BridgePoint Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bridgepoint Church | FL
Welcome to the weekly podcast from BridgePoint Church in St. Petersburg, Florida. We have a team of teaching pastors who deliver practical, relevant, biblical perspectives on the topics that matter to you. All our messages are available to stream and download at bridgepointfl.com or download the BridgePoint Church FL app.
Sin often begins with small compromises, leading to far-reaching consequences. In this message, we explore how David’s seemingly minor decisions set the stage for one of the most tragic moments in his story. Yet, even in the weight of sin, God’s grace offers redemption and the opportunity to turn back to Him. Discover how trusting God’s story can lead us from destruction to restoration.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you experienced the disappointment of sin overpromising and underdelivering, leading you further away from God than you ever imagined?
• Is there an area in your life where you might be compromising, putting yourself at risk of sin’s destructive influence?
In this message, Pastor Travis explores the destructive power of comparison through the story of Saul and David. While Saul’s jealousy of David reveals the trap of comparison, David’s life models true contentment found in trusting God’s unique plan. Discover how letting go of comparison and embracing God’s story brings lasting peace and freedom.
Questions for Reflection:
• Where in your life have you struggled with comparison, and how might embracing God’s unique plan for you bring greater peace and contentment?
• How can you remind yourself daily to focus on God’s story unfolding in your life rather than measuring yourself against others?
In "Put Down the Armor and Rely on God," we explore the early life of David, a young shepherd anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel. Before ascending to the throne, however, David endured a 15-year wait, demonstrating that God's promises often come with a period of preparation. The message draws parallels between David’s experiences and our own, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness to His purposes.
The narrative shifts to the iconic story of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17. Here, we meet Goliath, a fearsome giant representing the Philistines, who taunts the Israelite army. King Saul and his troops, paralyzed by fear, hesitate to confront him. David, still a shepherd, hears Goliath’s challenges and steps forward, motivated by faith and past experiences where God delivered him from danger.
David’s confidence stems not from arrogance but from his recognition of God’s power. He recalls how God had previously rescued him from a lion and a bear, framing his upcoming battle against Goliath in the same light. This narrative serves as a profound reminder that God often prepares us in smaller battles for the greater ones ahead.
Ultimately, David’s story illustrates that, despite our fears, God calls us to act in faith. The account encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and provision, reminding us that true victory comes from reliance on Him rather than our own strength. As the message concludes, it reflects on personal transitions and new beginnings, linking David's readiness to step into his calling with the speaker’s own journey toward a new ministry opportunity.
Reflecting on Sunday’s Message:
What stood out to you, challenged you, or did you have a question about?
If you could ask the speaker one question about the message, what would it be?
What did you think or feel when you heard this week’s Big Idea.
Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11 together as a group.
Saul doubts David's ability to fight Goliath but reluctantly allows him to go, only to witness David's unexpected victory, sparking both admiration and a complex, evolving relationship marked by Saul's growing envy and unease toward David.
Have you ever felt like you were being taunted by the Enemy (Evil One)? If so, how did you respond? Read 1 Samuel 17:20-30 together as a group.
Can you think of a time when you might have missed what God was up to because of fear?
Has there been a time when you choose faith over fear and saw God do something incredible for you or through you?
Read 1 Samuel 17:30-51 together as a group.
In verses 45-47, David looks back at what God had already done (defeating David’s “enemies”) as a way of living in trust that God would do the same again (give David the victory). How can you do the same in your own life?
In our culture, waiting feels unnatural—but in God’s Kingdom, waiting is a vital part of our faith journey. Have you ever waited on God? Or wished that you had? Rushing ahead can lead us into careers, relationships, and life paths that we later regret. In this message, we’ll explore David’s story, but our main focus is on what God is showing us about Himself. When David was chosen as Israel’s future king, he received the anointing of God’s presence and power—and then returned to the shepherd’s field to wait. The Bible is full of moments where God’s people learn and grow through waiting. Our challenge is to trust His story for us, even in seasons of delay, because God’s timing is always worth it.
Questions for Reflection:
• How did you feel in your waiting season? Why?
• What are the ways you're tempted to "help God along" by taking matters into your own hands?
In this message, we kick off our new series by zooming out to see the bigger picture of God’s story in the Bible. Today, we focus on how the people of Israel asked for a king, rejecting God’s leadership in favor of human control. But even in their brokenness, God remained faithful to His purposes and His people.
Through this story, we’re reminded that life isn’t about our plans or being the main character. Instead, true freedom comes when we let go and trust God’s unfolding plan. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by life or struggling to find your place, this message offers hope in embracing the freedom that comes from trusting God’s story over our own.
Questions for Reflection:
• Where in your life have you been trying to take control, and how might you begin to trust God’s plan instead?
• How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life, even in situations where things didn’t go as you planned?
This message is the final installment in our Masterpiece series, titled "Living Loved: Embracing Your Identity in Christ." In this message, Pastor Tyler helps us understand that our identity is not something we earn through our performance or life circumstances, but it is a gift from God. We were created on purpose, for a purpose, and that purpose is to be loved by Him. As our community faces challenges, we are reminded that we don’t have to carry the weight of life alone. Instead, we are invited to cast our anxieties on God and live in the freedom and peace that comes from being His beloved masterpiece.
Questions for Reflection:
• In what areas of your life have you been striving for approval or validation, instead of resting in the truth that you are already fully loved by God?
• What burdens or anxieties are you carrying right now that you need to cast on God, trusting Him to care for you and provide the peace you need?
This message is the third in our Masterpiece series, titled "Your Identity is Shaped for Connectivity." Pastor Tyler walks us through the biblical truth that God has "written eternity on our hearts." This message emphasizes that we were never meant to do life alone. At the core of our identity is the need for community—specifically, a community of believers seeking to know God together. We are reminded that we will miss out on parts of who we were made to be if we don’t live in connection with others. The journey of faith is not an individual one, but one we are called to walk together, bringing Heaven to Earth as we go.
Questions for Reflection:
• What about being connected with the people of God is hard or comes easy for you? Why?
• Does your faith journey reflect the core importance of being together with other believers?
This message is the second in our Masterpiece series, titled 'God's Masterpiece: What it Means to be "In Christ."' Pastor Tyler dives deeper into the idea that our true identity is found in Jesus. In today’s culture, people often search for identity in what they do, what they have, or what they desire. However, these pursuits can leave us feeling lost and struggling. Drawing on Paul's words from 2 Corinthians, this message reminds us that searching for identity "according to the flesh" won't satisfy. Instead, it is when we root our identity in Jesus that we find freedom, purpose, and the love that defines us.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you feel you most commonly see people (or yourself) trying to build an identity on do's, haves, or desires? What helps you see that in yourself or others?
• Have you ever had enough faith to open your heart to receive God's love for you and to begin to be "in Christ"? What's stopping you?
This message is the first in our Masterpiece series, titled You Are Made For A Purpose. Using the imagery of stained glass, we explore how each of us is a unique part of God's grand design. The message challenges us to stop focusing on individual pieces and start seeing the bigger picture of God's purpose for our lives. Discover how rooting your identity in Christ frees you to live fully known and fully loved by Him.
Questions for Reflection:
• What aspects of your life are most tempting to you to be identified by? Why?
• Do you embrace that you are fully known and fully loved by God? What's preventing you from believing that deeply in your heart?
Why do you do the things you do? Is it love for others or something else? To conclude our series on How To Love Your Neighbor, Travis examines Luke 10 and the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explore the motivation behind our love for our neighbors. Travis suggests that loving others starts from a place of compassion that results in love.
Questions for Reflection:
• What motivates you to love others the way you do?
• How does compassion change the way you view and engage other people?
In this series, we've been reminded that loving our neighbors is not optional, but there is wisdom in how we love different types of people—the wise, the foolish, and the evil, as described in Proverbs. But how do we love those who seem evil? Proverbs makes it clear that evil exists in this world, and it's unwise to ignore it. God, in His grace, allows us to create distance from the effects of evil. We weren't created to simply endure it. However, even from a place of safety, believers are called to overcome evil with good. This message is for anyone struggling with broken relationships, holding the tension between needing distance and still finding ways to bless those who have caused harm. Our ability to love our enemies, some say, is the true measure of our spiritual maturity.
Questions for Reflection:
• Does it bring comfort or frustration to know that God will handle vengeance for wrongs, and that we must trust him with that process?
• What are some practical ways to overcome evil with good toward someone who necessitates you to keep your distance? Is there anything our church can do to help?
In this insightful message from Week 3 of our "How to Love Your Neighbor" series, Pastor Tyler tackles the challenge of dealing with people who reject wisdom and act foolishly, as described in the Book of Proverbs. Loving others isn’t always easy, especially when their behavior leads them—and sometimes us—down a destructive path.
In this message, you'll learn how to set healthy boundaries and enforce consequences, all while maintaining a heart of love and grace. Pastor Tyler offers practical biblical wisdom for navigating tough relationships, emphasizing that while love is not optional, how we express it must be guided by wisdom.
If you’ve ever struggled with difficult relationships or wondered how to love those who resist correction, this message provides clear and actionable steps rooted in Scripture. Discover how to reflect God's love even in the most challenging situations.
Questions for Reflection:
• Who are some people in your life that you have or need healthy boundaries and consequences with? Why?
• Who are the people in your life that help you guard against acting a fool and walking in sin?
In order to love our neighbors well, the Bible invites us to grow our discernment, or ability to perceive, understand or judge things clearly. That's because Proverbs identifies three types of people: the wise, the fool and the evil. Wisdom understands that loving each can look different. Today we focus on the wise. These are the easiest of our neighbors to love, but it also begs the question: are you a wise neighbor? In looking at some of the wisdom from proverbs, we are better able to identify if we are wise and the importance of seeking God's wisdom.
Questions for Reflection:
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What are unwise things you are struggle with currently?
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Who are people in your life that are wise in the things of God?
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Do you tend to surround yourself with wise, foolish or evil people?
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How do you handle constructive criticism?
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Other questions are included in the attached handout
Love of neighbor is something that most people would recognize as a core tenet of the Christian faith, whether they believe or not. But do Christians love their neighbor? Furthermore the concept of how to love your neighbor that often gets misconstrued to becoming a doormat to the whims and opinions of others, or worse. This series opener is the beginning of series that will help us shape two things about living out our faith: 1. we won't love others well until we're able to receive the love of God and love ourselves and 2. is our message Big Idea: Loving all people is not optional. How we love people has options. Have you opened your heart to receive the love of God that began first for you and me while we were still sinners?
Questions for Reflection:
• Who are the people in your life that are difficult to love?
• How does the love of God for you change the way you love other people?
This sermon titled "Seek and Save the Lost" explores the concepts of being an insider and outsider within the Christian faith. It emphasizes how people often label others, creating divisions that make the faith seem exclusive, akin to membership in an elite club. Travis James uses the analogy of the Augusta National Golf Club's exclusivity to illustrate this point.
The sermon centers around the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector in Jericho who was despised and considered an outsider. Zacchaeus, short in stature and unable to see Jesus through the crowd, climbs a tree to get a better view. Jesus, however, calls Zacchaeus by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus's house, shocking the crowd. This act demonstrates that Jesus' grace is not exclusive but is extended to all, even those considered unworthy or sinful.
The key message is that nothing can exclude anyone from God's grace. Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus leads to a genuine transformation, showcasing that access to God's grace is not about meeting specific requirements but responding to Jesus' invitation. The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on what might be keeping outsiders from experiencing God's love and to make room for them to encounter grace. It concludes by challenging insiders to allow outsiders to access God's grace, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' love.
Questions for Reflection:
1) How do you relate to Zacchaeus in his desire to see Jesus? Have there been moments in your life where you felt an urge to seek something greater?
2) What barriers (social, personal, spiritual) might be preventing you from experiencing the grace and acceptance of Jesus fully?
3) How does Jesus' acceptance of Zacchaeus challenge your views on who is worthy of God's grace and inclusion in the Christian community?
4) In what ways have you felt like an outsider, and how did you find a sense of belonging or acceptance?
5) How can you extend the grace and welcome of Jesus to others who may feel excluded or marginalized in your community?
6) Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformation or change of heart. What prompted it, and how did it impact your life and relationships?
7) What role does repentance play in your spiritual journey, and how do you practice it in your daily life?
8) How can the story of Zacchaeus inspire you to break down social barriers and build inclusive, accepting communities?
9) In what ways can you make a deliberate effort to see and acknowledge those who are often overlooked or excluded in your surroundings?
10) How does the concept of Jesus inviting himself into Zacchaeus' home resonate with your understanding of God's pursuit and invitation in your life?
(More questions in the attached Discussion Guide).
In this third week of the series, we delve into the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10:17-31. Gabe explores how Jesus’ challenge to let go of worldly possessions and fully commit to Him reveals the path to true fulfillment. This message highlights the radical call to sacrifice and how it transforms our lives from feeling like outsiders to embracing a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• What areas of your life are you holding onto tightly?
• In what ways can yielding to God transform your sense of belonging and purpose?
In this powerful message we explore Luke 8:26-39 and the transformative encounter between Jesus and a demon-possessed man.
Pastor Cam emphasizes the importance of sharing our personal stories of healing and restoration. He highlights three key points: Jesus can change your story, there’s power when you tell your story, and the importance of starting with your own people. Through real-life examples and biblical insights, Pastor Cam challenges us to boldly share our stories to reveal Jesus' radical welcome and love to others.
