Bridgewater Tunkhannock's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Bridgewater Church
What do you do when it seems like God doesn’t show up and evil is winning? Don’t mistake God’s silence for His absence. Like Esther we must trust and obey God even when everything seems hopeless. Evil often takes the lead, but God’s side succeeds.
Passage: Esther 2:19–3:15
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
God’s name is never mentioned in Esther, but His fingerprints are all over every unexpected twist and turn. Join us as we discover how God works to bring about an amazing story of courage, justice, purpose and hope through quiet coincidences, not obvious miracles. Esther’s story reflects our own: we may not always see God’s hand, but we can trust His heart. Often, God’s plan to transform the world is not through spectacular displays of power, but by invisibly working behind the scenes and using ordinary people like Esther and Mordecai. Like them, we need to personally love those God has put in front of us. Like an artist who can make beauty from discarded things, God’s plan is to use us. That doesn’t seem like a great plan, but it is! Let Him use you in His story of salvation and hope.
Passage: Esther 1:1-2:18
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
They say the hardest part of a journey is the first step, and that may be true. But the next hardest part is the next step. The first step onto the water for Peter must have been terrifying, but it’s when he notices the wind that he begins to sink. Peter’s first step of faith was strong, but we need to trust Jesus through every step of our journey. After catching Peter’s fall, Jesus says to him, “You have so little faith. Why did you doubt me?”. It’s not a question of the amount of our faith - it’s the object of our faith that matters. What has your focus - the storms or the God of the storms?
Passage: Matthew 14:30-33
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Instead of merely being content to wait for Jesus to come to him, Peter asked Jesus to give him the power to walk on water toward Jesus. Peter didn’t know how it would turn out, but he trusted that Jesus could do what seemed impossible. He didn’t wait for an explanation - Peter asked for an invitation: “Tell me to come to you.”. Too often, when we say “tell me,” it’s “tell me all the information,” or “tell me what happens next,” but Jesus invites us to trust Him even when we don’t know what’s next. Where in your life do you need to stop merely waiting for Jesus to show up and take steps of faith towards Him?
Passage: Matthew 14:28-29
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When Jesus came walking to them on the water, the disciples recognized Him. Whether it was what He said, the sound of His voice, or His presence alone, they knew immediately that they could trust this man walking on water to them. Yet we have so many voices, thoughts, and ideas swirling in our minds all the time. How do we listen to His voice when the world around us seems like it’s crashing in? How do we recognize Jesus in the storms of life? The disciples knew it was Jesus because they knew His voice, they could see Him, and they had spent time with Him, and we can know Jesus’ voice by doing the same things today.
Passage: Matthew 14:25-27
Speaker: Kevin Stiles
Montrose: Kevin Ozolins
Series Description: What do you do when you find yourself in the middle of a storm you never signed up for? A marriage that’s fallen apart, another job that fell through, nights and storms that seem like they’ll never end - and your kids are caught up in the middle of the crossfire. It can feel like you’re in the middle of the storm, wondering if anyone sees you - if anybody cares. That may just be how the disciples felt as they found themselves without Jesus in the middle of the lake, in the middle of the night, in the middle of a storm they never wanted to be in. But that’s exactly when Jesus shows up - not after the mess, but in the midst of it. And what looks like the perfect storm of disaster actually turns into the perfect storm to reveal a perfect God.
Sermon Description:
If you’ve ever felt like God just wasn’t there at the worst possible time, you’re not alone. The disciples were doing exactly what Jesus had told them to do, and they still ended up in the middle of a lake, alone at night in a massive storm - with no Jesus in sight. But what if God didn’t forget you in the midst of your storm? What if He is using the storm to redirect our focus - to put our trust fully in Him? Because even when God feels far away, He calls us to trust Him no matter what, and we’ll find that when we do trust God, He is always closer than we think. At the end of the day, Jesus is inviting us all to trust Him, saying, “Take courage. I am here!”.
Passage: Matthew 14:22-27; Romans 8:35-39
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
As fathers, we often focus on directions and rules for our kids, but what if we could also learn to be their greatest encouragers? What kind of legacy could we leave for our kids if we became their #1 encourager?
Passage: Psalm 78:4-7, Psalm 127:3-5, Ephesians 6:4
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident, and it was never meant to happen alone. While many people desire to grow in their relationship with Jesus, that pursuit often gets redirected by the pressures and pace of life. In Hebrews 10, we see that God’s design for growth is shared pursuit: people who help one another hold on, stay encouraged, and keep moving forward. Biblical community isn’t just about connection; it’s about transformation and mission. As we pursue Jesus together, we create space for others to do the same, multiplying disciples and advancing the mission of the church.
Passage: Hebrews 10:23-25
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
God has uniquely gifted every follower of Jesus, not randomly, but on purpose, to serve others and make a difference. In 1 Peter 4:10–11, we see that these gifts come in many forms, but all are meant to be used, not just held. When we step in and serve, relying on God’s strength and pointing to His glory, we begin to find where we truly fit and experience the joy of being used by Him. So our next move is simple: discover how God has gifted us, take a step to try it, and faithfully use it because what God has placed in us was never meant to stay in us, but to make a difference through us.
Passage: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Worship is our response to who God is and what He has done. This message invites people to step into God’s presence and respond— not as a performance to observe, but as a response to participate in. As we understand who we are worshiping, we are freed to respond authentically and to carry that response into our daily lives, not just our Sunday experience.
Passage: Psalm 100; Romans 12:1
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
This message moves beyond the act of giving to the formation of the heart, showing that generosity is not driven by obligation but by the grace of God. As we recognize that God is the one who provides and shapes a harvest of generosity in us, giving becomes a joyful response rather than a reluctant duty. This week reinforces the 90-day tithe challenge and calls our church to take a shared step of obedience, trusting God to shape our hearts, our habits, and our lives through generosity.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 & 9; 9:1-2 & 6-14
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Following Jesus always leads us forward. There’s always a next step. But growth doesn’t happen when we just understand something, it happens when we step into something. In this series, we’re exploring what it looks like to take intentional steps forward in practicing the values that shape us into people who look more like Jesus.
Throughout Scripture, giving a tenth was a consistent way God’s people honored Him, trusted Him, and put Him first. This message focuses on the step of obedience, challenging people to move beyond understanding and step into putting God first in their finances. Rather than starting with feelings or motivation, it calls people into a 90-day tithing challenge as a practical way to grow in trust, obedience, and spiritual formation.
Passage: Genesis 14:19-20, Deuteronomy 14:22-23, Malachi 3:7-8 & 10, 6:21 & 24, Matthew 23:23
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Today, we’re celebrating how God uses moms and women to shape faith in ways that last far beyond what we can see. In the story of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy, we’re reminded that faith is usually passed on through everyday life—through prayers, conversations, reading the Bible, and simply showing up again and again. It’s a lot like packing lunches and taking care of the daily stuff that never feels very big, but ends up meaning everything. God takes those small, faithful moments and turns them into something that can impact generations. So today we honor moms, grandmas, and spiritual moms, and as a church we commit to walking with them, encouraging them, and supporting them as they help pass on a faith that lasts.
Passage: 2 Timothy 1:5, Deuteronomy 6:7, Psalm 145:4
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
This message centers on the reality that while following Jesus brings new life, it doesn’t remove life’s hardships, but it does change how we carry them. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4 and 1 Thessalonians 4, it shows that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our hope: because He rose, our suffering is temporary, our future is secure, and even death is not the end of our story.
Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:8-11, 14 & 16-19; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
Kevin Ozolins
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we are not invited to simply improve our old way of living, but to live a completely new life that often runs counter to our natural instincts. In Philippians 2, Paul shows that this new life flows from what we’ve already received in Christ and is modeled by Jesus Himself, who chose not to cling to His rights but humbly obeyed the Father, even to the cross. What looked like loss became victory through the resurrection, and that same pattern now shapes how we live. As followers of Jesus, we learn to “catch” our instinctive responses, “reverse” them by choosing His way, and “repeat” those choices over time.
Passage: Philippians 2:1-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Week 3 of Life 2.0 answers the question: How do we live the new life Jesus gives us? While many people try to follow Jesus through sheer willpower, the Christian life was never meant to be lived that way. Through resurrection, God gives believers His Holy Spirit, whose power raised Jesus from the dead and now lives within His followers. The Spirit convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and produces new character in our lives as we walk with Him. Rather than trying harder, we learn to keep in step with the Spirit by inviting His leadership, noticing His guidance, and following His promptings in everyday moments. Because of the resurrection, new life is not only forgiven—it is powered and led by the Holy Spirit.
Passage: Romans 8:11-14; John 16:8-9, 13-14; Galatians 5:16-17
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Many people think Christianity is about becoming a better version of themselves, but the resurrection offers something far greater than self-improvement. In Romans 6 and Colossians 3, Paul explains that when we trust Jesus, we are united with Him in His death and resurrection: the old life defined by sin dies, and a new life begins. Because of this new identity, we no longer have to hide or manage the mistakes of the past; we can lay them down and begin living differently. New life begins when the old life ends, and that new life starts when we trust Jesus as our Forgiver and Leader.
Passage: Romans 6:1-4, 6-7 & Colossians 2: 20, 3:1 & 5-11
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Life 2.0 isn’t about an upgraded or better version of the old life. It’s about a brand-new life made possible by the resurrection of Jesus. When we make Jesus our Forgiver and Leader, we’re not invited into self- improvement, we’re invited into resurrection. The old life is laid down, and a new life begins. And while that new life carries a future promise of heaven, it also reshapes how we live here and now. In this five-week series, we’ll look at how the resurrection transforms our identity, empowers us through the Holy Spirit, reorients our values in God’s upside-down kingdom, and grounds us in a lasting hope for the future.
Easter celebrates the historical event of Jesus’ resurrection, which guarantees new life for those who trust in Him. Because Jesus lives, three things are guaranteed for those who belong to Him: forgiveness for the past, new life and transformation in the present, and a living hope for the future. The resurrection isn’t just a story to believe, it’s a promise to receive by trusting Jesus as Forgiver and Leader.
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, 17, 20
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Everyone spends their life serving someone or something. Over 3,000 years ago Joshua asks Israel a question that is still relevant today. Who will you serve? Our gods today are not of wood and metal, they are things like popularity, achievement, pleasure and safety. But there is only one who is worthy of your service. Will you be a servant of the Living God?
Passage: Joshua 24:14-25
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
God describes our relationship with Him in many ways like servant or child. But perhaps the most gracious and undeserved title he bestows is friend. If you have made Jesus your forgiver and leader, you are God’s friend. That friendship means the love, knowledge, joy, purpose and generosity of the Creator of the Universe is yours! These are not treasures you work toward – you have them now! Will you ignore them or embrace the friendship He offers?
Passage: John 15:9-17
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Many people define themselves by their careers, relationships, appearance, or abilities, but these aspects of identity are fundamentally unstable because they can change or be lost. Real identity is not determined by what we do or what others say about us. The Bible teaches that our true identity is grounded in what God has done and what He says about us. Join us as we explore what God declares about our identity to discover our truest selves.
Sermon Description: Who are you? You are not defined by what others say about you, or even by what you think about yourself. You are who God says you are. For those who made Jesus their forgiver and leader, God says you are not a slave to your desires, you are free, and you are His child. Join us as we discover what that means and how you can step into who you really are.
Passage: Romans 8:12-17
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
The Bible is a rather large and at times confusing book - so how am I supposed to understand it? How can I build a habit of being in the Bible consistently? This week in DIY, we focus on HOW to study the Bible. We will give a step-by-step guide to follow to read and ask questions of God’s Word so that we can actually open up our lives to the power of God’s Word to change us.
