The Bridge Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Bridge Church
Welcome to the weekly podcast of the Bridge Church taught by Pastor Josh Robinson and the other Bridge teaching pastors. We are a church that is passionate about leading people to find and follow Jesus Christ. Visit us online at thebridgevenice.com.
Stand firm in spiritual warfare by the strength of God and the armor of God. Ephesians 6:10-13, 2:1-5, Ezekiel 28:12-17, Isaiah 14:12-15, Col 2:14-15
A lasting legacy of faith is built when mature believers intentionally model and pass on their faith, and younger believers humbly receive it and carry it forward. Joshua 4:20-24, Hebrews 12:1-2
A wise marriage reflects God's covenant love through exclusive intimacy, grace, and forgiveness. Proverbs 18:22, 5:15-19, 31:10-11, Gen 2, 1 Cor 7:1-5, Heb 13:5
Wisdom calls us to honor God first with our wealth, choose contentment over materialism, and live generously. Proverbs 3:9-10, 11:24-25, 15:16, 19:17, 23:4-5, 30:8-9, Ps 24:1, Mal 3:8-10, Matt 6:21, 24, 6:26, 19:16-22, Eccl 5:10, 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 2 Cor. 8:7-9
Sexual immorality promises pleasure but leads to destruction. Wisdom calls us to pursue purity and honor God's design. Proverbs 7, 4:23, 1 Thess 4:3-4, 1 Cor 6:9-11, 18-20, 1 Kings 11:11
Self-control is the ability provided by the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in our lives. Proverbs 25:28, 16:32, 10:19, Titus 2:11-12, Galatians 5:22-23.
A wise home is built on heavenly wisdom, not earthly wisdom. Proverbs 24:3-4, 20:7, 14:26, 15:20, 20:20, James 3:13-18
Humility makes teachability possible. Maturity is the result of teachability. Lack of humility is the lid on maturity. Proverbs 12:1, 15-16.
The wise person works diligently and faithfully, knowing that their work ultimately honors God. Text - Genesis 2-3, Proverbs 24:30-34, 6:6-11, 13:4, 26:14-15, 21:25-26, 28:19, 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, 1 Timothy 5:8, Colossians 3:24-25, Matthew 25
Friends determine the quality and direction of your life. Proverbs 13:20, 17:17, 27:17, 27:6, 18:1, 18:24, 1 Cor. 15:33, John 15:12-15.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and the foundation for every wise decision. Proverbs 1:1-7, 9:10, 1 Corinthians 1:20-24
Jesus is the true vine and desires his disciples to bear much fruit by abiding in Him. Luke 15:1-17, Galatians 5:22-23
Jesus is the only way to heaven, the only truth that sets us free, and the only life that saves us. John 14:1-7
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who sacrifices, saves, and secures His sheep forever. John 10:11-30
Jesus alone provides access to eternal life to those who enter through him. Jesus is the door to salvation, security, and an abundant life. John 10:1-10
Because Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, He conquered death and gives eternal life to everyone who believes. John 11:1-6, 19-27, 32-44
In this sermon, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb continues preaching through Genesis. Here, he considers Gen 47:1-31. What is going on with Jacob and his seemingly despairing disposition? Why is Joseph suddenly enslaving people? What are the consequences of looking out only for ourselves or our own? And what is all this talk about congruence? Listen in to find out answers to these questions and more.
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In this sermon, Pastor T. Michael W. Halcomb continues his series on Genesis. Picking up at Gen 41:1, he explores a variety of items: Does God still speak through dreams? Does he still give dream interpretation abilities? How exactly did God communicate with Joseph? Did he speak to him or was it something else? Further, he takes a close look at Joseph's life to explore its chiastic structure and how Joseph continues suppressing Eden's echoes. Moreover, what does all this have to do with "forfeit"? Listen in to learn about these things and more.
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In this sermon, the last in the Advent series titled "Playlist," Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb takes a brief look at Lk 2:1-14, with special emphasis on the angels' song in 2:14. He wonders how this ancient "Protest Song" might encourage and influence us today. This isn't your typical Christmas Carol; thus, this isn't your typical Christmas sermon. Listen in. Merry Christmas!
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In this sermon, Pastor T. Michael W. Halcomb continues his journey into the depths of Genesis. Picking up at Gen 32:2-33:17, here he considers the enigmatic scene where Jacob wrestles someone through the night. Who was it? Why were they wrestling? Where did the figure come from? And why is Jacob still seeking a blessing? He also dives into the intense meeting between Jacob and his long-lost brother, Esau. Is Jacob being manipulative again, trying to buy his brother off? Or is there heartfelt repentance and change taking place? Do we finally get a happy ending in the Genesis story? Join Dr. Halcomb as he explores these and other questions in this sermon.