Questions for Reflection:
• When’s the last time you shared your story?
• Who do you need to share your story with?
The hallmark of Jesus' life and ministry was His continual welcome of cultural and social "outsiders" to Himself. This radical approach to love and inclusion was not just a fleeting aspect of His ministry but the very essence of His mission on earth. Jesus consistently reached out to those who were marginalized, broken, and considered sinners, offering them a place in the Kingdom of God. This way of living and loving was carried on by the earliest followers of Jesus, who embraced His life of welcome. They shared their personal experiences of Jesus' transformative love with everyone they knew, regardless of social or cultural barriers, demonstrating that His welcome was universal and all-encompassing.
This message delves into Luke 7:33-50, where we explore the profound ways Jesus transforms lives by welcoming those deemed outsiders by society. Be inspired by the life-changing love of Jesus and learn how we can embody His radical welcome in our own lives and communities.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you experienced the welcome of Jesus for yourself?
• Who is experiencing the welcome of Jesus through you?
• What does it mean to you that Jesus redefines belonging?
As we wrap up the "Made New" series, Tyler explores an interesting aspect of Paul’s journey: God's revelation to Paul that his purpose would include jail and suffering. In our culture, there is a real temptation to see Jesus as a "magic eraser" to life's pain, something we simply add to our lives. However, neither Jesus nor the early church communicated or lived this way. Instead, it is in suffering that we find ourselves most dependent on God's presence to bring meaning to our pain.
This challenging yet hopeful message delves into Paul’s experiences and the hope he found in being made new, even through pain. Tyler reminds us that, like Paul, we can find strength and purpose in our suffering through our faith in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• How have you viewed pain or suffering, in terms of your faith? Does it bring doubts? Why do you think that is the case?
• Do you have a story of the goodness of God or presence of God in the midst of pain?
In this passionate weekly update from Bridgepoint Church, Cam, the student pastor, welcomes attendees and announces the upcoming summer camp. He then delves into Acts 16, focusing on Paul and Silas' imprisonment and their unwavering faith amidst adversity. Despite being beaten and jailed unjustly, Paul and Silas choose to worship and pray, leading to a miraculous event that impacts their jailer profoundly. Cam emphasizes the lesson of continuing to share the gospel and show love even in the midst of life's toughest challenges, inspiring listeners to persevere and trust in God's unchanging power and love.
Questions for Reflection:
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How does the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 encourage you to share Jesus in difficult circumstances?
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What can we learn from their example of worshiping God in adversity?
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Have you experienced a situation where your faith was tested? How did you respond?
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Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence even in challenging times.
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How does the gospel remain unchanged and relevant today, despite cultural and societal shifts?
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What inner strengths can we draw upon when facing hardships, similar to Paul and Silas in prison?
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How can we show love and kindness to others, even when facing personal struggles?
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What lessons can we learn from the jailer's conversion about God's transformative power?
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How can we cultivate a deeper faith that remains steadfast during difficult seasons?
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In what ways can we actively share the message of Jesus with those around us, regardless of our circumstances?
In the launch of the Made New series, Tyler begins by reminding us of how the Holy Spirit has been moving, working, and changing lives in the early chapters of Acts. In light of the Resurrection of Jesus and the Spirit's movement, we pick up this new series with Saul, a sworn enemy of the church, who was "ravaging" it. How often are we quick to identify people as being beyond God's saving grace, thinking they are "too far gone"? That was Saul, but then he encountered Jesus and was made new. Everything changed. The challenge and reminder for each of us is that God still draws near and speaks to us. The question is whether we will respond to His always-on-call, ready-to-reach-out-and-save-anyone, anywhere, anytime love.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is there someone or a group of people that you regularly decide are "too far gone" for God to save? How can you change your perspective to see them as God sees them?
• Are you still listening for the God, who is near, to speak to you? Are there habits or patterns that need to change to better and more regularly encounter Him?
In this impactful message titled "Invest in Heaven," we explore the profound significance of giving and how it reflects the condition of our hearts. Jesus’ words challenge us to consider where we invest our resources: in temporary earthly possessions or eternal heavenly treasures. While we can't take anything from this life with us to Heaven, we can invest in Heaven by dedicating ourselves to God's work here on earth. This sermon highlights the transformative power of trusting God with our finances and demonstrates that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Discover the true essence of faith in action as we learn to invest in eternal rewards and draw closer to God.
Questions for Reflection:
• What are the practical ways you are investing in Heaven during this life on earth?
• Which of the following list of reasons to give that Tyler read stuck out to you the most? Why?
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It provides for God’s house
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It tells God I trust Him
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It creates margin in my life for God to fill
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It reminds me that I am not my source
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It connects my money to Kingdom purpose
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It gives our jobs eternal significance
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It transforms my money into a seed
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It breaks greed and self-reliance off of our hearts
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It lets everything else in my life know God is first
While this series focuses on financial resources, Pastor Tyler begins with an important question: Do you delight in God? Through a thoughtful exploration of biblical passages on giving, Tyler challenges us to reflect on the type of givers we are. Giving, according to scripture, is an act of obedience, but how often does obedience bring us true joy? God's invitation is to let your obedience and gratitude guide your giving. When we do, we find that the more our hearts delight in God, the more our desires align with His, and we realize we lack nothing. Jesus invites us to a journey of delighting in God, steering clear of a lesser story for our faith. Join us as we discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from honoring God with our finances.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there prayers you've thanked God that He said 'no' to in your past? Why?
• Are you a giver or a cheerful giver? Why does the difference matter?
In this message, Tyler takes us to a teaching of Jesus to challenge the way we think about money. Not many would raise their hands to acknowledge they have a greed problem, right? It's hard to measure what's in the heart. While money in and of itself is not bad, and is be a blessing from God, money can begin to take a position in our hearts that disorders what our lives revolve around. Tyler reminds us that how we use money is an act of worship, the question we must determine is who or what are we worshipping? Tyler gives some practical tips to practice Jesus' invitation to discover His satisfaction and provision by trusting Him as the antidote to a greedy heart.
Questions for Reflection:
• How do you naturally view money? Where did that perspective come from?
• Give generously, pray about it and surrender completely were the antidotes to a greedy heart. Which of those needs the most effort in your faith journey today?
In this first message in our new series "When We Give," we explore the connection between our financial stewardship and our spiritual lives. Pastor Tyler delves into the Biblical principles of money management, emphasizing that our approach to finances should reflect our trust and surrender to God's will. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, including a deep dive into Malachi 3, the message challenges us to view our possessions and financial decisions as integral to our spiritual obedience and relationship with God. Join us as we uncover how embracing God's guidance on finances can lead to greater spiritual fulfillment and freedom.
Questions for Reflection:
• What challenges do you face when trying to align your financial practices with biblical teachings, and how do you address them?
• Reflect on a time when you felt God guiding your financial decisions. How did that experience impact your understanding of stewardship?
Through the Resurrection of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God has freed us to be a new kind of people who live a different kind of life together. This life is one of growth into people who reflect the image of Jesus to the world in what we do and say. It's also a life where we get to choose to either embrace the changes that God will use to grow us, or run back to the comfort of what we've always done and end up living a lesser version of the story of life God has created, Jesus has freed, and the Spirit has empowered us to live.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you ever been part of a group that felt "united" like Luke's description of the followers of Jesus in Acts 4:32?
• Which of Brad's practical steps (Who, Do, New) do you think will be the most difficult or easiest for you to practice this week?
In this next message from our "What's Next" series, we delve into the powerful narrative of Acts 3, where faith and action converge in the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth. Gabe explores how the apostles Peter and John use their faith in Jesus Christ to bring physical healing and spiritual renewal. This message unpacks the significance of trusting in God’s timing and receiving His gifts of power and grace.
Questions for Reflection:
• In what ways can we, like Peter and John, use what we have been given by God to make a difference in the lives of others around us? How can we apply this lesson to our everyday interactions?
• Acts 3 highlights the power of God working through the apostles to perform miracles. How can we cultivate a greater awareness and expectation of God's presence and power in our own lives and communities?
When the Holy Spirit shows up, His presence brings HIs power, and that's exactly what we see recorded in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit comes and the disciples begin gaining strength to share the good news about Jesus. By the Spirit's work, people were "cut to the heart" by what they were hearing and many turned to faith in Jesus as Lord. The beauty of what God was doing was accentuated by the response of those beginning a new faith: they started forming a new community that lived for awe of God. The early church reminds us that, as believers, we were made for a new community that helps us get closer to God as His Spirit works. What is discovered in faith communities happens to be a value of our church: we are better together!
Questions for Reflection:
• Are you in awe of God regularly?
• How do you remain devoted to the new community where our new life in Jesus is most powerfully shaped?
Joining with believers around the world, this message is intended to join the global celebration of the historical resurrection! Jesus is alive! Tyler takes us back to that first easter morning, originally sad, dark and hopeless, until Jesus followers looked into His empty tomb. They were moved to belief, and resolved to share the message of salvation. The empty tomb means death is defeated and a life to the full is possible for us. Tyler wonders with us how long it took the disciples to remember Jesus' invitation to save their lives by "losing" theirs. In other words, the empty tomb is the invitation to surrender to Almighty God all the things we look to as "gain" in this world at the expense of our souls because of sin. Therefore, we anchor our hope to Jesus' resurrection as the source of the life we are longing for in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there things, patterns, people, places, etc. that are examples of dead things you go back to in search of a meaningful life?
• What is God inviting you to surrender to Jesus to experience new resurrected life with Him?
Today Tyler's message revolves around embracing the perceived weakness of the cross and finding eternal strength in it. It recounts the events of Palm Sunday and Jesus's crucifixion, highlighting the shift in perception from adoration to condemnation. It's crazy to think the sinless Savior died a criminal's death. And for his followers, friends, and family it felt like everything had just unravelled. The whole plan had just fallen apart because how could Jesus be King of Kings if he was dead? Don't we often look into our lives through the lens of faith and see weaknesses as obstacles, too? Tyler reminds us that what was perceived as the world's greatest humiliation or failure was actually the exact opposite: a divine plan being executed in full strength. And it's His strength that is enough in our weakness, if we'll lay it all down at the cross.
Questions for Reflection:
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What are the common ways you work to cover your weaknesses instead of surrendering them to Jesus?
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What scares you the most about confessing weaknesses to God or others?
Jesus repeatedly reminds the disciples to stay awake while he is praying in the garden. This is a reminder for us today to stay awake and alert so we don’t miss out on what God is doing/getting ready to do. We do this by doing what Jesus tells us, praying even nothing is happening, and laying down what causes us to go back to sleep.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you stopped praying? If so why?
• What do you need to give up that’s causing you to sleep on what God might be trying to do?
Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow Him? These are the questions that are explored today as Pastor Travis looks to Jesus’ message to His disciples in Luke 9:18-25. Jesus has a plan for redeeming our lives and the path to get there involves the same path Jesus walked down as He made His way to the cross. Although upside down from our cultures perspective, Jesus invites us to experience new life by way of self-denial and sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection:
• Who is Jesus to you and what does that mean for your everyday life?
• In what ways does self-denial and self-sacrifice challenge you and what are you being asked to surrender or empty in your life to be able to pickup your cross and follow?
To wrap up this series, we'll look at the three primary characters in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus told this parable to teach us more about the heart of God the Father. In today's message, the party for the younger son begins, but not everyone is feeling like a party. The older son of the Father protests. What we discover is that while the older son did go and squander money or live recklessly, he still missed the heart of the Father. The older son was busy doing things in the Father's house, but still hadn't experienced the Father's love. He was lukewarm, neither fully on fire in the Father's love or ice cold to the Father, and it was a sad place to be because nearness to the Father was strictly about obligation and it was absent of joy.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you ever found yourself expecting something from God because of what you've done for Him?
• How do we prevent becoming lukewarm in our faith and how do we know it's starting to happen?
In this message, Tyler explores the timeless parable of the prodigal son, shedding light on its relevance in our lives today. Through this narrative, we're reminded that our journey back to God isn't met with judgment but with a celebration of our return. Tyler's insights challenge us to reconsider our perceptions of divine love, encouraging us to take the steps necessary to rekindle our relationship with the Father. Join us as we delve into understanding the depth of God's welcoming embrace.
Questions for Reflection:
• Reflect on the parable of the prodigal son we're studying. Why do you think Jesus chose this story, and how does it challenge or affirm your expectations of acceptance?
• Tyler listed several guests at the table, The Unwanted,The Paralyzed, The Undesirable, The Defiled, Those In Bondage, The Prodigal Son. Which guest do you identify with, and how has that influenced your way of connecting with or showing gratitude to God?
In this message Travis launches us into a new series that we are calling Pursuit. He teaches on the transformative journey of the prodigal son to illustrate the depth of God's grace and acceptance. Through a personal anecdote of getting lost in a race, he draws parallels to our spiritual wanderings and the unchanging embrace of God's love, even when we feel distant. This message is a powerful reminder that our missteps do not define us; instead, we are welcomed back with open arms, invited to rediscover a love that never turns us away. Join us as we explore the profound truth that we are lost, but never rejected.
Questions for Reflection:
• How can sharing our own stories of feeling 'lost' help strengthen our community and foster a deeper understanding of God's grace?
• Consider the role of forgiveness in your life. How does forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness, relate to the theme of returning home in the prodigal son's story?