Passage: James 1:21, 22-25
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Research has shown that personal Bible reading is the most powerful discipline for spiritual growth - and yet many of us struggle to make it happen consistently or to get much from it if we do. If you want real, lasting change in your life, join us as we discover the power of DIY - reading the Bible on your own instead of relying on a “professional” to do what only you can do.
Many Christians rely on pastors, podcasts, and books to tell them what the Bible says instead of reading it themselves. But according to 2 Peter 1:3, God has already given you everything you need for spiritual transformation—and it's found in His Word. Research backs this up: reading the Bible just 4+ times a week dramatically increases spiritual maturity and impacts
Passage: 2 Peter 1:3, 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Parenting isn’t about instant results—it’s about faithful consistency. In Galatians 6, Paul reminds us that we always reap what we sow. The seeds we plant in our homes today—through prayer, encouragement, discipline, and love—will one day grow into a spiritual harvest in our children’s lives. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means showing up, even when progress feels slow. God uses small, steady steps to produce lasting fruit. The truth is, our greatest influence doesn’t come from grand moments—it comes from daily faithfulness lived out at home.
Passage: Galatians 6:7–10
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Parenting isn’t about instant results—it’s about faithful consistency.
In Week 3 of the PG Podcast, Josh and Kristin Jones go deeper into Sunday’s message, Daily Decisions, Lifelong Impact, answering real questions about what it looks like to stay steady when progress feels slow. From disciplining through different stages to parenting unique temperaments, they discuss how small, daily decisions shape a lifelong spiritual harvest.
If you’re weary, discouraged, or wondering whether what you’re doing even matters, this episode is a reminder: don’t mistake invisibility for insignificance. God uses daily faithfulness to produce lasting fruit.
Every family faces conflict—but not every family handles it well. In Ephesians 4, Paul reminds us that the goal isn’t avoiding conflict; it’s honoring God through it. Healthy homes are built when parents speak truth with love, control their emotions instead of being controlled by them, and lead with grace even when tensions rise. “Fighting fair” means we don’t let anger take over or bitterness take root. Instead, we model for our children what forgiveness looks like in real time. The way we handle conflict teaches them more about Jesus than our words ever could.
Passage: Ephesians 4:25-28, 31-32; Romans 5:8-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Conflict is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destructive.
In Week 2 of the PG Podcast, Josh and Kristin Jones go deeper into Sunday’s message, Fighting Fair, Leading Well, and answer real questions about handling conflict in a way that honors God and strengthens relationships.
They talk about cultivating honesty and self-control, modeling repentance and forgiveness, understanding childishness vs. sinfulness, and using conflict as a discipleship moment. If you’ve ever felt behind or unsure how to reset the tone in your home, this episode offers practical encouragement and simple next steps.
The way we handle conflict teaches our kids more about Jesus than our words ever could.
Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. In this 3-week series, we’ll explore God’s blueprint for shaping the next generation by focusing on what matters most: who we and our kids are becoming. From building character that lasts, to handling conflict with grace, to staying consistent when it’s hard, this series will equip parents to lead their families with faith, wisdom, and love.
Before God ever talks about parenting practices, He talks about the parent’s heart. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses reminds Israel that raising godly children starts with loving God deeply. Character doesn’t come from rules —it flows from relationship. We can’t pass down what we don’t possess. Building the heart before the house means letting God shape us before we try to shape them. It means talking about God’s truth not just in church, but in the daily rhythms of life—around the dinner table, in the car, and at bedtime. When parents love God first, live with integrity, and repeat His truth with intentionality, they create an environment where character grows naturally.
Passage: Matthew 15:8; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 7:21-23
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
In this episode of the PG Podcast, Josh and Kristin Jones continue the conversation from Sunday’s message, Building the Heart Before the House, focusing on the role of character in parenting at every stage.
They answer real questions about modeling what we expect from our kids, creating simple spiritual rhythms at home, adjusting those rhythms as seasons change, and learning to trust God with outcomes. Josh and Kristin share what they’ve learned raising four kids—from littles to adults—and remind parents that we can’t pass down what we don’t personally possess.
If you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement and practical next steps for loving God first, leading with integrity, and letting God shape both you and your kids along the way.
The harvest is great, and Jesus is still sending His people. As Bridgewater steps into a new ministry year, this vision message calls us to lift our eyes and see the mission field all around us—our neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Rooted in Jesus’ words and the Great Commission, we’re invited into a bold vision for 2026: saturation. Not maintenance. Not addition. But trusting God to move as we step out in faith, live on mission, and believe that when we go… then God moves...
Passage: Luke 10:2
Speaker: Josh Jones
What we repeat shapes who we become. Just like songs that get stuck in our heads, the thoughts we replay in our minds shape our beliefs, decisions, and direction. In this final week of the Soundtracks series, we look at Joshua 1 and see how God intentionally repeats truth to Joshua as he steps into an overwhelming, unexpected leadership role. Before giving Joshua a strategy, God gives him a soundtrack: “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Passage: Joshua 1:5-9
Speaker: Kevin Stiles
All of us hit moments when our faith feels weak, when our courage dips and our spiritual soundtrack grows quiet. In those moments, God strengthens us through the people around us, like Timothy borrowed faith from. Paul and the paralytic borrowed strength from his friends, reminding us that when your faith feels weak, you can borrow someone else’s until yours grows strong.
Passage: 2 Timothy 1:5-7; Mark 2:1-5
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
In this message, we’re learning how to replace the broken soundtracks in our minds, the lies we hear on repeat, with God’s truth. Every temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness was a lie wrapped in a shortcut: a shortcut to God’s timing, God’s plan, or God’s purpose. Instead of taking the easy way, Jesus answered every lie with Scripture, showing us the path to do the same. Following His example, we learn to spot the lie, swap the lie with God’s Word, and speak the truth until it becomes the new default pathway our mind goes. Because you can’t stop a lie; you have to swap it, and Jesus shows us how.
Passage: Luke 4:1-12; Hebrews 4:15
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We all live with soundtracks, those thoughts that play on repeat in our minds and shape the way we live. Too often, those soundtracks are filled with worry, lies, or fear. But God invites us to retire those broken soundtracks, replace them with His truth, and repeat His promises until they reshape who we become. In this series, we’ll think about what we think about and discover how God gives us tools to think differently, live differently, and walk in His peace. This message kicks off the Soundtracks series by exploring how the recurring thoughts in our minds shape the way we live. Focusing on the soundtrack of worry, Jesus invites us to trade anxiety for trust and to let His peace rule our hearts. We’re challenged to recognize our worry loops and allow Christ’s presence—not fear—to shape our thoughts and lives.
Passage: Colossians 3:15; Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 4:7
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Life doesn’t always make sense—plans change, disruptions come, and seasons feel uncertain. This message reminds us that what looks like chaos from our perspective is often God’s careful orchestration, just as we see throughout the Christmas story. Even when we can’t see it, God is at work, fulfilling His promises and moving with purpose.
Passage: Luke 2
Speaker: Josh Jones
Love doesn’t win championships, build corporate empires, or conquer armies – strength, strategy, fear and influence seem far more powerful. But what if love was actually greater than them all? What if love wasn’t just a virtue, but a person born in a manger? This Christmas, we remember the day Love came to not just to change your life, but to transform our world.
Passage: 1 John 4:9-11
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Christmas celebrates more than a birth. It celebrates the arrival of The Way: the only way to God. This may sound exclusive, but it is just the opposite. We are rescued from eternal death not by a religion or rulebook but by a person. Christmas isn’t just about a birth, it’s about an invitation given to everyone.
Passage: John 14:1, 6
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
How do you get ready for Christmas? It’s not by completing your shopping list, filling your schedule with events or even driving out to see family. You get ready for Christmas by getting ready for Jesus. Let’s learn from a man who spent his entire life preparing the way.
Passage: Luke 3:2-16
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We often talk about our lives using directional terms. “I lost my way... I went the wrong way... I turned my life around.” The Bible uses the same kind of language. But what if “the way” we need to go is more than a direction? Join us this Christmas season as we remember what Christmas is all about: the arrival of The Way in a Manger
Have you ever gotten lost during the Christmas season? We rarely know when we go from “I know my way” to “I’ve lost my way.” By the time we realize we’re lost, we’ve been lost for some time. How do you know if you’ve lost your way in life? How do you know what way is the right way?
Passage: Proverbs 14:12
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
You’ve heard the stories of how God has moved in other people’s lives. Now what are you going to do about it? Jesus didn’t come just for you to think that He’s a good person; He came and died so that you could live. He didn’t just come to change your Sunday morning, but to change your entire life. He didn’t die to make bad people good; He came to make dead people alive. Are you going to live in His Truth?
Passage: James 1:22-27
Speaker: Phil McKeon
Paul went from being “eager to kill the Lord’s followers” to perhaps being the greatest ambassador for Christ who has ever lived. It all started with an interruption of his routine; a challenge to everything that he knew and held dear. Without Jesus interrupting Paul’s status quo, Paul would have never flipped the script in his life from enemy to ambassador. What if God wants to use that inconvenient or life-shattering interruption in your life to change everything?
Passage: Acts 9:1-31
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Mary Magdalene is introduced as the one “from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons,” and yet unlike some of Jesus’ closest friends, Mary didn’t need to put her hand in the risen Jesus’ side. She knew Him by His voice. While others may look at you and see only your past, know that Jesus is the one who holds your future. Know His voice.
Passage: Luke 8:2, John 20:1-18
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Unlike Moses, we don’t get much of Rahab’s backstory. She is introduced merely as a prostitute. In a foreign city. Far from God’s plan, and far from hope. And yet by the time God is done with her story, she ends up playing a vital role in the ancestry of Israel’s kings, most notably of Jesus Himself. Your past does not determine your future, but it may put you in the right position for something amazing. God has made you and shaped you differently than everyone else around you. Will you use those differences to make a difference?
Passage: Hebrews 11:30-31; Matthew 1:5-6a
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Sometimes it feels like our life story has already been written, like it’s too late to change the ending because of what you’ve done or what’s been done to you. But what if it wasn’t too late? What if God is giving you an opportunity to Flip The Script - to change how your story ends? Through this series, we’ll look at lives that were turned upside down - in the best way possible - when they encountered the author of the greatest story ever told.
As a young man, Moses took justice into his own hands and paid the price for it. After 40 years in exile, he trusted God’s plan for justice over his own, and God used that to free an entire nation. No matter how reckless your past may have been or how unqualified you may feel, keep your eyes on the One who is invisible and He will use your past to redeem your future.
Passage: Hebrews 11:23-29
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Money is always talking, whispering that we don’t have enough, pushing us to chase more, or shaming us for falling behind. Whether we’re rich or broke, it can easily become our master. But Jesus calls us to something greater: to store up treasures in heaven, where our giving directs our hearts toward what lasts forever. When we put money on mission, as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 9, our generosity not only meets needs but multiplies gratitude to God and transforms us as givers. The question we each must answer is this: Does money have me, or does God?
Passage: Matthew 6:19-24; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
We often put ourselves first—spending, paying debt, taxes, and saving—leaving God with whatever is left. In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to tithe as a reminder to trust Him with their first and best, and Jesus raised the bar in the New Testament by teaching that where our treasure goes, our hearts will follow. The widow who gave all she had showed that true generosity comes from faith and surrender, not surplus. We are challenged to “flip the list” by making God our priority with our finances, starting somewhere, and giving out of trust, because God gave first by sending His Son for us.