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In this sermon, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb leads listeners on a journey through Gen 28:1-29:1. He draws attention to how, when it comes to Jacob, his family, and his circumstances, something's off. Something just doesn't seem right. What are we to make of his flight? The stone pillow? The so-called "Jacob's Ladder"? And what do we do with Jacob's half-hearted and conditional-driven response to God's slew of promises? For insights on these and other issues, listen in.
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In this sermon, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb continues exploring Genesis. Here, he explores the seemingly unusual cave scene in Gen 24 which, in the wake of Sarah's death, Abraham barters for. What's the point of this story? Why is so much attention given to it? Does it, in any way, intersect with our own lives? Listen in to find out.
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In this sermon, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb continues his exploration of Genesis. In particular, he takes a close look at the "Binding of Isaac" (Akedah, Akeidah, Aqedah) and ponders the question of how God was testing Abraham. Did God really want Abraham to bind and kill Isaac? Is that really what God's like? Might Abraham have misunderstood God? Is this all about Jesus? How is this linked to the preceding and following chapters? How does this fit within the larger story of Genesis thus far? These and other questions are up for consideration in this story, which may be the most discussed in all the Old Testament. Listen in.
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Sermon Series - Revelation: The Seven Churches, Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church, Revelation 3:14-22
Sermon Series - Revelation: The Seven Churches, Philadelphia: The Enduring Church, Revelation 3:7-13
Series: Revelation – The Seven Churches, Smyrna: The Suffering Church, Revelation 2:8-11
How are John Lennon, Jesus Christ, and Good Friday all connected? What would it look like to live in a world of "God without us"? Oh, and why was Jesus really killed...like really killed? Listen in on this Good/Sorrowful Friday message and find out.
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In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Gen 11:10-32 and encourages listeners not to be "half-asset Christians." But what is the significance of the genealogy here? What is the point of its climactic build? And why is this sermon titled "No Pale God"? What does that have to do with this text?
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Forward Initiative Series - More Than We Can Imagine, Ephesians 3:20-21, Jeremiah 32:17, 1 Timothy 2:3-4
In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Gen 9. He suggests that, in all likelihood, we've gotten the "rainbow" all wrong. He also points out how faulty interpretations of the latter verses in Gen 9 have been used to support racism. Listen in to this powerful message. (Note: There are a few audio issues throughout. But it's still worth the listen.)
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In this Christmas Eve sermon, Pastor Michael Halcomb explores the significance of Mary in Jesus' lineage. How does her story affect Jesus'? Likewise, how does Joseph, and the scandal surrounding Mary's pregnancy, factor into everything? Listen to the final sermon on the women in Matthew's genealogy to find out.
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In this sermon, Pastor Michael Halcomb zeroes-in on Bathsheba, described in Matthew's genealogy as "the wife of Uriah." Who is she? What's her story? And what's it got to do with Jesus...and us? Even more, what's it got to do with Christmas? Listen in to find out.
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In this sermon, Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Mt 1:1-6a, with a special emphasis on Ruth and her relatives. How does Ruth's story shed light on Jesus' lives and ours? Listen in to find out.
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In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb considers how Rahab helps us understand the Christmas story. This is the second message in a series on how the women in Jesus' family tree shed light on Jesus' identity.
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Forgiveness is giving to others what God has already given me. Matthew 18:21-35, Ephesians 4:31–32
In this sermon, Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses the end of Revelation.
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In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 22:1-11 and considers what it means to be hidden in the cross.
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In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 21:1-8 and considers how a holy "No!" can often mean "Yes!"
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Welcome Home Series - Jesus is the answer to the world; we are the people to show and tell others. Matthew 5:13-16, John 8:12, John 1:4-5, Acts 1:8
In this episode Pastor Michael explores Rev 20:1-15 from the perspective of Jesus as Christus Victor.
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Welcome Home Series - We can’t help but sing about what God has done for us. Philippians 4:4-8, Hebrews 10:23-25, Romans 12:1
Welcome Home Series - We are a family, and like a family, we all pitch in. What you have is less important than what you do with what you have. Matthew 25:14-30
In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Rev 19.1-13 and considers 4 key traits of the church.
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Welcome Home, You Belong Here Series - The church is a spiritual family that is gathered around a mission. Following Christ wasn’t meant to be on our own but in a community of friends. Acts 2:41-47
In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 18:11-24 and the significance of Rome's funeral.
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Welcome Home, You belong here series: The Church is a loving family that welcomes people home. The front door is where we actively proclaim Christ and invite people into the family. Luke 14:12-24
Welcome Home Series - Jesus is the cornerstone and the foundation of the church. This week, we look at the importance of Christ and hop He is the foundation upon which our faith family is built. Matthew 16:13-18, 28:18-20, Ephesians 2:19-22
In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb talks about Rev 17:9-18, lobster fights, and anosognosia.
