the way we live and the words we share. We must be in it for the long haul.
In It For the Long Haul
We now know our calling, to reach our Oikos, our 8-15 people. We understand the power of the gospel. The next step is to go because people need to see what it looks like to follow Jesus but they also need to hear about the good news as well. People cannot respond to what they do not know and we must tell them.
Beautiful People
In a world where truth is relative and people are private, many Christians have become afraid of ashamed to share the good news about Jesus. However, as followers of Christ, we can be assured that the gospel has the power to change lives and the Holy Spirit will lead us as we are open and willing to engage in meaningful conversations with those God had places in our “Oikos”. We do not have to allow fear or shame to stop us. The gospel alone has the power to save.
Unashamed of the Gospel
The word gospel is used quite often in Christian circles. However, if you were to ask 10 people what it means you might get 10 different answers. It’s important that we have a correct understanding of the gospel for ourselves before we ever attempt to talk about it with others. The gospel is good news but it also involves the need to understand there is bad news that comes before the good news.
Understanding the Gospel
Jesus radically changed and reoriented this man’s life. This man wanted to leave and go with Jesus. Jesus’ words to him were to stay and “go home to your family and tell them what the Lord has done for you and how He has had mercy on you”. We are called to live out our faith before those who know us best and trust that God will use us to help them come to know Him.
God’s plan is clear. He has called and empowered His people to go into all of the world and make disciples. His people includes ALL of us, not some of us. Each of us has both the responsibility and the privilege of sharing his love and truth especially with those who God had placed in our lives.
God’s Plan for Reaching the World
This parable is about the coming of the Bride Groom-Jesus Christ to celebrate His wedding with the church. This is directed to people in the church. There are two groups called out here-those who are ready and those who are not. Those who are wise and those who are foolish. One group has what is needed the other does not.
The Wise and Foolish Bridesmaids
Jesus shocks the lawyer with a parable about a man who is robbed, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and Levite (servant to priests) come by but do not stop to help the man. But then a Samaritan comes along who tends to the man and pays to put him up in an inn until he recovers. We miss the shocking nature of this parable because we don’t understand just how much Jews hated Samaritans. o admit that it was the Samaritan who was a true neighbor to this man and not a fellow Jew would have been hard for the lawyer.
The Good Samaritan
This is a parable about the heart of God for those who are lost. The Father has two sons: The younger one who rebels and uses the Father’s resources to live as he wishes and it’s not until he loses everything that he comes to his senses and returns to the Father. Then older son stays home and obeys on the outside, but his heart is revealed by his attitude towards the younger brother who returns and is forgiven. The Father loves both the same and both have to decide how they will respond to that love.
The Prodigal Son
This story focuses on what we are trusting to make us right before God. Do we trust our religious activity or do we rely on God’s mercy to cover our sin? Jesus makes it clear that our righteousness does not come from our works but from the grace and mercy of God. We are either trusting in our goodness or God’s goodness to us.
The Pharisee and The Tax Collector
Jesus illustrates the importance of forgiveness by telling the story of a king who forgives a servant of a debt he’s utterly incapable of repaying. After receiving this incredible mercy, the servant assaults a fellow servant who owes him a small debt. The king is angered that the servant refused to extend the mercy he so freely received. Through this parable, Jesus tells Peter (and us) that we should see the sins committed against us in the light of the sins God has forgiven us for. As we have been forgiven, we should also forgive.
The Forgiven Who Won't Forgive
The Parable of the Workers tells the story of a landowner who hires four sets of laborers throughout the course of the day. When the workday is over, all the workers received the same wages. Those who were hired at the beginning of the day were angered that those who were hired late in the day received a full day’s pay. The landowner points out that the early workers were fairly compensated and they’re jealous at the generosity the landowner showed the latecomers. God is the owner and He gets to decide how to give out His grace.
Workers in the Vineyard
This is a most terrifying parable. Those who do not listen to the Law and the Prophets will not listen though one be raised from the dead. Jesus is making it clear that the time for us to deal with our eternal destiny is now, not later.
Lazarus and the Rich Man
The Book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome and without any conclusion because God continues to work through His Church today. The Church is still the Hope of the World and we have both the privilege and responsibility to continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to a world that desperately needs Him. We must continue on with what has gone on before us.
We Can Still Make A Difference
Paul is standing before King Agrippa because, as a Roman citizen, he appealed to go to Rome. He uses the opportunity to share his story in this unique way. You and I are given many opportunities to share our story, we like Paul must be looking for and willing to speak up, even if we seem out of step with others.
Facing the King
Paul trusted God and knew that he would one day share the gospel in Rome. He boldly spoke the truth about what he did and what was done to him. He had disobeyed no law and was standing before Felix only because he believed in and taught about the resurrection. It was his commitment to Christ that got him into trouble not his personal animosity towards people.
A Faithful Witness
Paul is facing great opposition from the Jews in Jerusalem. Yet, he has the courage to proclaim the truth about what his life was like before knowing Jesus and what it was like now. He was more concerned with telling others about Jesus than about facing misunderstanding and rejection.
The gospel changes lives and sometimes others are upset because that change forces them to change. Many in Ephesus responded to follow Jesus which meant they stopped doing what they used to do and as a result it had a huge impact on the economy. Sometimes the gospel upsets a city.
How to Upset a City
When Paul came to Corinth, he took the message to the Jews first in the synagogue. When they opposed him, he took the message to the Gentiles. Paul was faithful to continue on with the message to those who were responsive. God took care of him and of them. We are to be faithful and trust God with the outcome.