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We all ask it: "Where did it go?" Our paychecks disappear, our budgets feel tight, and financial stress is more normal than financial peace. But the problem isn’t just math—it’s mission. This series explores what Scripture says about debt, tithing, and eternal investment, helping people not just manage money better but trust God more deeply and live more generously. Jesus tells the story of the Rich Fool—a man who thought more stuff would bring more security, but died before he could enjoy it. His mistake wasn’t being rich—it was trusting in riches. In the same way, many today are buried under debt, trying to live lives we can’t afford in pursuit of peace we can’t buy. Debt promises freedom but delivers slavery (Proverbs 22:7). This week challenges us to stop letting money control us and instead take back our margin by putting God first.
Passage: Luke 12:13-21; Proverbs 22:7
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Envy can lead us into any of the three emotions we’ve already discussed: sadness, anger, and anxiety. Deep down, we are always
striving to return to joy. The problem is that we often define joy on our own terms rather than God’s, which makes it elusive. Paul, however, finds true contentment because his focus is on God and others. He cares about what matters to God—reaching more people for Christ,
considering others as more important than himself, and knowing Christ above all else. That is why he can say, “I can do all things through Christ.” His life is consumed with Christ, and because of that, he is not overwhelmed
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Anxiety is another emotion that can easily take the driver’s seat in our lives. It can dominate our decisions, shift us from healthy preparedness to unhealthy obsession, and ultimately rob us of peace. While anxiety can serve a purpose—helping us stay alert and safe—how do we learn to walk in a way that brings peace instead of chaos?
Passage: Philippians 4:4-9
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Anger often shows up as our default response when we’re sad, anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. It’s also the emotion most likely to bring shame and regret, because it tends to get us into trouble. In Inside Out, anger is shown as a powerful force—and in real life, it can be just as consuming. At its root, anger often comes when our goals or desires are blocked. But what if the problem isn’t just the obstacle—what if it’s our goal that needs to change? What does God say about finding joy instead of anger?
Passage: Philippians 3:1-10;12-14;17-21
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Emotions can overwhelm us and cloud our perspective—but God created emotions for a purpose. They can motivate us, but they were never meant to control us. In this series, we’ll explore how God’s design for our emotions leads us to seek His purpose, not just temporary relief, and how we can let Him guide us through what we feel.
Sadness can feel all-consuming, shaping our thoughts and even affecting us physically. In Inside Out, everything sadness touches turns blue —a reminder that we can’t ignore this emotion. But how do we let sadness play a healthy role in our lives without letting it take over?
Passage: Philippians 1:9-11, 1 Kings 19
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What does it really mean for the church to win? In this message, Pastor Josh reminds us that Jesus defines the win—not by programs or activity, but by lives changed through the gospel. As we launch Vision 2025, discover how Bridgewater can put points on the board and run with purpose to reach more people for Christ.
Life is better connected. Great things usually happen through teams and families, not just individuals. God didn’t only save you from your sin—He saved you for His body, the church. The people in the church may be different (and sometimes even frustrating), but every one of us has a role, and every one of us is needed. The church is God’s plan to use us, together, to change the world. Are you in?
Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What’s important to God should be important to us. It’s no surprise that people matter to God. But what may come as a shock is which people matter to Him: all of them. He doesn’t just love the sheep in the fold—He loves every sheep. If we are truly following Jesus, we must follow Him beyond the safety of our Christian circles and into the world to seek the lost.
Passage: Luke 15:1-7
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Everyone has a next step with God—but how do we know what it is? In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus describes what following Him looks like. It’s so radical that we must pause and count the cost. Have you done that? Are you ready to take your next step with Jesus?
Passage: Luke 14:25-35
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
What if money isn’t what we think it is? What if everything we thought we knew about it is wrong? In one of Jesus’ most surprising stories, He praises a dishonest manager—a lying thief—to teach us something unexpected about the true purpose of money. Let’s dive into this unusual parable and discover what Jesus really wants us to understand.
Passage: Luke 16:1-12
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
“Follow me!” It’s an invitation Jesus gives 21 times in the New Testament. But following Jesus is much more than just going for a walk—it means imitating Him and becoming the best possible version of yourself, the person God created you to be. So how do we follow Him? Join us as we explore the five core values of our church—five qualities we grow into when we say “Yes!” to Jesus. To win in football, you get the ball into the end zone. To win in business, you make money. But how do you win at life? Jesus’ teaching and example give us an unexpected answer. We don’t win by becoming richer, smarter, more popular, or more powerful—we win by serving others.
Passage: Romans 12:1-8
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Do you want joy? One of the most dependable happiness engines is gratitude. So, how do we become more grateful? In Luke 17 Jesus tells a difficult story that points us to how we can have greater faith, gratitude and joy. It’s achieved not just by believing Christianity, but by living it out.
Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 17:5-10
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
When emotions run high, it’s easy to react in ways that escalate conflict—bitterness, blame, harsh words. But God calls us to a better way with Ground Rule #4—Act, don’t react. This week, we’ll learn how to respond with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness—even when it’s hard. Don’t let reactions rule you; let Christ lead you.
Passage: Ephesians 4:31-32; Romans 5:8, 10
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Conflict is inevitable—but how we handle it makes all the difference. This week’s message explores Rule #3: Attack the problem, not the person, a biblical principle that helps us speak truth without tearing each other down. Instead of letting pride, blame, or hurtful words divide us, we’ll learn how to face issues with humility, grace, and a commitment to real solutions. Together, we’ll discover how God can transform conflict into unity.
Passage: Ephesians 4:29-30; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Healthy relationships require maintenance. Unlike fashion, unresolved conflict in relationships doesn’t improve with time—it grows worse. Ephesians 4 reminds us: don’t let anger control you or linger. Keep current—deal with issues quickly, forgive fully, and pursue peace like God did with us through Jesus.
Passage: Ephesians 4:26-28; Galatians 4:4-6
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Wherever people come together, conflict is inevitable. Relationships can be a source of both deep joy and real pain. That’s why this series is here: to meet you right where you are—at home, at work, and in your community—and offer God’s wisdom for navigating relational challenges. We’re calling them Ground Rules: practical, biblical guidance to help you build healthier relationships marked by healing, hope, and lasting peace.
Relationships thrive on truth. This message kicks off a on “Ground Rules” for healthy relationships, starting with Ground Rule #1: Be Honest. Ephesians 4:25 reminds us that honesty isn’t just about not lying—it’s about speaking truth in love, avoiding gossip, and committing to integrity. When we build relationships on truth, we create space for trust, healing, and real transformation.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
This Father’s Day message challenges the myth that great dads are made in big, unforgettable moments. Instead, it highlights the quiet power of ordinary, consistent, and faithful routines in everyday life. Grounded in Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6, the message calls dads to love God first, lead with presence, and use the time they have to shape their children’s hearts.
Passage: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Mountaintop experiences are beautiful and memorable, but our lives are shaped in the valleys. In fact, the view from the mountaintop is even more meaningful when you’ve spent time at the bottom. Jesus spent time in the valleys—weeping, praying, and trusting in God’s plan for Him—even knowing that He would ultimately conquer the mountain. He knows that the God of the mountain is also the God of the valley.
Passage: Zechariah 14, Luke 22
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
What kind of God asks you to sacrifice your child? What kind of father would agree? Join us as we journey to Mount Moriah to explore one of the Bible’s most perplexing stories—one that wrestles with the most important question we can ask God: “Can I trust you?”
Passage: Genesis 22
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Glory is recognized greatness. Many people live for glory—for recognition. Actually, don’t we all, at least a little? But what if you were made for glory—not your own, but God’s? What if you could soak in and reflect His greatness and glory? How do we do that?
Passage: Matthew 17:1-8
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Some of the greatest moments in human history have taken place on the legendary mountaintops of Egypt, Israel, and Syria. Journey with us to these sacred places of awe and beauty—not only to reflect on what God has done in the past, but to discover what He wants to do in your life during your own mountaintop moments. Fear can cripple us physically, causing everything from high blood pressure and heart attacks to insomnia and digestive issues. Even more damaging, fear isolates us and breaks down our relationships. Moses’ life was deeply shaped by fear, and the solution God gave him might be the last thing you'd expect. But it could be the key to your freedom, too.
Passage: Exodus 3:1-15; 4:1-5
Speaker: Phil McKeon
No matter who you are—whether you’re a mom, a man, or a woman—we all share something in common: we have expectations for life. We imagine who we’ll become, what our lives will look like, and even how we’ll handle the challenges that come our way. But when life falls short of those expectations, we experience disappointment. Sometimes that disappointment is small and easy to brush off. Other times, it feels overwhelming and causes us to question deeper truths—wondering if God is truly good, if He sees us, and if He is really who He claims to be in the Bible. Can we trust that He is a promise- keeping God who will never leave or forsake us? When all seems lost, can we really believe He is enough for us? We can if we look back in faith and step forward in obedience.
Passage: 2 Kings 4:1-7; Genesis 22:1-2; 9-14
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Jesus sacrificed His life for the very people who spit in his face - even those who were his closest friends who vowed to stick with Him even unto death. Kings normally ask others to sacrifice their lives for them, but Jesus sacrificed His life for others.
Passage: John 10:1-18
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Only Jesus uses His power and position to perfectly serve others. As the King of kings, He did tasks reserved for the lowest servant, because His mission was to serve, not to be served.
Passage: John 13
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
We are used to kings who use their power to their advantage, see their position as a way to get what is best for them, and whose power is limited. But Jesus is not like other kings. Jesus uses His power and position to serve and sacrifice, and even death cannot stop His reign. Jesus is more than just a savior, He is a king like no other.
No other ruler has ever proven themselves to be sovereign over death. Plenty have tried, but no one is like King Jesus. His power over death is your hope, because His victory over death means death doesn't have to be the end of your story—if you will submit to Him as king.
Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:21-26
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Jesus changes lives. Hopefully, you've experienced that firsthand, and if you have, it's time for you to go and tell! When we receive good news, we want to shout it from the mountaintops, but when it comes to the Good News of Jesus, it seems harder, doesn't it? What would happen if we all adopted the mindset of the man Jesus healed in Mark 5 and shared this good news with our friends and family? What's stopping you from sharing the Good News? You have a story to tell—go and share it!
Passage: Mark 5:1-20; John 9:24-25
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Throughout the Gospel of John, we see the phrase "come and see" used to invite people into a relationship with Jesus. More often than not, those who spoke these words had little knowledge of Jesus, but they knew He was worth following. You don’t need all the answers to know that Jesus is good. You may feel like you don’t know enough about Jesus, the Bible, or Christianity as a whole, but you can still share what you do know and invite others to experience Him too..
Passage: John 1:35-46
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We all love sharing good news, and it’s easy when it comes to your favorite sports team winning, getting a promotion at work, or acing that last test. So what makes it so difficult to share the good news about Jesus Christ with those around you and how can we do it better? In this series, we’ll look at three different methods for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to help you invite your friends and family to trust in Him as leader and forgiver.
You may have heard the old saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and when necessary use words,” but is there more to it than that? Are our actions alone enough to convince somebody of the hope that we have in trusting Jesus as leader and forgiver? Your good deeds may open a door for someone to hear the good news, but they’ll need to hear the news in order to walk through that door.
Passage: 1 Peter 3:10-17
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
If God can’t stop evil and suffering, then He isn’t all- powerful. If God doesn’t want to stop evil, then He isn’t all-good. Since evil exists, a good, all-powerful God cannot exist... but what if there’s something missing in that calculation? Join us as we honestly explore the oldest of all doubts and the unexpected answer the Bible gives to the seemingly unsolvable problem of suffering.
Passage: Romans 8
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
How can Christianity be true when some Christians are hateful and hypocritical? It’s actually worse than that. All Christians are hypocrites because hypocrisy is inconsistency and no one is perfectly, morally consistent. We as Christians need to follow Christ better, but does the truth of Christianity rest on who we are, or on who Christ is?
