BridgeChurch Messages: Recent Episodes
BridgeChurch Fresno
Each week on the Messages podcast, you’ll hear teaching from Lead Pastor Andrew Smith or a BridgeChurch Pastor. Get practical, relevant, biblical perspectives on topics that matter to you. Visit us at BridgeChurchFresno.com or download the Bridge Church Fresno app.
What does it really mean to trust God?
Most Christians would say they trust Jesus with their lives, relationships, and future—but what about their finances? In this message from Philippians 4 and 2 Corinthians 8, we explore how generosity is more than a financial decision; it's a spiritual act of trust.
Discover why God cares about our giving, how generosity reveals where our trust truly lies, and what happens when we move from simply declaring our faith to demonstrating it through obedience.
📖 Scripture:
• Philippians 4:17–19
• 2 Corinthians 8:1–5
If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
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BridgeChurchFresno #TrustGod #Generosity #ChristianLiving #Philippians4
Why do faithful people still suffer? Why does God allow hardship, pain, and trials in our lives?
In this message, we explore what Scripture teaches about suffering, testing, and spiritual growth through 1 Peter 4. Discover why hardship is not a sign that God has abandoned you—but often evidence that He is refining and strengthening your faith.
If you're walking through a difficult season, this message will encourage you to trust God, prepare for life's inevitable tests, and find hope in Christ's example.
📖 Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-14
🙏 Bridge Church Fresno
Faith #ChristianLiving #Suffering #TrustGod #BridgeChurch #Jesus #ChristianMessage
Have you ever known the right thing to do, but still found yourself doing the opposite?
In Romans 7, the Apostle Paul describes the same struggle many of us face: the tension between what we know is right and what we actually do. Too often our failures lead us from guilt to shame, and from shame to condemnation.
But Romans 8 reveals a life-changing truth:
"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
In this message, Pastor Andrew explores the difference between guilt, shame, and condemnation, and how understanding your identity in Christ can lead to true freedom. Discover how God sees you, why you don't have to earn His acceptance, and how the finished work of Jesus changes everything.
📖 Scripture: Romans 7:15–25, Romans 8:1–4
If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear about the freedom available in Christ.
What are you still carrying that God wants you to release?
In this message from our What's Next? series, Pastor Andrew explores one of the most difficult yet life-changing topics in the Christian life: forgiveness. Through the story of Jason Bourne's search for identity and the teachings of Scripture, we discover that unforgiveness doesn't just affect our past—it shapes our present and future.
Whether you've been wounded by a family member, friend, spouse, or circumstance, this message will help you understand why forgiveness is essential to freedom and how God's power makes it possible.
Key Scripture:
Ephesians 4:31-32
Colossians 3:12-13
If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.
BridgeChurchFresno #Forgiveness #ChristianSermon #Faith #WhatsNext #FreedomInChrist
What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
In this message from Matthew 28, we unpack Jesus’ final words to His disciples and the mission He’s given every believer: to go, make disciples, and live as representatives of His Kingdom. This message challenges us to move beyond information and into transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
You were created for more than comfort.
You were sent with purpose.
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BridgeChurchFresno #GreatCommission #Matthew28 #ChristianMotivation #FaithInAction #Jesus #Sermon
What if Jesus wasn’t really talking about bread?
In this message from our Kingdom Come series, we explore Matthew 16 and uncover the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ warning about the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Through the stories of the Exodus, the feeding of the 5,000, and the faith of a Gentile woman, we discover a powerful truth: the Kingdom of God is experienced in atmospheres of faith.
Even in dry seasons.
Even in uncertainty.
Even when conditions don’t look promising.
This message is an encouragement to stop fixing your eyes on fear, quick fixes, and circumstances — and instead remember the faithfulness of God.
📖 Scripture References:
• Matthew 16
• Exodus 12–13
• Matthew 14–15
• Ephesians 2:8–10
If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.
BridgeChurch #Faith #KingdomCome #Jesus #ChristianSermon #Matthew16 #BibleTeaching
n Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds — a story about judgment, mercy, evil, and the Kingdom of Heaven breaking into the world right now.
In this Mother’s Day message, Jen Drake reminds us that our job is not to decide who is “wheat” and who is “weed.” Our calling is to sow the seeds of the Kingdom: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and faithfulness.
Jesus came to conquer evil at the root — not so we could point out the hell in others, but so He could remove it from our own hearts and teach us how to bring more heaven into the world around us.
What if your purpose isn’t something you have to find… but something you’ve already been given?
In this message from our Kingdom Come series, we unpack a powerful truth: you are an ambassador for Christ. God isn’t just working in you, He’s working through you.
Too often, we reduce faith to something personal and private. But Scripture makes it clear—your life is meant to be lived on mission. Not as an obligation, but as a response to who God is and what He’s done.
In this teaching, you’ll discover:
Why mission isn’t just part of your life—it IS your life
How your understanding of God shapes everything you do
The powerful truth that God is making His appeal through YOU
Why purpose feels empty when disconnected from calling
How God has always been pursuing people—and inviting you into that mission
This message will challenge how you see your Monday morning, your relationships, and your everyday life.
👉 If this ministry has impacted you, consider partnering with us to continue reaching people with the message of Jesus.
Why do we gather?
Why does the Church even exist?
The early Church had something powerful—something pure.
And it wasn’t programs, personalities, or preferences.
It was Jesus.
In this message, we walk through Acts 2 and the birth of the Church to uncover a truth most people miss:
Our why… is actually a who.
– Why everything in faith points to Jesus
– What made the early Church so alive
– And what happens when the message moves from your head… to your heart
Because at some point, it’s not just about understanding what Jesus did—
it’s about being pierced to the heart by it.
And when that happens… everything changes.
—
🙏 Bridge Church Fresno
Helping people discover and follow Jesus
What if the reason it’s hard to love others…
is because you’re not convinced you’re fully loved?
The Bible says God is love—not just that He shows it.
But for many of us, our experience with love has been conditional, inconsistent, or even painful.
So what happens when we project that onto God?
In this message, we unpack:
– What it really means that God is love
– Why your identity and value come from that truth
– The real reason loving others feels so difficult
– And how everything changes when you actually receive God’s love
This isn’t just theology.
This is personal.
—
🙏 Bridge Church Fresno
Helping people discover and follow Jesus
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Faith #Love #Jesus #Church #SpiritualGrowth #Identity
What if the way you understand faith… is incomplete?
Most people think faith is just believing in Jesus. But the Bible paints a much bigger, more complex, and more powerful picture.
Faith isn’t just something you had once.
It’s something you live in, walk with, and extend to others every single day.
In this message, we unpack the full picture of biblical faith:
– Faith in Jesus
– Faith with action
– Faith for others
– And what it really means to live it out
If your faith has ever felt stuck, stagnant, or one-dimensional… this will challenge everything you thought you knew.
—
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📍 In person + online
Don’t just believe.
Live it.
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Faith #ChristianLiving #Church #Jesus #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching
What are you really putting your hope in?
This Easter message dives into the truth we all wrestle with—misplaced hope. Whether it’s in careers, relationships, ourselves, or circumstances, eventually everything gets tested.
But what if there was a hope that doesn’t break?
In this powerful message, we explore 1 Peter 1:3–4 and discover the difference between fragile hope and a living hope—one that doesn’t depend on us holding on, but on Jesus holding us.
Using the powerful analogy of a climbing rope, this message reminds us:
Not all “hope” is strong enough to hold you
Misplaced hope leads to disappointment and exhaustion
True hope has a substance—and that substance is Jesus
Because of the resurrection, we don’t just have wishful thinking—we have a living, reliable, unbreakable hope.
🙏 Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re just exploring faith, this message is a reminder (or invitation) to anchor your life in something that won’t fail.
Scripture References:
1 Peter 1:3–4
1 Corinthians 13:13
Proverbs 13:12
Ephesians 1:17–19
What if the way you’ve been seeing Jesus… is completely wrong?
In this Palm Sunday message, we walk through Matthew 9 and uncover a truth many people miss: Jesus didn’t come just to fix your problems—He came to deal with your sin.
Too often, we treat Jesus like a toolbox, someone we go to when things break. But what if He’s not just a solution to your symptoms… but the authority over your entire life?
👉 In this message, you’ll discover:
Why “practical Jesus” is a dangerous mindset
The real meaning behind Jesus forgiving the paralytic
How your view of Jesus shapes your prayers
The difference between symptoms vs. sin
What true Kingdom authority actually looks like
This message will challenge how you see Jesus—and invite you into something deeper.
📖 Scripture: Matthew 8–9
Why do we keep failing—even when we genuinely want to change?
The Bible says the problem isn’t just what we do… it’s what’s happening inside of us. Our hearts are sick—and no amount of rules, discipline, or effort can fully fix that.
In this message, we break down:
Why the law couldn’t save us
The 3 types of “heart conditions” we all fall into
Why trying harder actually leads to more frustration
And how Jesus doesn’t just manage sin… He heals the root of it
If you’ve ever felt like:
“I want to do better, but I can’t”
“Why do I keep going back to the same things?”
“Is something wrong with me?”
You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope.
Jesus didn’t come to make you try harder.
He came to do what you couldn’t do.
No condemnation. Real freedom starts here.
Repentance is one of the most misunderstood words in Christianity.
For many people, it sounds harsh, judgmental, or condemning. But in reality, repentance is one of the greatest gifts God gives us.
In this message from the Gospel of Matthew, we explore what repentance really means and why both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministry with the same message:
“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Repentance isn’t just saying sorry.
It’s about realigning our lives with God’s design.
In this message you’ll discover:
• What repentance actually means in the Bible
• Why repentance brings freedom, not shame
• How repentance realigns our lives with God
• Why repentance is the doorway into God’s kingdom
• How repentance protects us from spiritual hypocrisy
God doesn’t call us to repentance to shame us.