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Loving Like Jesus in a Hurting World Series - A Follower of Christ Loves People with God’s Unconditional Love. Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)
In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 17:1-8 and encourages listeners to "not" follow their hearts.
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Loving Like Jesus in a Hurting World Series - Lead your friends to Jesus because Jesus changes lives. Luke 5:17-26 (Paralyzed Friend)
In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb discusses the humorous edge of Rev 16:13-21.
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Loving Like Jesus in a Hurting World series - Jesus’ greatest healing is more than skin deep. The greatest demonstration of the life-changing power of Jesus Christ is reserved for the one who goes out of his way to give him thanks. Luke 17:11-19 (Healing of the 10 Lepers)
Loving Like Jesus in a Hurting World Series - The size of our love is determined by how deeply we understand the size of our forgiven debt. Luke 7:36-50
In this sermon, Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Rev 15:1-8 and its ancient song.
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Loving Like Jesus in a Hurting World - We are called to join Jesus’ mission of loving people enough to reach them with the gospel. The church is a fishing boat, not a cruise ship. Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:19-20
Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Rev 14:13-20 asking "Is God gone?"
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Philippians Series - As Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the church’s support, he highlights the power of gratitude and contentment. Philippians 4:10-23
Philippians Series - Replace anxiety with prayer and think about praiseworthy things. Paul writes Philippians to challenge and encourage a first-century church struggling with internal and external pressure. This week’s conversation revolves around Paul’s encouragement to rejoice always and not to worry. Philippians 4:1-9
Pastor Michael explores Rev 13:11-18 and considers the number 666
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Philippians Series - Paul urges the church to pursue Christian maturity with humility, passion, and gospel-centeredness. Paul describes what it means to “know Christ” and grow in his grace. Using the imagery of running a race, he urges the Philippian believers to move forward in their faith. Philippians 3:12-21
In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 13:1-10 and the concept of spiritual warfare
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Philippians Series - Paul warns the church about false gospels and reminds them of the means and glory of knowing Christ. The Philippian church is under pressure from the Roman culture, but also from a group trying to convince them they need to add religious rituals because Jesus isn’t enough. Through his own story, he helps them see that a religious resume is worthless—the only thing of value is Jesus. Philippians 3:1-11
In this episode Pastor Michael explores Rev 12:11-18 and its relation to Genesis, the angel Michael, and divine filiation.
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Philippians Series - Our reputation can help advance or stifle the spread of the gospel. Paul encourages the Philippians to work out their salvation by the power of God’s grace and to shine like stars in a dark world. Writing from a Roman prison, Paul highlights the reputation of Timothy and Epaphroditus. Looking at their lives, plus this life of Paul, we learn important character traits as we desire to see the gospel impact those around us. Philippians 2:12-30
In this sermon, Dr. Michael Halcomb discusses Rev 12:1-6 and the woman clothed with the sun.
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Dr. Michael Halcomb answers about 2 dozen questions concerning Revelation 1-11
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Philippians Series - We live worthy of the gospel by standing together against opposition and by serving one another in humble compassion. Philippians 1:27 - 2:4
Philippians Series - We maintain joy in life by staying focused on the gospel and living for eternity. When things around us are darkest, our light for Christ can shine brightest. To live is Christ, and to die is gain. Is what you are living for worth dying for? Choose every day to have an attitude of JOY and let that lifestyle change you and your world. Philippians 1:12-26
In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 11:1-10
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Philippians Series - We find joy by knowing that nothing can stop him from finishing what he has already started in our lives. Philippians 1:1-11
In this episode, Pastor Michael explores Rev 10:1-11
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In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 9:1-12 and the idea of thin places and times
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Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Rev 8:6-13
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Pastor Michael explores Rev 8:1-5 and its connection with repentance and Yom Kippur.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael explores Rev 7:9-17 and its Jewish festival imagery.
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In this message pastor Michael discusses how the cross tests everything.
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In this message Pastor michael explores the image of "The 4 Horsemen" in Rev 6:1-8.
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In this message, Pastor Michael Halcomb explores Rev 3:14-22, which is the address to lukewarm Laodicea.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses Rev 3:7-13 giving special attention to a door and the name.
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Pastor Michael Halcomb preaches on Rev 3:1-6 and touches on evangelism, discipleship, and Jesus as a thief.
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In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb explores Rev 2:18-29 and the identity of Jezebel of Thyatira over against Jesus the Haruspex par excellence.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael discusses Rev 2:12-17, which speaks of Satan, manna, a white stone, and double-edged sword.
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In this message Pastor Michael discusses Rev 2:8-11
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In this message pastor Michael discusses Rev 2:1-7
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In this message Pastor Michael explores what Rev 1:9-20 is all about
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In this message Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses Rev 1:1-8
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb suggests 20 things not to say in 2020
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In this message Pastor Michael explores what prophecy is, how it works, and its relationship to Christmas
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In this sermon Pastor Michael discusses the magi, Santa, and Xmas and what they have to do with the Christmas story.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses the location of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem.