1 Peter 2
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
A belief that has never been questioned is a belief that has never been tested. God isn’t afraid of our doubts, and neither should we be. Your doubts don’t make you a bad Christian; they make you human. Let’s explore the questions we’ve been afraid to ask and discover how doubt can actually strengthen our faith.
Does science disprove the Bible, or does it complement it? Does being a Christian require intellectual surrender, or does it provide a stronger intellectual foundation?
Passage: Romans 1
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We all love a good redemption story—seeing someone whois broken find hope and restoration. The story of Ruth is a perfect example of this. She lost everything, but God was working behind the scenes, and through Boaz, her kinsman redeemer, He gave her a future beyond what she could have imagined. This mirrors what Jesus does for us—He pays the price to redeem us and brings us into God’s greater story. So the question is: Are you trusting with your story? And are you living as though you’re already redeemed—using what you have to help restore others? Because redemption always leads to something greater.
Passage: Ruth 4
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
In Ruth 3, we see Ruth take a bold step to define her relationship with Boaz and move their story forward. Similarly, we all reach a point in our relationship with Jesus where we must define where we stand and take the next step of faith. Whether it's trusting God’s timing, taking a courageous action, or stepping into a relationship with Him for the first time, the call is clear: God invites us to define our relationship with Him and move forward in faith.
Passage: Ruth 3
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
“It just so happened” that Ruth worked in the field that belonged to Boaz. “It just so happened” that Boaz noticed Ruth. “It just so happened” that Boaz was a close relative of Naomi, a family redeemer-type relative. God works through natural circumstances to bring about His will. Ruth’s role was to work hard, wait on God, and serve Naomi.
Ruth 2
Speaker: Kevin Stiles
We often define our lives by the big moments. But most of our lives consist of ordinary chapters. They may not feel significant but ultimately end up changing everything. In our new series, The Book of Ruth, we'll discover the hidden beauty of how God is involved in the day-to-day joys and hardships of our lives.
The story of Ruth opens with heartbreak and the pain of loss, just as there's heartbreak and pain in our lives and in the lives of so many people that know and love. What do you do when times get tough? Will you obey and trust God as the leader of your life or choose to do what is right in your own eyes? One decision can change the trajectory of your life.
Passage: Ruth 1
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
2024: From 115 people trusting Jesus to the launch of our Conklin and Vestal campuses out to be a brand new multisite church, it's been a year of growth and transformation. But as we look ahead, we’re focusing on one powerful word: Invest.
Inspired by Paul’s mission in Acts 20:24, we challenge each everyone following Jesus to consider their life as an eternal investment. We’ll also share specific goals for 2025, from seeing more people come to faith to expanding our ministry and outreach.
Join us as we talk about how we can make this year count by investing in lives, growing in generosity, and expecting big things from God. You won’t want to miss the exciting opportunities ahead at Bridgewater!
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
If you’re not dead, you’re not done—God has more for you. You can overcome challenges, pursue your goals, and live a remarkable life that honors God. You’ve just got to keep moving forward, one step at a time. When you feel tired or discouraged, you need to remember Who you’re running for and take the next step. You don’t have to finish the race all at once; you only need to take the next step. Our ultimate example and source of motivation to keep going is Jesus, who fixed His eyes on us. Now, we fix our eyes on Him.
Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3; John 19:28-30
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
The Bible makes it clear that Satan is a spiritual enemy intent on destroying us. His methods often involve disguising harmful temptations as things that feel appealing or right. Relying solely on willpower to resist temptation can only take you so far. However, God offers a more effective approach: pre-deciding. Instead of struggling to resist temptation when it arises, you can take steps today to eliminate its power over you. Learn how God equips us to say no to sin in advance, trusting that His way is not only right but also the most fulfilling path for our lives.
Passage: Genesis 39:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15-16
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Consistency is the key to lasting change and spiritual growth. While many struggle with inconsistency in various aspects of life, the writers of Scripture highlight examples like Daniel, whose unwavering devotion to God demonstrated the power of steady habits. By starting with a compelling “why,” planning for imperfection, embracing the process, and leaning on God and a supportive community, we can develop the consistency needed to honor God and experience transformation in our lives.
Passage: Romans 7:15; Daniel 6:1-4, 10, 23
Speaker: Josh Jones
What happens between our good intentions and our choices at the moment? If only we could make decisions ahead of time rather than when we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or swayed by fear or emotion. This teaching series teaches us how to do just that and live the life God wants for us. The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decisions, which can be weakened by decision fatigue and emotional impulses. So we’re going to explore the concept of “pre-deciding,” a proactive approach rooted in Jesus’ teaching to prioritize God above all else. By establishing intentional practices and strategies, we can remain devoted to Him, reduce distractions, and align our lives with our faith and values.
Matthew 6:33
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Over the past weeks, we’ve explored stories about God’s power and asked if He still works in the same way today. The Christmas story, especially the miraculous conception of Jesus, shows that God is still in the business of doing the impossible and keeping His promises. Just as God chose Mary, an ordinary young woman, to bring His Son into the world, He continues to pay attention to those others overlook and offers grace, mercy, and help when we believe, even in situations that seem impossible.
Luke 1
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
In this message, we explore how David, despite being wronged by King Saul, chooses integrity over vengeance when given the chance to kill Saul in a vulnerable moment. Instead of seizing power by taking matters into his own hands, David trusts God's plan and refrains from harming Saul, even though it seems like a perfect opportunity. The message emphasizes that in life's random or challenging moments, choosing integrity and trusting God's plan shapes the story of our lives in ways that honor Him and lead to growth.
Passage: 1 Samuel 24
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
In Exodus 14, the Israelites find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's advancing army, leading to fear and panic. Moses reassures them that God will fight for and deliver them, instructing them to "be still" and trust in God's plan. Despite their doubts, God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape, and then destroys Pharaoh's army, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to deliver His people in times of chaos.
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
The Bible portrays God in remarkable and awe-inspiring ways. Its pages are filled with powerful stories that can inspire us, but they can also leave us questioning whether God still moves in the same mighty ways today. This series is meant to explore who God is and what we can expect from Him, reminding us that He is the SAME GOD—unchanging and just as powerful as ever Despite how people and circumstances change over time, God remains the same, always faithful to His promises. By examining the stories of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, we are reminded that God is a promise-maker and promise-keeper, and we are encouraged to trust Him and obey, knowing that He provides and fulfills His word.
Passage: Genesis 12, 18 & 22
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
This year at Bridgewater Church, we’ve witnessed God’s incredible work, both in individual lives and our collective church community, as we pursued our mission to make more and better disciples of Jesus. From chasing our goals for faith commitments, baptisms, and attendance to launching new campuses and seeing remarkable generosity, we have much to celebrate. And we’ve got a story to tell!
Passage: Psalm 145
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
“Growing up in church while living for yourself.”
Passage: Matthew 5:6; Ecclesiastes 12; 1 Timothy 4:12
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Every single person has a story—a path that they traveled to arrive where they currently are! The same is true of every follower of Jesus. Some stories are filled with twists and turns, some are more straightforward. Each story is powerful and teaches us something about God. The question is—What is your story?
Speaker: Bob Kadlecik
2 Timothy 4: 1-8
“Perseverance—God does His best work over time as you stick with it.”
When you drive a vehicle, where you look determines where you go. The same is true for life. This raises a big question—What has your attention? Maybe it’s time to build some guardrails into your life to keep you from going where you don’t want to go!
Proverbs 7
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
If you grew up in an age before the internet, you remember a time when maps were a thing. The map would chart out the way to get where you were going. Someone did the work to figure out how to get from A to B. But here’s the thing—the map was only as helpful and reliable as the maker of the map. The same is true in life. We ask all sorts of people for advice, but the answers you get are only as trustworthy as the people you choose to trust.
1 Kings 12
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
We are pretty good at getting ourselves into trouble. And once we are in trouble, it’s a little hard to change the situation. But what if we could learn to look down the path first? Wouldn’t that be a helpful tool?
Proverbs 27:12
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Life is filled with all sorts of twists, turns, and construction zones—similar to the open road! When you get in your car, you know exactly how to navigate from point A to point B, but how do you do that in life? How do you avoid crashing? How do you make sure you end up where you want to end up without doing major damage to yourself and others? If we stop and Ask For Directions, maybe we can get there quicker and safer!
Have you ever noticed something going on in someone else’s life and thought to yourself, “That’s not going to end well!”? Just about all of us have the ability to see that in other people, but amazingly we often times can’t seem to see when we are personally heading toward a crash! What if there were a way to get some directions that would help us avoid crashing all together?
Matthew 7:24-29
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Everyone knows what a car does. But what does a church do? Like cars, Christians are made to move—to follow and become more like Jesus and help others follow Him too. In Acts 8 we find that the people God calls us to go to may not be the ones we expect.
Acts 8
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
If you don’t expect people to give their lives to Jesus, why talk to them about Jesus? If you don’t expect God to move, why pray? Peter and John lived in expectation and courage. God is changing lives! Put your foot on the accelerator that motivated the first church – live in expectation and courage.
Acts 3-4
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Even the most perfectly balanced engine won’t do anything without fuel. What is the fuel of a revival? It is the obedience of a Christian in several key areas.
Acts 2
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
The movement of the pistons is what gives an engine its power. The movement and secret to the power and exponential growth of the church is something the apostle Peter called “the gospel.” What is the gospel? It means “good news” but it starts with really bad news: the murder of the Lord Jesus. But God raised Jesus from the dead and if you repent you can be forgiven through Him.
Acts 2
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
A church or a Christian can look impressive, but without the Holy Spirit they will never do anything except sit and rust. The sparkplug creates the fire that starts the engine. What is the “spark” that all of us need in our church and life?
Acts 2
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When most people think about change, they think about surface issues. Most New Year’s resolutions are about fitness or finance. I want to lose weight, eat better, exercise, and save money – exterior things. If life were a car, we’d spend all our time on the paint job. We can even parent this way – focusing only on the outward behavior of our kids. But God wants change to go deeper. Let’s go “under the hood” and examine the first Christians to learn how God can really change us, not just on the outside but on the inside as well.
When a car sits, the tires warp and go flat. The battery dies, the breaks rust, the fuel pump breaks down and animals move in. Cars are made to move. As we go “under the hood” in Acts to look at the early church we find the same thing. Christians aren’t just saved to believe something; we are created to do something. Move! What is God calling you to do?
Acts 1
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
In the book of 3rd John, John calls out a man named Diotrephes, the leader of a house Church, for acting like a jerk. Diotrephes is a consumer, and life has become all about him. How do we stop being consumers and start being contributors when it comes to our walk with Jesus?
3 John 1-15
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Thoreau said: “Rather than love, money or fame – give me truth.” It sounds quite noble. Many today feel the opposite: “I’d rather be accused of being too loving than being too truthful.” But what if both are wrong? That’s what 2 John is about – not balancing truth and love but putting them together.
2 John 1-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Remember the days of recording over cassettes or burning CDs? Having a mixtape was the perfect way to have all of your favorite songs in the same place. For the next three Sundays, we’re splicing together three short, all-time great letters in the New Testament that are just as relevant & needed today as when they were first cut.
Jude, the brother of Jesus, points out in his book that we become like whoever we listen to the most. Listening to the bad advice that is everywhere today leads to bad beliefs. And our bad beliefs always result in bad behavior. In fact, while many deny it, your behavior is the best indicator of what you really believe.