The message concludes a series on Joseph, emphasizing learning to experience God through brokenness. It highlights Joseph's journey of maintaining integrity despite adversity, relying on God beyond outcomes, and seeking God's goodness in life's challenges. Joseph's story, particularly his forgiveness of his brothers and recognition of God's hand in his trials, serves as a model for forgiveness, trust in God's plan, and the power of redemption. The message encourages embracing God's forgiveness and extending it to oneself, others, and reconciling misplaced expectations of God, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness in healing and renewing broken lives.
Tyler references a previous message, The Freedom of Forgiveness, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/Oz50ZZr8Rrc?si=XSmDMvR-FazFm3qe
Questions for Reflection:
• What about Joseph's story and what we've learned has meant the most to you in your faith journey?
• Who is it in your life is it time to begin to work toward forgiveness?
In this message from our series on Joseph, Tyler reflects on significant, hopeful moments in Joseph's life, emphasizing God's ability to use every situation for good. Despite Joseph's trials, his rise to prominence in Egypt at thirty years old exemplifies how our journeys, no matter how challenging, are never wasted but woven into God's greater plan. This message invites us to actively seek and acknowledge God's presence and goodness in the everyday fabric of our lives, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence through all circumstances.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you found yourself in a circumstance or season where you were tempted to believe there was no goodness of God to be found?
• Are there some circumstances or seasons that you can now look back on and see how God used some ugly circumstances for a beautiful finished story?
In this conversation Travis and Curtis explore the journey of faith during life's unexpected halts. Drawing inspiration from Joseph's story, this message delves into the importance of remaining steadfast in trust and faithfulness, even when our own plans face interruptions. We'll uncover how every circumstance can be a stepping stone in God's grand design, encouraging us to see beyond immediate setbacks and embrace the growth and opportunities that lie in God's process.
Questions for Reflection:
• How have you experienced God's presence and guidance during a time when your personal plans were put on pause? Reflect on the emotions and lessons learned during this period.
• In what ways can maintaining faithfulness during times of pause transform our understanding of God's process? How might such experiences might deepen our trust in God's timing over our own?
In this message, we explore Joseph's life journey, a narrative of dramatic shifts between triumphs and setbacks. Joseph's steadfast commitment to integrity is a focal point, even in the face of adversity. Tyler explains the concept of integrity, aligning it with God's power and presence in our lives. He points out that during our own difficult times, holding onto integrity can lead us to blessings, steering us away from the temptation to find wrong solutions to our problems. This sermon sheds light on the importance of upholding integrity through life's unpredictable moments.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you find that you more commonly react in the moment, or do you tend to take a beat to respond? Why?
• Can you think of a moment when you forfeited your integrity in the midst of a tough time? How did that turn out and what can you learn from it?
In this new series, we'll be working our way through a character study of Joseph from Genesis. This message is intended to kick off the series by covering both the beginning and end of Joseph's story. What happens in between is the mystery of God working through broken stories, like mine and yours. Tyler reminds us to consider our own stories. The series on Joseph will be a call to dream and believe again. Why? Because, as we're going to discover throughout this series, God doesn't waste a broken story, which means God won't waste your life. But if you try to figure it out by yourself, you'll miss how Jesus is trying to transform you!
Questions for Reflection?
• In what ways has "the dream" for your life not gone according to "the plan"?
• Have you ever (or are you now) tempted to give up on your dreams or your faith?
• What is stopping you from experiencing God at work in your life?
In this message, Tyler builds upon our New Year's Eve message, inviting us to consider what God is calling us into this year. He emphasizes that God invites us to participate in His transformative work, both within us and in our communities. Drawing on Jesus' teachings, Tyler highlights the contrast between old and new, illustrating how Jesus' arrival ushers in a superior way of life. This message serves as a powerful reminder that embracing God's new path for us often requires letting go of the old, a journey worth undertaking because of the unparalleled goodness of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• What is God inviting you into this year?
• What are some of the "old ways/habits" it is time to let go of to receive the new?
As we close out the year, it’s time to reflect on God’s transformative work in our lives. Revisiting meaningful messages from the past 12 months, this message calls us to remember key teachings about worship, grace, purpose, and love. Additionally we can take a moment to ask ourselves the questions: Where are we spiritually? What is God inviting us into next?
Let’s reflect and prepare to take intentional steps with Him into 2024.
In this message we look at how to experience God's peace beyond understanding. The key lies in letting go of our need to control. As we celebrate Christmas, it's important to remember that true peace comes from trusting God's plan, not in managing every detail of our lives. Join us as we explore how the birth of Jesus teaches us to trust in God's guidance, helping us find peace amidst the holiday bustle and in every aspect of our lives.
Questions for Reflection:
• What circumstances in your life are currently robbing you of peace?
• How can letting go of the need to control our circumstances this Christmas help us experience a deeper sense of peace?
The "good news of great joy" declared at Jesus' birth is far more than fleeting happiness. Biblical joy is soul-deep contentment that comes from trusting God in every circumstance. Though Jesus endured the agony of the cross, he modeled how we can choose enduring joy because of God's love and sovereignty. When we behold the miracle of Christ's birth, we discover a reservoir of joy that can transform how we walk through daily life, no matter our present troubles. Christmas invites us to embrace Jesus as the source of joy that never runs dry.
Questions for Reflection:
• How do the dictionary definition and the biblical concept of joy differ, and how does it change your ideas of joy?
• What is a circumstance in your life where God is inviting you to receive His joy in the midst of it? How would that change your perspective in that circumstance?
The heart of this Christmas series is to make sure we SEE IT - the biblical meaning behind "behold." In this message, Tyler reminds us that Christmas is about love. One of the foundational aspects of our faith is that God incarnated, born into His creation. That's hard to fathom, but the reason why is even more unfathomable: His love for you. Jesus came to rescue us from sin and death, and to see Jesus is to see love in action. "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth." You are never alone and never unloved. Who needs to experience the love of God through you this Christmas season?
Questions for Reflection:
• In what ways are you still trying to earn God's love or acceptance? Why do you think it’s so hard to simply embrace His unconditional love demonstrated at Christmas?
• Who needs to experience God's love through you this Christmas? How can you reflect the grace and understanding Christ modeled by dwelling among us?
Former Bridgepoint staff member and Lead Pastor of City Light Church, Brennan Washington, returns to preach on the nature of biblical hope. He explains how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's long-held promises to bring hope to the world, contrasting worldly wishful thinking with scriptural confident expectation. Brennan shows how God's faithfulness throughout history should build our trust and hope in Christ. He urges us to find hope in Jesus in every life situation rather than despair.
Questions for Reflection:
• Can you relate to feeling stuck between expectation and revelation? What promises of God are you waiting on?
• When have you practically experienced the hope that Brennan describes - confident expectation rather than wishful thinking - in your own life? What did that look like? How were you able to maintain real hope rather than just positivity?
We often allow our circumstances and past experiences to define us. Just like the man in this passage who was paralyzed for 38 years, we can get stuck in an identity shaped by what we cannot do or overcome on our own. Our impossibilities form our excuses. But Jesus sees beyond these excuses and false identities. He asks, “Would you like to get well?” inviting us into a new identity grounded in His grace, not our limitations.
When Jesus said “stand up and walk” to the man, He gave Him a new identity not constrained by the past 38 years. The man’s old identity said “I can’t.” His new identity enabled him to stand up and walk in grace and healing. What excuses is your identity making that keep you from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace? Don’t let the “I can'ts” define you. Jesus is ready to give you a new identity as He calls you to rise up in faith and walk transformed into His freedom and purpose.
Questions for Reflection:
• What are some common "if only" statements we tell ourselves? How can we remind each other that God's grace covers it all?
• When have you related to feeling stuck in an undesirable circumstance in life? What did it look like to wait upon God's grace in that season?
• What are some ways Jesus gives us identity and purpose beyond our past? How can we encourage one another to embrace the new life Christ offers?
In this final message on 1 Corinthians, Tyler focuses on chapter 15, which Paul used as the glue holding his letter together. Paul's point: Jesus' resurrection anchors everything in our faith. Many eyewitnesses saw Jesus die and come back to life. This pivotal event changes everything - it proves Jesus defeated sin and death!
The resurrection invites us to find new life in Christ today. Do we embrace this gift? Or do we struggle to know what to do with this history-altering truth? Tyler reminds us that because Jesus lives, we can face any challenge with hope. His resurrection doesn't erase pain, but gives us purpose, peace, and power to endure.
Though written long ago, Paul's words still speak today. We serve a risen Savior who walks with us through every valley. Our faith can be anchored in the hope of Christ's empty tomb.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you have any doubts or skepticism about Jesus' resurrection? What evidence speaks loudest to you - for or against? How could fully believing this change your perspective?
• What areas feel "dead" or hopeless in your life right now? How can you invite Jesus into those spaces to bring new life and transformation?
• If you truly believed Jesus rose and lives today, how would that change how you live starting tomorrow? What new courage or purpose might it give you?
In this timely message, Pastor Tyler unpacks 1 Corinthians 12 to address how churches can thrive today. He explains that God has gifted each believer - despite their differences - to serve others in love. Unity in diversity displays Christ's power.
The key is moving from passivity to actively investing our gifts. Pastor Tyler challenges spectators to take next steps of service. He stresses that when each person uses their abilities to help others encounter Jesus, the church fully thrives. This ancient letter still speaks truth - we must mature from self-focus to putting love into action. Our world desperately needs the hope embodied in a church unified by faith, hope and love.
Questions for Reflection:
• What do you feel like is your giftedness to offer the church? How do you use that gift?
• What is a next step you can take to put love into action?
Knowledge vs. Love: Which One Builds Up the Church?
In this message, Tyler unpacks a heated debate in the early church - should believers eat meat sacrificed to idols or not? He explores how Paul rebuked both sides, not for being wrong, but for puffing themselves up with knowledge rather than building up the church in love.
This message challenges us to consider how we use our own knowledge of faith. Do we value being right over people? Or do we live like Jesus, who served us in love when we were at our worst?
Get ready to look inward and examine if your knowledge builds up or tears down. You'll be inspired to walk in greater love and unity with fellow believers.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you experienced or have you ever placed "unwritten rules" on other people following Jesus? How did that turn out?
• As you evaluate your interactions with others, does your knowledge puff you up or help you build others up?
Does God care about what we do with our bodies? In this conversation, Pastors Travis and Brad explore what Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians about honoring God with our bodies. God created us for a purpose - to reflect His image through how we live. Our choices matter, including those regarding sexuality and relationships. The conversation reminds us that Jesus provides redemption, healing, and an invitation into God's truth and goodness. No matter our past, we can live in light of our identity in Christ. As believers, our unity is found in Christ alone. We are called to holy lives that point others to Him. The big idea is that we honor God most when we steward our bodies according to His wise and loving design.
Parental discretion is advised.
Questions for Reflection:
In light of Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians on honoring God with our bodies and maintaining unity in Christ, consider:
• How can I reflect Christ's love to someone in a practical way this week?
• What's one way I can honor God with my body and live a holy life?
In this message Pastor Travis teaches that the church should be set apart by its unity in Jesus Christ and him crucified. The gospel message should be the center of the church's identity, not the packaging, personalities, or preferences that divide people. He encourages the church not to focus on differences in doctrine, denominations, or styles, but on the unifying power of the cross. The message calls the church to come together around its shared identity and mission in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• What common ground do you share with those around you? What unique gifts or experiences set you apart? How does following Jesus shape your ability to connect across differences and build unity?
• What specific actions can you take to foster greater unity within your church community through intentional service, connection, and worship?
In this final message of our "Radical" series, we revisit Jesus' radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Though countercultural in his day and ours, Jesus calls us to live differently by knowing God intimately. More than admirable behaviors, Jesus invites us into personal relationship with Him and the Father. When we are deeply known and loved by God, we are freed to live wholeheartedly for Him.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you find yourself working for God more than working with God? What's the difference?
• Do you believe that God wants to know you and for you to know Him? What does that mean to you?
In this week's sermon Tyler continue's through our series looking at some of the radical teachings of Jesus during his "Sermon on the Mount". Today's teaching would have probably sent shock waves through the crowd, as Jesus introduce something that to that point in history had never been a thing: knowing and calling God as Father. Suddenly the Almighty was introduced to be someone very near, very personal, and very close. What would it mean to you if you could know God like that?
In this message Tyler tackles one of Jesus' most challenging teachings - to love our enemies. This radical call to unconditional love cuts against our natural instincts. But it's the mark of a true Jesus-follower. When we love those who hurt or oppose us, our hearts start to align with God's heart of love.
This message is a powerful reminder that God doesn't just love the people on "His side." He loves ALL people - even those who reject Him. We're called to have that same boundless love.
Loving our enemies is not accepting abuse, but seeing the humanity in those who have wronged us. It's fighting with love rather than harm. This kind of supernatural love has the power to change our lives and our world. But it requires total dependence on God.
Questions for Reflection:
• Has there been a time you experienced unconditional love from someone? What impact did it have?
• How have you wrestled with Jesus' teaching to love your enemies? What makes it difficult?
In the message "The Truth About Pleasing God," Pastor Tyler examines Jesus' radical teachings on righteousness and what is truly required of his followers. Exploring key passages from the Sermon on the Mount, Tyler unpacks how Christ changed the standard from outward actions to inward motives rooted in love. Through compelling stories and examples, he illustrates how cultivating loving hearts is God's focus—not just rule-following behavior. This message encourages serious evaluation of our intentions and a life fully surrendered to God's radical love shown to others. Walk through important Bible truths as Tyler tackles questions many ponder: what moves our motivations, and how can we live loved through radical change?