Be Faithful; Regardless of the Response
This section gives us some insight about how we are to live today in a pluralistic world. We are to search the scriptures to know and understand the truth. We also have a great example of how to reach out to share our faith in a pluralistic culture that believes in many gods and seeks to offend no one, by not believing in ultimate truth. The city of Athens represents much of what we face today in our city and world. People who believe all kinds of things, wanting to embrace everyone and everything and yet who think believing in an exclusive god is arrogant and narrow minded.
Paul and Silas experience great response when they first arrive in Philippi, but then face great opposition and suffering. The way they deal with these challenges teach us that life is not as much about us as it is about others. Take note of how their trust in God benefitted the jailer and his family and then Lydia and the other Christians.
As the gospel spreads there is great response and growing resistance. Paul and Barnabus give us both an example and teaching about how we are to live in a world where we often face those who embrace and respect us and those who openly resist us.
Growing Response and Resistance
The message of the Resurrection is a major theme in almost all of the messages that are given in the book of Acts. Paul preaches the resurrection of Jesus to the Jews in the synagogue. The resurrection is the proof the Jesus is the Messiah, the fulfilment of God’s promise to the Jews and all mankind as our only hope for salvation.
"God Raised Him"
Peter was imprisoned by King Herod and headed for trial and execution the following day. The church prayed earnestly for Peter and God answered. Yet those who were praying found it astonishing that God would answer their prayers and set him free. Prayer is mysterious and difficult to understand, yet God calls us to pray and God moves in prayer and sometimes surprises those who do it.
Surprised By God:(Power of Prayer)
The disciples of the church in Antioch were the first ones to be called Christians. They were given that name because of the way they began to look like Jesus in their community. We will look at the things that set them apart that might help us begin to better reflect Jesus to our world today.
Church of the "First Christians"
God is at work in the life of a God-fearing Roman Centurion and is also at work on the heart of one of the leaders of the early church who still has prejudice within his heart. Prejudice is always at work in all of our hearts and the gospel is always trying to eradicate it. What prejudices does God want to eradicate in you and in our church now?
Penetrating the Prejudiced Heart
Paul, Saul, appeared to be the least likely candidate to become a follower of Christ and yet, he became the greatest leader. His encounter with the Risen Jesus radically changed his life. We can often make quick judgments about whether or not others will respond to the gospel and forget that only God has the power to change lives.
Persecution finally moves the church out of Jerusalem and into parts of the world who never were included by the Jews. Philip goes to a city in Samaria. Samaritans who were considered half-breeds, began to respond the gospel. The Spirit leads Philip to share the gospel with an Ethiopian Eunuch, who was considered unclean, and he responds. The gospel is much more inclusive than most people in our world today who are much more exclusive than they realize.
Stephen was a follower who was filled with the Holy Spirit who stood firm when he was falsely accused and personally maligned. He kept his focus on God's will for Him in spite of terrible circumstances. Imagine what God could do through us if we chose to stand firm even in the middle of circumstances seem that threaten us.
When You Face the Worst
The Jews continue to try to force the disciples to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus. But the disciples stand firm and say we must obey God and not men. We will address how we today as Christ followers must do the same thing. But we must do it in the right way as they did.
God's work in the world cannot be stopped no matter what others may do. The early church immediately began to face opposition but they were unified around three things: their love for Jesus, their prayer for boldness and their sharing of resources.
We are blessed by God so that we may pass it on to others. Peter and John knew they did not have silver and gold but they had something that was far better anyway. We have something that this world needs more than they may know.
What Our World Needs
Peter becomes the leader and preaches the first Gospel sermon to a confused crowd. The Holy Spirit opens the hearts of many who and 3,000 are baptized and the first community of Christ followers began to gather to worship and be taught more about this Jesus.
The Church is Born
The Holy Spirit transforms lives, changes community and the Church is born. The Holy Spirit dwells within us today in order to do the same thing. We’ll talk about what it means that the same Holy Spirit lives in us today.
The Promise Fulfilled
Why worry? It won't help anyway. The people of Jesus' day were not all the dissimilar than us. They were facing challenging and uncertain times and that means they worried. They worried about having enough to eat, they worried about having enough clothing. Jesus spoke them and said it was useless to worry. I would not add a single hour to their lives. He told them to focus on something else. As we face a new year with new challenges Jesus words are still true. Why worry? It won't help anyway. But how do we face the obstacles in front of us without getting overwhelmed with worry? That is what we will talk about New Year's day.
Christmas tells us that God showed up in a manger in human history. He showed up to two teenagers and to lowly shepherds. He lived in this world and ultimately showed up on a cross to pay for our sins. This tells us that there is no place where God will not show up and nothing that he will not do to reach us. You may try to run away from him or hide from him but you can't. This means that we are not safe and that God can and does pursue us wherever we are. He is pursuing you here tonight... Will you turn to Him?
We will take a look at Joseph's life and faith. He was a man who was committed to doing the "right thing". He wanted to both honor God and protect Mary by the things that he did. But God intervened and asked Joseph to step out in faith and to do the unthinkable by taking Mary home to be his wife. Christmas tells us that God does not always work in the way that we think he would. Just as he asked Joseph to do the unthinkable, he sometimes asks us to do the same with our lives. He asks us to step out in faith to follow Him into some uncertain and challenging situations. God asks us to change our world view-He wants us to adopt different values and live by a different perspective in our world. Following God’s plan for our lives requires the faith that sometimes causes us to look foolish to the rest of the world. We will ask each of us to consider what is God asking us to do today that seems foolish or unthinkable and are we willing to obey Him just as Joseph did.
God Asks the Unthinkable
We live in a world that often appears to be heading for self-destruction. There are wars everywhere, confusion and uncertainty at every turn. Families are falling apart, relationships are crumbling and people are wondering if there is any hope for us. This is much like what was happening in the First Century when the angel Gabriel showed up to this young virgin named Mary. We will look at the message that the angel gave to her and the impact of that message upon her life. We will also look at the response that she gave with the information that she had. We will seek to encourage us by the knowledge that the God who could accomplish the impossible by bringing His Son into the world through a virgin can move in our lives and accomplish impossible things as we trust Him.