Jude 1:3-25
Speaker: Phil McKeon
There are two things you are never supposed to talk about in “polite” company: politics and religion. Many believe there should be a wall between them. "Jesus, stay out of my politics!" It’s better that way... or is it? What if we opened the door and asked God into our politics?
Romans 13:1-7
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Food is a significant part of our lives! It is such a regular part of our daily lives that it is very easy to give lots of thought or very little thought to our food habits. Regardless of which camp you might be in—food is important, but your heart is more important!
Matthew 15:8-11
Speaker: Josh Jones
For many, money is the most private and personal area of our life. We are willing to proclaim who we voted for, what we ate last night and our favorite entertainment. But my money is my business—stay out! But is it just my business? Are you willing to let Jesus into this bolted-shut room of your life?
Proverbs 6:6-11
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Anyone who is a Christian has invited God to rule their life. But let’s be honest, there are certain areas in our lives that we’d rather not let God see, let alone change. In our day of modern entertainment where we have handheld computers and entertainment devices with us 24/7, entertainment has become one of those areas that we would rather God stay out. So what do we do? Keep going like we are free to do whatever we want? Or is there a better way?
1 Corinthians 10:23-31
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
We have already seen how God, the shepherd, is out front leading and how He comes alongside to provide and protect. Now we get a shepherd who is following. To be in His flock is to hear footsteps behind you, but not the footsteps of disappointment, anger, or judgment. These are the footsteps of goodness and love. This sermon reveals God’s heart for His people, and His desire to give us abundant life.
Psalm 23:6
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
We could not possibly account or prepare for every danger we will face in our lives. Life is mysteriously unpredictable. Yet this psalm teaches us that God, our shepherd, has already gone before us and both accounted and prepared for each danger. He leads us on in safety, providing for us and protecting us even when we’re not aware that He’s doing so. This sermon confronts us with our great need for God’s provision and protection.
Psalm 23:5
Speaker: Josh Edwards
Life has a way of leaving us feeling defeated, hopeless, and unsure of where to turn. While sometimes other people are the cause, other times it is because of our own choices. And how does God respond to us when we’re down? This sermon highlights how God rescues, restores, and leads us in the right direction.
Psalm 23:3-4
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
No portion of Scripture, Old or New Testament, is so universally celebrated by those who are followers of Jesus and those who aren’t than Psalm 23. Many people who are unfamiliar with the Bible are familiar with Psalm 23. While there may be some who understand and appreciate its meaning and significance, there are likely far more who find some level of comfort in it, but fall short of understanding what it’s saying and experiencing what it offers. In this 4-week series, we’ll unpack some of the beauty and meaning of this beloved psalm and see how God cares for His people through deserts and gardens—and everywhere in between.
Metaphors can be powerful figures of speech, helping us to understand what would otherwise be unclear to us. In the opening lines of Psalm 23, the author refers to God as a shepherd and himself as a sheep. He goes on to say that because that is true, he has need of nothing. How can he say that, and how can I experience that? This sermon answers those questions.
Psalm 23:1-2
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Motherhood is challenging. When life and motherhood aren't what you had wanted, planned, or anticipated, it’s easy to wonder where God is in all of it. From the anticipation of it through all the seasons of it, it tests every woman every step of the way. Sometimes the challenges are the result of our own choices, while at other times they result from the choices of others. There are moments so difficult we may wonder if God knows about our situation and, if He does, if He cares at all. In this sermon, we’re going to get a look into the lives of two women in the Bible whose experience of motherhood was far from ideal, and we’ll see where God is in their stories and what He has planned for them.
Genesis 16:1-16
Speaker: Josh Jones
The capacity for addiction can be found inside all of us. In fact, the addict experience could actually be called the human experience. Why do we do the things that we don’t want to and why do we want the things that we do? These questions and more, when brought into the light and laid at the feet of God, can help us find freedom from the addictions that rule over so many of us!
John 8:31-36
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
There are two paths to take in this life. You can’t have both. There’s the Easy Button and there’s the Greatness Button. Guess which one Jesus pushed? This gets at a fundamental difference in our desires and God’s desires for us. My goal for my life is happiness and comfort. God’s goal for my life is greatness—to become god-like (more like Jesus).
Matthew 16:21-17
Speaker: Phil McKeon
One of the greatest giants that we ever struggle with is a giant in our head! Insecurity, low self-worth, and even self-hate all show up because of rejection or feelings of rejection from the events in our lives. What if we could drop that giant? What if we could be secure in who we are and how we are valued?
1 Samuel 17
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Everyone experiences fear and worry and sometimes fear can leave us frozen—unable to think clearly or respond effectively. But, is that are only response? Mark 6 gives us hope for when we face fear and worry.
Mark 6:45-52
Speaker: Josh Jones
We all have habits, patterns and sins that have a way of consuming our lives. These ‘giants’ like fear, rejection, comfort and addiction can wreak havoc in our lives. In this series we look at what God’s Word says to discover that whatever your affliction is, it can, will, and must fall to the power of Jesus.
Israel learns that there are still Giants in the land; some are right in your face, yelling at you, and others are more subtle. Some "giants" leave us trembling and hold us back. These "giants" are keeping you on the sideline, so what do you do? You change your perspective, but how do we do that?
1 Samuel 17
Speaker: Joel Garrison
Jesus came to cancel the things that hold you prisoner!
Luke 4:18-19
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When we understand all that we have been forgiven of, it compels us to forgive others. We have wronged God far more than anyone has ever wronged us, and yet He canceled our debt. Forgiveness cannot stop with us, it must flow through us.
Matthew 18:21-35
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Everyone wants peace. But how do we get there? Our sin nature wants to lean into revenge and getting even, but peace is actually found in forgiveness. How do we become healed and whole after being wronged? The only path is forgiveness. It’s not that we become healed and then forgive, we have to forgive to heal.
Colossians 3:12-15
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When you have been hurt deeply, forgiveness can feel like an impossible task. What is the big deal with forgiveness? Does God really expect me to forgive THAT person? How on earth am I supposed to forgive those who have wronged me? Join us as we look at some common misconceptions about forgiveness, how forgiveness leads to peace, and how being forgiven compels us to forgive others.
The Bible commands us to forgive. But so much has been assumed about what it means to forgive that we want to take the time to talk about what forgiveness is—and what it is not. In doing so, we will find that Biblical forgiveness may not be what we thought, but it is so much better.
Colossians 3:12-13
Speaker: Adam Morrill
What about when we can’t honor someone? What about abuse? Today we are joining the conversation about God’s heart for the abused and will unpack four responses to the problem of abuse.
Luke 4:16-19
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Marriages often don’t fall apart in a single day. They also don’t get fixed in a single day. Both healthy and hurting marriages are the product of small choices over time. The “little things” can make a big difference.
Song of Songs 2:15
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Let's stop pretending. The longer you are in relationships the harder it is to pretend or fake loving someone. Eventually the real you comes out. We need to stop pretending and genuinely love others.
In the heat of the battle, reacting, instead of carefully responding is very easy to do. However, if we are going to honor one another above ourselves, we are going to have to learn to listen to one another and resolve conflict with good rather than evil. What might happen in our relationships if we listened to God's instructions instead of our own feelings?
Romans 12:14-21
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Let’s stop pretending. The longer you are in relationships the harder it is to pretend or fake loving someone. Eventually the real you comes out. We need to stop pretending and genuinely love others.
Where do we begin when it comes to relationships? There is ONE thing that all good relationships have in common. Whether it be a husband and wife, two people dating, parents and kids, employer or employee or best friends there is ONE thing that every good relationship has in common.
Romans 12:9-10
Speaker: Adam Morrill
We’re talking about vision. A vision for the people in your life who don’t know Jesus to become followers of Jesus. A vision for those in your workplace to lean in to hear what you have to say because you live out your faith in such a winsome and attractive way. A vision to have a vibrant, growing, community of faith in communities where it’s lacking. A vision to creatively participate in what God is doing in the world. A vision to ask and expect big things of God while we innovate and take risks. A vision to see exponentially more people jumping in to become a part of what God is doing among us by serving, giving, praying, investing, and inviting.
Matthew 25:29
Speaker: Josh Jones & Kurt Goglin
In Matthew 24 Jesus’ followers ask Him THE question: “What sign will signal your return at the end of the world?” What are the six things that Jesus said have to happen before He returns? Are any still unfulfilled? And most importantly, how should we live in these last days?
Matthew 24
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Since Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are living in the end times - we should know how to live in a way that makes every day count! So how do we live “ready”? Jesus sent letters to churches in Asia Minor to make sure that they were ready for His return and making the most of every opportunity. Will you listen what Jesus says to His church?
Mark 13:32-37; Revelation 1:1,4-8, 3:14-22
Speaker: Adam Morrill
War. Poverty. Unrest. What in the world is going on, and how should we live today? The current conflict between Israel and Hamas has sparked several questions regarding the End Times and whether this is the end. If we are living in the End Times, how would we know & how should we prepare?
The current Israel crisis sparks many questions for followers of Jesus. We wonder if this is the end of the world. If so, how did this begin, and what is our response? Today, we will look at Genesis 16-21 and go back to the beginning of where the conflict started.
Genesis 16:1-3; 9-12, 17:17-19, 21:8-10
Speaker: Bob Kadlecik
The events surrounding the Christmas story are incredibly unlikely. So much so that it’s almost ironic that we celebrate it so greatly.
God becoming a baby.
The King of Heaven placed in a feeding trough.
The king of Israel becoming so scared by a tiny baby that he kills off all of the baby boys in Bethlehem.
Why such an incredibly unlikely plan? To produce an incredible outcome. The only question is—will you receive the gift of Jesus?
Luke 1:35
Speaker: Adam Morrill
So much of the Christmas story seems unlikely, including God’s choice of messengers to tell people about it. Angels were an obvious choice, but shepherds and foreign wisemen? But the most unlikely of all was God’s messenger to earth–Jesus. That God would humble Himself into such a small and weak container, a baby boy, is the most unlikely plan of all.
Luke 2:8-20
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When something is promised, it’s easy to get excited and start watching for the fulfillment of the promise. It’s easy, that is, until time drags on and on, seemingly without any movement or change. Eventually, it’s easy to start thinking “It’s not going to happen”, or “We must have gotten it wrong”, or “They must have changed their mind.” Before you know it the lack of movement convinces us that the possibility of anything happening is highly unlikely. So what do we do when God’s timing seems suspect and leads us to believe that His promises are highly unlikely?
Luke 2:21-40
Speaker: Adam Morrill
A birth predicted 1000 years before it happened. A star guiding magi to the birthplace of a special child. A heavenly message proclaimed by angels to simple shepherds. A virgin giving birth…to a child…who was God. What do all these things have in common? They seem unlikely. But could it be that God uses the most unlikely circumstances to bring about the most wonderful outcomes? We think so. And we invite you to join us as we celebrate an “Unlikely” Christmas.
We cannot control how likely or unlikely our life events will be. We can only control our response to them. Mary’s circumstances were beyond unlikely; they were miraculously impossible. But Mary had an unlikely response to her confusing and frightening circumstances – she completely trusted God. She wanted what God wanted, even when she didn’t understand. In the most unlikely birth in human history, Mary had a very unlikely response to God – she trusted Him. Will you?
Luke 1:26-38
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Jesus warns us not to store up treasures on earth. It’s not just because wealth might be lost; it’s because wealth will always be lost. Either it leaves us while we live, or we leave it when we die. No exceptions. The more you have, the more you’ll leave behind. So the wise will store up treasures in heaven, living not for what is temporary (the dot), but for what is eternal (the line).
Matthew 6:19-21
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When confronted with a need, it is typical to assess your resources and determine what you can afford to give to meet the need. Is this the right approach? Or is there a better question to ask? Jesus challenges us to ask “What do I have?” rather than “What can I afford?” Then He uses what we give in a powerful way.