He calls us to repentance because He wants us to experience the life we were created for.
Every person responds to Jesus in one of three ways.
We either resist Him, twist His authority, or worship Him.
In this message from the Gospel of Matthew, we look at two powerful examples: King Herod and the wise men. Herod resisted Jesus because he refused to surrender control. The wise men responded by worshiping Him as the true King.
The question isn’t whether Jesus is King.
The question is how we respond to Him.
In this message you'll discover:
• Why people resist Jesus
• How religion can twist God's authority
• What true worship actually looks like
• Why Jesus came as the promised King
Matthew reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises—and the King whose kingdom is coming.
So the real question becomes:
Will we resist Him, twist Him… or worship Him?
Why does suffering exist?
Why does life sometimes feel so broken?
In the final message of our Bear Hunt series, we confront one of the deepest fears every human faces: suffering and hardship.
From the very beginning in Genesis 3, the Bible shows us where pain entered the world and why we feel deep inside that life wasn't supposed to be this way.
But Scripture also gives us hope.
In this message you'll discover:
• Why suffering exists in the world
• Why we struggle emotionally with hardship
• The truth Jesus gives us about pain
• How God grows us through trials
• Why suffering does not mean God is punishing you
Jesus said in John 16:33:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart—I have overcome the world.”
If you're facing fear, uncertainty, loss, or hardship right now, this message will remind you that God doesn’t promise we’ll avoid suffering—but He promises to walk us through it.
Step by step.
What do you do when the future feels uncertain? When you don’t know what’s next, and fear starts to creep in? In this message from our “Bear Hunt” series, we talk about one of the most common fears we all face: the fear of the unknown.
Just like the childhood game where you can’t go over it, under it, or around it — you have to go through it — many of life’s challenges can’t be avoided. Whether it’s a new season, a relationship, a diagnosis, a job change, or a step of faith, uncertainty can paralyze us.
In this teaching, we look at how God meets us in the unknown and why we can trust Him when we don’t know what’s coming next. You’ll be encouraged by:
Why “familiar pain” often feels safer than “unfamiliar freedom”
How God’s presence means you’re never stepping into the unknown alone
The attributes, promises, and faithfulness of God when life feels uncertain
What Scripture says about trusting God in seasons of fear
If you’re feeling anxious about the future or overwhelmed by what you can’t control, this message will help you take your next step of faith with confidence.
👉 If this encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who’s facing an uncertain season right now.
What do you do when you’re afraid God won’t come through? In Part 2 of our Bear Hunt series on fear, we tackle one of the most common and personal fears we face: the fear of provision.
From the story of manna in the wilderness to Jesus’ words about daily bread, this message reminds us that God is faithful to provide—often one day at a time. If you’re walking through a season of uncertainty, loss, or financial stress, this message will encourage you to trust God in the wilderness and believe that He sees your needs.
Join us as we learn why you can’t go around fear—you have to go through it—with faith.
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Fear is part of the human experience—but it doesn’t have to define us. In this sermon series, Bear Hunt, we explore some of the most common fears we all face: fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, fear of provision, and fear of suffering. Drawing from Scripture and real-life stories, this series reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to walk through fear with faith.
Just like the children in the story who couldn’t go over it, under it, or around it, we learn that the way forward is through—and God meets us in the middle of what we’re facing. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about what’s next, this series will encourage you to trust God’s presence, listen for His still small voice, and take your next step with confidence.
📍 Bridge Church Fresno
📖 New message every week
🙏 Helping people discover and follow Jesus
What does it really mean to live a great life?
Our culture tells us greatness looks like visibility, power, wealth, and recognition—but Jesus tells a very different story. In Matthew 20:24–28, Jesus radically redefines greatness, turning the world’s values upside down and calling His followers to a life of service, humility, and purpose.
In this message, we explore:
Why our desire for greatness isn’t wrong—just often misdirected
How Jesus dismantles the idea that greatness equals power
What it truly means to serve in the Kingdom of God
Why service is not weakness, but the pathway to a meaningful, impactful life
How our everyday actions can act as a “go-between” for others and the gospel
If you’ve ever wondered whether your life really matters, or how to live with purpose without chasing status or recognition, this message is for you.
📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:24–28
🙏 Series: Dust – Following Jesus Closely
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What does “For I know the plans I have for you” really mean?
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses in Scripture—but it’s often misunderstood. In this message from Bridge Church Fresno, we explore the full context behind the promise, discovering that God’s good plans don’t always mean immediate comfort or escape from hardship.
Through the stories of Israel’s exile in Babylon and Peter’s reminder that we are “elect exiles” today, we learn that God’s faithfulness remains steady—even when life feels uncertain. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Other times, He grows us within them.
This message invites us to:
Trust God’s character when life doesn’t go as planned
Understand hope beyond material blessing or ease
Live faithfully as temporary residents in a broken world
Pray for and influence the place God has planted us
If you’re walking through a difficult season or wrestling with unmet expectations, this message will help reframe what biblical hope really looks like.
📖 Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 29, 1 Peter 1
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This message explores the often-overlooked truth that following Jesus comes with a cost—just like anything meaningful in life.
Walking through Matthew 8, we see Jesus display His authority in widening circles:
Authority over the physical (healing the centurion’s servant)
Authority over the elements (calming the storm)
Authority over the supernatural (casting out demons)
Authority over the eternal (forgiving sins)
These moments reveal a powerful reality: Jesus has authority over every area of life, including the very things we want most—safety, security, and stability.
But discipleship isn’t passive. Just as getting healthy, growing, or pursuing meaningful goals requires sacrifice and re-prioritization, following Jesus requires surrender. It demands trust, obedience, and a willingness to let go of comfort and control.
This message challenges us to ask an honest question:
What are we really willing to pay to follow Jesus—and is He worth it?
In this week's message, Pastor Andrew teaches about what it means to actually follow Jesus and what we need to sacrifice to do so... our own ambitions and fears.
In our first message series titled: Dust, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what we are following into the new year and how Jesus is the only thing that can bring fulfillment in your life.
In this Christmas message, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t arrive the way the world expected. He came humbly, quietly, and personally—bringing hope, peace, and salvation to a broken world. This message invites us to slow down, make room for Christ, and reflect on what it truly means to follow a King who came not to be served, but to serve.
In this week's message in the series titled "Casting Christmas," Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how we must overcome our fears to be obedient to trusting God and His calling for our lives, just like Joseph and Mary with the birth of Jesus.
In this weeks message in our new Christmas series title Casting Christmas, Pastor Andrew talks about how throughout history and even today, we are all searching for something to save us.
In this final week in the Book of Mark, Pastor Jacob Lozano teaches on how the wages of sin are death, and unique action that God chose to take in order to pay our debt from sin.
In this final message on the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on the meaning of Jesus being the true and only God, and reveals that all the other "gods" and idols we worship are false and hollow.
In this week's message in Mark, Jen Drake teaches on our desires to become great and to be powerful, and the realities of how Jesus actually teaches us how to achieve greatness and true power.
TBDIn this week's message from the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how to navigate tradition without compromising the doctrine given in the Bible. Jesus taught much about this separation and how each is to be used and valued.
In this week's message, Pastor Andrew teaches about how God interacts with us during the storms and challenges of our lives and how we're called to trust God during these periods.
In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches from Mark 5 on what are God's limits and what are our own human limits in this world.
We continue back in the Book of Mark in this series. Pastor Andrew teaches on fear and weathering the storms of life. In this message, we learn that God is still sovereign in ever situation and how fear in our faith is a matter of unbelief and mistrust.
We continue back in the Book of Mark in this series. Pastor Andrew teaches on the kinds of soil that we plant our faith in and what happens when we plant in each one.
This week, our students have taken over the gathering, including the message. Sharing their thoughts on how the parable of the Prodigal Son has impacted their lives.
In this week's message on the foundations of Christianity, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about our call to invite and invest in the lives of others, just as the apostles were called to do.
In this week's message in our series titled: Concrete, Pastor Jacob teaches on the fundamentals of serving and how the God of the Universe came to serve and not be served, despite His right to do so, and what we can learn from that as disciples of Jesus.
In this week's series titled Concrete, Pastor Andrew teaches on the concrete foundation of Christianity and what we need to do keep a strong, healthy faith as taught by Jesus and the Bible.
In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith celebrates what God has faithfully done at Bridge Church and announces where God is leading us in the next year!
In this week's message in the book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about what God's will is for our lives and how "religious" leaders have often opposed God's will in the past.
In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches how Jesus is the true healer of our sins and problems and that we must allow Him to fix what is broken inside us all. But first, we must be honest and vulnerable about what our brokenness is.
In this week's message on the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on the authority of Jesus in our lives, how we forget that Jesus is sovereign over all our problems, and how the anxiety we feel is not acknowledging God's authority over everything, including our lives.
In this week's message from the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what Holy means and how we are called to be set apart from the rest of the world.
In this week's message, Paul Mavrogeorge teaches on how to address people who are struggling with sin or need help with restoration. Not only how to approach these difficult conversations, but more importantly, how we need to prepare ourselves primarily.
In this message on Heaven, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what Heaven WAS like, what Heaven IS like, and what Heaven WILL BE like in the future.
In this week's message in our series "Picture This", Jen Drake teaches about what it means to learn from Jesus and his teachings.
In these message in our series "Picture This", guest speaker Steve Kern answers the question why do bad things happen to us and what can we expect from God during these moments.
In this week’s message from our series "Picture This," Pastor Jacob Lozano dives into the deep and often unspoken experience of disappointment with God. Looking at the life of Mary and others in Scripture, he shows how they brought their pain and questions to Jesus and how Jesus met them in the middle of it. If you've ever wrestled with unmet expectations or wondered where God is in your struggle, this message is for you.