God Accomplishes the Impossible
Many people no longer have any respect nor regard for the church, especially here in America and for good reason. The church has often been the source of great pain and suffering to those who are the most in need. But the issue is not with the church, the issue is with those in leadership who have abused their power for selfish gain and brought shame to the name of Christ or who have twisted the true gospel into something Jesus never intended. The issue is not with those who do not believe what we believe, the issue is that they do not believe that we really believe what we say we believe by the way we live. As a result, many believe the church is no longer relevant and no longer trustworthy and should be ignored or simply go away. The Church, as Jesus intends, is the only hope for the real issues that everyone in our world faces.
The Church Matters
This message will emphasize that you don’t have to know it all and have all of your questions answered before you begin to follow Jesus or begin to talk to others bout Him. Many people are afraid to talk about their relationship with Christ because they believe someone may ask them a question that they cannot answer. We think we have to know it all or we will not be credible to others. But all that we have to know is the fact that Jesus has and can change lives. This man’s encounter with Jesus changed His life. He could not answer all of the questions that the religious people asked him, all he knew that His life was changed and that is all that mattered to him.
Telling My Story
Jesus taught more on money than on faith and prayer. Money can either be a great servant in our lives or a terrible master that we pursue. How we view money and its place in our lives plays an important role on the way our lives will go. Will I trust God to provide what I need or will I trust money? Will Jesus be my treasure or will my treasure come from what this world has to offer. Money serves as a means to provide for our basic needs and to be able to share with those in need. Getting God’s view of money and things right in our lives will allow us to live a greater freedom to love God and people and to use the things He provides to make life better for all of us.
As Christ followers, we are accountable for the way that we treat others and the way that we treat others is the way that we treat Jesus. Jesus purposefully makes us uncomfortable by describing the kinds of people we are to care for: hungry, thirsty, homeless, the sick, the overlooked and marginalized. He makes it clear that we are to be involved in more than just giving money, we are to become a part of the solution. We are to be willing to build relationships with others regardless of their needs.
What is My Purpose Part 2
The disciples struggled with being willing to put others first. They all wanted the places of power and prestige and refused to take on the mantle of a servant. This is something we all struggle with today. Jesus grabbed some water and a towel and began to act like a servant. This is what Jesus has done for us and what we are to do for each other. We are not greater than Jesus and will be blessed if we do what He has done. We are here to love and serve Jesus by loving and serving others. Our purpose is to point people to Jesus, the One who has loved and served us.
In a world that that denies the supernatural, we must remember that there is a real enemy that we are battling, there is one that wants to destroy us and the work of God. You are not just going out into the world this week; you are in the middle of a spiritual warfare. We do need to recognize the truth that the real battle is not other people, or the world we live in, but the real struggle is against spiritual forces that oppose God and His plan for our lives. God has promised that we will prevail through His power in our lives-we can rely on Him to be with us no matter what happens to us. He has given us the weapons that we need to battle the enemy that we face.
The Enemy is Real
Life is hard and filled with pain and suffering. We all want to know why God allows pain and suffering when He has the ability to stop it. We want to know where is God when we are hurting? We often feel that God is silent and not there, but the Scriptures are clear that even when God appears to be silent, he is not absent. He is with us. Paul teaches us that our hope is not found in comfortable circumstances but in the fact that our painful times can be the place where God meets us and causes us to persevere and that the perseverance grows our character and growth in character gives us Hope. God's goal for us is to be conformed to the image of his Son and God often used challenging circumstances to do that.
The Way that We Grow
Charles Stanley has said: “The Holy Spirit has been sent by the Father to assist us in all practical matters of Christian living. He is our number one helper. Jesus has called us to obey whatever He has commanded us and He knows we all need help do that. So Jesus asked the Father to send a Helper to help us be obedient to His call on our lives. The Holy Spirit now lives in us to empower us to obey all that God has commanded us to do as His followers.
The Helper We Have
All of creation was designed by God and for God. Mankind is the crown of God’s creation. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden to enjoy and work it. They were given access to everything but one thing. They were commanded not to eat of the one tree. However, they chose to disobey God and did the one thing they were commanded not to do and we’ve been doing it ever since. Each person, each culture, each group, and each generation faces the same problem. Like Adam and Eve, we hide, we deflect and we blame. We all end us more broken and messed up, even though we believe that we can get better. We can’t because we are born in sin and we all choose to sin. Only God can save us from our sin and that is what He did through His Son.
The early Christians were devoted to the apostle’s teachings, those who had actually been with Christ. They were devoted to each other and to fellowship together and prayer. They shared their lives with each other. God worked through them to continually reach those who did not know Him. This series Rooted will explore how we as the church in 2022 should still value and practice these things.
Why Rooted?
Jesus personally affirmed and follow Scripture in His own life. (See Matthew 4: 1-11) . Jesus affirmed the authority of the OT scriptures: See above and Matt 19:4-5; Matt 12:40; Luke 22:44-45. To reject the authority of Scripture is to reject Christ’s authority in our lives. Submission to the authority of the Scriptures is both foundational and fundamental to our lives as Christ’s disciples and to our witness of Him in this world.
The Bible is Authoritative
God is at work to bring glory to Himself in all of the world by providing Salvation to all Nations through the Messiah. Act Two Salvation Provided: The Messiah: Tracing the Connection: (Matt. 1:1; 1:17). Focusing on the Cross: (John 10:17-18; Mark 15:37; Luke 24:6) Why four gospels: Matthew, the Jewish tax collector. Mark, the cousin of Peter. Luke, the doctor who carefully researched. And John, the disciple of Jesus. Act two closes as Jesus leaves.