Matthew 14:13-21
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Do you do This? This opens doors and solves problems. This inspires others to do This, too—it’s the good kind of contagious. When they tell our life stories, we want them to put This at the top. We are hardwired for This. This is who we are, and This Is What We Do.
Giving may be an action, but generosity is a posture. When we are generous with our resources, we follow the example of our God, who is not only generous toward us, but multiplies the impact of our giving and the joy we experience as a result of our generosity. Generosity, beginning with the tithe, helps us to put God first.
2 Corinthians 9
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Many people are looking for more purpose in their lives and circumstances. As we wrap up our Starting Point series, we will see that our uniqueness finds its fullest and best expression when connected to God's divine purpose in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves--and it's called the Church.
Acts 9
Speaker: Kevin Ozolins
Faith has a starting point, and as we discussed in week one, our faith is tied to the resurrection. The Christian faith is founded on a person and an event that is supported by historical evidence, and the evidence demands a response.
Acts 17
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Most religions want to negotiate with God. The Bible tells us that God isn’t interested in negotiating, because He is more interested in giving to us than getting from us. In this week of Starting Point, we talk about how grace explains why we can’t bargain with God.
Ephesians 2
Speaker: Adam Morrill
“What can wash away my sin?” It is the age-old question everyone and every religion asks. We all have seasons of our lives and things in our lives we wish we could erase or forget. What do we do with them? In this week of Starting Point, we talk about the solution to our guilt and shame
Mark 1
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Rules, Rules, Rules! Why are there so many rules? Sometimes when you read the Bible it can very quickly feel like all it is is a list of do’s and don’ts. Some people even think that the 10 Commandments are the centerpiece of the Christian faith and that obedience is required to get in. But what if a relationship with God doesn’t depend on obedience? When it comes to your relationship with God, what is the role of rules?
Exodus 20
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
We can all agree that our world is a mess! The world’s three largest faith traditions claim the same starting point - Abraham, and they all agree that God stepped into the mess of our world to do something about it. The question is - how do we get the help He provided?
Genesis 12
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Everything has a starting point: A relationship, a career, a life, a nation. What is the starting point of Christianity? What do you believe and why do you believe it? Join us as we ask questions and think through the foundations of not just Christianity, but your relationship with God.
Paul wrote a dozen books of the Bible and was beheaded for following Jesus and telling others about Him. What was the starting point of his incredible faith? What was most important to him and the other Christians who knew Jesus personally?
1 Corinthians 15:3-6
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Following Jesus means becoming more like Jesus. That is a high standard, but thankfully we do not have to get there all at once and we are not alone in the process. Everyone has a next step to take in becoming more like Jesus. We can be more of what God calls us to be each day if we will walk by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16-26
Speaker: Adam Morrill
You may have noticed that at Bridgewater Church we value community. We live in a culture that is very individualistic, yet in Scripture, we are encouraged to be connected so that we can contend for one another, be united in love, and increase in our understanding of God. All of this is so that we may share our faith and continually be built up and strengthened in our faith. This can produce a heart of thankfulness, but it does not happen by simply showing up; it requires connection.
Colossians 2:1-7
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
If you’ve been a part of Bridgewater for very long, you realize that we place a significant emphasis on reaching out to people far from God. Why? The actions of Jesus show us that He values people and has an urgency in having spiritual conversations. If you’ve been found by Jesus, it’s time to help find others.
John 4:1-42
Speaker: Phil Mckeon
As a church, we want to be known for serving others. This is us; this is who we are. Jesus was an example for all of us to follow, and if we want to follow Him, we need to live as Jesus lived and live our lives in a way that looks like Jesus.
John 13:1-17
Speaker: Brett Bixby
Like people, no two churches are exactly alike. Though there are many churches known by the same name, there is only one of us. As a church, we exist to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. But we have a unique personality and contribution to make in God’s work. At Bridgewater, we are motivated by our mission and driven by our core values. These core values are the why behind the what and the how. Join us in this series, as we focus on Bridgewater's Core Values. This is us.
We, as a church, value radical generosity. But why? Why choose to give in a world consumed with getting? We value generosity because God has been so generous to us. In giving us His Son Jesus, God has given us the ultimate gift and has set the standard for sacrificial giving. So it is both our joy and responsibility to follow His example. We give because He gave.
1 John 3:16-18
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Why do we meet on Sunday mornings? What is the point of church? It’s hard to be 100% onboard with something if you don’t know why you are supposed to do it.
Romans 5:6-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Following Jesus requires me to obey God, not just listen and talk. Next Sunday is an opportunity to put our faith into practice and BE the church!
Matthew 28:18-20
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What changes hearts? The only thing that radically changes my heart and the hearts of our enemies is love! Rules don’t change anyone’s hearts. Grace does! Love does!
Hosea 1:1-10; 3:1-3
Speaker: Adam Morrill
What should you do if you’re constantly being hurt, offended, or angered? Maybe the problem isn't an outward one but an inward one—a problem with ego. When you’re humble, you’re not constantly thinking, "How do I look?" Or "Am I a success?" Or "What do they think of me?". God delights in making marvelous things happen using the humble and yet we think far too much of ourselves. So in reality, the question is: what’s really been wounded? You? Or your ego?
Philippians 2:1-8
Speaker: Josh Edwards
All of us have experienced offense and been offended. We’ve all felt the pull to respond in kind. How should the gospel shape the way we respond to being offended? Is it possible that we settle for a cheap knock off way of handling problems when God offers the best response possible? Proximity breeds empathy.
1 Samuel 25
Speaker: Adam Morrill
So many relationships struggle and end because of one simple thing: offense. He offended me. She hurt me. They offended me. All of these are statements that most of us are used to hearing and maybe even saying. What if there was a better way? What if we could approach struggles, conflicts and problems with a different outlook? The way of Jesus teaches us something foundational about conflict - it teaches that offenses will occur - but we don’t have to be offended. You see: offense is an event, offended is a choice. So, what choices can we make to live in the way of Jesus even in the midst of conflict?
Jesus says: Drop the offense with forgiveness, because if we change our approach to offense, maybe we’ll stop being offended!
Matthew 5:21-26
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Everyone has thoughts on singleness and marriage. The world, our families, our friends, and even churches have a lot to say about it. But what does God really have to say about it?
Genesis 1:18-25
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Over the past 50 years - the conversation about sexuality and homosexuality has changed drastically in our culture. How do we navigate these conversations biblically and point to the hope of the gospel? How do we formulate convictions for ourselves that help us stand firm against the brokenness that exists inside every one of us? Broken Sexuality will walk through 4 truths designed to guide the way that we see our sexuality and interact with others.
Genesis 1:27-28
Speaker: Adam Morrill
History has not always reflected well on people of faith and those who identify as transgender. But followers of Jesus must both seek to understand the dynamics of transgenderism while responding in Christlike love to those who are wrestling with issues of identity. This message will help us understand how we arrived at this cultural moment, what God’s Word has to say about it, and how to wisely and lovingly respond to all people.
Genesis 1:26-28
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What if we aren’t just animals but something more – created in the image of God? It would mean that all human life is equally sacred no matter your color, sex, size, or how little of life is left.
Genesis 1:26-27
Speaker: Adam Morrill
'In the beginning God' are some of the most important words to understand the world we live in. In the beginning God spoke creation into existence with design, intention, and purpose. This reality has powerful implications for some of the most important conversations of our day. We are not left to culture, opinion, or our own thoughts to determine the answers to these questions. God, through His Word, has made available for us the answers to questions about life, sexuality, gender, marriage, and more.
Whatever is most important in your life will ultimately serve as the grid in which you make your decisions through. In order to understand the world we live in, we must see our world through the right lens. God, the Creator of everything, is the ultimate source of life and truth. That reality must filter how we answer every ethical and moral question we encounter.
Genesis 1:1-3
Speaker: Adam Morrill
We love moms at Bridgewater and so does God. In fact, God has incredible plans and purposes for women! Join us as we discover how God is using the season you are in right now to bring about His good plan in and through you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Speaker: Adam Morrill
I quit fear by waiting on God instead of striving to do it all on my own.
Psalm 46:1-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
I quit fear by worshipping God instead of worrying.
Matthew 14:27-33
Speaker: Adam Morrill
I quit fear and worry by trusting in God instead of myself.
Exodus 16:2-27
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
He’s a terrible boss. Almost everything he says is a lie. He sucks the life out of you and anyone he’s around. He holds you back from so much joy and adventure. And yet so many continue to serve Him. Who is he? Fear. It’s time for you to turn in your resignation and quit fear.
Week 1: I quit fear by confronting lies and believing God's truth.
Matthew 6:23-24
Speaker: Adam Morrill
He’s a terrible boss. Almost everything he says is a lie. He sucks the life out of you and anyone he’s around. He holds you back from so much joy and adventure. And yet so many continue to serve Him. Who is he? Fear. It’s time for you to turn in your resignation and quit fear.
Week 1: I quit fear by confronting lies and believing God's truth.
Matthew 6:24-23
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sin has a way of messing up so many things in our life, especially our connection to God. Before accepting the free gift of salvation, it’s what keeps us from a relationship with God. After accepting the free gift of salvation, sin can cause us to feel distant from God because we often feel guilty about what we did and think God must be mad at us. So we hide from God or are distance ourselves from Him. But Jesus didn’t go to the cross so we could have a cold distant relationship with our Heavenly Father. Repentance and confession are essential pieces to walk in a close relationship with God.
Psalm 139:1-4; 23-24
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Have you ever heard a song that moved you? Whether it was the words or music itself, it just had a way of drawing you in so powerfully? Music is an incredible gift, and all throughout the Bible, God’s people have used music to declare how good God is. The songs we sing every Sunday aren’t just because we love music, but because God has given us worship through song as a means of growing closer in our relationship with Him.
2 Chronicles 20
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Have you ever felt like your connection with God could be better? Does it feel like things get in the way of you knowing God? Do you ever wonder if there is something you could do to have a closer relationship with God? You’re not alone! And the good news is, the Bible offers us an answer to those questions. Join us as we dig in to God’s word and dive deeper into knowing our great God.
One of the ways Scripture gives us to get in tune with God's heart is to fast and pray as we seek Him. Fasting is the practice of laying aside food and sometimes other things to create space for more prayer in our life. Join us as we discover the joy of seeking God through prayer and fasting.
Matthew 4:1-4
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Conflict is an inescapable reality. No one is immune to it. It has a unique way of exposing the motives of our hearts. So we’re going to follow James’ lead and lean into the source of human conflict to see how it brings the quality of our faith to the surface so that we can pursue an authentic faith in God.
James 4:1-3
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Life can be confusing, frustrating, and difficult to navigate. Because of that, wisdom is a treasure so valuable we eagerly search for it in books, blogs, and people. But how do we know when we’ve found it? What does true wisdom look like? James shows us the differences between worldly wisdom and wisdom from God and why people of faith pursue the wisdom that is from God.
James 3:13-18
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Faith is essential to having a relationship with God. But is it possible to have a kind of faith that God doesn’t accept? The answer is yes! So we’ll discover qualities and characteristics of both real and counterfeit faith to determine which we have.
James 2:14-26
Speaker: Josh Jones
Temptation is part of the human experience. We’re all tempted to do what we know is wrong. But how should we respond to temptation? And when does temptation become sin? What does our response to temptation reveal about our faith? We’ll look at the process of temptation from beginning to end to better understand how sin works and how to overcome it.