In this first week's message in our series "Picture This", Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on listening to God, allowing Him to push you beyond your boundaries, relying on Him to open new doors in your life.
In this week's message Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what it means to draw closer to the light in our lives as Fathers and how we can use that to be the best Dad we can be.
In this weeks message on Identity, Pastor Andrew teaches on "What God starts He will finish" and how we are all unfinished and in need of forgiveness.
In this weeks message on Identity, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how we are to come from a place of freedom rather than return to the tendencies that regularly enslaves us to sin.
In this weeks message on Identity Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on God's promises and how He is faithful even through our fear and insecurity of our future.
In this weeks message on identity, Students Pastor Jacob Lozano teaches about our past, shame and the gift that is Grace and Truth.
In week 2 of our series on Identity, Pastor Andrew teaches on how you cannot win God's approval and how we are all inherently guilty. But by the grace of God our creator only HE can reserve the right to define who we are what our identity is.
In this first message on Easter in our series titled Identity, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about how the world defines our identity is not how God defines our identity and only God has the authority to define our identity.
In this week's message in our series titled Creed Pastor Andrew teaches how we often focus on the here and now, what we don't have or what we're struggling for, forgetting that this isn't the end of our lives.
In this week's message during on our series title Creed, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what the Holy Spirit is and does, including the mystery behind the Holy Spirit as well.
In week 2 of our Creed series, Pastor Andrew teaches on the nature of sin and the grace we are able to receive.
In this first week on the series The Creed, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on the fundamentals of what we believe as Christians and what happened in history to refute alternative theology like Arianism.
In this weeks message on the book of 1st Timothy, Pastor Andrew teaches on happiness, contentment and satisfaction.
In this weeks message in 1 Timothy Pastor Andrew teaches on how the Bible calls us to treat others within our church and in our lives, like family.
In this weeks message in 1 Timothy chapter 4, Pastor Andrew talks about false doctrine, departing from the truth and anchoring themselves in the wrong areas.
In this weeks message on the book of 1st Timothy, Pastor Andrew teaches on a controversial passage about women, what our identity is and what is the requirements for leadership.
In week two of our series on 1st Timothy, Pastor Andrew teaches on how to unlock the power of prayer including how to pray, when to pray, who can we pray for and what can we pray for.
This final week of the year we highlight the stories of impact from the last year through our Outreach missions.
In this weeks message in our series titled "Now What?", Jeff Loven teaches on the book of Acts.
In this weeks message on the book of Acts titled: "Now What?" Pastor Andrew teaches how God will challenge you in your life, your views and beliefs by using some of the most unlikely people.
In this weeks message in the series: "Now What" Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how to handle unexpected moments, challenges and tragedies and how God can use them in our lives.
In this weeks message in our series titled "Now What?" Jeff Loven teaches us what to do when the church is growing and how to navigate the challenges that come with it. What is our role in the church as it grows to impact more and more people?
In week 5 of our series on Acts title "Now What?" Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on integrity, truthfulness and the serious consequences of even the smallest lies.
In week 4 of our series on Acts titled "Now What", Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about how we know someone has spent time with Jesus and putting our faith in Him not a man.
In week 3 of our series "Now What?", Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what taking credit for God's work, and discovering what we need vs what we want.
In week 2 of our series on the book of Acts titled Now What? Jeff Loven teaches on what the supernatural powers of the Holy Spirit are, how they were given to the disciples, and how we have access to them today.
In the final week of our series How Not To Read The Bible, Author of the the titled book Dan Kimball joins us in person to teach on the violence that is described in the Bible and how we are to read about about some of those events.
In week 5 of our series How Not To Read The Bible Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on Jesus' claim to be God and what that means. How was Jesus different than every other religion's prophet and teachers?
In week 4 of our series How Not To Read the Bible, Jeff Loven teaches on how Science and the Bible work together not against each other. Using the Bible in the correct way, understanding who the Bible was written for at the time is critical.
In week 2 of our series on How Not To Read The Bible, Pastor Andrew teaches on some of the weird laws of the old testament, who they were meant for and why?
In week 1 of our series on How Not To Read The Bible Pastor Andrew teaches about how to use context to understand the stories of the Bible.
In this week of our Actions series, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches how Jesus instructed us to make disciples and some common mistakes Christians make.
In week 3 of our Actions series Pastor Andrew teaches on tithing, giving and how we are owners of nothing and stewards of everything.
In week 2 of our series on important Actions Pastor Andrew teaches about serving and why its important for our own discipleship and happiness.
In week one of our series Actions, Pastor Andrew teaches on the value of community and connection and the reasons why we typically feel disconnected.
In this final week of our Summer Playlist series, Paul Mavrogeorge teaches on the nature and focus of Jesus. Valuing relationships over self interest.
In this week of Summer Playlist Steve Kern teaches on Esther and how a small, young girl can change the world.
In week 2 of our Summer Playlist series Jeff Loven teaches on the song Ramblin' Man by the Almon Brothers and why change, hustle and diversity are important to the kingdom of God.
In week one of our series Summer Playlist, Matt Grundy teaches on why God want's to be your friend and what does that even mean? Why a friend?
In week 2 pastor Andrew teaches on the authority of Jesus as given in the book of Luke.
In week 2 Pastor Andrew teaches on the book of Luke and why Jesus has the authority over all things.
In week 1 of our series on the book of Luke, Jeff Loven teaches on the 4 questions that can change your life. Do you know them?
In this final week of our series titled "The Man Series" Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what the biblical view of a the model man is.
In week 2 of our series title "The Man Series" Pastor Andrew teaches what the bible has to say about how to be the best young and middle aged man you can be and what is important.
In week 5 of the Ephesians series on Palm Sunday, Pastor Andrew teaches on what the moral and ethical conduct of people should be as described in the Bible.
In week 3 of our Ephesians series, Pastor Andrew teaches on the mystery behind the Gospel and that surrounds Jesus and his ministry.
In week 2 of our series in Ephesians we Pastor Andrew teaches about the transformation that happens through the Holy Spirit and God's design for us.
In week 1 of our Ephesians series guest speaker Steve Kern teaches on the book of Ephesians and what it means to have spiritual blessings.
In the last week of the Philemon series guest speaker Jeff Loven teaches on challenging social norms in our society.
In week one of our Series on Philemon, Pastor Andrew teaches what the Bible says about reconciliation and injustice.
In week 5 and last of the Colossians series Pastor Andrew teaches about the power we have in relationships and how Christ modeled how we should love each other in our marriages.
In week 4 of our Colossians series Pastor Andrew outlines how to live the life that Chris modeled for us and how to seek and set our minds on it.
In week 3 of our Colossians series about the Truth about Jesus, Pastor Andrew talks about how to spot false teachings and representations of Jesus.
In week 2 of our Colossians series about the Truth about Jesus Pastor Andrew talks about the mystery of Jesus and what it means to be mature in your faith.
In week 1 of our series Colossians: Discovering The Truth About Jesus, Pastor Andrew teaches on exactly who Jesus is and intended to be for us.
Week 3 of our Advent Series we talk about the LOVE of God and what that means with Jesus.
In week 3 of our Advent series Pastor Andrew teaches on the secret to happiness in life.
In week 2 of our Advent Series, Pastor Andrew unpacks how we prepare our hearts to do God's work to influence others and ultimately the world.
In Week 1 of Advent, Pastor Jeff Loven sheds new light on Isaiah 9 and John 1 to help us discover how to choose hope.
In this final week of our "got joy" joy series Pastor Andrew teaches us that the bible says it's possible for joy to be greater than your worry.
In week 3 of "got joy?" we find what it means to pursue joy rather than "choosing joy".
In week 2 of got joy series, Pastor Andrew opens up Philippians 2 and helps us discover aligned thinking, unified love and singular purpose.
In week 1 of got joy series, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up Philippians 1 and helps us discover that the key to joy is in our connection to other people.
Week 4 and final message of the FORWARD series on The Journey of God’s people. Israel was given the promise, and ended up on a journey they didn’t expect. The journey culminated in Jesus, who succeeded in all the ways Israel failed.
The process of The Journey of God’s people. Israel was given the promise, and ended up on a journey they didn’t expect. The journey culminated in Jesus, who succeeded in all the ways Israel failed.
Join us in week 2 of FORWARD as Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Exodus 13 and helps us discover the benefits of the wilderness in our lives.
The Journey of God’s people. Israel was given the promise, and ended up on a journey they didn’t expect. The journey culminated in Jesus, who succeeded in all the ways Israel failed.
In the final week of Letter to the Romans, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 14-16 and helps us discover how to pursue unity over uniformity.
In Week 5 of Letter to the Romans, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12-13 and helps us discover how love leads us to honor others.
In Week 5 of Letter to the Romans, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 8 and helps us discover to live in the power of the Holy Spirit.
In week 4 of Letter to the Romans, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up Romans 7 and helps us discover how to live beyond the rules.
In Pastor Andrew Smith's first Sunday back from his summer study break, he opens up Revelation 1-2 and helps us discover that Jesus is all we truly need.
In week 3 of Letter to the Romans, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up Romans 6 and helps us discover how to live the life God wants for us.
In week 2 of Letter To The Romans, special guest Pastor Keith Catron opens up Romans 3-4 and helps us discover how to experience spiritual freedom in our everyday lives.
In the first week Letter To The Romans, special guest Pastor Jason Whalen opens up Romans 1-2 and helps us discover how to be transformed by the grace of God in our lives.
In the final week of Stuff You Need to Know, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up Daniel 2–3 and helps us discover how we can be resilient in any circumstance.
In week 3 of Stuff You Need to know, special guest Pastor Jeff Gokee opens up 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 and helps us discover how to become more generous people.
In the week 2 of Stuff You Need to Know, special guest Pastor and Therapist Paul Mavrogeorge opens up 2 Corinthians 2 & 3 and helps us discover how we experience God’s glory and freedom in our lives.