Act Three: Salvation Proclaimed: The Church • Acts 1-8: Transition: From Israel to the Church. (Acts 1:8; 8:1) Acts 9-12: From Jews to also the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 10:28) Acts 13ff: To the World (Acts 14:1; 17:6)
The Letters: God’s Words. Who We Are In Christ. (Resource): (2 Cor 5:15, Col. 1:13). How Should We Live in Christ (Relationship) (Gal. 2:20; 1 John 4:10-11). Final Victory in Christ (Revelation) (Rev. 5:9; 21:3-4)
The Message of the Bible part 3
Act One Salvation Promised. Scene Two: God Breaks Up the Nation (1 Kings 11- 2 Chr.) .God Splits the Nation: (1 Kings 11:4-6; 1 Kings 11:11). God Scatters the Nation (Exile) (2 Kings:21-23; 2 Chronicles: 36:19-20). Scene Three: God Brings the Nation Back to Jerusalem. They Rebuild the Temple: (Ezra): Ezra 9:8-9). They Rebuild the Walls (Nehemiah) Nehemiah 2:17. God Protects His People (Esther) Esther 8:11. God Speaks through His Prophets: Repent and Obey Me. Act One Closes and God is Silent, but not Absent.
The Message of the Bible part 2
Over the next three weeks we will do an Overview the Message of the Bible as a play, with an Introduction, Act One, Act Two, Act Three, and Conclusion. This week: Act One: Salvation Promised; Scene One: God Builds a Nation (Gen. 12-1 Kings 10) What we will Present: God Calls a Man: (Genesis 12:1-3) God Multiplies the People: (Gen. 46:2-3; Exodus 1:9) God Provides a Culture: (Exodus 20:1-3; Numbers 13:30-31)God Gives them a Land: (Joshua 1:1-3; 24:31; Judges 21:25) God Gives them a King: (1 Samuel 8:6-7; 11:5; 2 Samuel 8:15, 1 Kings 3:12-14) Note: God is building a nation through which He Will Bring Salvation to ALL Nations.
The Message of the Bible part 1
God’s word is unique, unlike any other book or story ever written in human history. We will look at what makes it unique: unique in circulation, unique in preservation, unique in unity, unique in accuracy, unique in authority. It has the power to change our lives and the society where we live. God’s word is not given to increase our knowledge or just give us more information about Him. God uses His word to transform our lives from the inside out, not just cause us to act differently but to actually be different. We have two choices when we Hear God's word: Build our lives upon God's Word (a solid rock foundation) or to Build Our lives on something else (shifting sand foundation).
The Bible is Unique
It can be a challenge to know how to respond to those who are poor. But God is clear that we must be attentive to the needs of the poor and that those of us who are rich are to be generous to them and share what we have. We have what we have not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others. We will address the attitudes that we have about the poor and the fact that all of us have the same Maker.
Care for the Poor
God has made us for hard work-to be productive and to accomplish things that matter. We honor God when we work hard and seek to get things done that will make a difference in our world. We will look into the book of Proverbs to see what Gods word says about hard work.
Hard Work
Most of us have gotten into trouble more than once because we refused to listen to others-even those who truly love us and are committed to us. Pride and foolishness often keep us from taking advice and input from others. Listening well takes humility and a willingness to learn and be corrected. The truly smart and wise people are those who are willing to listen to others-even their enemies if they are speaking the truth. Who are the people that are speaking into your life and are you listening?
Learn to Listen
We are a nation of broken relationships-marriages that have failed-families that have been torn apart-we all want good relationships but very few of us have ever had good role models that taught us how to deal with relationships that are hurting. We either ignore the brokenness, talk to others who don’t need to know or we retaliate out of pain and hurt. We need to learn how to address the brokenness, acknowledge our failure and learn how to forgive and move on.
Repair Broken Relationships
Most people today live in isolation and loneliness even though people surround them. Our feelings of isolation and loneliness have a profound impact on our lives. Whatever relationships most have are only superficial and not satisfying. Friendship don’t just happen-they come through an understanding of the value of relationships and a commitment to others first. It’s important that we develop the qualities that we want to see in others-the question we need to ask is whether or not we are good friends to others before we can expect to have good friends in our lives. We will address the issues that lead to our isolation and loneliness. Most don’t realize they are living in such a way that they sabotage the relationships they do have and keep others at arm’s length from others.
Building Good Friendships
We are an angry nation-we’ve all been hurt by others and we have hurt others. Our government has failed us-sometimes the church has disappointed us and our families have come up short. We must learn to recognize our anger and the danger uncontrolled anger can have for us and for others. We must figure out how to deal with the anger in our lives in a good and healthy way that allows us to control it well and not pass it on to others.
Address Your Anger
We get help and input from many different sources in our lives. We look to the internet, to education and other sources to find out how to live. But there is a glaring ingredient that we seem to be missing. That ingredient is the wisdom that comes from God and a right understanding of his place in our lives. Join us as we address what it means to fear God and how that looks in our lives.
Wisdom: The Missing Link
Jesus saw what the disciples missed. We need to ask God to give us eyes that sees the real needs of the people around us. We must recognize that God is always at work and make ourselves available to take the hope of the gospel to those in need.
Open Your Eyes Live on Sun, Jun 26, 9:00am PDT
The Samaritan woman was radically changed by her encounter with Jesus. She immediately goes out and shares her story with others. They want to know more. She did not know everything there was to know about Jesus, she just knew her life would never be the same. How can we learn to begin to share our story?