Questions for Reflection:
• Tyler talked about our culture often focusing more on self-preservation than service. Where have you seen examples of this mindset in your own life or society? How can we shift toward cultivating hearts of love instead?
• Using the examples of his children's apologies, Tyler illustrated how it's easy to concentrate on proper behavior over sincere change. When have you caught yourself in this trap - and how can you develop motives aligned with "what does love require"?
Ready to discover true happiness? In the launch of the new "Radical" series, Pastor Travis delves into Jesus' surprising definition of blessing found in the famous Beatitudes. He challenges conventional views of fulfillment and meaning, encouraging us to see through Jesus' eyes rather than the world's. Gain fresh perspective on finding lasting joy as Travis unpacks a message that shifts focus from fleeting pleasures to deep relationships and God's grace. Walk away with insights that may inspire reevaluating your journey. Don't miss this timely talk exploring the counterintuitive path to blessing revealed through Christ's radical yet transformative teachings.
Questions for Reflection:
• I’m what ways does the life Jesus describes in the Beatitudes confront the way you have viewed the world and the life you have pursued?
• How is God calling you to see a radically different view of what it means to be blessed, and how does that change your everyday life and interactions?
In life we should be constantly asking ourselves, “What do we want?” In mark 10, we discover from Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus that in order to get what we want, we need to look at both what we are doing and where we are going.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is what are you doing and where you are going in life helping you get closer to what you want?
• If not, what needs to change?
In the final message of our "Worship" series, Tyler explores the impactful story of a sinful woman finding freedom through worshipping Jesus. Through tears of gratitude, she washes his feet - an act that has echoed through the ages. Tyler draws powerful parallels for our lives today. What might it look like for each of us to authentically bring our brokenness before God?
Through compelling illustrations from Scripture, we see how worship strengthens our faith and draws seekers to the Savior. Whether singing praise or simply kneeling in His presence, true worship requires understanding the depth of God's forgiveness and grace. Tyler encourages the congregation to actively build one another up through shared celebration.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you made expressing your love for God a priority in your life?
• Can you name an instance where someone else's worship (songs, message, or action) had an impact on you?
Our hearts are constantly misshaped outside of God. But worship reforms our hearts by recentering them on Him. This message explores worship as the antidote to anxiety, as we prioritize the spiritual and surrender control to God. Discover the power of transforming worship that honors God and reforms your heart toward His purposes.
Questions for Reflection:
• What worries or struggles are you holding onto that God is asking you to surrender to Him through worship?
• Who can you invite to walk alongside you as you learn to trust God more through transformational worship?
In this message, Tyler builds on the worship series by emphasizing that worship is ingrained in us because we are made in God's image. But the deceiver tries to twist our worship instinct and cause us to prioritize other people, places, ideas or things over God. Tyler warns that it's easy to slip into worshiping idols instead of God without even realizing it. We were designed to find satisfaction in God alone, but false idols always leave us empty. This message is a reminder to carefully examine where we misplace worship and to realign our hearts to worship God ultimately.
Questions for Reflection:
• What are the things in your life that can often take the priority place in your heart?
• What do you need to do to tear down or remove those things from God's place?
Sometimes we really box in our understanding of worship. In today's message Tyler reminds us that actually, everything is worship! All of creation worships, but mankind is the only one that can choose to not worship God. So do you worship? Because Tyler also leaves us with a caution: everything can be worship, but so can nothing if your hearts are far from Him. How well are you doing giving your life back to God as your worship of Him?
Questions for Reflection:
• How does the idea that everything can be worship change your perspective on worship?
• Is there any part of your life that you've been keeping from God? Is it time to surrender it in worship?
Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? In our modern culture especially, this question can often feel pretty heavy. Jesus' exact words in John 14:6 spell out the answer to that question in no uncertain terms: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." It's worth taking a moment to process exactly what He means, why He made such an exclusive statement, and the implications of that on our regular lives. What we discover is a God of radical love who wants to be known by all people and who welcomes all into His family through Christ's sacrifice. Jesus' way, while appearing exclusive, turns out to be an exclusively inclusive offer of radical grace and acceptance after all.
Questions for Reflection:
• Why does it often feel so bad when we read that Jesus says He is the only way to God? Why does that bother us?
• What do we discover about God's heart for people from this message?
Where does evil come from? This video explores the origin of evil according to Genesis - how Adam and Eve's disobedience brought evil into the world. See how God grieved humanity's broken relationship with Him, but rather than abandoning His creation, He provided a covering for their shame and a promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. Discover the redemptive story woven into Scripture from the beginning and how God's grace triumphs over the evil that entered through humankind's free will to choose sin.
Questions for Reflection:
• Where have you chosen disobedience over obedience to God in your own life? What were the consequences?
• How have you experienced evil and suffering in the world and how did you respond? Did it drive you towards God or away from Him?
• What areas of brokenness do you need to lay before God today and trust His redemptive power and love?
The Bible is a big book full of stories that really tell a single, better story of the world and our place in it; a story defined by God's loving work in Jesus Christ on behalf of a broken humanity seemingly trapped in distorted, lesser stories of life.
Questions for Reflection:
• When you think about the Bible, what word of phrase comes to mind?
• If the Bible is God's story that we are drawn up into by what Jesus has done for us, what would it look like for the story of your life to be re-worked around God's better story of love?
Does God exist? Is there purpose to life? These are some of the questions that have been debated since the beginning of time. In todays message, Travis looks to the Creation story in Genesis to explore the life we have been given and what it means to live in relation to our Creator.
Questions for Reflection:
• How does the Biblical account of creation point to the order and purpose of creation and the life we have been given?
• What does it look like to ‘come alive’ in relationship with Jesus? How does Jesus satisfy the longing within your soul and who around you needs to hear that message?
Have you ever wondered what it means to be free or what freedom looks like in your life? In todays message, Travis looks to Galatians 5 to suggest a distinctly Christian view of freedom that is leads focused on personal rights and individualism and more to do with what we use our freedom for.
This is a check yourself opportunity that might be a little hard to spot in ourselves. Does your life reflect a posture of entitlement or generosity? Modern day life doesn't position itself to put others first, but isn't that exactly what we experienced in the love and grace and of God? Tyler takes us to a principle that Paul teaches: sow sparingly will reap sparingly, but sow bountifully and reap bountifully. This is not a message about money, it's a posture of our hearts, and God loves a cheerful giver.
Questions for Reflection:
• Does your heart tend to reflect a posture of entitlement or generosity?
• When it comes to the things of God, do you tend to see a sparse "harvest" or a bountiful "harvest"?
In this message, Tyler picks up from last week's message where Paul specifically says we should forgive as we have been forgiven. That's easier said than done and has the potential to stir up plenty in our hearts. In this message, Tyler walks us through some very practical realities about what forgiveness is and what it isn't. Have you been forgiven by God? It's freeing and available. Are there some people that need to be forgiven by you? It's freeing, even if difficult. We need to check our hearts to make sure we aren't getting stuck in the past due to hurts or offenses we've experienced along the way. Forgiven people forgive, and are freed from being stuck in hurt.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is there anything in your heart that needs to be released to God?
• Is there anything you need to confess to God and receive His forgiveness for?
Jesus said the Greatest Commandment was to love God with everything we've got. He then said the second is similar: love others as we love ourselves. What do your interactions with others reflect about the way you are both loving God and receiving His love? Tyler teaches that our goal is to imitate the love of God, but that's not out of obligation. When we are secure in our identity as deeply loved children of God, it frees us to live and love because of whose we are, a people with nothing to prove and nothing to lose.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there any warning signs that you need to pay attention to in your interactions with others?
• What does that warning sign suggest about how you're receiving God's love in that area of your life?
Launching our new sermon series 'Check Yourself', Tyler presents us with the Big Question: Are there any warning signs in your faith journey that demand attention? This cautionary note reflects a concern that, if ignored, these warnings could potentially result in a spiritual derailment. Rooted in the wisdom of Proverbs, we're reminded to 'Guard your heart.' In tune with the Big Idea, it's understood that drifting closer to God isn't a natural occurrence—it requires a commitment. It takes earnest effort to experience the profound grace of Jesus. Start this compelling journey with us and discover how to recognize these spiritual warning signs, prevent wreckage, and draw closer to God through a dedicated faith journey.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there any warning sings that you need to pay attention to in your faith journey?
• What things are you doing spiritually that actively help you get closer to God?
As we conclude this series, Tyler imparts a final lesson on understanding God's will: it's all about remembering. He relates an Old Testament story where the Israelites used a unique method to ensure they'd never forget their experience with God. In our lives, it's easy to get consumed by immediate troubles and overlook God's enduring strength. By recalling instances of God's past support, we can gain the confidence to trust His guidance in our present situations.
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you had an experience or an encounter with God that has shaped you?
• What, if anything, do you do to capture or remember the evidences of God's work around us on a regular basis?
In this message Gabe continues our Know God's Will series with a message on praise. Often times we can overcomplicate things as we seek God's will for a specific situation. Is God's will just another option to choose from, or could it be that it’s the option and source of satisfaction we’ve been longing for? Praise adjusts our hearts and realigns our will with God’s so that His desires become our desires.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you find God's will hard to understand? How does it help to know that God's main plan, according to Ephesians 1:3-14, is to bring everyone into a relationship with Him through Jesus?
• Praise aids in aligning our will with God's. How can you be more intentional about praising God this week?
In this message, Tyler jumps off by asking the question he ended with last week: "What is God asking you to do?" This question is central to our quest to understand God's will. If we believe that God's desire for us is to live an abundant life, free from waste and full of purpose, then it's essential to realize that understanding His will comes in steps of obedience. Jesus Himself said, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." So, how do we bridge the gap between where we are now and where God wants us to be? This is the challenge we face. Today's message seeks to guide us in embracing our identities as sons and daughters of God, living in obedience to His will.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is your life more characterized by peace or by a troubled heart or fear? Where is that coming from?
• What is the last thing God has asked you to do? Have you done it? Why or why not?
As we continue the series about seeking to Know God's Will, Tyler turns our attention to a passage of scripture that clearly illustrates something we need to wrestle with: God's will for your life is on the other side of putting your faith into action. Sometimes God will send us through a storm in order to have our faith stretched and grown so we can discover a growth in our faith that propels us into action. Another frequent reality about putting our faith into action: it often pulls worship out of us and others around that see it. What is God asking you to do?
Questions for Reflection:
• Can you recall a moment of someone acting on great faith and how it inspired, challenged, encouraged, or blessed you?
• What is God asking you to do and what's keeping you from doing it?
Tyler continues the series to help us understand how to Know God's Will. The caution for this series is to not treat this as a formula where we can expect God to do something because we do something. God is much bigger than our attempts to put Him in a box. That being said, God has given us His Spirit to help us Know His Will. And when we gather with like purposed people, like a Jesus-following church, it often becomes a space where God's voice is more frequently discerned. We have to be willing to give ourselves to Christian community to frequently be in position to discern His voice. Where is God at work and how can you join Him?
Questions for Reflection:
• Is there a moment when you felt like God was "speaking" to you? Where were you, and how was God speaking?
• What are you devoted to, and how can you tell you are devoted to that?
Have you ever wanted to know God’s plan for your life? What to do? Decisions to make? What God wants for you next? In today’s message, Travis looks at Luke 6 to suggest that Gods Word provides the blueprint that is needed to build a life according to Gods will and in line with God’s plan for us in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
• What foundation have you built your life upon? Is it based upon Gods Word? If so, In what way?
• When you read through the Gospels, how do you see Jesus move through life? What is the foundation of the life that Jesus lived wherever He went and whatever He did?
What is God's will for the world, and how to we think about it? God doesn't want us to always be wondering what His plans and His purposes are for our lives. Yes we walk by faith, but the Bible suggests that He wants us to know and walk in plans that He has for us. In today's message, kicking off the series on understanding God's will better, Tyler unpacks a baseline of understanding about God's will for us: God's plans for us will be linked to God's will for the world. Tyler also gives some caution about the truth of God's will for us.
In this Easter message, Tyler reviews the historical events of the first Easter Sunday. Even the pagans observing commented that Jesus was the Son of God. But what does that event two thousand years ago have to do with us today? What if boils down to how we answer who Jesus was: a liar, lunatic or Lord? When he rose, Jesus told his friends that He has all authority, he sent them with new purpose, and He was with them always. If we believe, then we have hope for today and all of our tomorrows.
Questions for Reflection:
• What doubts do you need to bring to Jesus, so that you can have faith in Him?
• What aspects of your life do you need to submit to His authority?
Days after the crowd was hailing Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem, suddenly the crowd quickly turns on Jesus. Tyler walks us through the sham of a trial Jesus received. It was never about the trial though, Jesus was executing His purpose that would resonate throughout eternity. The crowd chose Barabbas' release while Jesus, the innocent, was rejected. That moment became a reality for all who placed their faith in Jesus: the guilty are accepted while Jesus was rejected.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there parts of your life where you are looking for a satisfaction in your soul from other human beings instead of from God?
• In what ways are you feeling rejected, or trying to clean yourself up, instead of running to the acceptance of Jesus?