In the first week of the Stuff You Need to Know series, special guest Missionary Pastor Steve Kern opens up 2 Corinthians 1 & 4 and helps us discover how we can experience comfort in affliction.
In the final week of the Counter Culture series, special guest Pastor Chris Brown opens up the Bible to 1 Corinthians 15 and helps us discover how we can trust the resurrection of Jesus.
In Week 3 of the Counter Culture series, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up 1 Corinthians 13 and helps The Church discover how to love well.
In this special Father's Day message, Deputy Mayor of Fresno Matthew Grundy opens up Matthew 21 and helps discover how strong roots grow good fruits.
In week 2 of the Counter Culture series, special guest Pastor Darin McWatters opens up 1 Corinthians 5-7 and helps us discover how to be holy.
In the launch of our summer series, Counter Culture, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up 1 Corinthians 1 and 3 and helps us discover the key to true unity.
This Memorial Day Weekend, Pastor Jeff opens up Hebrews 12 and helps us discover how sacrifice can lead to a summer of meaningful change.
In the final week of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12:17-21 and helps us discover that overcoming is essential to having the perfect life.
In week 5 of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew smith opens up Romans 12:14-16 and helps us discover how living in harmony with one another is essential to having the perfect life.
In week 4 of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12:9-13 and helps us discover how love in action is essential to having the perfect life.
In week 3 of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12:6-8 and helps us discover how knowing and using our gifts contributes to the perfect life.
In Week 2 of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12:4-5 and helps us discover that serving one another is foundational to the perfect life.
In Week 1 of The Perfect Life series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Romans 12 and helps us discover that the perfect life begins with the right mindset.
In week 5 of the Freedom series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Galatians 5 and helps us discover how Jesus frees us to live and love in the best possible ways.
In week 4 of the Freedom series, Pastor Andrew Smith opens up Galatians 4 and reminds us what we’ve been freed from, but all too often return to, when following Jesus.
In week 3 of the Freedom series, Pastor Jake Osborne opens up Galatians 3 and helps us see how Jesus gives us the ability to break free from the burden of the law and experience life at its fullest.
In this special addition to the Freedom series, Dr. Jennifer Smith, CEO & President of Link Care Counseling Center, shares authoritative wisdom and practical tips on how to get emotionally and mentally unstuck in the most important areas of life.
In Week 2 of the Freedom series, Pastor Jeff Loven opens up Galatians 2 and helps us discover how to break free from our need to earn God's acceptance and favor when we already have it in Jesus.
In Week 1 of the Freedom Series, Pastor Andrew Smith helps us discover why Jesus is the only savior we need, especially when our old ways of living still seem enticing.
In the final week of the Healthy Relationships series Pastor Andrew helps us discover the Bible's take on reconciliation, and how it can mend any relationship.
In Week 3 of the Healthy Relationships series Pastor Andrew helps us discover what the Bible says about forgiveness, and how it ultimately determines the health of all our relationships.
In Week 2 of the Healthy Relationships series Pastor Andrew helps us discover what the Bible says about healthy communication, and how to move past criticism, contempt, defensiveness, stonewalling.
In Week 1 of the Healthy Relationships series, Pastor Jake helps us discover what the Bible says about humility, and how to create unity in our relationships.
In the final week of the FORWARD Series, Pastor Andrew helps us decipher what the Bible actually says about the end of time.
In Week 2 of the FORWARD Series, Pastor Andrew leads us through what the Bible has to say about Sex and the End of the World.
In Week 1 of the FORWARD Series, Pastor Andrew helps us discover what the Bible says about tests of faith and how to pass them.
What does Jesus want most for me? What if we’ve been prioritizing the wrong things? Or, what if some of our convictions are unfounded? Or if our faith has become something it was never supposed to be? What if we’re reading it wrong? Join us as Pastor Andrew helps us discover how to live your faith the way it was intended to be lived.
In Week 3 of the PRAY Series, Pastor Jake helps us discover what's so important about Nehemiah's prayers, and why we should be praying the same way.
In Week 2 of the PRAY Series, Pastor Andrew helps us learn how to pray the same way Jesus did.
In Week 1 of the PRAY Series, Pastor Jeff helps us discover how to pray so that we get specific answers from God.
In the final week of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew challenges us to discover how God wants to change the Valley through us.
In Week 5 of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew unpacks how God's people thrive when the city thrives.
In Week 4 of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew helps us discover the surprising answer to the question, "Who is my neighbor?"
In Week 4 of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew shows us how Jesus helps us break generational cycles and develop new values.
In Week 2 of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew helps us discover how the Bible teaches us to live a completely new life.
In Week 1 of the FOR Series, Pastor Andrew unpacks what the Bible says matters most of all.
Doubting is natural. This series highlights people we find in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus responds to their doubt. We’ll discover how Jesus addresses our crisis of faith...because we've all been there, are there right now, or will find ourselves there. Faith is not the absence of doubt — our times of greatest doubt can be our times of greatest discovery!
Message slides:
• The pain of being let down is greater than the joy of staying true
• John 20:24-29
• Doubt doesn’t have to short circuit our faith, it can refine it
• Hebrews 1:1-3
• Faith is looking at God and trusting Him for what is going to happen
• Hope is looking at the future and trusting God for it
• Inwardly, faith changes hearts. Outwardly, faith moves mountains
• Doubt is a limiter
• Faith is an enabler
• Don’t let doubt ruin what faith has for you
Doubting is natural. This series highlights people we find in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus responds to their doubt. We’ll discover how Jesus addresses our crisis of faith...because we've all been there, are there right now, or will find ourselves there. Faith is not the absence of doubt — our times of greatest doubt can be our times of greatest discovery!
How do you respond when God doesn’t do what you want?
Message slides:
• Matthew 10:34,38-39
• Matthew 11:1-6
• We start to doubt when things don’t go the way we expected
• “report what you hear and see”
• Matthew 11:5
• “… the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
• Even though your situation may have changed, Jesus hasn’t. He’s still who you declared him to be.
Doubting is natural. This series highlights people we find in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus responds to their doubt. We’ll discover how Jesus addresses our crisis of faith...because we've all been there, are there right now, or will find ourselves there. Faith is not the absence of doubt — our times of greatest doubt can be our times of greatest discovery!
Message slides:
• “he broke down and wept” - Mark 14:72
• “while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter” - Luke 22:60-61
• John 21:15-17
• Jesus meets our regret with the offer of redemption
• Jesus’ grace is greater than our guilt
• Our restoration requires action
Doubt can lead to the greatest decisions of our lives. Doubting is natural. This series highlights people we find in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus responds to their doubt. We’ll discover how Jesus addresses our crisis of faith...because we've all been there, are there right now, or will find ourselves there. Faith is not the absence of doubt — our times of greatest doubt can be our times of greatest discovery!
Doubting is natural. This series highlights people we find in the Bible who doubted, and how Jesus responds to their doubt. We’ll discover how Jesus addresses our crisis of faith...because we've all been there, are there right now, or will find ourselves there. Faith is not the absence of doubt — our times of greatest doubt can be our times of greatest discovery!
Message slides:
• James 1:2-8
• “Doubt” - to be uncertain, be at odds with oneself, having two minds about a single matter, waver
• Doubt can lead us to dismiss faith, or it can lead us to discover deeper faith.
• Lingering in doubt creates instability in our lives
• Doubt is a natural response to the trials in our lives. Wisdom is the response of faith.
• James 1:5
• James 1:2-4
• Doubt leads to deeper faith only when we actively replace it with trust,
• 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
• James 1:17
The way you view death determines the way you live life.
Message slides:
• We look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
• There is more to living than this life
• 1 Corinthians 15:12-14
• Future resurrection encourages our faith
• 1 Corinthians 15:15-22
• Future resurrection affirms our sins has been forgiven
• Future resurrection give us hope
Forgiveness is more than letting go. Forgiveness is the prescription for healing.
What do you believe? It’s important to know because everyone believes something. And as followers of Jesus, what we believe is at the core of who we are and what we do. That’s why what you believe matters. So, what do you believe?
Message slides:
• “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins”
• Romans 6:4 call out newness of life
• Life is in the ability to receive, and give, forgiveness
• Ephesians 4:30-32 call out forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ
• The prescription is to forgive others as Jesus forgave us.
• Matthew 18:21,22 call out how many times must I forgive
• Forgiveness is a prescription of grace.
• Who do you need to forgive and for what?
• What do you need to forgive yourself for?
We Believe Series Week 6 8/14/2022
Pastor Andrew Smith: Forgiveness
Eph 4:30-32 Matthew 18:21-22
Principle: Life is in the ability to receive and give forgiveness.
1.We worship a forgiving God. He has given us the capacity to forgive. What truths in Psalms 86:5 encourage us to trust Him to help receive and give forgiveness?
1.The Nicene Creed says, “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.“ What do we believe about baptism for the forgiveness of sins according to Romans 6:4?
2.Finish the sentence: “What we do NOT believe is that the act of baptism forgives our ______.
3.Matthew 18:21-22 lists the increasingly debilitating symptoms of unforgiveness in our emotional and spiritual life. Why does God list them in this order?
4.Think of unforgiveness as a genetic defect from our old nature, also known as our sin nature. What prescription for the condition of unforgiveness has God provided according to Eph. 4:32?
Principle: Forgiveness is a choice
5.How does Matt 18:22 support the “just as in Christ, God forgave you” part of Eph. 4:32?
6.Through whom and what are we enabled to forgive those we just can’t forgive? (John 6:63.)
7.It is difficult to follow Jesus’ commandment to forgive others on an ongoing basis (Matt. 18:22) How does the parable Jesus tell in Matt. 18:23-35 show us how serious the matter of unforgiveness is to God?