Share Your Story Live on Sun, Jun 19, 9:00am PDT
As Jesus interacted with the woman at the well he avoids getting sidetracked as she tried to change the subject. He purposely made certain to bring the discussion back to Him. We need to do our best to help people see the real Jesus and not get caught up by side issues that are not the main issue. Which is: what will you do about Jesus.
Focus on What Matters Live on Sun, Jun 05, 9:00am PDT
This week we learn that Jesus intentionally goes to Samaria in order to interact with a Samaritan woman. He caught her off guard by being willing to have a conversation with her. We need to learn how to have meaningful conversations about life and faith with people in unexpected ways.
Do the Unexpected Live on Sun, May 29, 9:00am PDT
We will address what godliness with great gain is and how we can grow in that area of our lives. We can learn contentment in a world that is not only defined by more but constantly telling us that we must have more and deserve to have it. We will also talk about the concept of ENOUGH-how much do I need in this world and how can I be satisfied and not get pulled in by my appetite for more. The desire for more stuff is like the desire for more food-feeding it does not satisfy it, it may work for a while but will come back again, often stronger than before. We need to learn to put that appetite in its place and only true contentment can do that.
Learn the Secret Live on Sun, May 22, 9:00 PDT
Believe it or not, God has called all of us to be rich-not in material possessions or the accumulation of money. God has called us to be rich in faith-put our Hope in God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.We are to do good-be rich in good deeds. Generous and willing to share-these are the things that will bring us true riches in this life and the next. We never become generous by accident-generosity is something that we plan ahead and decide we will do. Paul gives great instruction for God's people about putting money and things in their rightful place. We must decide now that we will be generous with the resources God gives to us so that we will not fall into the trap that they can bring. We will address the three "P's" of becoming generous people. Priority Giving-Percentage Giving-Progressive Giving.
Plan Ahead Live on Sun, May 15, 9:00 PDT
Most of us were never taught to “budget” our money. Yet this is one of the most important things that we can learn and do with the resources that God has given to us. We will address the way that we are to handle our money so that we will be in charge of our money and not the other way around. We can easily end up living far beyond our means which leads us into debt. Debt makes us a slave to the one to whom we are indebted. We will talk about developing a plan-a budget that decides ahead of time how and where you will spend your money and how to deal with the debt issue in our lives. This message will seek to get us to take a hard look at what we really need and what really matters when it comes to money and the stuff we can buy with it.
Live Within Your Means Live on Sat, May 7, 6:00 PM PDT
Greed is a trap that can slowly enslave us. We may never realize that it's an issue because most of us do not think we are greedy. Where are we placing our trust and hope for life? Life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions. We live in a culture where we are taught to pursue the American Dream-that is the ultimate for your life. Having your own house, driving the car or cars that you want, having pretty stuff-retiring early and living the high life. We are part of a society that built on our consumption, so it’s easy to believe that getting more is not only good for me but for all of us as well. This message will seek to get us to take a hard look at what we really need and what really matters when it comes to money and the stuff we can buy with it.
Watch Out for Greed Live on Sun, May 1, 9:00 PDT
We tend to believe that what we have does belong to us because we have worked hard for it and sacrificed to get it and it is ours. We get to decide what we do with it-whether we hold on to it, use it just for ourselves or decide to give some or all of it away. Ownership is a big deal to us. We measure ourselves by how much we have and what we own, and we live in a world that does the same. But the Scriptures teach that we own nothing-everything belongs to God. It is His-not ours. We have been entrusted with it and we are now managers and stewards of it. We must understand this principle first before we will ever realize the proper place of money and stuff in our lives.
It’s Not Yours Live on Sun, April 24, 9:00 PDT
Easter is about new life and that our God conquers death and seeks us out to give us new life. His plan has always been to give us this life through His Son. Jesus sought out the disciples on the road to Emmaus so that He might open their eyes to the truth that was right in front of them that they could not see. God also wants to open our eyes to Him and that His plan has always been to send His son into the world so that we might be saved. Each of us is on our own “Emmaus Road,” and we must take the time to see Jesus and respond to Him. Easter Sunday, we will call people to choose Jesus so that they might live.
Road to Life Live on Fri, April 17, 9:00 am PDT
We will learn about the pain and agony that Jesus chose on our behalf. We will also address why it was necessary and what it means for each of us. God was not some angry taskmaster who wanted to punish someone. God is a Holy God that demands that sin be paid for, and yet, He chose to send his son to die the death we should have died so that we may have the life that He chose to live.
Road to Calvary Live on Sun, April 10, 9:00 am PDT
We will dig into the “why” of the agony that Jesus was struggling with while in the Garden. We will address the fact that he was wrestling with going to the Cross-the reason He came to earth in the first place. The disciples failed him at His most vulnerable moment-their flesh, and weakness got in the way as ours sometimes do. Jesus found His strength by looking to the Father and his will for Jesus’ life; that is where we will also find our strength for life.
Road to Decision Live on Sun, April 3, 9:00 am PDT
We see Jonah’s real motivation for preaching to Nineveh when he goes outside the city to wait for God’s wrath. But it never comes; instead, God forgives them. God’s grace is an amazing gift we want for ourselves, but we often hope his grace will be withheld from our enemies. Jonah is happy when he receives comfort from the shade of a plant and angry when he suffers from the heat. He wept over the plant but would not weep over the lostness of his enemies. What about us? We often believe that God takes pleasure in judging sinners, but he does not. He takes pleasure when people repent of their sins and turn to Him. We should weep over the sad situation of those far from God and do all that we can to love and serve them and share the truth of the gospel with them. God is patient, wanting us to go to them so that they may hear. The question for us is the same as God asked Jonah: Should we not be more concerned for lost people than we are about our own comfort?