In this message we witness a moment of great agony for Jesus as He prayed to His Heavenly Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. The weight of the world's sin was about to be placed on Him, and He knew that He would have to endure immense suffering to free humanity from the chains of sin. Despite the crushing burden that He faced, Jesus willingly chose to take on the weight and punishment of sin, knowing that it was the only way to offer us a path to atonement and salvation. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus made it possible for us to be forgiven for our sins and reconciled with God. The only way that we still have to carry the weight of our sin is if we choose not to let it go and accept the forgiveness that Jesus offers us. Join us as we explore the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the hope that it offers to all of us who seek redemption.
Questions for Reflection:
• What does today's message say about Jesus' commitment to fulfilling His calling?
• How does it make you feel to hear Jesus choosing the crushing on our behalf?
Have you ever found yourself struggling to follow Jesus? Maybe you're not alone. It's easy to get caught up in our expectations and forget that Jesus is the pacesetter for our lives. In this video, we'll explore how defining the role Jesus is meant to play can lead us astray and how following His pace can bring us closer to the life He intended for us. Join us as we delve into the importance of letting Jesus lead the way and how He promises to never leave us or forsake us. If you're looking for inspiration to take your faith to the next level, this message is a must-watch!
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you had a moment when your perspective on life switched? In what ways has following Jesus as the pacesetter for your life changed your perspective, and how have you had to let go of your own expectations to fully embrace His plan for you?
• How can we learn to trust Jesus even when His pace may seem different from our own, and how can we allow Him to lead us into a more meaningful and purposeful life?
In the midst of life's constant busyness, how can we find the right pace and avoid being constantly on the go? In today's message, Travis reflects on Luke 10:38-42, the story of Martha and Mary, to explore the pace Jesus maintained throughout his life, despite the many demands on his time. By keeping his perspective fixed on the cross, Travis argues, Jesus was able to discover a sustainable pace and perspective. He encourages us to follow Jesus' example and focus our attention on the cross amidst our own busy lives to find our own sense of balance and purpose.
Questions for Reflection:
• As you navigate the busy days and seasons of life, where do you focus your attention? What are the things that matter most to you, and what distracts you from embracing them fully?
• How does Gods grace change the pace you move and the perspective you have as you move through the tasks and commitments of the day?
"Who sets the pace of your faith journey? Faith is an ongoing pursuit, but how do you measure your progress? And when things don't go as you thought they should, what do you do?
In this message, Tyler delves into a biblical account of Jesus that, at first glance, may have caused disappointment for some who witnessed it. Tyler urges us to remember that disappointments are inevitable in life. The question is, can we maintain our commitment and trust in Him when we face them?"
Questions for Reflection:
• Have you been disappointed in your faith journey before? If so, how did you respond?
• What needs to happen for you to be able to trust God even when you are disappointed by Him?
To conclude our Jonah series, we delve into Jonah chapter 4. Tyler guides us through a remarkable reaction from Jonah to a powerful display of God's presence. This serves as a valuable reminder that we live in a society that tends to categorize and analyze everything. If we're categorizing people in a manner that justifies us from caring for and viewing them as God does, then our perspective of God's objective is flawed. So what is your perception of God's purpose?
Questions for Reflection:
• Who are "those" people to you? How did they become "those people"?
• Who or what do you place above what God values?
We’ve wondered how to show Gods grace when it’s difficult to do so? In today's message, Travis looks at Jonah 3 and the grace that Jonah was hesitant to share with people who needed it most. In order to extend Gods grace to others we have to remember that we too have received it.
Questions for Reflection:
• Why is it difficult to offer grace to those around you? What is the difference between your grace and Gods grace?
• Jonah did not want Gods grace to reach the people of Nineveh. Where or who is your Nineveh? What steps can you take to demonstrate Gods grace to them?
We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin. But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of a sin. - C. S. Lewis.
Wow that's such a powerful quote/thought and forces us to ask ourselves the question, what’s my go to when the consequences of sin are steep?
Is my response to run toward God or away from Him? Repentance is making that 180 degree turn to realign our lives toward God.
In part 2 of this message series, Tyler walks us through Jonah chapter 2 and gives us 4 clear steps for repentance that we can take when we have run from God.
Questions for Reflection:
• When you're feeling the effects or consequences of sin, where do you most frequently find yourself turning toward or running to? People? Stuff? God?
• Is there anything in your life that you need to repent (turn from) of? What is holding you back?
In this message, Brad and Tyler talk us through Jonah chapter 1. Jonah was called by God, but instead of walking in that calling, Jonah ran. In this message, we talk about the fact that everyone has a call from God, what we are left to process is whether we are trying to live out the calling, run from it or create our own. What we discover, is that running from God or creating our own calling never fulfills us the way following God does.
Questions for Reflection:
• Do you know your calling? Have you responded to it? Are you running from it? Are you envious of some else's calling?
• What elements of this part of Jonah's story have you seen in your life?
We believe found people find people, but what does it really mean to be either lost or found? In this message, Tyler takes us back to the creation story to look at the nature of God and man. What we learn is that we're never really lost from God, in terms of Him losing track or misplacing us. Instead, sin creates a gap in us that motivates us to mistrust or doubt God's goodness. It's in the consequence of our sin and shame that we hide from God. We learn that's what it really means to be lost, including lost relationally, lost in relation to God, and lost from our purpose. But what we learn about God is even better than the bad news of our lostness.
Questions for Reflection:
• Is there anything you are hiding from Jesus?
• Why do you think we so often doubt God's goodness and boundaries and choose our own way?
Have you ever placed limitations around who Jesus is and what He is able to do? Today, Travis looks at Mark 2:1-12 to explore the ways God can use community to overcome the limitations that keep us from experiencing the power of Jesus in our lives.
Questions for Reflections:
• What limits you from being able to pursue Jesus and experience His power in your life? How can you takes steps to move past that?
• Are you in community with others who are ‘helping carry’ you through the obstacles of life? What does it take from us to make this a priority?
A message about money and the church. The temptation is always to pass over these, but if God has something to say about how we use money (and it's good!!) then don't we want to know? In this message, Tyler reminds us that one of our values at BridgePoint Church is 'we get to give'. We don't have to, we aren't obligated or coerced, we get to. And in so doing, we unlock a blessing from God that He desires for us. God wants us to have the Kingdom, what a blessing, but where your treasure is your heart will be also.
Questions for Reflection:
• If money is the metric of what our heart's trust, what do you trust the most?
• What are the next steps you can take to laying down the anxiety, and experiencing the peace and blessing from God, as it relates to money?
Why does serving matter? It's easy to give it a flippant response - it helps people! That's true. But for believers, there is SO much more to why it matters that we invest. In this message, Tyler takes us to a familiar passage to allow it to land in a fresh way. Serving people, just because, in our American culture is quite honestly a bit radical. The reason it matters for believers is because we were first served by a Holy God. To do like He did to us, is stepping into the power of bringing a taste of Heaven to earth. We don't invest in people because it makes us feel good, we invest in people because we've been invested in by the Almighty.
Questions for Reflection:
• What or whom might God be calling you to invest in?
• How do we prevent serving people from becoming about something to pat ourselves on the back for?
Today's message will unpack the BridgePoint Church Value: we believe we are better together. This is our value of community. We were created by God for togetherness in healthy relationships, and the book of proverbs actually warns against prolonged isolation. This is a value that most folks would probably support. But practically speaking, how easy is it to end up not valuing it with our time? In this message Tyler helps change our perspective on why we are better together.
Questions for Reflection:
• When you look at where you invest your time, talents and treasure, does it reflect a priority of healthy, godly community?
• What's a next step that God is calling you to take so that your better value healthy community and the benefits therein?
The love of God that enters into the world in Jesus is not a fairy-tale kind of love. Jesus disrupted the worlds understanding of love to point us to the fullness of His. In todays message Travis looks at Jesus’ arrival from Joseph’s perspective. What could have been perceived as an unnecessary disruption was actually part of a much larger “love story” that God wanted to announce to the world in Jesus’ birth.
Questions for Reflection:
• In what ways do you see God’s love in Jesus disrupting the patterns and perspectives of this world? How does it challenge your precious understanding of love?
• What does the fullness of God’s love (as revealed from the manger up to the cross) tell you in the midst of life’s disruptions? What can you hold onto when life feels like it’s been turned upside down?
Is peace on earth really possible? I know we're certainly searching for it, and looking for the moments of tranquility in the midst of the crazy/busyness of life. In this message, Tyler focuses on the prophecy that Jesus would be the Prince of Peace when he came at Christmas. Well He came. Did he fail at bringing peace? Or do we often end up missing it by looking for the wrong kind of peace in the wrong places?
Questions for Reflection:
• What are your go-to places, sounds, people, activities to find "peace"?
• Since we find wholeness in trusting Jesus with our lives, what in your life is it time to trust Jesus with?
An Everyday Joy! - The Christmas season is one where we are expected to be filled with joy. But what about the other seasons of life that take place other times of year? Is our joy intended to be a result of holiday excitement or a lasting characteristic that can be experienced throughout the year? Today, Travis unpacks the story of the Good News being announced to everyday, ordinary shepherds and highlights the lasting joy they receive through the hope of Jesus and how to take it back as we move into the ordinary seasons of life.
Questions for Reflection:
• When do you experience the joy that Jesus brings into your life the most? When is it most challenging?
• How can you carry the joy of Jesus into the everyday, ordinary and not-so-great seasons of life?
How does a baby born around 2000 years ago provide hope for us today? Sometimes it's easy to forget how some of the teachings of our faith really matter in present day. How does that birth centuries ago matter in strained modern relationships, frustrations at work, marriage troubles, parenting hardships, and the like? In today's message, Tyler goes back to the original Christmas to make the distinction of how that Christmas matters for us this Christmas and in our every day life.
Questions for Reflection:
• What aspect of your life needs the confident assurance that God is able and enough?
• How can hope look "thrilling" in your life?
A Gratitude Testimony - Faith grows through practicing gratitude.
In this message, you will hear stories of how activating the gratitude loop in the midst of difficult circumstances is a deeply spiritual and profound experience. You will be challenged to trust God deeper as your provider and hear how that will shift your perspectives in your daily life.
Questions for Reflection:
• How has lacking gratitude affected your perspective in the past?
• What are the areas in your life that you need to find reason for gratitude in your present circumstances?
Why is our world so angry? It's everywhere, isn't it? In today's message Tyler unpacks a specific theological and psychological reality about the way human beings' brains are wired. The gratitude loop is the idea that no matter what your circumstances are, the solution to being "in a better head space" is gratitude! We will unpack a Psalm together and explore how the gratitude loop could be something deep in our souls that ultimately suggests we were made for something more than the world can offer to us.
Questions for Reflection:
• Are there things in your life that are regularly causing you to be negative or frustrated by your circumstances?
• What do you have to be grateful for in your life?
In this message, we look at how Paul concluded his letter to Galatia, the book we call Galatians. As we walk through chapter 6, Tyler recognizes that this is a very practical but challenging message about how to use grace. How does grace help us live our purpose? What if we've made that more complicated than it needs to be? If we understand Paul, it's about allowing our faith to help hurting people carry their burdens. Are we? How could we do that better?
Questions for Reflection:
• Who are you helping to "bear their burdens"? (And how are you doing so?)
• Do you tend to lean toward truth without grace or grace without truth? Why? What can you do about that?
How can we know if we are really living in the grace and freedom of Jesus? In a lot of ways, many of us don't usually perceive Jesus-followers as really being free. In this message, Tyler takes us to some of Paul's teaching on what true freedom looks like. Jesus wants his followers to live freely, and that's a freedom that should motivate us toward something special. This is a message that will emphasize the way to know what is truly most important: Love.
Questions for Reflection: • What in your life is holding you back from the freedom found in Jesus? • How do you work on getting closer to God to strengthen your ability to love others?
It can be easy to think we have to earn God’s grace or add things to our faith in Jesus in order to be fully covered. Looking at Paul’s words in Galatians 3, Pastor Travis reminds us that Jesus is the extended warranty of God’s grace that fully covers us from the burden of perfection, trying to do more, or add more to God’s grace.
Questions for Reflection: • In what ways are you living under the ‘Extended Warranty’ that Jesus offers? Where do you struggle remembering that you are covered? • What do you lean on or where do you turn when you feel like you have to earn God’s grace? How might it help change thins if you begin looking to the cross in those moments?
Is there any aspect of your life that has not found freedom in Jesus? In today's message, Tyler unpacks chapter 2 of Galatians. In it, Paul, the writer of the book of Galatians, is addressing some issues of people that were saying they were free in Jesus, but they were not truly living in freedom. When we try to control parts of our lives, it ultimately undermines the freedom Jesus bought for us. Our lack of freedom can work against us internally and in how we treat others. This message is the opportunity to find freedom in Jesus' grace for you.
Questions for Reflection: • What are the messages you often tell yourself that reveal judgment more than freedom? • What are the ways we end up making it hard on others to follow Jesus through rules and legalism instead of helping them find freedom through grace?
Tyler kicks off our study in Galatians in chapter 1 of the book. Paul jumps straight into the chapter referencing that his letter is a God-thing, not a preference thing. The church of Paul's day was wrestling with whether Jesus' death and resurrection were enough to rescue the human heart. In today's message, Tyler challenges us to ask if Jesus' death and resurrection are real. As Paul recounts in the first chapter, the grace of Jesus in the act of His death and resurrection is, indeed, the hope to change the human heart. What if this message from Paul's letter became a real reminder that Grace is in the here and now for you, too.