James 1:13-18
Speaker: Adam Morrill
In a world of copies and counterfeits, it can be difficult to know that you have something authentic, something real. And when it comes to issues of faith, it can be even more confusing. But James offers us help as he shows us what real, authentic faith looks like in the context of everyday life.
Everybody experiences times of difficulty and suffering. But for followers of Jesus, these trials not only expose the condition of our faith in Jesus, but also serve to strengthen and develop it. We’ll see how our responses to suffering shed light on whether our faith is real or counterfeit.
James 1:1-8
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Let's take a look back at what God has done in 2022, and look ahead to what we hope He does in 2023!
Philippians 1:3-6
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Anything in life that is worth changing, is worth doing the work to keep that change. We can’t clean our house once and expect it to stay clean forever, in the same way we can’t expect one short season of trying to change make us different forever. Real, lasting change is a result of choosing to pursue and keep that change day in and day out.
Lamentations 3:19-25
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
There are so many things our lives can be about. So many really good things can become the center of our priorities, even. In Christianity it can feel a little overwhelming when you consider all the “good things” we could and maybe feel like we should be doing. But what if it was really much simpler than that? What if the entirety of everything we ought to aim for in life could be boiled down into two things?
Matthew 28
Speaker: Adam Morrill
God sent Jesus to the cross to make change possible, and then He sent His Spirit to live in us to give us the power to actually change. But He wasn’t done yet! God also gave us His Word to lay out a pathway to leave behind the old and move our lives towards the new life offered in Christ.
Psalm 119
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Even if we were successful in keeping our resolution for the year, and we were successful in changing behaviors, the heart often remains the same. But what if I were to tell you that God not only has the desire for us to change, but gives us the power to change?
Galatians 5:16-25
Speaker: Adam Morrill
As you consider last year, are there things you would have wanted to be different? Are there things that were great that you want to keep doing? Are there things that maybe aren’t so great that you want to stop doing? The New Year provides a great opportunity to hit the reset button and make some changes—to take one step closer to the life we want. Are you ready?
We are going to be looking at 4 key factors in change. Where do we get the power to change, what change should we be aiming towards, what is the pathway to that change, and finally, how do we keep the change we worked so hard to get?
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Speaker: Matt Pousseur
Christmas is the biggest cultural celebration that we have and yet, unless several other things happened, we wouldn't even know about it or celebrate it today. What if the point wasn't Christmas—what if the point was something else entirely? Something that could give every single one of us hope for our future?
Matthew 1:18-21
Speaker: Adam Morrill
There are fears all around us in our society today. Political, economic, relational and family fears surround us. What do we do? When Jesus arrived on the scene 2000 years ago, the world was likely even worse than it is today, and yet a small group of people started to have hope. Why?
Luke 2:1-11
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
When Jesus showed up on the scene it was without human fanfare. In fact, one could argue that His birth was never truly meant to be celebrated. Yet 2,000 years later we celebrate it globally. Why? Could it be that His birth was the beginning of something bigger than Christmas? Could it be that through His birth God was addressing our greatest hopes and fears?
The genealogy of Jesus is filled with some troublesome characters—many of whom we wouldn't expect to be a part of the family tree of the Son Of God. Even more surprising than that is the fact that women are mentioned in the genealogy as well—simply because that wasn't done in ancient times. Why are they there? Could it be that God wanted us to know that regardless of our past there is hope now that Jesus is on the scene?
Matthew 1:1-16
Speaker: Adam Morrill
The road to Hell is subtle and paved with good intentions. Discover from the life of Absalom three counter-cultural choices you can make that will help you avoid becoming the monster you hate.
2 Samuel 15
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by everything going on to the point that you felt incapable of moving forward? Maybe you needed to deal with a difficult situation but felt unqualified to handle it because of your own choices. King David goes from the pinnacle of greatness down a steep slope because he was unwilling to deal with what was necessary for him to deal with. Join us as we discover some essential things to keep us from going down that same road.
2 Samuel 13
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
David had two virtues that changed everything. What were they and how can we grow them in our own lives to change our world today?
Scripture: 1 Samuel 23-24
Speaker: Adam Morrill
The more jealous King Saul became, the more he lost. How can we avoid the same loss and failure? How can we cultivate an anti-jealous heart?
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16-18
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sometimes less is more... but sometimes more is more! What do we need to do more of with our money to unlock more significance and joy that God wants for us?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What is the connection between money and happiness? Discover the paradox of when and how money and happiness collide.
Money can increase your joy, but too much of a “good thing” will make you tired and miserable. Embrace the counter-cultural happiness of the less God wants to give you.
Ecclesiastes 4:6-8; 5:10-12
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Have you ever been watching a show or movie and it was all well and good and then suddenly it kind of takes a turn and you’re getting a little uncomfortable with it? All of a sudden, it’s not a movie you want to watch if your mom is in the room. Somewhere along the way, follower of Jesus or not, you might have asked the same question our friend asked: Should I watch this?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Did you know that overdose is the leading cause of death for people under 50? More than heart disease, cancer, and homicide. Does God have an answer for those struggling to find freedom from addictions and substance abuse? Join us as we tackle a very relevant topic for our communities.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Anger is one of those things that is easy to spot in someone else, but can be harder to identify in our own lives. We can so easily blame-shift our anger to make it someone else’s fault: we did that thing or said those words or reacted that way. How do we break free from the vicious cycle of anger?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Maybe you feel like you’re the only one? Or you worry, “If I ask, what will they think of me?" When you doubt, you can feel like a spiritual failure or like you have gone apostate and fear being judged. But we want you to know this is a safe place to ask hard questions. God isn’t scared of your doubts and neither are we.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
In this series, we are going to bring up the issues we all deal with that don’t often get dealt with.
Today’s question:
Asking for a friend, when does God give up on you? Like how bad is too bad for God? Is there some sin or something we could do that God would never want us?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
We have gone over 4 of our 5 values and the vision/mission for Bridgewater Church. Each week, as people have had the opportunity to respond to God’s word, next steps have been taken— and yet, when we take next steps we have to realize that at times our choices will be unpopular and we may even suffer to some extent. So, what do we do when things get difficult? How should we respond? The natural tendency is to be discouraged and complain. But what if God is actually up to something good!
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Satan hates it. It may be the most counter-cultural activity you can possibly do. But it’s an essential part of making more and better disciples: Found people, find people.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Life is better connected. Almost everything (eating, sports, work, or following Jesus) is more fun and more effective when done with someone else. Join us as we discover how we can connect with others in a way that helps us become more like Jesus.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
No matter where you are in your journey to become like Jesus, everyone has a next step. Sometimes that step is big, other times it’s small. But what many don’t realize is that often your next step isn’t just about you. What if your next step was to help someone else take their next step?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What’s the big deal about baptism? Listen in to some common misconceptions about baptism and the reasons why so many people don’t follow Jesus in this important spiritual step.
Speaker: Joel Garrison
Jesus has a vision to change the world one life at a time as His followers make more and better disciples of Him. But how do we do that? This series unpacks several Biblical principles (our core values) that result in more & better disciples. These values change lives that will change the world.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
If you want to spark a highly spirited debate among sports fanatics just ask, “Who was the greatest?” Though most of us have no chance of being the greatest at a sport, if you live these two principles, you can be the greatest person on earth.
Passage: Mark 10:32-45
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
The third and last step toward a national spiritual awakening may be the most counter-cultural of all. Could it be that this old, outdated, traditional idea is the missing ingredient to a spiritual revival in your life and beyond?
Passage: Nehemiah 9:38-10:1
Speaker: Adam Morrill
We all know what prayer is; it’s asking God for help. But what if that’s not what most prayer is about? What if there is more to prayer than we have always thought? And what if those missing prayers are what is needed to not just change an individual life, but to change a nation.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
How does God turn an entire nation back to Him? Join us as we look at how Israel was transformed in Nehemiah’s day and what we can do to to start that spark in ourselves.
Spiritual change on a national scale begins with God’s Word. But that spark of change doesn’t come from just reading or understanding the Bible—that’s for spiritual babies. America will never change until Christians grow up and take this step beyond just believing God’s Words.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Career goals are great and working hard is really important. Making money to pay your bills is essential. But what if there was more happening at your job than just earning a paycheck and what if there was more to your paycheck than just earning money? What goals does the Bible lay out for your career and your paycheck?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Anyone who has kids or cares for kids knows that kids have needs. Parents spend much of their time meeting their kid's needs or helping their kids learn how to meet their own needs. But when it all shakes out, what do our kids need most? What really should be our highest aim for our kids?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Everyone who is married or one day hopes to be married comes to the relationship, the engagement, and the altar with hopes, dreams, desires, and expectations. How do we ensure we have the right expectations and goals in our marriage?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What is the goal of dating? If someone were to ask you why you were in a romantic relationship with someone, what would you say? Would your reason be so that you aren't alone? Or would it be "because I'm bored"? Maybe you just want someone to pay attention to you. What if there were bigger goals to dating than just swiping right or swiping left? Join us as we discover what the Bible has to say about this pivotal season of life.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Family relationships, friendships, coworkers, acquaintances and romance...we are all in relationships. Sometimes things get messy and we react by going through 'relationship rituals’; just doing what we've always done without giving it much thought. Few things in our life are more important than the relationships we have. Sure, we make goals for things in our life that we feel are important, whether it be our career, our finances, or our living situation. What if we created relationship goals that were based not on what the world called successful, but on what God called successful? How do we know how to navigate these relationships so we don't just survive, but we thrive? Join us as we discover the relationship goals the Bible gives us for every area of our life.
What is your goal for singleness? Is it just a waiting room for marriage or is it something more – something even greater and more significant?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
No one has more power to destroy my life than I do, however, there is another enemy. The devil stands opposed to God and opposed to those who follow Him. The Bible talks openly about the devil and his plot to take people away from following God and giving Him praise. But the Bible also talks plainly about how God has given us a plan and a strategy to fight off the schemes of the enemy.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Sin doesn’t usually get us to go from zero to a hundred—it gets us to go one degree at a time; one small moral compromise that doesn’t seem like a big deal. But when it comes to our moral life, there is no such thing as a small decision. We have a phenomenally powerful choice on our hands. One choice affects another, and the effects of those choices accumulate and magnify over time.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
There is a war being waged on the next generation. Raising kids that grow up to love God and win the battles that they are fighting doesn’t happen by accident. Kids are humans who have been given free will, which means there is no perfect formula or guarantee on how our kids will turn out. However, we do think the Bible lays out a great battle plan. A strategy to give them the best fighting chance at winning their own battles.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Unchecked thoughts rarely stay just in your mind—they will almost always express themselves in words or actions. The words you speak, come from somewhere. They didn’t just originate on your lips—they came up out of your heart; they came up out of your inner person. If we believe lies about ourselves, about others, and about God, we are going to eventually start speaking those lies. There is great power in the words we say, how are you using them?
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
The reality is we all face battles in this life. Various difficulties and trials come our way. You’re in one right now, whether you want to admit it or not. The Bible presents a number of different verses that help us to see that life is not a playground but a battlefield. But a battle that God has promised victory for those who follow Him. Join us as we take on the fight for our lives against darkness, against our selfishness, against our self-sabotaging tendencies, against our minds, against our mouths, against our sin, against our enemy, and for the next generation. Join the fight and get your life back.
Our minds are the battlefield where we probably take the most shots from the enemy and it is perhaps the most important territory to take back. Not every single problem in your life can be solved simply by mind over matter, but what happens in your mind really does matter.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
If it didn’t happen, nothing in the Bible is helpful or dependable. If it did happen, everything in the Bible is true and reliable. The resurrection is the hinge on which all of Christianity and perhaps all of human history turns.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Jesus said He’s coming back. What’s taking Him so long? What did He predict would happen before His return and what should we do now to be ready?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Where did everything come from? Are people merely a more complicated version of monkeys, fish and bacteria? Let’s look at the Bible’s explanation of where life, the universe and everything came from.