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Was Jesus really born on Dec 25th? In this sermon Dr. Michael Halcomb takes on this question and his answer may surprise you.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb looks at Psalm 8 and explores its connection to life, story, and life-story.
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In this sermon pastor Michael Halcomb discusses 12 questions related to the so-called "end times."
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses Christ's Second Coming and debunks rapture theories
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Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses divine healing
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In this sermon, Pastor Michael discusses The Lord's Supper and encourages listeners to think more carefully and deeply about it.
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discsses Church, denominations, and The Church of the Nazarene
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb continues discussing the Ordo Salutis, especially Sanctification
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Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses the order of salvation and how it works
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses baptism and its significance for Christians
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses the 2nd biggest lie Christians believe
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In this sermon Pastor Michael Halcomb discusses one of the 2 biggest lies that Christians believe
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In this message Pastor Michael explores what Scripture is and what it's all about.
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In this episode Pastor Michael explores the significance of the Spirit as the self-effacing member of the Trinity
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In this episode Pastor Michael explores the significance of Jesus as God the Self-emptying Son
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In this sermon, Pastor Michael discusses God the Father. More specifically, he discusses how God the pathos-filled Father deeply loves humanity and is moved by it...he is "The Most Moved Mover."
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Pastor Michael introduces himself, his beliefs, and hopes
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God's love is not of this world. In many ways it's strange, however, it is only God's love that is able to truly transform our lives.
Our lives were never meant to be lived for ourselves. Instead, God gave us a purpose so that other people can experience His love through our lives. He intends for us to be a bridge for others to know Him.
Anything that we do for God is meant to be a privilege and a joy. When we align ourselves with God's purposes for our lives, what we end up doing for Him becomes one of life's greatest experiences.
When it comes to doing things God's way as it pertains to love, sex and relationships, there can be many questions that arise. In this message, Pastor Edwin and Arial take time out to answer a few questions that were submitted by our church family.
Every relationship will experience conflict and marriage is no different. How conflict is handled will determine much of the health and longevity of the relationship. God has given us wisdom and practical ways to apply to our lives when dealing with conflict when it comes.
Whether we're married or single, there are things we want to pursue in our relationship. The most important aspect of this is whether or not we will pursue the right things. In this message, we hear about what we should pursue no matter our relationships status.
Culture defines relationships and in particular attraction, in a way that doesn't lead to the most positive of results. However, when we go about relationships God's way, we will find ourselves experiencing the joy He intends.
In life the tendency is for us to have the wrong things as the focal point in our lives. However, if we want a life of joy and satisfaction or want a fresh start, it will come as we put Jesus at the center of our lives.
There are times when we drift away from the safety and security of our relationship with God. However, because of God's love for us, no matter how far we've drifted, we can always come back to Him.
While there is much of an emphasis on our lives changing because of what we let go of, true change happens as a result of us letting the right things in. When we let Jesus into every aspect of our lives, that is when our lives change for the better.
With the start of a new year is an opportunity to start fresh and to have a renewed focus on what matters most. Because of God's love towards us, we can begin again.
With the start of a new year, there'll be many things we'll want to focus on. However, there is one focus that should be of the greatest priority that will impact our lives in the best sense for all time.
During the Christmas season we can find ourselves experiencing much joy but also walk through times of darkness. However, God reminds us that even in our darkness He is with you.
We all experience times when the odds are stacked against us and there are limitations all around us. However, in those moments, God is with us and if He is with us, we can have hope that things can change for the better.
The Christmas season is a time of joy but it can also be a time filled with pain. However, even in our darkest moments, God has promised to be with us.
When our giving is mediocre, our results from it will be mediocre. Our generosity shouldn't be something that we begin well but finish well.
Our lives are meant to count for something and God's purpose is for us to make a difference in the lives of others through our generosity. In this message we learn how to make our lives count.
Our giving shouldn't be done grudgingly, but in a joyful manner. It is this type of generosity that God honors.
When it comes to leaving a legacy, giving the best of what we have is what matters the most.
Jesus gave His all to change us. We should give all that we have, no matter what it is, to see others changed.
Everything that we have at our disposal is a tool that can be used by God to make a difference in the lives of people. What God has given us we are to use to change lives.
Diversity is good, but it isn't the stopping point. Having a diverse family dwelling together in unity is God's ultimate goal.
God always intended for His family, His church to be diverse. In this message, we hear how from the early days of the Church, God was creating a beautiful mosaic for the world to see.
In a world where there is so much that divides, only God can take us beyond the division and bring about true change.
There is so much division in the world today and one of the best ways to confront it is by connecting with people who are different than us.
There is so much division and segregation in the world today. In order for change to occur the church needs to be more intentional on being diverse.