Motivated by Compassion
The people of Nineveh were evil and depraved-they hated everyone, including Israel, and did all kinds of horrible things to them and others. The Jews despised them, and God’s call to Jonah to preach to them was an offensive call-that is why he resisted. God’s grace is an amazing gift to us, but we often want it to be withheld from our enemies. There often seems to be a contradiction between God’s justice and His mercy. Jonah knew that God was gracious and merciful and would be willing to forgive the people of Nineveh. That is why he did not want to preach to them, and even when he did, he still hoped they would refuse to repent and receive God’s wrath. We often struggle with taking the message of God’s grace and hope for some people because of their lifestyles and actions. We often hope for God’s justice for them and, like Jonah, may become angry when we see God’s grace and mercy extended to our enemies.
Jonah is Angry
God works to get our attention because he desires to give us a second chance. He is always willing to provide us with a second chance. It is never too late to do the right thing in your life. Where, in your life, is God giving you a second chance? Who in your life needs to hear the message of hope and grace?
Reluctant Obedience
God will often put or allow roadblocks and challenging circumstances in our lives when we refuse to obey. Sometimes our disobedience puts others at risk, and disobedience always brings consequences. God’s commitment to us is so great that he will make us miserable, hem us in, put us in tough situations, and even terrible circumstances to get our attention and bring us to the end of ourselves and our efforts. God used the belly of the fish to reveal Himself to Jonah and let Jonah know all that he had been trusting in could not save him, and his life was in God’s hands.
Running From Grace
God will often put or allow roadblocks and challenging circumstances in our lives when we refuse to obey. Sometimes our disobedience puts others at risk, and disobedience always brings consequences. These pagan and hardened sailors are godlier in their response to the storms than Jonah. Jonah refuses to speak to these pagans about his God, and God turns the tables and uses the pagans to speak to Jonah about his God. They cry out for help while Jonah falls asleep, totally oblivious to the life and death circumstances around Him. It makes me wonder how often we are sleeping when God calls us to be awake to the needs of those around us. It’s as if we do not know who we really are. God extends his grace and mercy to everyone here. He saves the sailors and even Jonah during this experience-yet Jonah has much more to learn about God’s grace and mercy and what God has called him to do.
Who Are You?
God calls Jonah to leave his country and go to Nineveh, Israel’s enemy, to preach against it. Jonah refuses to go and runs in the opposite direction. Many Christians are upset that we live in such a lost and depraved society, and we pull away from it even when God calls us to reach out to love and share God’s gospel with them. We seem content to sit back and condemn it rather than reaching out and engaging it. It appears that we hope they will receive God’s judgment instead of His mercy. Jonah’s refusal to follow God’s will and run will bring him and others great danger. We lose when we refuse to reach out to those around us. The message of God’s grace, love, and mercy must be made available to the entire world. Yet we turn away from those who need it most. There are those around us who are far from God and very different from us. God cares deeply about how we relate to and treat those not like us. God calls us to treat those who are from other races and religions in respectful, loving, generous, and just ways. Jonah is refusing; what are we doing?
Running from God
This is one area that our church, that both campuses excel. Helping others with our resources is a huge part of who we are as a church. Doing this helps show our community that we do really care, and Jesus cares too!
Radical Generosity Live on Sun, Feb 13, 8:55am PST
We believe that Jesus died to change our lives. We, therefore, want to consistently be people who seek to live out the things that we say we believe. We want our actions to match our words, and we want to be known for what we are for, not what we are against. Authentic living is doing our best to follow Jesus by being who He made us to be. Being authentic is about putting Jesus at the center of your life and not yourself.
Authentic Living Live on Mon, Dec 27, 4:00pm PST
Most of us live our lives motivated by fear more than anything else. We are afraid to fail, and we are afraid of people. We are afraid we will not be good enough, and we are afraid no one will notice. “Fear not” is God’s most repeated command in Scripture. The antidote to fear is faith: understanding and trusting God with my life. We want to be a church and people who take bold action for God’s glory and not allow our fears to hold us back. We want to live a life of faith that gives us the courage to take action despite our fears. Where is God calling you to take action? Is it to take a risk? Is it to get out of the boat and take a step of faith?
Bold Action Live on Sun, Jan 30, 8:55am PST
Serving others is a big deal. Seeking people and places to be useful to our community is a priority for us. Jesus repeatedly served others throughout His ministry while on earth, and it’s up to us to continue to serve people in His name.
Useful Service Live on Sun, Jan 23, 8:55am PST
We need to have and build relationships because not only is it Biblical, but building relationships with people will allow us to share Jesus with them. Not just with words, but with our actions and lifestyle.
Cultivated Relationships Live on Sun, Jan 16, 8:55am PST
It’s easy to be compassionate from a distance through donations and prayers, but we also need to be compassionate in our daily lives. The people around us should know we follow Jesus because of our compassion.
Deep Compassion Live on Sun, Jan 09, 8:55am PST
The Bridge is Jesus Christ’s Church, and we are to make certain that our passion is to worship, honor and obey him and no one else. We serve an audience of one, and we are to do so with glad and sincere hearts. When we do this, we will come together with glad and sincere hearts, and our passion will be to worship Him and make Him the center of our lives while we reach out and love others. We exist to Build Bridges for people to come to Jesus… we must continually ask how well we are building bridges for people to come to know Christ? Are we more concerned about them or us? What are we doing to reach out to and share Christ with them?
Why We Exist Live on Sun, Jan 02, 8:55am PST
We are going to close out 2021 by focusing on some of the things God has done this year. We’ll also look ahead to what we believe God is going to do in and through The Bridge in 2022. * There will be no message notes or small group questions for this message.