In the wake of Hurricane Ian lots of people are asking, where is God when life gets crazy? Often times the weight and perspective of our circumstances can cause a crushing heaviness in our soul. In this message, Tyler unpacks that Jesus desire was to satisfy our souls so completely that in the good times and bad times we discover that it is worth growing to know Him as enough for our souls. Like Peter suggested, "where else would we go?"
What if God wanted to use you? For some of us, our natural response is feel like we're too broken or disqualified to be used by God. On the other hand, some of us are open to that and simply want to know what to do and when to do it. In this message, Tyler will help us see that Jesus had different ideas for what it looks like for His followers to truly become His people. In a familiar parable, Tyler unpacks the difference between our nature that attempts to justify what we do before God, and the freedom to allow what we do to flow from who (and whose) we really are. Are you being neighborly?
Questions for Reflection: • Do you believe God wants to use you? Why or why not? • Do you tend to "perform" for God? Or do you tend to serve simply because you've been served by God? How can you tell the difference?
Church is more than showing up to the same place, at the same time, on the same day, with the same people. A key piece of the puzzle is meaningful connections and a commitment to go through life together. This was a commitment for the early church and a rhythm for us to incorporate in the church today.
Questions for Reflection: • What keeps you from connecting in the life of the church and going through life with other Christians? • What step will you take to discover where it is you might connect?
Imagine what our neighborhoods would look like if we lived in Holy Spirit power, like Jesus suggested in his final statement before Heaven. Often times, it seems followers of Jesus paralyze themselves because they feel responsible for everything related to the moving of God. Hopefully this message is freeing because it reminds us that God isn't calling us to everything, but He is calling us to something. And the beauty of that "something" is that it is best experienced when we live better together.
Questions for Reflection: • Who are the people in your circles that you can commit to planting seeds or building bridges with to help them get closer to God? • How often do you find yourself with a great moment to plant a seed or build a bridge, and how often do you capitalize on that?
It’s one thing to know Gods Word, it’s another to let it change and transform our lives. I’m today's message, Pastor Travis looks at the story of Jeremiah to highlight the importance of responding when God speaks into our lives.
What if God wants us to become something that we are not yet? Actually there's a promise that God has begun a good work in us and will carry it out to completion. But are we listening to when God speaks? Jesus actually says it is a reflection of our love for Him when we work to listen to when He speaks. We should wonder then, how is God's Word initiating change in my life? If it's not, are we listening to Him?
Questions for Reflection • Do you believe God wants you to become something that you are not yet? Why or why not? • Are you really listening to Him? If so is anything holding you back from doing what He says? What steps can you take to overcome that?
When reading the Bible do you struggle to see how it is relevant to your life? In today's message Travis unpacks the truth that the relevance of God’s Word becomes clear through Jesus Christ. God is speaking, the question is are we willing to listen and how will we choose to respond?
Questions for Reflection? • When reading the Bible do you struggle to see how it is relevant to your life? • The Bible is a way we are connected to God and a way for Him to communicate to us. How can you make time to listen for Him as you read His Word?
Do you ever wish you could hear directly from God about something related to your life? Ever asked the question, what is the Bible and why should I read it? Today's message aims to move us from seeing the Bible as "just a book", to an understanding that it is the living and active word of a God who wants to speak to you and I today.
Questions for Reflection: • What area of your life are you wanting to hear from God about? • What's the difference between viewing the Bible as content to consume verses connection to a relationship with Almighty God?
Do you consider yourself to be a “good” leader? What is good leadership and how do we identify good leadership in our lives and people around us? In today’s message, Pastor Travis suggests that good leadership is leadership that reflects the goodness of God and pursues the goodness of others.
Questions for Reflection: • How do you use your God-given gifts to reflect the goodness of God? • How are you using your gifts to produce goodness in the world and the lives of people and teams you influence?
So many people in our culture seem to live unfulfilled lives, which begs the question: what kind of life are they leading? In today's message, Tyler looks to Paul's wisdom about how to fully discover God's purpose for you. In light of Jesus' death and resurrection, Paul suggests the key to finding our purpose is to present our lives back to God because of what Jesus has done for us. The danger of not renewing our minds? Living someone else's purpose for our lives, which will never satisfy.
Questions for Reflection: • Have you and do you regularly present your life to God as a "living sacrifice"? • Where do you turn to "renew" your mind?
The message for today comes through an interview. In this interview with Tom and Joyce about their journeys through loss and grief. It feels weird to say it, let alone believe, that Jesus would say "blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted". How in the depths of mourning and grief does one feel comfort. Today's message unpacks exactly how, in the midst of some of life's most heartbreaking moments, Tom and Joyce and others can feel comfort in the pain.
Questions for Reflection: • As you reflect on your journey, have you experienced seasons of grief and loss? If so, as you reflect, can you see any moments where God comforted you? • What stood out to you most about Tom's or Joyce's story? Why?
One thing we know for sure is that things won’t always go our way. We can tell a lot about ourselves by the way we respond to something in the moment. In this message Tyler teaches about a promise from God that gives us hope in this broken world. The promise that God will work all things together for good. The reality is the closer we get to God, the more we will experience His goodness.
Questions for Reflection • What would it change about how you live your life for God to be both good enough and God enough to work all things together for our good? • Have you seen moments in your life where God has taken less than desirable circumstances and worked them together for something that was even better than expected? Does that help you trust Him more or less now?
Faithfulness comes from a place of trust and loyalty. As a Christian, it is important to be faithful to God. But does experiencing God’s faithfulness in our lives require something from us? In today’s message, Travis teaches about God’s faithfulness and how we can experience the fullness of it.
Questions for Reflection: • How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your life? • What area of your life do you need to open up to God and trust his faithfulness more?
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on all the doing? How often does it seem like the constant state in our fast-paced culture is 'tired'? Moreover, what if the problem is deeper than just pausing to experience our go-to rest activities? In this message, Tyler unpacks not only why we all so regularly feel so tired, but also a promise from Jesus that could very well breath some energy back into our souls. He promises the type of rest we need deep down inside our souls.
Questions for Reflection: • Where do you go when you're tired to find rest? • Tyler mentioned the quote, "Time off won't heal you when your problem is how you spend your time on." Are you spending your time "on" in ways that are unhealthy?
Have you ever wondered where God was during a bad situation? Perhaps when a job was lost or a family member was ill or you fill in the blank. We all have circumstances we need God's help in. In this message, Tyler unpacks God's promise from to meet our needs. Tyler asks an important question: what do we do when it feels like God did NOT meet our needs? The full understanding of this promise is NOT found when we add this promise to our "tool belt", as if we can pull out this promise we want God to do something for us. Instead, Tyler teaches that in the midst of life’s circumstances, there is a perspective we need to develop and challenges us to not squeeze this promise into our lives, but instead orient our lives around God's provision. A powerful challenge to help all of us trust God more.
Questions for Reflection: • How often do you take God's promise to mean that God will give us what we want? In what ways? • What scares you the most about growing in trust of God to provide your deepest need?
Have you ever felt like God doesn’t hear you or answer your prayers? In today’s message, Gabe walks through Matthew 26 as a guide to how we can pray & trust God despite the outcome.
Questions for Reflection: •How has God answered the impossible in your life? •How have you been encouraged or discouraged by God’s response to a prayer?
Have you ever questioned Gods love for you? Have you ever wondered if your circumstances meant that God was no longer with your or for you? In todays message, Pastor Travis points to Romans 8 to remind us of the un-ending love of God is is offered to us IN Jesus Christ…today!
Imagine the potential or the possibility of embracing God's promise that He is with us always, even to the end of the age! Think about the situations you have going on in your life. Maybe they are things that make you anxious or nervous. If you don’t have any of those situations now, you have in the past or you probably will in the future. In today’s message Tyler teaches that there is no circumstance that you will walk in that Jesus doesn’t have power over. If you feel alone, empty, or are wandering aimlessly in life, make sure you catch the message on this promise!
Questions for Reflection: • What is the potential impact for us of Jesus declaring that ALL AUTHORITY in Heaven earth has been given to Him? • How might some of your circumstances change if we focused on God's presence WITH us in every moment? • Are you living in such a way that your purpose glorifies God? If so, how? • How are you making disciples? If you don’t think you are, how can you start? • If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, have you been baptized? If not, what is holding you back?
How do you act when your parents are watching? Your spouse? Your boss? Do you act differently depending on who is watching? What about your Heavenly Father? In today’s message, Pastor Bryan teaches that our Heavenly Father’s eyes are always on us and we should go all out.
Questions for Reflection: • Does who is watching change what you do? • Do you live your life as if God was watching? If not, what changes can you make?
What's the point of faith in Jesus if it doesn't move us to action? In this message, Tyler wants to teach us that faith wasn't meant to lead us to "normal" or "average". Instead, faith should be the element of our lives that allows us to see the power of God at work in and through us. And to teach it, we look at one of the most unlikely of historical figures and his encounter with Jesus. This moment changed everything.
Questions for Reflection: • Why do you follow Jesus? • How does following Jesus propel you to action? • How does following Jesus light your path?
The definition of a response is when we say or do something in reply to an action or statement. Responses can be over-the-top or calm and neutral. Our response to the situations in our life matters. It can be easy to focus on what’s next in life instead of taking a moment to stop and give thanks for the present moment. In today's message, Pastor Travis looks at the story of Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers to highlight the difference between faithfulness and gratefulness.
Questions for Reflection: • Have you ever experienced God’s mercy? His grace? His love? What does it mean to you? • How are you showing gratefulness for what God’s done for you?
When the writers of 3 of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) would write that Jesus was amazed, it was always around an encounter of faith, either someone with great faith or a lack thereof. Furthermore it is recorded in the Bible that God regularly responds to actions made in faith. But how often do we really seek God for what we really NEED. In this message, Tyler unpacks a historical moment between Jesus and an unnamed woman. She was seeking Jesus to meet a very painful, personal want of hers, and she was forever changed when she discovered that Jesus wanted to provide something much deeper for her. So what is it that we want from God or what does God want from you? We think this message will help you process those questions.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you have peace? If not, are you seeking Jesus for it? • What have you been searching for? Could you be missing what it is you need? • How are you reserving your faith just for Sunday?
Does everyone have a life-changing redemption story to share about a life-changing encounter with Jesus? Yes, but the extravagance of our story is not because of anything done by us, but in what has been done for us! In this message, Pastor Travis looks at the story of Nicodemus encountering Jesus to highlight the power Jesus can have on our life, and teaches that the extravagance of our moment with Jesus is not about a life changing moment for us but instead about God’s love for us.
Questions for Reflection • Nicodemus first came to Jesus under cover of darkness. When do you pursue Jesus? What makes it easy or hard to do so? • What is your story? Can you think of a specific life changing moment with Jesus or are you someone who would say "Jesus changed my life 2000 years ago"? • Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus? If not, can you identify what's holding you back? If you can name it you can ask God to help you find answers to it.
A moment is a particular point in time. Some moments we remember forever like the moment we got into a particular college, say I do, or the birth of a child. Other moments just slip by unnoticed. In this series, we are studying specific people that had a moment with Jesus and who were left forever changed. In this message, Tyler teaches from Acts about a moment that changed not only Saul’s life but the life of many others.
Questions for Reflection: • Is there someone in your life that you feel is beyond God's ability to change? • Is there a circumstance in your life that you feel is beyond God's ability to change? • Tyler taught that when we focus on the impossibility, we are blinded to God’s ability. What needs to change for you to have a God sized view of the person or the situation?
Often times it’s not hard to find yourself feeling like God is losing in this world. Crime, War, Famine, Natural Disasters. It’s all overwhelming. Then along comes Easter- a time that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. It’s an event that not only changed history, but also has the power to change the human heart. If it's true that Jesus' tomb is empty (and it is!) then we must work to remember, always, that anything is possible! In today's message, Tyler leads us through the eyewitness account of Luke to help us remember. This message reminds us of a truth that frees us to say 'Goodbye' to things that are holding us back from the life Jesus paid for us to live!
Questions for Reflection: 1. Have you ever felt like you were losing? If so how? 2. Do you need to say goodbye to anything? If so what? 3. Is anything stopping you from trusting your life to Jesus today? What doubts do you have? Tell God about them.
Ever been in a situation where someone was trying to get you to go a certain way or do a certain thing? In our culture today, everyone has an opinion and is trying to convince us “this is the way to go”. In today’s message, Seminole Pastor Bryan teaches that in order to not follow the culture, you have to be counter- cultural for the cause of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: 1. How are you following Jesus ( or culture): ⁃ With your relationships and behavior? ⁃ With your time? ⁃ With your communication? ⁃ With your beliefs and values? 2. How can you be counter- cultural for the cause of Christ? 3. Who has Jesus brought to your mind to share that He is the way, the truth, and the life?
If you are looking to read more on this subject a great book is Live No Lies by Pastor John Mark Comer, it's available on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3koqHOE
Have you ever wondered where temptation comes from and if it's possible for us to overcome our sinful desires? In today's message, Pastor Travis suggests that temptation is less about the objects that tempt us and more about the desires within us. If we want to resist temptation, we must examine our hearts desires, and surrender control to the power and presence of God.