We can't be sensitive towards people until we tear down the walls of stereotyping and racism. By doing this we can bring forth the true love of Christ.
Taking a step of faith isn't always the easiest thing to do, especially when the details aren't mapped out. However, it's an essential part of trusting in God and experiencing His best.
As we draw close to Jesus, we begin to have a desire for what He desires and what He desires most is that people be close to Him. Our main call as believers is to help others get close to Jesus.
Painful experiences appear in our lives all the time. With worship, God uses these experiences to not only get us through it, but also build us up.
Worshiping God is easy to do when everything is going right. How do we worship Him when the opposite happens?
True worship of God is total devotion to God and as a result of this, we should be expressive in our worship of God.
We can plan every detail of our life out, but God is ultimately in control of everything.
There is so much that we desire and want to accomplish in this life. It all means nothing if we do not have the love of Christ living inside us.
Jesus came to the world to serve and make a difference. We should strive to do the same in our community.
Raising kids can be one of the most challenging responsibilities. However, when done the right way, God can use those experiences to guide them throughout their lifetime.
There's not too many things that are more polarizing than the topic of sex. In the midst of what culture says about it, what God has to say about it is of much greater value that will in turn impact our lives for the better.
Being single can be difficult in today's time and poses many challenges. However, being single can be a great blessing when approached with a Godly perspective.
Marital relationships can be one of the most complicated relationships of all. However, in the midst of its challenges, God has a beautiful plan for marriage and how it should look.
Relationships are a gift from God and every person needs them. At the same time, relationships can also have their challenges. In this message, we hear how relationships, though challenging, can still be everything God wants them to be.
God never intended for us to remain where we are but to constantly be growing. How does that happen? What hinders our growth? In this message we get the answers we need relating to our growth.
We all get tired and exhausted from the daily rigors of life. The question is where can we turn to truly receive the rest that we need that will satisfy our souls and what does that look like?
There will be many times where we will have slip ups while on the journey of life and if we're not careful, we can allow these moments of failure to define who we are, preventing us from becoming who God wants us to be. However, because of the resurrection of Jesus, we can still become the person we've been destined to become in spite of our failures.
The resurrection of Jesus doesn't just secure our relationship with God but it also shows that no matter what we've experienced, through the power of Christ we can bounce back.
The resurrection of Jesus didn't just give us a new life but also a new family. In this message, we learn that having the resurrection life of Jesus also means being apart of His family.
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything and more specifically, it should change our lives. In this message, we learn what the resurrection of Jesus represents and how we can experience it for ourselves.
As followers of Christ, one of our main responsibilities is leading others to Jesus and that happens by making room for them in our hearts. In this message, we learn what that looks like and what they may require.
When we experience times in our lives where nothing is working, we long for a change. God desires to bring about that change but at the same time there are some things that He wants us to do in order for the change to come.
We all know that we will experience difficult times in life, but what about those times when things go from bad to worse? How do we respond? Can we trust God in those times? In this message we hear about the good that can happen during the worst of times.
There will be times in our lives where nothing seems to be working and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong. In many ways it can feel like a drought. However, in the midst of these times there is a hope that God gives that helps us to get through the tough seasons.
In life we'll face challenges of all types but especially as followers of Jesus. As a Christ-follower, there will be times where you will experience attacks from the enemy because of your faith, but in spite of those times there is still a blessing that God has for you.
Being happy according to Jesus has a lot to do with being peaceful rather than being divisive. In this message, we learn what it means to be someone who is known as a "peacemaker".
When it comes to happiness, the condition of our heart has much to do with us being happy. In this message, we learn that when our hearts are pure according to God's plan, we can experience true happiness.
If you want to be happy, be merciful. But what does being merciful mean? In this message we not only learn about mercy but how it's connected to our happiness.
We all have a hunger and thirst for something but the question is whether or not it's for the right thing. In this message we learn about what it means to have a hunger and thirst for what truly leads to happiness.
Our happiness is found not in being strong or weak, but by being meek like Jesus. In this message, we learn what it means to be meek.
Mourning and lamenting are things that no person wants to have to deal with. What if, however, part of being happy is tied to being able to mourn?
In a time where people are divided, God's Church is meant to be a catalyst that connects people to one another through Christ. The Church is a picture of God's heart for all humanity.
Christmas means a lot of things to different people, but one of the most important truths that it represents is hope. The hope that God has given us in the form of His Son Jesus. The gift that God has given wasn't just meant for us personally but for all people. It was meant to be shared.
The Christmas season can be a time of a joy, but also pain because of wounds from the past that have impacted our relationships in the present. This Christmas, however, God has given us the gift of His Son Jesus to show us how we can move from a place of hurt to a place of healing.
The Christmas season is a beautiful season that represents hope, life and joy. In spite of this, many people carry a negative perspective during this time for various reasons. The Good News of this season, however, can help us not to have a negative spirit during the holidays but a joyous one.