8.From Eph. 4:30, explain what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit. (Think about how we hurt for those we love: we love them, counsel them, instruct them, warn them, and then they still make bad decisions that hurt them.)
9.Why does the Holy Spirit enable us when we choose to forgive ourselves and others, and what is the benefit of continually making those choices? (John 10:10)
Personal response
According to Romans 6:4, I have been forgiven of every sin, past, present and future, and I have new life in Christ. How fully do I believe this? What business do I need to do with God in order to embrace my forgiveness and new life in Christ?
Who do I need to forgive and for what? Why do I need to extend this forgiveness? How many times am I going to forgive?
For what I need to forgive myself? Why do I need to forgive myself? How do I go about forgiving myself? How many times will I extend myself forgiveness?
Like that favorite song stuck in your head, this series is about the significant passage God’s laid on your heart.
Discovering how to say No! to our desires and Yes! to the Spirit in everyday life
Message slides:
• Galatians 5:16-25
• The choices we make are the building blocks of the life we experience
• Dismantle the wall
• Lay it down
• Take the step
During the Summer, we askvguest speakers and your favorite Bridge church pastors to bring their best messages, and that's where we get "that's my jam!"
Message slides:
• Ecclesiastes 7:13
• the Bible is filled with broken people who God used to bring his Glory
• the unqualified
• the foolish
• the broken
• the Bible is filled with broken people who God used to bring his Glory
What do you believe? It’s important to know because everyone believes something. And as followers of Jesus, what we believe is at the core of who we are and what we do. That’s why what you believe matters. So, what do you believe?
Message slides:
- "You yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." - 1 Peter 2:5
- "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." - 1 Peter 2:9,10
- "For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear." - 2 Timothy 4:3
- The Church is "A" people
- The Church is historical, global, and local
- The Church is those professing Jesus, following Jesus, and fulfilling the mission of Jesus
We Believe Series Week 6 8/14/2022
Pastor Andrew Smith: Forgiveness
Eph 4:30-32 Matthew 18:21-22
Principle: Life is in the ability to receive and give forgiveness.
1.We worship a forgiving God. He has given us the capacity to forgive. What truths in Psalms 86:5 encourage us to trust Him to help receive and give forgiveness?
1.The Nicene Creed says, “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.“ What do we believe about baptism for the forgiveness of sins according to Romans 6:4?
2.Finish the sentence: “What we do NOT believe is that the act of baptism forgives our ______.
3.Matthew 18:21-22 lists the increasingly debilitating symptoms of unforgiveness in our emotional and spiritual life. Why does God list them in this order?
4.Think of unforgiveness as a genetic defect from our old nature, also known as our sin nature. What prescription for the condition of unforgiveness has God provided according to Eph. 4:32?
Principle: Forgiveness is a choice
5.How does Matt 18:22 support the “just as in Christ, God forgave you” part of Eph. 4:32?
6.Through whom and what are we enabled to forgive those we just can’t forgive? (John 6:63.)
7.It is difficult to follow Jesus’ commandment to forgive others on an ongoing basis (Matt. 18:22) How does the parable Jesus tell in Matt. 18:23-35 show us how serious the matter of unforgiveness is to God?
8.From Eph. 4:30, explain what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit. (Think about how we hurt for those we love: we love them, counsel them, instruct them, warn them, and then they still make bad decisions that hurt them.)
9.Why does the Holy Spirit enable us when we choose to forgive ourselves and others, and what is the benefit of continually making those choices? (John 10:10)
Personal response
According to Romans 6:4, I have been forgiven of every sin, past, present and future, and I have new life in Christ. How fully do I believe this? What business do I need to do with God in order to embrace my forgiveness and new life in Christ?
Who do I need to forgive and for what? Why do I need to extend this forgiveness? How many times am I going to forgive?
For what I need to forgive myself? Why do I need to forgive myself? How do I go about forgiving myself? How many times will I extend myself forgiveness?
What do you believe? It’s important to know because everyone believes something. And as followers of Jesus, what we believe is at the core of who we are and what we do. That’s why what you believe matters. So, what do you believe?
Message slides:
- We believe the Holy Spirit:
• Guides us to the truth
• Reveals Jesus
• Comforts
• Counsels
• Gives wisdom
• Prays for me
• Gives me power
• Helps my weakness
• Gives spiritual gifts
• Produces spiritual fruit
- The Holy Spirit is the power of God at work in the people of God to accomplish the purposes of God.
- We either rely on our own power or the spirits power.
- "But you will receive Power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in all Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8
- "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13
- We either feed ourselves life or death
- "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then he who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through his Spirit who lives in you." - Romans 8:11
- God wants to work in us and through us
- The Spirit empowers us to:
• Be a witness
• Proclaim
• Convicts us of sin
• Gift giver for the common good
What do you believe? It’s important to know because everyone believes something. And as followers of Jesus, what we believe is at the core of who we are and what we do. That’s why what you believe matters. So, what do you believe?
Message slides:
• We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ…
• What does it mean that Jesus was begotten?
• Begotten is a claim to exclusivity
• Begotten is a pronouncement of position
• Why did Jesus have to die?
• There had to be a penalty for sin.
• There had to be a remedy for sin.
• Romans 5:12
• Leviticus 4:2,20
• We believe Jesus was the perfect sacrifice
• Jesus reconciled
• Hebrews 2:17
• Jesus restored
• Ephesians 2:5,6
• Grace by association
• 1 Corinthians 15:22
• Jesus became your past, present and future
• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Jesus isn’t judging you, and neither should you
• Galatians 3:13
• Jesus loves broken people, and so should we
• Romans 5:6-8
What do you believe? It’s important to know because everyone believes something. And as followers of Jesus, what we believe is at the core of who we are and what we do. That’s why what you believe matters. So, what do you believe?
Message slides:
• The Nicene Creed
• We believe in one God
• Deuteronomy 6:4
• We believe in one God in three persons
• We believe:
• The Father is God (Philippians 1:2)
• The Son is God (John 1:1,2; Colossians 1:16)
• The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3,4)
• We believe creation speaks about God
• Psalm 19:1,2
• We believe there a place reserved in the human heart for God alone
• Ecclesiastes 3:11
• We believe God has revealed himself to humanity
• Romans 1:20
• We believe God is God and we are not
• We believe God is God and nothing else is
Discovering what the Bible says about overcoming anxiety.
Messages Slides:
- Philippians 4:4-9
- Anxiety is our response to a lack or loss of control
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 - Take every thought captive to obey Christ.
- Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything"
- Release - Receive - Replace
- Prayer and petition is our affirmation of the One in control
- 1 Peter 5:6,7
- We cant receive until we let go
Winning the battle against temptation
Message slides:
- They’re preparing you to know what to do in the case of an emergency
- To tame temptation, you’ve got to know the triggers
- 1 Corinthians 10:1-11
- gods - sex - limits - contentment
- 1 Corinthians 10:12
- Proverbs 16:18
- When we minimize temptation, we maximize vulnerability
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Your temptation is not unique
- You can resist
- There is another option
There is more than enough in our lives to make us feel anxious and depressed. But following Jesus is more than just peace with God, it can give us peace of mind. Join us as we explore what the Bible has to say about our minds and finding peace.
I need help with my thought life. Does Jesus address that? Can he help me? Yes He can.
Message slides:
1Corinthians 2:12-16
Romans 1:21-23
You have the mind of Christ
Romans 12:2
When you feel it, try to identify it.
When you identify it, you can apply truth to it.
Because Jesus did this… there’s nothing He can’t do.
Message slides:
1 Corinthians 15:1-5
1 Corinthians 15:4
The resurrection is the greatest thing Jesus did
In Jesus, there is more
Because of the resurrection, it’s all true
Our lives are the result of defining moments. Some good, some we’d rather not talk about. But like the many that made a difference, there’s one that matters most.
Message slides:
- A defining moment is a point in your life when you’re urged to make a pivotal decision, or when you experience something that fundamentally changes you. Not only do these moments define us, but they have a transformative effect on our perception and behaviors.
- Matthew 27:45-50
- John 19:30 “he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then bowing his head, he gave us his spirit.”
- Isaiah 53:5 call out, “punishment for our peace was on him”
- Jesus took our punishment
- Matthew 27:51
- Jesus opened to anyone what had been closed to everyone.
- Matthew 27:52-54
- Our most defining moment is our response to who Jesus is
Jesus did a lot of things for a lot of people, but can he do it in my life? Can Jesus work in the areas I fear the most? In those places that keep me up at night and run across my mind like a marathon.
Message slides:
- Mark 9:21-24 call out “if you can” and “help my unbelief”
- Barriers to belief
- Intellectual
- Personal
- Social
- Mark 9:18 beginning with, “… I asked your disciples etc…
- What we believe in holds our hope as well
- What’s your barrier to belief?
- Jesus, help my _________
We’ve all done and said things that ended relationships and hurt people beyond the point of return. Or, we’ve had it done to us. There seems to be no way to undo what we’ve done or was done. But at the point of no return, Jesus is there.
Message slides:
- No longer were we seeing people for who they were, just what they said or did.
- Luke 23:32-34
- Jesus loves us in spite of what we’ve done.
- Ephesians 4:32
- Luke 23:35-38
- Luke 23:39-43
- With - Jesus
- When - Today
- Where - Paradise
- We gain the fullness of Jesus’ love through admission and confession
Feeling like giving up? Jesus has something to say about that.
Message notes:
“Astonished at his teaching because his message had authority” - Luke 4:32
Luke 5:1-5
Just because we’re done, doesn’t mean He is.
“If you say so…” Luke 5:5
Jesus’ authority and our obedience results in the miraculous.
Jesus wants to do more through us then we see in us.
What has Jesus said that you need to trust?
What does Jesus have to say about dealing with people that get on your nerves?