Prayerful Thinking Live on Sun, Dec 26. 8:55am PST
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote this poem on Christmas 1863 Civil War. After his wife died in 1861 and his son was severely wounded in the war. The poem was then turned into a song in 1872 by John Baptiste Calkin. Christmas is often a lonely time for many. Because of the incarnation, God isn’t absent from the world, but he’s intimately involved in it. On the first Christmas, God entered human existence as an infant to begin his great work to heal the world’s brokenness. “God is not dead, nor does he sleep. The right will prevail, and the wrong shall fail because of this child born in Bethlehem.”
I Heard the Bells… Live on Fri, Dec 24, 2:55pm PST
We know little about where this song came from, but it is one of the oldest carols: dating back before the 16th century. Charles Dickens even mentions the song in A Christmas Carol. This song tells us that Christ was born to “save us all from Satan’s power.” We will focus on that statement in this message. Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan and deliver us from the darkness of sin. He made a mockery of Satan’s attempt to destroy Him on the cross by rising from the grave.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Live on Sun, Dec 19. 8:55am PST
Celebrating Christmas through music. Under the direction of Jeanette Martin
Christmas Choir Concert Live on Sun, Dec 12, 8:55am PST
This hymn helps to bridge the gap between the hope of the coming Messiah to the birth of Jesus in our world. We will focus this message on answering the question: “What Child is This?” using John’s gospel.
What Child is This? Live on Sun, Dec, 05, 8:55am PST
Charles Wesley helped his more famous brother, John, start the Methodist movement and wrote this song and about 6,000 others. One of the enduring strengths of this song is the fact that it doesn’t retell the nativity story. Instead, it focuses on a hunger that we can all identify with. Blaise Paschal, a French philosopher, said, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person that cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator.” And still today, Christians cry, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Live on Sun, Nov 28, 8:55am PST
The world tells us that to be happy; you have to wear the best clothes, drive the fanciest cars and live in the biggest house possible. These things of themselves are not bad, but they don’t bring joy to your life. Paul tells us he’s been on both sides, rich and poor, in chains and free, admired and hated, but only what he did for Christ brought him true joy. Paul also tells us that God is here to meet our needs, not our wants, though he often blesses us with those too. In the end, only one thing is needed (reference Jesus with Mary and Martha) for true joy, a life devoted to serving Him.
Joy in all Circumstances Live on Sun, Nov 21, 8:55am PST
We live in an anxious world. We focus on the what if’s instead of what is. The anxiety leads to fear, and that can shut us down from progressing. Prayer keeps us connected with God and is critical in dealing with anxiety. Remembering we have a God that has EVERYTHING in control when we think everything is spiraling out of control. Paul tells us that whatever our situation is, we should give thanks to God. He doesn’t say to take on the problem head-on or to deal with the fears ourselves. We are to take it to God, and he provides the peace we need to move forward. Paul gives us a list of things we should be focusing on that will keep anxiety from creeping in.
Joy in Anxiety Live on Sun, Nov 14, 8:55am PST
Our past likes to try to be part of the present. We tend to want to slip back into our former selves. We will show that true joy is ONLY found in a life entirely dedicated to Jesus. We think our past disqualifies us, but that is a lie from Satan. Satan knows that our testimony of how God saved us from death is powerful, so he tells us we are disqualified and reminds us of our past continually in the hopes we won’t progress. We feel as if we are not forgiven. God forgives and can use our past failures powerfully. You can’t change your past, but Jesus can change your future. Some believe that their past was too terrible and excludes them from doing God’s work now.
Joy in a Troubled Past Live on Sun, Nov 07, 8:55am PST
We’ve all faced a situation where we were forced to let go of something. Maybe it wasn’t easy, but it might have been necessary. As you look back on that situation, did you make the right decision? Letting go of something can be difficult but it can also lead to an opportunity to take hold of something better. As Paul is sitting in his jail cell, awaiting trial for preaching in the name of Jesus, he reflects on the things that he had let go of in order to follow Christ. He becomes convinced it was worth it to “let go.”
Joy in Letting Go Live on Sun, Oct 31, 8:55am PDT
No one likes to be told what to do. “Be obedient” can be a trigger phrase, especially in western culture. Paul implores the reader to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, not a “works-based“ system but working under God’s authority to do His will. We can often “do“ what God wants us to do but with the wrong heart, huffing and puffing about it as more of a task to get finished rather than a joyous gift God wants to work together on with you. We have to choose to be obedient or backslide; there is no neutral ground. Paul provides the key to this obedience in verse 16 to “hold firmly to God’s word
Joy In Obedience Live on Sun, Oct 24, 8:55am PDT
Survival of the fittest seems to be the prevailing theme among non-believers. Work your way to the top, by whatever means it takes to get there. Paul tells us in verse 21 that everyone looks out for their own interest. True Christianity turns the other cheek to that argument. The King of all Kings came to serve and set a model firsthand for his followers. Verse 7 tells us He made himself nothing/no reputation and was exalted by God for it. It’s an “others first” model, even at the expense of yourself. Paul further explains to do this without grumbling/complaining so we can be shining stars. Paul’s statement is similar to what Jesus says in Matthew 20:27 that he who seeks to be first must be your slave. Contrary to worldly belief, to have true joy, we have to be humbled.
Joy in Being Humbled Live on Sun, Oct 17, 8:55am PDT
Death is painful for everyone involved. It’s not easy to talk with someone who is grieving for a loved one. They may feel abandoned by God. Death comes to all of us. The odds are staggering; one out of every one will die. As Christians, we are to be joyful in the fact that death is not the end. No matter how many times we mess up, Jesus will always be there in the end. Eternity with Him is how it ends for all believers. While we are still on the earth, apart from Him, we are called to put our worldly flesh to death with the understanding that the best is yet to come. As bad as this life gets through pain, suffering, and death, when we cling to Jesus and keep going for Him, it leads to true joy in our life.