We all will face stormy moments in life where things are more difficult than they've ever seemed. However, there is a way to remain calm and not lose hope when we go through the storms of life.
We all will experience moments when it feels as if the worst that could happen has happened. However, in these moments of crisis God tends to do His greatest work. In this message, we hear what God does when the bottom falls out.
In the midst of so many things that are changing in our lives, country and world, our lives are best served when our confidence is not in things that change but in the One who does not change.
There's a difference between doing generous things and being a generous person. People who have made a decision to follow Jesus should be known as someone who is a generous person because they have received a generous gift from God through Jesus.
As Christ-followers, we should be known as people who are generous. However, we shouldn't be content with doing the minimum but the maximum. In this message, we learn what being irrationally generous is all about.
One of the greatest attributes that we can possess is being generous. In this message, we learn that generosity doesn't start with what's in my hand but in my heart.
There have been many misconceptions about the Bible throughout history. In this message, we learn some essential truths about the Bible and what God desires we receive from His Word.
Time is a valuable resource and what we do with it shapes our life for better or for worse. How do we maximize the time that God has given us in order for our lives to look the way He wants them?
Many people live life unaware of the abilities that have been given to them by God. Others, however, may know but aren't using them to their greatest potential. In this message, we learn about how God has given us abilities and what He desires for them to accomplish.
Stressful moments are bound to happen in our lives. The question is how to deal with them when they come. In this message, we learn key truths about how to handle the stressful times in our lives.
Whenever people had a true experience with Jesus, it always led to them wanting to share it with others so their lives could be changed. In this message, we learn the importance of sharing our experience with Jesus while also learning how to so.
In this message from Pastor Chris Johnson of Divine Unity Community Church, we learn the value of pressing into the presence of God through prayer.
In the final message of the Galatian series, the Apostle Paul gives us a picture of how we should live out our faith in light of receiving the Gospel message.
God never intended for us to live life trying to figure out what to do, but rather He desires to guide us through His Holy Spirit. In this message, we learn about a life led by the Spirit.
While many believe that being in a relationship with God brings restrictions, in all actuality it brings freedom. In this message, we learn what it means to live a life of freedom through a relationship with God.
When it comes to a relationship with God, many people have difficulty looking at Him as someone they can have a relationship with. However, in this message we learn that God has made us to be in a relationship with Him and the benefits that come with it.
In the midst of dark times, God calls His church to model and demonstrate hope to a broken society. When things are at their worst, the Church should be at its best and that happens when each person is a neighbor to those hurting and broken around them.
Acceptance is something that every person desires. God has designed us to be in relationship with others, but most importantly in a life-giving relationship with Him.
We are always going to find ourselves in the position of either believing the lies of the enemy or the truth of God. The reality is that we are in a fight over what's true versus what's not and which one we are giving into.
We are always going to find ourselves in the position of either believing the lies of the enemy or the truth of God. The reality is that we are in a fight over what's true versus what's not and which one we are giving into.
What does it mean to live a transformed life? How can we be transformed in the different areas of our lives that need to be changed? This message provides us with a clear understanding of how we can experience transformation and the implications that it has on everything else.
In a time where it is difficult to differentiate what's real from what's not, God's Word gives us the blueprint to distinguish from what's true and what's false.
In a day and time in which the way of society is to do for yourself, thinking of others is not popular. However, God is love and His love always reaches out to impact the lives of people. In this message, we learn that when we serve others, their lives will be forever changed.
Purpose. It's something that many people are trying to discover. Many people try different methods to find their purpose, but life's true purpose is only found through Jesus. In this message, we learn about purpose and how to realize God's purpose for our lives.
The people that we are closest to will have the greatest impact in our lives. The question, however, is whether or not we're connected to the right people. In this message, we learn about the type of people that we need to be connected to.
Our life is headed in a certain direction whether we realize it or not. The question is whether or not it's headed in the direction that leads to a fulfilled life. In this message, we learn that whoever and whatever we follow determines the outcome of our life.
The only way for us to reach the place that God has called us to is by moving forward step by step. In this message, we learn what it means to move forward and how we can do so by God's grace.
We all face times of discouragement in life and there will be moments where we may think that nothing is working. However, Jesus gives us assurance that in the midst of those moments we can find hope in Him.
In a time dominated by selfies, self-indulgence and self-absorption, Christians can stand out more than ever when they live differently. The life with Jesus at the center is a life full of purpose, joy, fulfillment and satisfaction.
God did great things in the past as we see in Scripture, but that doesn't mean He's done doing great things. God has done amazing things in our lives so that we may believe in Him and trust Him to do more.
There are some things in life that seem too good be true or unbelievable and sometimes we can even view what God does as unbelievable in the negative sense. However, God does what He does in our lives so that He can take us from a place of disbelief to belief.