Message slides:
- Luke 10:25-28
- What must I do to inherit eternal life?
- Who is my neighbor?
- We want what Jesus offers, but we limit what we'll sacrifice for it.
- Luke 10:29-32
- Luke 10:33-37
- Our salvation only comes through Jesus.
- Evidence of our salvation comes by our actions.
- We love God by responding to him.
- We love others by reaching out to them.
- everyWHERE everyONE
- Jesus shows us that our neighbor is everyONE and everyWHERE.
Have you ever wondered if you matter? With 7 billion people on the planet it’s easy to feel like another face in the crowd or like another cog in the machine. But that’s not what Jesus thinks. He not only says you’re loved, He went to extraordinary lengths to show it.
Message slides:
- The value of what’s lost determines the significance of the search.
- Luke 15:1,2
- Most people don’t have a problem with Jesus, they have a problem with the religiously self-righteous.
- The Father sent Jesus (John 3:16)
- Jesus sent the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11)
- The Holy Spirit sends us (Acts 1:8)
- Luke 15:3-7
- You matter
- EveryONE matters
- Luke 19:10
- The value of the what’s lost determines the significance of the search.
- 2Peter 3:9
The return of Jesus to make all things right creates a sense of urgency so strong that it's the reason we do what we do as a church. It's the reason we are "For the Valley." It's the reason we help people discover and follow Jesus.
Message Slides:
- Matthew 25:31-46
- Son of Man- Jesus coming to earth
- Shepherd- Jesus guiding us, showing us the way
- The King- Jesus setting everything right.
- Jesus is returning
- Do we trust ourselves to run our lives or do we trust Jesus?
- Imminent arrival brings expectation and preparation
- Our preparation is to surrender ourselves to the Gospel
- Will we follow Jesus?
- Matthew 25:31-34
- Heaven is real. Heaven is eternal.
- Hell is real. Hell is eternal.
- Will we trust him to run our lives?
How do some people seem to endure life’s difficulties and continue to move forward, while so many others don’t? The answer is simple: Jesus! But, the specifics may surprise you…
MESSAGE SLIDES
- Luke 6:44
- Your identity determines what you can produce.
- Is your identity found in Jesus?
- Luke 6:43, 45
- The flavor of your fruit reveals the health of your heart.
- What does your fruit reveal about your heart?
- Luke 6:46-49
- Your foundation determines your endurance.
- How’s your foundation?
How do we love God? And how do we love those around us? When we give what God’s given us we do what He first did for us. And that’s the greatest expression of love.
MESSAGE SLIDES
- Matthew 25:14,15
- We’ve all been given something.
- Matthew 25:16-18
- What am I doing with what I have?
- … God is love (1 John 4:8)
- For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son… (John 3:16)
- The greatest expression of loving another is giving.
- Matthew 25:18
- Matthew 25:24,25
- How we know God, determines what we do with what He’s given.
- What are you doing with what He’s given you?
- Are you giving a potion of your first and best finances to God?
- Are you using the gifts He’s given you for others?
- The greatest expression of love is giving.
The pump fake is all about a quarterback looking like they’re going to do something they’re not. It seems like they’re going to let go of the ball, and hold onto it instead. It may work great in football, but not with forgiveness. Listen to what Jesus says about avoiding the pump fake with forgiveness.
MESSAGE SLIDES
- The Pump Fake
- Matthew 18:21,22
- Matthew 18:23-27
- Jesus has compassion on us and forgives our debt
- Matthew 18:28-30
- We can forgive others because we have been forgiven
- Matthew 18:31-35
- Forgiveness is a matter of mercy
- Mercy is not getting what you deserve
- They don’t have to deserve it for you to forgive them
- Have you received God’s forgiveness?
- Who will you bring with you?
- Who do you need to forgive?
We all have an approach to travel. And all of us either have a green thumb or we don’t. But what does travel and botany have to do with the Kingdom of Heaven? It may surprise you what Jesus has to say and what it means for us, and everyone around us.
MESSAGE SLIDES
- Matthew 13:31-33
- The Non-Starter
- The Destination Determined
- The Joyful Journeyer
- Matthew 4:23
- Luke 4:43
- The kingdom of heaven is the place of Jesus’ reign and rule
- Matthew 13:31
- Jesus is inviting us to be Kingdom Cultivators
- Cultivate the soil
- Plant the seed
- Water the seed
- Let the Son do His work
- Matthew 13:51-52
- How are you being a Kingdom Cultivator?
- What relationships has God given you to cultivate?
- With whom are you planting seed?
- What opportunities is God providing for you to water what’s already been planted?
Why would we do something to others we don’t want done to us? In our tendency to point out the issues with others Jesus tells us the story of splinters and logs. And after hearing what He has to say, maybe we’ll be a little slower picking out in others what we need to deal with ourselves.
Message Slides:
- Matthew 7:1,2
- What’s the difference between legalism and grace?
- Luke 18:18,19
- Before we point out another’s defect, it’s good to take time and reflect.
- Matthew 7:3-5
- Matthew 7:6
- Trust the Holy Spirit to do His job.
- “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” - Philo of Alexandria
- Seek understanding before correcting
What if we really did what he said? I mean, what if we really followed Jesus? I’ll tell you, we, and those around us, would be better. This year would be better. Your faith would be stronger. So, let’s take the steps necessary to follow Jesus.
MESSAGE SLIDES
- To follow Jesus is to break down the strongholds in our lives.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
- To follow Jesus is to break down the strongholds in our lives.
- 1 John 1:9
- Acts 3:19-20
- James 5:16
- To follow Jesus is to serve others.
- John 13:12-15
- To follow Jesus is to serve others.
- Philippians 2:5-8
- To follow Jesus is to serve others.
- To follow Jesus is to tell others about him.
- 1 Peter 3:15-16
- To follow Jesus is to tell others about him.
What if we really did what he said? I mean, what if we really followed Jesus? I’ll tell you, we, and those around us, would be better. This year would be better. Your faith would be stronger. So, let’s take the steps necessary to follow Jesus.
Message Slides:
- Luke 9:23-25
- To follow Jesus is to obey Jesus
- Jesus invites us to follow him not to make our lives miserable, but rather meaningful.
- Following Jesus is to live out repentance.
- Repentance is a change of life through a change of mind, will and actions.
- When Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and say “no” to something, He’s getting us ready to say “yes” to the right thing.
- Daily devotion
- Prayer
- Sacrificial generosity
A new year often stirs within us a desire for new, better versions of ourselves. We make resolutions and give our best efforts, but they so often give way to the old version of us after only a few weeks. It doesn’t have to be this way! Jesus teaches us that prayer is the best way to a new you, and offers helpful steps on how to make the transformation last.
MESSAGE SLIDES
- Matthew 6:5-6
- Prayers the transform us are focused and private
- Matthew 6:7-8
- Prayers that transform us say only what is necessary
- Matthew 6:9
- Prayers that transform us acknowledge God in the place He deserves
- Matthew 6:10
- Prayers that transform us align our will with God’s
- Matthew 6:11
- Prayers that transform us trust God with the daily details
- Matthew 6:12
- Prayers that transform us embrace the power of forgiveness
- Matthew 6:13
- Prayers that transform us rely on God’s guidance and strength
A new year often stirs within us a desire for new, better versions of ourselves. We make resolutions and give our best efforts, but they so often give way to the old version of us after only a few weeks. It doesn’t have to be this way! Jesus teaches us that asking, seeking, and knocking is the best way to a new you.
When Israel was pinned between their past and a sea, God made a way. This Christmas we recognize that God parted a sea for a people, but more than that, has made a way for us all in the birth of Jesus.
MESSAGE SLIDES
1. Exodus 13:20-21
2. Exodus 14:10-14
3. Exodus 14:13 (Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation that he will accomplish for you today).
4. Galatians 5:1
5. Stand Firm
6. The presence of your past doesn’t overshadow the presence of God.
7. Exodus 14:21-28
8. At just the right time God split the sea, and it’s now we remember when God split the heavens.
9. Luke 2:10-14
10. John 1:14
11. John 14:6
12. When Jesus broke in through space and time, He made a way for us all.
Walking by faith and trusting God is easier said than done. But what makes it harder for us at times is that we’re not really placing our faith or trust in God. But when we do, He takes us from places of familiarity to places of freedom.
Message Slides:
- Exodus 16:1-3
- The space between the promise and the destination is the process.
- We can’t retreat to the familiar over trusting God with our future.
- Exodus 16:3
- We can only move from the familiar to the future by faith
- The degree of our trust is based on the object of our trust
- Isaiah 12:2
- Exodus 16:4
- We become aware of our need to trust only when we’ve reached the edge of what’s familiar.
- Philippians 4:19 “all your needs”
Why is it taking so long? Why do I seem to be going the wrong direction from where I want to go? These are both honest and good questions to ask. Jesus may not always take us the way we want to go, but He’ll always lead us the way we should go.
Message Slides:
- Exodus 13:3
- Exodus 13:17-18
- The fastest way isn’t always the right way
- We think that if we’re not getting what we want He’s keeping something from us, but the truth could be that He’s keeping us from something.
- Exodus 13:17
- Have you ever thought that it may be taking longer because God is protecting you from something?
- What God has done for us He will later do through us
- Exodus 13:18
- As Jesus freed us from the power of sin, the Holy Spirit empowers us to fight sin.
We all experience hardship in life. Sometimes that takes the form of physical, circumstantial, or mental difficulties. God desires for us to know freedom that only comes through Jesus. In Exodus 7-12, God used the plagues of Egypt to remind the Hebrews that he was there for them. What could easily be seen as horrible became the very thing to set them free. Instead of looking to what’s around us to find our security, we must realize that the true power for freedom comes through who’s above.
Message slides:
- Exodus 3:4-8: “When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered. “Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he continued, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people in Egypt, and have heard them crying out because of their oppressors. I know about their sufferings, and I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey...”