Joy in Death Live on Sun, Oct 10, 8:55am PDT
The number one question of non-believers is, how would a God of Love allow suffering? Everyone suffers. It’s hard to figure out what God is trying to do in our lives when we suffer. But God will use the suffering of the believer to glorify Himself. When Paul was in jail in Philippi, he rejoiced after being stripped, flogged, and fastened in stocks. We might see this as a closed door and shut down or move on. But that wasn’t God’s plan. After an earthquake and a suicidal guard, the gospel message continued. “Joy is not something we can strive for but a byproduct of seeking God’s will”. - Skip Heitzig When we begin to understand that God is in control and start to seek His will in our suffering, we begin to take the emphasis off our suffering and transfer it to God. Our King suffered, and He tells us that we will also for believing in Him. God was glorified in Jesus’ suffering. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we can learn that accepting suffering is a part of God’s plan and rejoice in it.
Joy in Relationships Live on Sun, Oct 03, 8:55am PDT
Jesus taught under his own authority because he was God’s son. We need to recognize that authority and be obedient to his instructions on loving “Everybody Always.” It is easy to love those people who are like you, who agree with you, who have the same beliefs. But God instructs us to love “Everybody Always.” Including those that disagree with us and may even oppose us. God has mercy on everyone, even those that don’t follow him. That mercy is given to them in hopes that they might repent.
The rich young ruler filled his life with wealth and became so attached to it that it stood in the way of him following Jesus. You will become whatever you fill your “bucket” with. If you fill it with love, you will become love. If you fill it with things that only serve you, you will not be on your way to loving “Everybody Always.” This man wanted more faith. If you want more faith, then do more stuff for Jesus. Not because he needs your help but because he wants your heart.
Look at what's in your bucket Live on Sun, Sep 12, 8:55am PDT
God expects we will use what he has given us to love others and serve him. It is not about the amount of return that matters; it’s about the amount of effort. Often, the number one reason we don’t want to take a risk is our past failures. Our past failures make us want to “play it safe.” How do we learn to go forward with loving “Everybody Always” despite our past failures?
Don't Play it Safe Live on Sun, Sep 05, 8:55am PDT
Jesus looked at people for what they could be, not what they had been previously. Are we willing to look at people the way Jesus did? To love “everybody always,” you have to be willing to see the world through other people’s eyes and imagine what it’s like to stand in their shoes. This will cost you something. You will have to be vulnerable. Most people couldn’t stand Zacchaeus. He was a corrupt tax collector, and he must have felt deep shame at times. We feel deep shame sometimes from the addictions we carry. Don’t let that stand in the way of getting closer to Jesus. Zacchaeus didn’t, and it changed his life. Jesus told Zacchaeus that “he too is a son of Abraham.” How can we learn to tell people who they are in God’s eyes?
Catch Them on the Bounce Live on Sun, Aug 29, 8:55am PDT
Jesus found Matthew right where he was. At work doing his job. Every day we come across people that need to know the love of Jesus. It matters deeply to God that we reach out to people no matter what their situation is. Whether they are an upstanding “moral” person or whether they are a drug-addicted thief. Jesus had a heart for people who knew they were not living a righteous life. He spent more time with them than he did with people who “claimed” to be righteous. The Pharisees observed their religion but had no compassion for those who needed spiritual help. Are we guilty of that?
Love People Where You Are Live on Sun, Aug 22, 8:55am PDT
When this world tells us that many things in the Bible and outdated and simply no longer apply to us, what do we do? When people say there are things in the Bible we can’t accept anymore because we have new insights and new truth, how do we respond?
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Nothing is more foundational to how you live than how you regard the Bible. Do you seek to live by the things that the Bible teaches and tells? Episode 2 of the series, "The Bible."
The Bible and Authority Live on Sun, August 1, 9:00am PDT
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am The Bible and His Story - There’s nothing more foundational to who you are as a Christian than how you regard the Bible itself. How do you approach the Bible? How do you understand the Bible? Jesus made it clear that the entire Scriptures were given to us so that we might know Him. Episode 1 of the series, "The Bible."
The Bible and His Story Live on Sun, August 1, 9:00am PDT
Guarding Your Future - We should be making God’s word central to our lives individually and in our families as well as our church, and we must be willing to put it into practice. Episode 10 of the series, "Rebuilding."
Guarding Your Future was recorded Live on Sun, July 25, 9:00am PDT
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Rebuilding on God’s Word - When God’s word is central, it will lead to repentance, worship, great celebration, and obedience. Episode 9 of the series, "Rebuilding."
Live on Sun, July 18, 9:00am PDT
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Dealing with Distractions - Distractions are part of our everyday life and can often take our eyes off the vision. Distractions can produce opportunities, as well as accusations and fear. Episode 8 of the series, "Rebuilding."
Dealing with Distractions Live on Sun, July 11, 9:00am PDT
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Setting the Example - When God’s word is central, it will lead to repentance, worship, great celebration, and obedience. Episode 7 of the series, "Rebuilding."
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am Dealing with Conflict - Sometimes, opposition comes from those working alongside us to make changes. When conflict arises, we need to pray and consider our emotional reactions and take action. Episode 6 of the series, "Rebuilding."
Worship 9:00 & 10:30 am PROTECTING THE VISION - Enemies always show up when you are doing a good work. We need to remember that enemies will try to stop what God has given us to do. Episode 5 of the series, "Rebuilding."
We need to take the time to assess our situations and clarify what needs to be done before bringing others in. Episode 3 of the series, "Rebuilding."
WORKING IT OUT - God will use the circumstances of your life to prepare you for the next steps that you need to take to follow His vision for your life. Nothing is wasted whether you think it is good or bad. God is already at work. Episode 2 of the series, "Rebuilding."