The miracle of the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle that this world has ever seen and is life-altering for those who believe in it. In this message we learn what the resurrection of Jesus shows us and how it can change us
Many times we're looking for God to do something one way when He actually is doing something completely different. Trusting God to do the miraculous may mean that He won't do it the way we expect.
Begging often has a negative stigma to it, but when it comes to God's grace and love, we should beg for it nonstop in our lives. In this message, we see how asking God to give His grace for every situation we're in is a grand and good request.
All of us will face impossible situations or times where it will look like there is no hope. In this message, Pastor Edwin helps us understand that even in the darkest of moments, God is still at work.
In relationships, it is very easy to be critical towards people. As a Christ-followers, we should be spend more time examining ourselves than we do others.
How do we respond to broken moments in a relationship? In this message from our guest pastor, Dwight Shawrod Riddick II, we learn that there's hope on the other side of brokenness.
There will be times in our lives where we get off track. In these moments, it is easy to ask if God still loves us and cares about us. In this message, we learn how God responds to our lowest moments in life.
We live in a world that is divided across many lines. Is there hope for unity? Could people who are opposed to one another learn how to love one another?
How do we live clean in a toxic world? How do we say "no" to the habits and ways that don't help us but harm us? In this message, we learn what it means to live clean and how we can do it.
How we think has a great impact on how we see everything in life. In order to experience God's cleansing in our lives, it begins with allowing Him to renew our minds.
What we do externally is a result of who we are internally. In life, our hearts are the driving force behind what we do. From the decisions we make to how we spend our money, it all is a reflection of what is most important to us.
With the start of a new year comes hope, aspirations and goals. This year, we believe God wants to do more in and through our lives than we can imagine but in order for new things to flow into our lives there are other things that need to be cleared out of our lives.
As we end one year and go into another, nothing is more important than making sure our lives have a good foundation. Just as the strength of building is determined by its foundation, so are our lives.
Wouldn't it be great if we could experience the feeling of Christmas all year long? What if the love that we often see during the Christmas season could be something that was seen everyday?
There will be times in our life when we will experience discomfort. During these times can there be relief? Can there be something greater than the tough moments we face?
Forgiveness can be a very tough area to deal with. Whether we've been hurt by someone or have hurt someone ourselves, forgiveness paves the way for reconciliation to occur. What do we do if someone has hurt us? What do we do if we've hurt someone?
Handling finances the right way can be a challenge at times. However, when we allow God to shape how we handle them we will begin to see a radical difference in this area.
What are spiritual gifts? What's their purpose? How do I get them? These are all questions that many people have and seek to find answers to.
When it comes to marriage and even dating, there is a way that society says they should be. As a consequence, we have witnessed countless people experience hurt when it comes doing things according to popular culture. However, God has a better plan and if we follow it we can experience the joy that He intended.
Stress. We've all experienced it and all have different ways of trying to handle it. What if there was an approach that we could take that wouldn't necessarily help us to avoid stress but how to push through it?
Followers of Jesus share. There's no doubt about it. As a result of Jesus sharing with us, we are called to do the same and a key way to do this is through serving in the church and the community for the glory of God.
One of the marks of a follower of Christ is that they're generous especially when it comes to their resources. God calls believers to honor Him through giving financially and in other tangible ways and in doing so the ministry of the church is able to meet the needs of people.
Studies have shown that most Christians have never invited someone to a weekend service nor shared their faith. The main instructions that Jesus commissioned His followers to do was to make more followers but this can only happen when believers begin to share their faith with those who are far from God.
In a time where it is very easy to live for ourselves, one of the greatest ways we can make an impact in this world is through living generous lives. In part 1 of this series, we learn the value of being generous with our lives and how it can change the world.
The church today is known for many things. The question that arises is whether or not churches of today are seeking to be the church that God intended it to be.
There's a beauty in having relationships God's way and it's something that can't be found according to the way of society. In this message, we hear the value of these relationships and the foundation that they're truly built on.
The word "love" is one that is thrown around all the time to mean so many different things. The love of the world/society is often times focused on itself but the love of God focuses on others. What people need most is not the normal love of this world but the weird love of God.
It's so easy to go with the flow in today's time and live what society calls a "normal life", but what happens when normal is no longer working? How do we go about living a fulfilled life?
The heartbeat of our church is simple and clear: To see people reconciled to God and to one another. In this, message Pastor Edwin shared the vision of our church and what God has called us to do.
Is my life producing anything? Am I making a difference? Are people able to see Jesus through my life? These are often times questions that we have in life. How can we be sure that our lives are producing what God wants?
There's nothing more important for a person to experience than the presence of God. This was the message from our guest speaker, Pastor Freddy Villareal from Freedom Life Church in Hampton, Va.