If you are looking to read more on this subject a great book is Live No Lies by Pastor John Mark Comer, it's available on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3koqHOE
The Father's love is enough, Jesus sacrifice paid the price, and the Holy Spirit's power is all we need working in and through us. Jesus has won the victory, but there is also an enemy who wants to defeat us and sometimes it is good for us to study the strategy of the enemy. This series will examine the devil's age-old schemes, and how we as believers need to be on guard against his desire to destroy us. This first message in the series, Clickbait, Tyler teaches that the enemy lies to us, but there is a way to we can do battle against them and step out into freedom.
Questions for Reflection: • How do you view the devil? Cartoon character or real threat? • Often we know the enemy is going to lie to us, but we rarely acknowledge the lies. Is there a lie you need to acknowledge? • Practically speaking, how can you build your life on God’s truth instead of the enemy’s lies? Hint: It starts with spending time in God's word 😉
If you are looking to read more on this subject a great book is Live No Lies by Pastor John Mark Comer, it's available on amazon here: https://amzn.to/3koqHOE
As you are reading this, preparing to watch a message, there is a war going on in your mind. Thoughts may race through your head or you are distracted as you start to click the play button. In this message, Pastor Bryan talks about this war and that in the midst of it all Jesus has provided a table for you. Everything that you need is there, including Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you recognize that you are in a spiritual battle? If you answered Yes: • How have you seen God's provision in the past? Do you believe he will provide for you again in your present situation? • What are you worried, afraid, depressed, or (fill in the blank) about? Can you take time now to pray for God's provision in that area? If not what is holding you back? If you answered No: • Is it possible that your enemy has you distracted? If so with what?
Have you ever wondered what you are supposed to say when you pray? Does prayer even matter if God is already in control? In this message, Pastor Travis looks at Matthew 6:9-13 to see what Jesus says about the content of our prayers. Instead of praying, “my kingdom come and my will be done” we are to pray for God’s. And in doing so, we are able to see the bigger picture and recognize who is on the throne.
Questions for Reflection: • Prayer is not always easy, how can you make sure you pray daily? • What is it you pray for regularly? • Are your prayers "thy" will be done or "my" will be done? • How can you make sure your prayers are aligned with the will of God?
Ever wonder if you are saying the right things when you pray? Or do you worry that your words are understandable or “good enough”? We are certainly not the only ones questioning how to pray. Jesus's disciples could tell there was something different about His prayers and they finally had to ask Jesus to show them how He prayed. Jesus did so by teaching them a model prayer that today we call The Lord’s Prayer. In this first message of the series, When You Pray, Tyler unpacks the opening of The Lord's Prayer and teaches that it’s not about what we say, but more about who we are praying to.
Questions for Reflection: • Take a minute and access your prayer life. One a scale of 1-5, how satisfied with it are you? • Take focus time and remember WHO you are praying to….who He is.
In this message, the last in our Instamacy series, Tyler explains how Moses seems to really understand the power of intimacy. What if we had the same, almost stubborn, commitment to getting close to God? Could our souls literally find the satisfaction that seems so often to elude us in our fast paced culture?
Questions for Reflection: • What hard thing are you going through that you need to go to God about? • How would you rate your level of intimacy with God right now? (Scale of 1-5) What steps can you take towards God in this moment? • Do you ever think, there's no way can God love me because of (fill in your situation)? If so, know that Almighty God already knows your name and loves you so much. Knowing that, what will it take for you to let that go and embrace the love of God?
We live in a world where personal gain and instant gratification can be the focus. People will go to great lengths in order to achieve it, even going as far as pretending to be someone or something other than who God created us to be. In this message, Pastor Travis looks to the story of Jacob to address the consequences this type of ‘Identity Theft’ can have on our relationship with God and our relationships with the people around us. In order for us to have real intimacy in our relationships, we have to humbly and honesty acknowledge our true identity. In doing so, God is able to take the undesirable stories from our past and turn it into something entirely different for our future.
Questions for Reflection: • As you go through life, who are you portraying yourself to be? • Are you tethered to God or something else? • Are you living your life how God made you to be? • Have you acknowledged your true self to God?
God gave us the gift of intimacy, but with it came a set of instructions to help us best experience that closeness we all crave. In this message, Tyler unpacks how those around us help us fully use or misuse God's gift to us, and teaches that when we invest in relationships God's way we'll never regret that investment.
Questions for Reflection: • How do your relationships affect you? • How are you walking with the wise? • What can you do to invest God's way?
We all have a desire to be loved and to be understood. In this fast paced world, we tend to want intimacy just as fast as we want our coffee or our food. In this first message of the series Instamacy, Tyler teaches that to find intimacy we must begin with who God made us to be.
Questions for Reflection:
You were created in the image of Almighty God. • How does that knowledge make you feel? • Does that define your understanding of your worth or purpose? If not, what does?
God will not bless our pursuit of a life that was not His creation for us. • Are you living the life God assigned to you or do you feel enslaved by the labels of this world?
We are made to love but in such a divisive culture that can be hard to do. So how does a Jesus follower respond to the division all around us? In this last message in the series, Tyler teaches that we need to take off our cone shaped perspective and begin to see a broader perspective to love others well.
Questions for Reflection: • Are you living in a cone? If so how can you start to take it off? • How are you a helping person? If you don’t think you are, what steps can you take to start?
Have you ever been in a circumstance so terrible that you lost all hope, but then encouragement came just at the right moment and restored your faith? We are created to be in community with one another and the type of community we belong to is of great importance. In this message, Pastor Travis examines Acts 27 to highlight the importance of being in the boat with people who can help point to hope in the midst of life’s storms.
Questions for Reflection • Who is in your boat (who are you navigating life with)? • Are you planning to participate in a group or class this season? If no, what is holding you back?
In a world that is so frequently anything but peaceful, it seems like there are plenty of things to do to find your peace. Go here, do this, stay away from them, cut out the negativity...but if that stuff was working, why don't more people have that peaceful, easy feeling? In today's message, Tyler explains that peace isn't something we get thru doing or not doing. Peace is a gift from God that we simply receive, but we have to make sure we're soaking up the right stuff!
Questions for Reflection: • How peaceful is your life? Are you satisfied with where you are? • Are you absorbing the right things? What needs to change?
"Can I trust the Bible?" How would you answer that question if someone asked it to you? People are conditioned to be skeptical about everything. In a world of fake news, crooked politicians, social media issues, COVID confusion and more it's hard to know who to trust. In this message, Pastor Bryan teaches on one of the most pressing topics of our day, "Where can I find truth?"
Questions for Reflection: • How would you answer someone who asked you "why do you put so much faith in the Bible?" • What do you currently turn to for truth? How do you know it’s the truth? • Do you trust the Bible? If not, are you willing to start reading it in search of truth?
In 2020 and 2021, the narrative of life was often that fear was a greater driver in our lives than faith. In order to experience something new in 2022, and not make this year 2020, too, Tyler teaches on why faith in God matters. So how big is your faith? It's kind of a trick question, watch this to find 5 ways to grow your faith!
Questions for Reflection: • How big is your faith? How big is your fear? • Tyler spoke of five ways to flex your faith muscle: 1. Surround yourself. 2. Decide on God. 3. Focus on Truth. 4. Choose peace. 5. Serve people. Which one is easiest for you? Hardest? Pick one and take steps to move toward it.
Sometimes joy can be hard to find. When you look at the family lineage of Jesus, there's a lot of folks that seem to be lacking joy. In today's message, Tyler unpacks how we can discover joy from the person of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Circumstances in her life and call from God seemed completely impossible. If you've ever felt in an impossible situation, tune is to discover how joy is possible, even when things seem impossible.
Questions for Reflection: • How often do you decide for yourself what is possible and what is not? • Is God calling you to something impossible right now? • God has a purpose and a plan for you, what do you feel is stopping you stepping into it? How can you take a step to move forward in trust?
Do you sometimes find yourself wondering if God really understands your hurt? Do you wonder why He isn’t reacting to your situation? Is He there and does He care? Many of us have had these questions and this time of year can bring our hurts to the surface.
In this message, we'll get a glimpse of someone in Jesus' family tree with some real hurts. What could that teach us about who Jesus is, how Jesus is working through hurts, and what the Christmas story of Jesus could do to help heal our hurting hearts?
Questions for Reflection: • God isn’t afraid of you bringing your hurts and your questions to Him, do you believe that? • When hurt, disappointment, or pain comes your way, do you take your questions to God? If not how can you start? • Jesus wants to bring love to your hurting heart, what do you need to do to receive it?
In a quick read of Jesus' genealogy there is some serious shade thrown at one of Israel's most beloved Kings, David: David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah. OUCH! Why would Jesus want such a known sinner included in His genealogy? What could something that ugly teach us about who Jesus really was and what Jesus really came to do? Tyler will unpack the concept of why Jesus didn't dissociate from sinners, but instead took an entirely different approach.
Questions for Reflection: • Are you taking steps toward something that isn’t best for you? How can you get back on the right track? • Is there anyone you think that you are better than? • Do you know the peace Jesus offers? What steps can you take towards Him?
When you look at the genealogy of Jesus, there are some less than desirable names found in it. Why would the King of King's want to tarnish His reputation and bloodline like that? What if that's meant to teach us something about why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and matters to us? More specifically, what if it's meant to teach us something about the very nature of Jesus? Watch this message on why Tyler believes Ruth is mentioned in the genealogy, and why her story as an outsider could impact your story.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you ever feel like an outsider? If so how does this message give you hope? • Do you believe Jesus wants to include you? Have you accepted His invitation?
When it comes to Jesus and our money, how much are we to keep and how much are we expected to return back to God? As Gods image bearers, we are under the authority of God and every part of our life is to go towards His plans and purposes. In this message, Pastor Travis suggests that the sacrifices we are willing to make determine the priority we give to Jesus.
Question for Reflection: • How are God’s plans and purposes being made known through your resources?
In God we trust is printed on every US dollar. But do we actually trust Him in all aspects of our life? In this message, Tyler brings up an important thought on how we view finances: we often view our finances and our interactions with God as transactions. That's not how things work in God's economy. God isn’t trying to give us a nicer car or a bigger bank account, He’s looking to do something much deeper.
Tyler teaches that experiencing the joy of having Almighty God as the almighty in our lives will lead to a knowing that, if God calls us to it, He will see us through it.
Questions for Reflection: • Is God calling you to do something that you don’t want to do or think you can’t do? • Is the provision your priority? If so how can you change your focus? • Who do you think Almighty God created you to be?
When there’s talk about our personal resources at church, many roll their eyes, tune out, or even walk out. But what if we looked at it from another mindset? In the second message of our series, Almighty, Travis asks the question, “what do you have to offer and will you bring it to Jesus?”
Questions for Reflection: • Who have you blessed lately with your time, talents, or resources? Is there anyone you can bless this week? • When was the last time you gave something to someone when it wasn’t fair or convenient?
Printed on our American dollar bills are the words ‘In God We Trust’. Is that really true in our hearts? This message will challenge you to consider if it is Almighty God or the almighty dollar that reigns in your heart. Jesus suggests that worry and anxiousness about stuff and things could be an indicator that our faith in Almighty God is weak. But if that's true, what do we do about it? Tyler helps us think through how to know what's almighty in our hearts, and how to keep that place reserved for God.
Questions for Reflection: • What is almighty to you? • Will you take the "Almighty Challenge" to decide to make God's priorities your priorities, sow in purpose, and share the peace we receive with others?
In this world, it’s easy to take steps in a direction that lead us further away from God and others. If we aren’t careful, we get too comfortable and forget God's purpose for us. In this message, Tyler teaches from the last two verses of the book of James about the purpose Jesus has defined for us. If you've not done so already, perhaps it's time to ask yourself, what will define my life?
Questions for Reflection: • If you believe Jesus is the hope of the world, are you letting it define your life? Are your actions showing it? • Who is one person you can share this service with who needs to know the Savior you know?
There are so many different views and opinions in the world today. We can look at the same things and situations as others and see them completely differently. The divisiveness is all around us. But instead of arguing with each other what if there was a different way? In today’s message Bryan answers the question, “What do you do when your passions become a problem?
Questions for Reflection: • Is there someone you have recently argued with that you should make amends? • Is there a social post or comment(s) that you should delete? • Going forward, how can you practice humility as it relates to your passions?
What is flowing out of us is a reflection what is going on inside of us. How many times have you thought, “I shouldn’t have said (or posted) that”? As Christians we should be using our voices to build people up not tear them down. But we can’t control our tongue by ourselves. In this message Tyler teaches that we don’t have a word problem, it goes much deeper.
We live in a performance based culture. Do x to get y. And it doesn't stop with one thing. It seems to be in everything we do. It's as if someone is holding a big grade book and checking off all our tasks as we do them- grading them to see if we are good enough. Some look at faith the same way believing that the purpose of our faith is to earn credit. But it's not credit that saves us. Only faith in Jesus does that. In this message, Travis asks and answers the question "Why is works part of the equation if the answer is having faith in Jesus Christ?".
James, Jesus’ half brother, wrote the book of James in the early 40s A.D. to scattered early Jesus followers. In the first message of the series Called Out. Called Toward. and Called Up, Tyler teaches from James 1 and answers the question, “How do we live out our faith when life gets tough and why does it matter?”
We’ve spent the last 4 weeks talking about our mission- helping people -all people - get closer to God. In today’s message, Travis teaches how we are to go about fulfilling this mission.
Questions for Reflection: • Do we just talk about making disciples for Jesus? • Where can you go to meet people where they are?