- Power isn’t found in what’s around, power is found in Who’s above.
- The Ten Plagues
- Nile River —> Blood (Exodus 7:17-19)
- Infestation of Frogs (Exodus 8:3-6)
- Swarms of flying insects (Gnats, lice, or mosquitoes) (Exodus 8:16-17)
- Flies (Exodus 8:24)
- Pestilence of animals (Cattle, horses, camels, sheep) (Exodus 9:3-6)
- Boils on Humans & Animals (Exodus 9:8-10)
- Hail mixed with fire (Destroyed people, animals, and plants—the first plague to cause direct human fatalities) (Exodus 9:18-33)
- Locust (covered the land and ate all of the plants in Egypt) (Exodus 10:4-15)
- Darkness for 3 days (Exodus 10:21-23)
- Death of the Firstborn (Human and Animal) (Exodus 11:4-5, 12:29)
- Power isn’t found in what’s around, power is found in Who’s above.
- What about us?
- What power do you find comfort in?
- Romans 2:4, “Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”
- Power isn’t found in what’s around, power is found in Who’s above.
There are a couple defining moments we all face that will determine whether we move forward into freedom, or resign to captivity. It’s just a matter of recognizing what they are and determining what you’ll do when you get there. Will you identify them and what will you do when confronted with them?
Message slides:
- Self Discovery
- What you’re about to do is bigger than you because it’s not about you.
- It’s about what God wants to do for the betterment of others through you.
- Surrender
- Exodus 5:6-9
- Exodus 5:19-23 call out, ever since I went
- Sometimes harder is the path to better
- Allow truth to lead and feelings will follow
- Exodus 6:2-9
It can be so easy at times to believe things about ourselves that aren’t true — to be held captive by self-limiting beliefs, weakness, and fear over uncontrollable outcomes. Breaking free from what holds us captive requires us to embrace the promises of Jesus, choosing to to move forward in them rather than our own power.
MESSAGE SLIDES:
- Exodus 3:10-12
- Exodus 3:11
- Exodus 3:12.
- John 14:16
- 2 Peter 1:3-4
- BridgeChurch App: Message Resource Guide
- Exodus 3:13-22
- I will be with you (3:12)… This will be the sign that I am the one who sent you (3:12)... You will all worship God at this mountain (3:12)... I have promise that I will bring you up from the misery of Egypt (3:17)... They will listen to you (3:18)... The king of Egypt will not allow you to go (3:19)... I will perform miracles (3:20)... The king of Egypt will let you go (3:20)... I will give these people such favor (3:21)... You will plunder the Egyptians (3:22)...
- Exodus 3:16
- Move forward into freedom
- 2 Peter 1:3, 5
- Exodus 4:1-9
- Exodus 4:1
- Trust Jesus with the outcomes
- Mark 4:40-4
- Trust Jesus with the outcomes
- Exodus 4:10-12
- Exodus 4:10
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
- Embrace your weakness as the location of Jesus’ strength
Throughout the Bible, especially in Exodus, God demonstrates his power to free His people. Free them from oppression and free them from themselves. But all too often we think what God does for others He can’t, or won’t, do for us. But the exodus wasn’t just for Israel, it can be for us too.
It’s been said that we won’t go forward until the pain of staying where we are is unbearable. Breaking free from what holds us captive begins with a breaking point. The moment we’ve had enough is the moment we recognize He is enough.
Message Slides:
slide 1: “The sad reality is that most of us will not go forward until the pain of staying where we are is unbearable.” - Pete Scazzero
slide 2: Exodus 2:23-25 God heard, God remembered, God saw, God knew
slide 3: God Hears
slide 4: Psalm 40:1
slide 5: Are you talking to Him as much as you’re talking to yourself or others?
slide 6: God Remembers
slide 7: Too often we’re living to the standard of what we think and feel rather than what God says about us.
slide 8: 2 Corinthians 5:17
slide 9: Ephesians 2:10
slide 10: Galatians 2:20
slide 11: 1Peter 2:9
slide 12: God Knows
slide 13: Exodus 3:1,7-10 (end verse 1 after Jethro…)
slide 14: You are the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Sometimes it’s just hard to reconcile God’s goodness when we seem to be surrounded by so much badness. How does it fit together and what are we to do when the life we want isn’t the life we’re living?
Message Slides:
slide 1: If God is so good, why can things be so bad?
slide 2: Deuteronomy 29:29
slide 3: Hebrews 6:16 hope as an anchor
slide 4: Sin is why things are so bad
slide 5: We take what we shouldn’t and don’t take responsibility for what we should.
slide 6: Everything is spiritual
slide 7: Ephesians 6:12
slide 8: Philippians 4:6,7 (just the reference)
slide 9: We are conquerors
slide 10: Romans 8:35-37
slide 11: We have the Comforter and Counselor
slide 12: John 14:26;16:7
What happens when we die? Everyone’s got a thought, every world religion has an answer, and most people are scared at the thought of it. But we’re scared of the things we don’t know, so what’s the Bible have to say about what happens when we die?
Message Slides:
slide 1: What happens when we die?
slide 2: First, we’re judged
slide 3: Hebrews 9:27 judgment
slide 4: It is the righteousness of God that either saves us or separates us from Him.
slide 5: 2 Cointhians 5:21 in him we might become the righteousness of God
slide 6 God would cease to be just if he didn’t abide by the standards of His own character.
slide 7: Romans 5:8
slide 8: Hell is the eternal and conscience alternative to eternal union with God
slide 9: Matthew 25:41,46
slide 10: Hell was not created for humanity (Matthew 25:41) just the reference, no need for the whole passage
slide 11: Hell is eternal (Matthew 18:8) same here
slide 12: Hell is separation from God (2Thessalonians 1:9) same here
slide 13: 1 Thessalonians 5:9
slide 14: Heaven is everything as it was meant to be
slide 15: 2 Corinthians 12:1-4
slide 16: Heaven is paradise
Do you follow Jesus? Yes. Do you go to church? No. Can that even be a thing, to follow Jesus and not attend church? We live at a time when people are open to Jesus but many times closed off to the church. So, we’re answering the question - “Can I love Jesus but not the church?”
Message Slides:
slide 1: The Day of The Great Assembly
slide 2: 1Peter 2:9,10
slide 3: The church are those called out by God, carrying out the mission of God.
slide 4: Matthew 16:16-18
slide 5: A bride
slide 6: A family
slide 7: A house
slide 8: To love Jesus is to love what Jesus loves
slide 9: To love the local church is to…
slide 10: Commit
slide 11: Participate
Can you be gay and be a good Christian? The answer may surprise some while the bigger question relates to us all. Join us as we delve into the Bible seeking answers to questions you’re asking.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: Can you be gay and a good Christian?
Slide 2: Yes
Slide 3: Gay: Men or women with a sexual predisposition towards members of the same sex. aka same sex attraction.
Slide 4: Leviticus 18:21
Slide 5: Romans 1:26,27
Slide 6: 1 Corinthians 6:9,10
Slide 7: Our passions don’t give us permission to act on our desires.
Slide 8: Is God opposed to love?
Slide 9: Our sexuality is not our identity.
Slide 10: 2 Corinthians 5:17
Slide 11: Can there be a predisposition within me preventing me from being a “good” Christian?
Slide 12: Romans 7:18-25
Slide 13: Matthew 16:24
Slide 14: Being a “good” Christian is allowing the Holy Spirit to keep our desires in check.
Slide 15: Galatians 6:2
Does God cause everything? The simple answer, no. But, God can create something purposeful even out of the most disruptive. And that’s what he did in Acts 8 and that’s what He can still do in our lives and circumstances.
Message slides:
slide 1: Acts 8:1-3
slide 2: When persecution broke out, the church had a breakthrough.
slide 3: Acts 8:4
slide 4: Difficulty can develop, not just disrupt.
slide 5: Romans 5:1-5
slide 6: God will allow difficulty on you, to reveal in you, all He has for you.
slide 7: 2 Corinthians 4:17
At first glance the account of Ananias and Sapphira comes across abrupt, a bit out of place, and in the end, down right intimidating. But when we step back, see this story in its context, and within its place in the early church, an essential message for all of us emerges. A message on the importance of, trust.
Message Slides:
slide 1: Acts 5:1-11
slide 2: Acts 4:32-37
slide 3: Jesus is the cornerstone
slide 4: Trust is an essential foundation stone of the church
slide 5: This was ultimately a spiritual matter
slide 6: Ananias and Sapphira is about: Truth, trust, and character
Some things are just true. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. The moon's gravitational pull affects the oceans' tides. And Jesus is the only hope for humanity. Just because it’s contested, debated, or dismissed, doesn’t make it any less true as we see when we take a look at Acts chapter 4.
Message Slides:
slide 1: Acts 4:5-7
slide 2: Are you able to give credit where credit is due?
slide 3: Acts 4:8-12
slide 4: We are all in need of saving and Jesus is the only One who can save us.
slide 5: Romans 5:12
slide 6: Salvation is: Deliverance from son’s power and freedom from sin’s penalty.
slide 7: There is no universalism
slide 8: Tolerance should lead to acceptance, not approval
slide 9: “Your truth” is not THE truth
slide 10: Every belief system is based on how good you must be and what you must do. Following Jesus is about how good He is and what He did — for you.
slide 11: Acts 4:20 “… we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Series Summary:
Roots. Every bush, tree, and plant we see above ground has powerful roots underground. They anchor them, nourish them, and give them life. And the same is true of the Church. In this series we’re going back to the book of Acts, the roots of the church, to glean life and strength for our lives today.