When we face difficult times, it is easy to look at them and allow them to defeat us. Jesus, however, gives us hope and through Him we can see things that seemed impossible now become possible.
We all find ourselves in different seasons and surroundings in life. Whether high or low, comfortable or uncomfortable, the good news is that we can always reach out to God because He has already reached out to us.
Prayer is one of the most important aspects in the life of a follower of Jesus but it can also be the most neglected. What would happen if we made prayer a first response rather than a last resort?
Our faith should cause us to do many things, but above all it should cause us first to pray and seek God for His will to be done in our lives.
James gives a warning to those who are rich who and how their handling of resources often does not honor God. The resources that God gives aren't meant for self satisfaction but for the benefit of others so that God is glorified.
In the midst of a time where people are focused on themselves, it seems as if God's will is not the main focus. When it comes to living out our lives, we have a choice to make: will we live by our plans or by God's will.
In a world that is hostile towards itself, God offers a better way. We can choose today to live a humble life in response to what God has done or live a life that is full of hostility.
We can be wise according to society's standard or wise according to God's standard. Only one is true while the other is false. One leads to life and the other leads to disaster. Which one will you live by?
What we say carries just as much weight as what we do. Our words are powerful and can be used to build up or tear down. More importantly, what we say points to a larger issue that is often overlooked.
Faith is no good if it has nothing to show for it. Believers who have an authentic faith are equipped by God to show their faith in real and practical ways to resemble the life of Jesus.
Our world is not shy when it comes to having favorites. If we're not careful, we can begin to show favoritism to some rather than being loving towards all people. As a grace filled community, the local church should be known for showing the love of Jesus to all people.
Hearing wise counsel and applying it are two different things. It's good to receive wise advice but if we don't implement it into our lives we miss out on experiencing God's best.
We can't avoid tough times, but what if there could be hope while going through them? In part 1 of this new series, we learn that tough times don't have to make us weak but can make us strong.
Worry. It's something that we all deal with in some way. In a time where there is much to worry about, we can have confidence in knowing that God has a master plan that brings peace in a time of anxiety.
There's nothing like hearing good news in the midst of a time where everything seems to bad. People who have given their lives to Christ have a testimony of God's love and grace that they've experienced in their life. In this message, we learn about the power of our testimony and the importance of sharing it with others.
There are many misconceptions about what Jesus is all about. Many believe that following Jesus means life ends. However, the truth is that following Jesus means life is just beginning. He offers to all of us a life-giving invitation that will radically changes our lives for the better forever.
The relationship between parents and children should be one of the greatest and most beautiful relationships that exist. In this message, we learn how parents and children not only can get along but love each other the way God intended.
Marriage is a beautiful thing and when it is functioning properly God is glorified and we are blessed because of it. In this message, we learn what it means to love our spouse and how to do it in a way that contributes to the well being of the both people.
Many people have different opinions about marriage. Some are good while others are not. However, God created marriage and called it "good". In this message, we learn God's plan for marriage and how to enjoy it.
Relationship status. It's something that our culture is obsessed with. When it comes to being single, society says to not be content with being single but to hurry and find someone to be with. In this message, we learn that being single is not a bad thing but it in fact is good and can be enjoyed when it is used for God's glory.
Love and relationships have been redefined by culture's new norms, which are completely different from God's Word. The world's new norms have been allowed to creep into the church. This series is about learning to stand firm in God's truth, even when culture tell us differently.
In our last installment of our message series, we learn what it really means to be a new people in Christ. Jesus desires His church to be made up of people from all walks of life no matter their age, color, or economic group. As the church, we are called to go to all people for one purpose: so that people may be reconciled to God and become followers of Christ.
Our thoughts have the power to shape how we live out our lives. Because this is true we have a spiritual enemy (Satan) who looks to fill our minds with his lies. However, we have a Savior, Jesus, who wants to fill our minds with His truth. In this message from Philippians 4:6-8, we learn how we can have a new perspective that is not shaped by things that are false but instead by God's truth.
In life we desire many things. From having a nice career to possessing plenty of money, there are many desires and passions that are near to us. However, if we're not careful, we can find ourselves focusing more on things that have little value compared to those that matter most. In this message, we learn that having our heart in the right place will put us in position to pursue what matters most.
What's most important? What should I do with my time? What should I do with my resources? These are the questions that we want answered so that our lives will have meaning. In this message from Mark 12:28-34, we learn that there's only a few things that matter most and those are what should receive the highest priority in life.
There's nothing like making an impact in the lives of other people. Even more, there's nothing greater than leading someone into a relationship with God. In this message, we learn that God has not made us for ourselves, but instead He created us to make His name famous so that people would put their hope in Him.
We have been uniquely designed by God to flourish not by ourselves but by being connected to other people. In this message, we learn that we are not to go through life alone to accomplish God's purpose, but instead when we are in harmony with others, God's dream for our lives will take shape.