How much of a difference would it make in this conflicted world if we were all we are rooted in love? We could look past all the stuff of this world and see people. Part of our mission includes getting closer to God. In today’s message, Tyler teaches why getting closer to God matters and how it can help us love people.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you feel close to God? If not what is one step you can take today to move in that direction? • Have you signed up for a group or class at BridgePoint?
BridgePoint's mission is helping people, all people, get closer to God. But what does all people mean? In today’s message Tyler uses a rarely taught passage of scripture to show us three ways that we can look at all people.
Questions for Reflection: • Are you looking at people through the mission? • Are you doing everything you can to bring people closer to Jesus, not push them further away? • Who is all people to you?
We exist to help people, all people, get closer to God... That first part of our mission statement is who we are. We are a helping people. In fact, we won't fully find joy unless we are helping others. In this second message of Welcome Home, Tyler teaches that a faith that makes others better, makes us better too.
Questions for reflection? • How are you helping others?
Is it possible God wants to make you into something you aren’t yet? When the world is crazy, divisive, lonely, or uncertain we search for something to find comfort in. In this first message of the series Welcome Home, Tyler teaches that all the longings that we yearn for can’t be met in this world and that only Jesus is the more we are looking for.
Questions for reflection: • Where do you seek comfort? • Are there any areas that you need to trust God in? If so, how can you make the step to trust Him? • If you do not have a relationship with Jesus what is holding you back from trusting Him?
When we encounter Jesus, things should be different from that point on. But like finding our way in a newly renovated house, sometimes we are unsure how to navigate the new life. In today’s message, Travis teaches that by spending time with God and watching what He does, we will learn how to live freely. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • Who are you relying on? • Are you taking on a rhythm of Jesus?
“’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Most everyone has heard Jesus’ words before. We have the love God part down and it’s easy to love those who love us. But what about people who differ from us politically, those who hurt us or insult us, or those who don’t love us back? Did Jesus mean those people too? In today’s message, Tyler uses a sailboat to teach why we need that steadying faith in God to guide us. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • How well do I know God? • Am I allowing Him to guide me? • How well am I loving others?
Most of us are so busy that we are distracted from our daily tasks. We have so much going on that we can’t do any of it well. But who has time to rest? In today’s message, Travis teaches that rest from a christian perspective is not a suggestion, it is a commandment. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • What do you need to remove to incorporate a sabbath into your life? • What has you worried or distracted?
The world is broken and no matter what we do, at times we have to navigate situations that we wouldn’t choose. But when we feel like we’ve lost, God is with us. In this first message of the series, Navigating Deep Waters, Tyler teaches us what we can do when real life hurts. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • Are there “deaths” that need to occur in your story? • Do you know Jesus? Are you a friend of the God of the Universe? If not, what steps do you need to take?
This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
What happens in one generation, often repeats itself in the next. It has incredible influence. However, we can view our past as a gift. When we examine our past to learn from it and have a willingness to take those painful things to God, we can break free from past generations and move forward to the life God has for us. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • Have you ever examined your past? If not, what step can you take to move you forward ? • Have you taken the painful things in your past to God? • Have you settled whose you are? If not, what is holding you back?
If someone asked you, “How do you grow in the knowledge of God?”, you could probably answer them pretty easily. Read the bible. Pray. Go to church. But what if someone asked you, “How do you grow in the knowledge of self?” Not so easy to answer. In today’s message, Chad teaches three truths that will help answer that question and why it’s so important. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
The tip of the iceberg is a saying that typically means we can only see a small part of a much larger situation or problem. That most of the problem remains hidden and most of us only show or deal with that portion that is above the surface. In this message, Tyler shares 10 signs that can help us reevaluate and begin our Deep Water, Emotionally Healthy faith journey. This series was supported with a small group study on Emotionally Healthy Spiritually. If you are interested in reading this book you can purchase it from Amazon.
Questions for Reflection: • How strong is your faith? • How can you spend more time being with Jesus? What are the things that are holding you back?
We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect before we can follow Jesus but the truth is Jesus chose us as we are. We will never get it 100% right, but if we follow Jesus, he promises to make us into the fullest person we can be.
Questions for Reflection: • Are you living in the reality that you were chosen by God? • Are you following Jesus or just believing in Jesus? • What one step can you make to move closer to following?
God doesn't call us just to watch something, He calls us to step in to what He is doing. Often to step IN to God requires us to step OUT of our comfort zone, but it is those steps that our faith and trust in God grows the most. Today's message comes from Steve Spear of World Vision USA, we pray his story of stepping out of his comfort zone to do the hardest thing he's ever done inspires you to take action as well.
Are you ready to take a step today?
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When you think about someone being called to ministry, do you think about pastors, church workers, or missionaries? While they are called, so are all of us. In today’s message Travis teaches that the mission- the work that was started by Jesus- was passed to all of us who follow Him.
Questions for Reflection: • How well are you doing at loving others? • How well are you doing at serving others joyfully?
Today we wrapped up our Satisfaction Guaranteed series by hearing from a panel of ladies about their experiences dealing with idols. Through their testimonies we can learn what it means to keep God number one in our hearts in any season.
Our world would tell us we should look to riches and status to be satisfied. We follow the lives of celebrities wishing we had their lifestyle, we play the lottery saying "if only". However, how often do we really ever see anyone without something to complain about? So what’s the hope if we can’t be satisfied even with fame and fortune? In today’s message, Tyler teaches that we are desperately loved by God and in Him we can find that satisfaction we yearn for.
Questions for Reflection: • What is waiting on the other side of your pride? • How would your life be changed if you believed Jesus was enough? • How can you live like you have nothing to prove and nothing to lose?
A marketing agency’s job is to convince us that enough is on the other side of whatever they are selling. But in reality, enough isn’t a thing, an amount, or a like on social media. Enough can only be found in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: • What do you sacrifice you time and money for? • These three indicators can give us perspective about where our heart is. • Do we see people as a means to our end? • Are we able to celebrate the good things that happen to others? • Do we see people through the lens of comparison?
When we think of idols we imagine someone bowing down to a golden calf and worshiping it. In today’s society we may not bow down to something but how may times have we done it figuratively? Regardless of what our idols are, they all act as pacifiers - a temporary replacement for the satisfaction that only God can provide.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you have a longing in your heart that you have tried to pacify with other things? • What have you run to in the past to satisfy you? • What will it take for you to look to Jesus to fill that yearning?
We live in a culture that promises so much, -satisfaction guaranteed- yet many are still empty. Why? Because what we are searching for can’t be found in x, y, or z. The satisfaction we are longing for can only be found in Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: • What has left you feeling the most disappointed? • What do you sacrifice your time and money for? • What do you worry about? • Where do you go when you’re hurt or you need comfort? • What makes you mad? • What do you dream of/most passionate about? • Who’s encouragement means the most to you?
Easter isn’t about rules, a religion, a bunny, pastel colors, or even peeps. Easter is about a love that led to a death that produces life. Easter begins at the cross and ends with the folded grave clothes.
Questions for Reflection: • What comes to mind when you think about Easter? • Does the death and resurrection of Jesus leave you shook? • Are you still wearing your grave clothes?
In today’s message, Tyler asks the question, “Who do you think God is?”. Do you think He was just a great teacher? Or is He God? How you answer that question is critical. One answer leads to dismissal and one leads to life.
Questions for Reflection: • Who is God to you? • If you are a christian, how often do you look at your relationship with God in terms of what He can do for you? • If you have walked away from your faith, is it possible you walked away too soon? Could He have more for you? •If you are unsure of who God is, what step can you take to being you closer to an answer?
Ever seen a miracle? Maybe it was a pet that found its way home after being lost for weeks. Or perhaps it was an accident that you missed because you forgot your coffee and had to go back to get it. Whatever it was, we’ve all heard about them.
At some point in our lives, we all seek a miracle of some kind. It could be in our finances, our marriage, our jobs, or any of the countless stressful situations life throws at us.
In this message Chad explains how we should position ourselves as we wait on God to move in our circumstances. We must remember though, that while it is great if God steps in and helps us in this life, the greatest miracle we can ever receive is eternal life through Jesus.
Questions for Reflection: • What’s your request? Have you taken it to God? • Are you still waiting? Are you trusting God in the delay? • Are you letting God meet you in your pain? • Have you experienced God’s greatest gift, Jesus? If not, what's holding you back?
If we stop to look at Jesus’ life- he often offended people with his statements. But why would a loving God offend people? What if He offended them (or shook them) because he loved them too much to let an earthly kingdom be the end of the story? What if He had a deeper purpose?
Questions for Reflection: • Is there any part of my life that I need to examine? • How can I spend this time leading up to Easter feeling shook for Jesus?
We position ourselves for many things. We position ourselves in our career by being in the right place at the right time for a conversation with our supervisor. We position ourselves in athletics to make the shot, the goal, or the score. We position ourselves in our personal lives to get the event tickets, the parking spot, or the tv remote. But when it comes to God, are we positioned to receive His light? In today’s message, Travis talks about how we experience God’s love when we are positioned towards His light.
Questions for Reflection: • How’s your life positioned? Is it positioned in such a way to see the light? • Are you in relationship with Jesus? If not what what is stopping you from stepping into the light?
Every day we make little decisions that could possibly derail us. We pick up weight upon weight until we are carrying so much that we might just crush ourselves or others. But what if love meant we didn’t have to carry that weight? What if it meant we could lay it down and not pick it up again?
Questions for Reflection: • Have you trusted in Jesus? If not what is holding you back? • If you have taken that step to trust Jesus, do you live one way on Sunday and another way during the week? • Are you carrying something, you need to let go of?
Oftentimes we forget how much God loves us. We keep running- looking for security and confidence. But what if we remembered because of how much God loves us, we can have absolute confidence in our relationship with Him?
Questions for Reflection: • Do you know and rely on God’s love for you? • Do you love with words or with actions? • When people see you do they see Cain or Christ?
We love chocolate chip cookies, puppies, and our spouse but each one is a different kind of love. So what exactly is love? So often we measure it by performance, boiling it down to a transaction. Am I funny enough? Did I get the right flowers? Am I doing enough? But love is so much more than that. This Valentines day Tyler talks about what real love looks like.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you look at love as a transaction? How can you start to see what love really is? • More people might see what love is if they saw love more often. How can you show love to others?
Love is… What does that mean exactly? To each of us it means something different. In this first message of the series, Tyler starts at the end of 1 John to begin to answer that question.
Questions for Reflection: • Do God's commandments feel burdensome to you? • Are you confident that you are living from victory, not for it? • What could be idols in your life?
What does a better than normal life look like? We won’t find it in being secluded, getting rich, being famous, or having power. In fact, having a better than normal life is not easily found in what the world expects. We all are uniquely made so the long answer to that question is as unique as each one of us. However there is something that all of us can practice. We can experience a better than normal life when we maximize our investment in others.
To maximize your impact, ask yourself: • Who can I invest in? • What can I do for that person? • When can I do it? • Where can I do it? • How can I do it?
All relationships are hard but the one with your spouse can be especially difficult when going through daily life. In John 13:34, Jesus tells us to love one another as He has loved us. In this fourth message of the series Better than Normal, Pastor Chad and his wife Nikki sit down for a raw and humorous interview with Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Haley Erickson to talk about how to have that better than normal relationship not only with your spouse but with anyone we are in a relationship with.
How can we have a better than normal marriage? • Learn to love your spouse through God’s teaching. • Live life together rather than separate. • Turn towards your partner, seeking connectedness and showing interest. • Seek to listen and understand/empathize with partner. • Seek forgiveness through the avenue of making repairs and compromise.
Questions for Reflection: • Do you love your spouse like you love God through praise, prayer, and asking for help? • Do you live life together not separate, showing interest in each other? • Do you turn towards your partner seeking connection? How hard are you trying to pursue them? • Do you seek to understand and empathize when your spouse is talking? • Do you seek forgiveness through repair attempts when conflicts arise?
Ever since the first family in Genesis 4, there has been brokenness in families. There are far more dysfunctional families in the Bible than those who get it right. We all are broken because we exist in a broken world. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t have a better than normal family. How do we get there? It starts with us.
Questions for Reflection: • Are you gathering for worship? Finding a family to gather together and worship is important. • Are you investing in the next generation helping them make God part of their life? • Are you connecting relationally? This is not a journey of isolation. • Are you serving the community? We live next door to lots of people who need to know they belong.
We are all working hard- searching for something. Often though while searching we settle for a story that is at best normal and sometimes less than normal. But God wants more for us even in our finances. When we handle our finances appropriately, it can lead us to a better than normal life!
Questions for Reflection: • How can I have a better than normal life with my finances? • Do you believe in Jesus? If not what will it take for you to take that step? If so are you giving? How can you trust God to start? • Are you living his teachings? Are you in a group of other believers to hold you accountable? Are you a slave to money? Can you aim for a tithe? • Are you becoming his people? How can you move from a tithe to generosity?
Jesus said, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better than they ever dreamed of” (John 10:10B Msg). Did you know we were made for more than just the average? Stepping into 2021, in spite of whatever comes, it can be better than normal.
Questions for Reflection: • How can you get closer to God? • Do you believe in Jesus? If not what will it take for you to take that step? • Are you living his teachings? Are you in a group of other believers? Do you read God’s word daily? If not, what do you need to do? • Are you becoming his people? How are you serving others?