Message Title: Church, We Need to Repent
Message Summary:
In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a man and refuse to take credit for their miracle. Instead, they put the focus completely on Jesus. Peter goes on to warn the Jews that their own agendas/motives led to them killing the one God sent to set them free. He tells them that Jesus must be everything. In Christianity today, we often confuse what's important for the most important. Peter's call for the Jews to repent and fully accept Jesus speaks to us today as well. If we have allowed anything to be more important than helping people discover and follow Jesus, we must repent or risk being sidelined by God.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: I was right
Slide 2: I was wrong
Slide 3: Acts 3:11-26
Slide 4: Church, we NEED to REPENT
Slide 5: Warning: If we add anything to Jesus, we risk being sidelined by God.
Slide 6: Acts 3:23
Slide 7: Jesus Must Be Everything
Slide 8: We’re so quick to latch onto the issues of the moment instead of holding onto Jesus.
Slide 9: Jesus Must Be Everything
Slide 10: We think our era of transformation will happen by the hands of man. Transformation only happens through Jesus.
Slide 11: We must surrender ourselves so that Jesus becomes everything.
Series Summary:
Roots. Every bush, tree, and plant we see above ground has powerful roots underground. They anchor them, nourish them, and give them life. And the same is true of the Church. In this series we’re going back to the book of Acts, the roots of the church, to glean life and strength for our lives today.
Message Title: What Over How
Message Summary:
No two churches are the same. Some are traditional while others are more creative in their approach to worship. And in either case and the myriad of examples in-between, “how” they do church isn’t what matters. What matters is “what” they do and why they do it. When we dig into the Roots of the early church we don’t find an addendum to how they did church, but we do see clearly what they did, and it’s just as important today as it was then.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: What never changes, but how does.
Slide 2: Acts 2:42-47
Slide 3: Attend
Slide 4: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42
Slide 5: Regular church attendance is a discipline that displays the priority and the importance of faith in our lives.
Slide 6: Serve
Slide 7: “Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.” — Acts 2:44
Slide 8: Your service brings strength to the whole.
Slide 9: Give
Slide 10: “They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds…” — Acts 2:45
Slide 11: “but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth…” —Deuteronomy 8:18
Slide 12: “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2Corinthians 9:7
Slide 13: “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;” — Proverbs 3:9
Slide 14: “No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matthew 6:24
Slide 15: Group
Slide 16: “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke break from house to house.” — Acts 2:46
Slide 17: “Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” — Acts 2:47
Series Summary:
Roots. Every bush, tree, and plant we see above ground has powerful roots underground. They anchor them, nourish them, and give them life. And the same is true of the Church. In this series we’re going back to the book of Acts, the roots of the church, to glean life and strength for our lives today.
Message Title:
The greatness of God and our response.
Message Summary:
Cultural relevance, strategies, and property didn’t result in the beginning of the church. It was about the greatness of God. It was about His redemptive work throughout history culminating in the resurrection of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit. And what’s our response, to repent and be baptized. And that’s exactly what happened in Acts 2.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: Genesis 11:4-8
Slide 2: Acts 1:1-6
Slide 3: The greatness and glory they were proclaiming was the in-gathering of humanity through Jesus.
Slide 4: Acts 2:36
Slide 5: Acts 2:37-41
Slide 6: Repentance is an all-out course correction in life.
Slide 7: Baptism is our public declaration of our identification with Jesus
Slide 8: Acts 2:41
Series Name: Roots
Message Date: Aug 15, 2021
Series Summary:
Roots. Every bush, tree, and plant we see above ground has powerful roots underground. They anchor them, nourish them, and give them life. And the same is true of the Church. In this series we’re going back to the book of Acts, the roots of the church, to glean life and strength for our lives today.
Message Title:
The Message and the Method
Message Summary:
While so much has changed over the past 2,000 years, some things are still the same. The message of the gospel, the good news of Jesus, has not changed. Neither has how God wants to get that message out to the rest of the world. While so much has changed, the message and method remain the same.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: Acts 1:1,2
Slide 2: Luke 4:43 “the good news about the kingdom of God” & “I was sent for this purpose”
Slide 3: The message of the gospel, the good news of Jesus, is about bringing Heaven to earth.
Slide 4: Matthew 6:10,11 “on earth as it is in heaven”
Slide 5: Acts 1:4-6
Slide 6: Psalm 20:7,8
Slide 7: The people of God on the mission of God for the glory of God.
Slide 8: Acts 1:7,8
Slide 9: The method of bringing Heaven to earth is through Spirit-empowered followers of Jesus — YOU.
How to Break Through Barriers
Message Summary:
In Mark 2:1-12, we read an account of a group of friends lowering one of their group through a roof to meet Jesus. In this powerful experience, we see Jesus heal this man of his sins and restore his ability to walk. This man’s community easily identified a solution to his problems through Jesus and his breakthrough happened in community.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: Mark 2:1-12
Slide 2: Community more easily identifies problems
Slide 3: Breakthrough happens in community.
Slide 4: God’s power is revealed when we allow ourselves to be lowered.
Slide 5: “We’ve never seen anything like this”
Slide 6: Breakthrough happens in community
Message Series: That's my Jam
Teacher: Pastor Andrew Smith
Date: July 25, 2021
Message Title: Roots, Vines, and Branches / How to Grow Your Faith
Message Summary:
What we want is a life of ease and comfort. What we all too often get are detours and discomfort. The truth is, God does His greatest work in us when things are most difficult around us. Just take a page out of the vines life to see how and when grow and flourish best.
Message Slides:
Slide 1: John 15:1-5
Slide 2: The harder the soil, the hotter the weather, the better the fruit.
Slide 3: God may not make the hardship, but He can make something out of the hardship.
Slide 4: John 15:5
Slide 5: We want the product without going through the process
Slide 6: John 15:2
Slide 7: We’re pruned in order to bear more fruit.
Message Series: That's my Jam
Teacher: Pastor Jeff Loven
Date: July 18, 2021
Message Title: Stuck in a moment you can't get out of
Message Slides:
YOUR EXPECTATIONS ARE SET IN YOUR HEART
Proverbs 4:23 — Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
A GUARDED HEART IS ROOTED IN GOD’S WORD
Proverbs 4:20-22
2 Timothy 3:16-17
A GUARDED HEART IS FOCUSED ON THE RIGHT THINGS
Proverbs 4:25
Hebrews 12:1-3
A GUARDED HEART CAREFULLY CONSIDERS LIFE'S PATH
Proverbs 4:26
Hebrews 12:12-13
A GUARDED HEART AVOIDS THE ATTRACTIONS OF EVIL
Proverbs 4:27
1 Thess 5:21-22
WHO AND WHAT ARE SETTING THE EXPECTATIONS OF MY HEART?
Lessons From A Dysfunctional Family
The Story: Luke 15:11-32
Four Family Truths:
❶ God loves us enough to let us leave.
Luke 15:11-13, Romans 1:21-32, Mark 10:21-22, Judges 16:20, Psalm 81:11-12,
Proverbs 1:22-33, Matthew 23:37-39, Acts 7:39-43
❷ Turning to God is the only option that makes sense.
Luke 15:17, Proverbs 12:5, 2 Timothy 1:7, Colossians 2:2-4
❸ The road back home starts with an attitude change.
Luke 15:12 & 19, 2 Chronicles 30:6-9, James 4:7-10, Mark 14:36, Romans 12:1-2
The core of rebellion = “give me”
The core of brokenness = “make me”
❹ Unconditional love has to be accepted, not earned.
Luke 15:22-29, Luke 10:38-42, Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16, John 4:10, Titus 3:3-7
The Moral Of The Story:
We have a God that would rather rescue than punish.
Too often our personal experiences dictate what should be defined only by God. Like faithfulness. Once we understand what faithfulness has to do with God, what it means about what He says, and how He empowers us to be faithful towards others, does it make sense in our own lives.
Join Pastor Andrew Smith for our third week in the message series entitled "The Way." Pastor Andrew leads us through a study of the different types of soil and what happens when we plant spiritual seeds.
The Way is a teaching series from Bridge Church located in Fresno, CA.
We often go to Jesus asking what we have to do to be right with God. The reality is Jesus already did more than we could ever do, and he did it on our behalf. What he's concerned with are the hurdles that get in our way of loving God and loving others.
What does it mean to follow Jesus and share your faith with others? What can we learn from the way Paul did it?
This series is all about sharing our faith by connecting with people and finding common ground. Who can you be praying for this week that you can connect with?
Because Jesus said that he would rise from the dead, we can trust that the rest and joy he offers are true.
We don't follow Jesus because of what he can do for us, but what he is continually doing IN us.
We know things aren't supposed to be this way, and that can bring us so much anxiety. What do we do with the worries and cares that we have? Cast them on Jesus.
Pastor Andrew Smith continues our "It's Not Supposed to Be This Way" teaching series in 1 Peter 4:12-19. Pastor Andrew teaches that tests refine our faith, proving its quality and reliability. He encourages us not to waste the tests that God allows us to experience.
Pastor Jeff Loven had a great message this past Sunday. His biggest takeaway was “Above all, love well.” Learn how to pour out care and put persistent effort into the lives of people around us, especially those who are different from us.
Just like in the grocery store we go into life with a list of what we're supposed to get, but we end up with a cart full of things that we want that aren't good for us. Ask God to check your cart, and check your heart to find those things you've picked up that are hurting you.
In our final week of the series we talk about what it takes to make relationships last long term through the difficulties that come along the way.
There's a single ingredient in relationships that can radically change us if we're willing to use it.
When we face opposition and frustration and disappointment, how we respond says a lot about where our hope and trust is placed. Let's respond as people trusting in God and his power over our circumstances and let's respond in a way to brings people closer to Jesus!
What if the problems we see and the frustrations we feel about our situation was less about what's going on around us and more about what's going on inside us? What would we do differently if change had to start with us?
We don't get our joy from your situation that changes. We get it from our position, where we stand with Jesus, who never changes.