Speaker: Josh Edwards
Saggy pants, rat-tails, powdered wigs and men in tights are no longer in fashion. Beliefs come in and out of fashion as well. But is truth determined by popular vote? Join us as we look at some “outdated” beliefs of the Bible that are still true.
Is Hell real? How bad is it? Who goes there? Let’s dig into what Jesus says about the place many people only know as a cartoon or swear word.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
The world is watching us and deciding if Jesus is worth following. How we treat each other as Christians and how we act when it looks like we are losing perhaps says more than our words ever will.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Though we have been called to unity as a church, we are also instructed to draw lines and make judgments. The problem is we don’t often judge correctly and we don’t often judge the right people.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
The Christian life is lived by grace. And that grace does not leave us where it found us but grows us up into living like Christ. But the Bible might define spiritual maturity differently than we do.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Everything in the church and the Christian life must be centered on and filtered through the cross. Everything changes in light of the cross. Our unity as a church hinges on Christians living a cross-centered life.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
A divided church is an unhealthy church. A divided, unhealthy church is a dying church. Therefore the church must fight for unity.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: The church is messy because it is full of messy people. Yet it still is God's chosen instrument to bring light to the world. How do we reconcile the mess church can be with the perfect of God. How do we love and serve the church in the way Christ served the church? 1 Corinthians show us how God loves, chastens, disciplines, and restores His church even when it looks too far gone.
Sermon: If we are going to live in this world, we need to understand that God's grace is the only chance we have. It also is the only chance others have at making it. We must keep our own need for grace at the forefront of our minds when dealing with others.
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Speaker: Josh Jones
How far would you go to save someone you love? To the ends of the earth? God loves the world and following Him means joining Him in His plan to bring that love to the ends of the earth.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Sermon: It's time to arm yourself with these three weapons to put your worries on life-support.
Scripture Passage: Judges 6:11-24
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Some of the most godly people have struggled with depression. Discover from God's Word how we can fight depression physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Scripture Passage: 2 Corinthians 10:5
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
What do we do when we face obstacles in life? In this message, Pastor Matt from Bridgewater Hallstead shares the three most critical steps we need to take to experience God's blessing.
Series: Find freedom from your stress, anxiety and depression.
Sermon: Stress is a part of all our lives and can push us to the breaking point. What are the causes of stress and what is the pathway out of stress and into peace?
Scripture Passage: Luke 10: 38-42
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: While we're on the heels of a great Christmas season we want to take some time to reflect on the significance of Christmas and what it means for the rest of our year. Christmas reveals to us that the presence of God is most often felt with people of God. We can so clearly know Immanuel has come for us, when His people show us His love.
Scripture Passage: Romans 5:5; John 13:34-35; John 1:14
Speakers: Matt Pousseur and Josh Jones
Sermon: Thousands of years in the making, generations of hope, stories of expectation passed down through the ages have led to this moment. The moment when God makes good on His promise to send Immanuel to His people. A moment that changed everything. Discover how God wants to come make a home with you.
Scripture Passage: 1:20b-23
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Have you ever been given something that should be a blessing, but really doesn't feel like one? What does it even mean to be blessed? Are blessings found in the accumulation of stuff, or the greatness of our achievements? Perhaps the greatest blessing of all isn't something, but someone.
Scripture Passage: Luke 1:46-55
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: Every year people across the globe celebrate Christmas together. But beyond the lights, the gifts, and the traditions stands a story. Not just any story, but a story that has been told since the beginning of time. It's the story about a problem, that finally found its answer in what we celebrate at Christmas. Join us this Christmas season as we discover the answer to our greatest problems, Immanuel.
Sermon: In a time of life that should feel full of joy, celebration, and warm feeling, we know that is not always the case. What do you do when you're not seeing what you hoped to see, you aren't where you hoped to be, or you long for something that isn't a reality. Where do you turn?
Scripture Passage: Isaiah 7:1-16
Speaker; Adam Morrill
How do you overcome crippling financial fear and anxiety? The antidote to fear isn't courage, it's trust.
Scripture Passage: Luke 12:22-24
Speaker: Adam Morrill
What if the solution to our financial problems wasn’t “just a little bit more”? Join us as we discover why more is never enough and talk about Jesus’ radical solutions to the financial anxiety and discontent we all face.
Jesus says more is never enough, because greed isn’t better than contentment. Jesus addresses the three lies that feed greed and discontentment: It’s all from me, it’s all for me and I have lots of time.
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
God dramatically delivered His people from Egypt. He demonstrated His great power to them, gave them a new identity, and provided for their needs. He led them out to freedom. But for what? What did He have in mind for this nation? God chose them not only to demonstrate His love for them, but also His love for all people. He didn’t just save them with no purpose. He gave them an incredible purpose, to represent Him to all people. They, like the people of God today, have not been saved simply to enjoy our salvation, but to offer that salvation to the people in our world. We have been commissioned.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Though God redeemed His people and brought them out of Egypt, the journey of freedom wasn’t easy. They faced challenges and questioned God and their leaders along the way. Like us, they were longing for rest and desperate for provision. But God miraculously led and sustained them all along the way, whether they chose to recognize it or not. We, like them, can be led to believe that we don’t have the resources we need to do all that God requires of us. But even in our doubt, God still provides and resources us for our journey through life.
Speaker: Josh Jones
Stories of rescue are some of the most amazing to be told. The account of Israel’s Exodus from Egypt is no different. When God brought His people out of Egypt, He also decimated the false religious system of the people of Egypt by bringing plagues against their country that served to reveal their god had no power to save them. The pivotal moment was the final plague, when God commanded Israel to make sure they were covered by the blood of a lamb. This pictures the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus, whose death redeemed us from slavery to sin.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
We all love a good story. What makes a story so compelling and so good is when we can see ourselves in someone else’s story. In this series, the call is to see ourselves in someone else’s story. From the book of Exodus, we’ll learn from the nation of Isreal’s mistakes and work to repeat their success. From captivity to commission, this is the human story.
All people have the same starting point - held captive by sin. We are born this way. While it seems natural to us, it is not the the way it has to be. And though sin takes from us and leads us to death, this is not the way it has to be. Freedom from sin can be found in fearing God.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
When God chooses to use someone to accomplish something significant, what kind of person does He choose? Does He look for the strong, able intelligent, or popular? Or does He look for something else? When God chose Moses, we learn not only the kind of person He may choose, but we also learn that His agenda for what He will accomplish through that person is as important as what He will accomplish in that person.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Loss, heartache, and disappointment have a way of affecting our faith. Maybe you thought God was going to heal someone, or change a situation and he didn't come through like you hoped. That disappointment can drive us to a place of unbelief and doubt. What does Jesus have to say about the hardest moment of our lives?
Scripture Passage: John 11:1-44
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Sermon: There is nothing more important than what you believe about God, salvation, and eternity; yet so often other things cloud out the most important decision you will ever make. Is the reason you can't believe because something else has caught the attention of your heart and has led you away from what matters most?
Scripture Passage: John 6:14-69
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Are doubts and unanswered questions holding you back? Have you heard things about God and believe that they have left you with more questions than answers? Before you get answers to your questions, there may be something else you need. Join us this weekend as we unpack what may be getting in the way of you believing.
Scripture Passage: John 20:24-31
Speaker: Adam Morrill
There are many reasons people give for why they can’t believe in Jesus. Maybe it’s disappointment. Maybe they are skeptical of the whole story, or maybe they just find other things more important. What would change for you, if Jesus satisfied every reason why you can’t believe.
The first type of person who says they can’t believe, might not be who you think it is. Maybe it’s someone who says they already believe, but truly hasn’t believed in Jesus. They’ve got just enough religion to think they have the real thing, but lack saving faith.
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: There are three kinds of people: Committed (stool), comfortable (recliner) and camal (bean-bag). Which one are you and why are two of those options so terribly wrong? If true, Christianity is of utmost importance. If untrue it is of no importance. The only thing Christianity cannot be is moderately important.
Scripture Passage: Joshua: 14:6-14
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: The kitchen is where life happens with our family. It's where we serve others with others. Where and how does that happen in our church? Who and how does God want you to serve?
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Speaker: Josh Jones
Sermon: The porch is where we welcome guests. How can we be a welcoming church? How do we make the church as irresistible as Jesus?
Scripture Passage: Acts 15:1-6, 19
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: Jesus gave His followers one job; make disciples. Take a tour with us through the "house" called Bridgewater Church to discover how this one command affects everything we do.
Sermon: After the resurrection, Jesus could literally do anything. He did one thing. And He tells us to do this one thing. And how do we accomplish it?
Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
Speaker: Jesse Ergot
Sermon: For all the times that we do not know what to pray and for all the times that we feel caught in the rut of praying for the same thing in the same way, there is a solution. We can pray God's words back to Him.
Scripture Passage: Psalm 100
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Sometimes there is nothing that we can do to change God's answer to our prayer but sometimes we can make a difference. The outcome of our prayer is not disconnected from our relationship with God. We can take steps towards praying more productively.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 6:9-15
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: Do you feel like when you pray, you never see any results? Sometimes prayer can feel like less than a conversation. It can feel repetitive and one sided, but it doesn't have to be that way. Our prayers are deeply connected to our relationship with God.
Sermon: What if we were to tell you that God answers all our prayers? Would you believe us? What would happen in your life if you believed God answered all your prayers?
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:1-8
Speaker: Frank Passetti
There are three characteristics of Nehemiah’s life that allowed him to build more than a wall, and become one of the greatest leaders of all time. What victories will God accomplish through you if you do the same?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Most people believe great deeds are done by great people. But what if greatness isn’t measured by ability? What if God is looking for something else entirely?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Before God can use you to change your reality, you must face it. Who and what stands in the way of what God wants to accomplish and who will stand with you?
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: What if you could change your world? Join us as we plunge into 2,500 year-old events that will challenge the very nature of your life today and send you on a mission to change your reality.
Sermon: Changing your reality starts with a picture - a vision - of what should be. These four questions will help you identify your vision of what God wants to do through you to change this world.
Scripture Passage: Nehemiah 1:1-4
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Sermon: Sometimes we encounter seasons of life that throw us down and beat us up. They leave us wondering if we really have what it takes. We can feel fearful and struggle with our faith. Is there a type of faith for that? What about someone who is imperfect but trying?
Scripture Passage: Matthew 14:22-30
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: How do you know it's really God? How can you be sure that what you feel led to is actually of God? How do you have faith when you also have doubt? How do you move forward when all you have is a maybe?
Scripture Passage: Genesis 12: 1-4
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Before you can have crazy faith you have to start somewhere. That somewhere is baby faith, and it's something that God said He can do great things with. What if you started your faith journey and took God at His Word?
Scripture Passage: Matthew 17:14-20
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: Throughout the Bible there are stories of people who lived their life by faith and accomplished incredible things for God. They just believed God, even without having all the facts they may have wanted upfront. We call them heroes of the faith. But what if they weren't just ancient people we read about, but are people we know. What if you lived your life in such a way that you were considered a person of great faith, maybe even crazy faith?
Sermon: The people of the Bible who lived with a crazy amount of faith built floating zoos, left their country to and unknown land, and slew giants. What do we need to know about faith to live all out for God? Discover how to have faith beyond "the status quo, or just getting by," and really start living out crazy faith.
Scripture Passage: Hebrews 11:1
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Tunkhannock Next Steps; Special Announcement from Brett Bixby
Scripture Passage: Philippians 1:3-11
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: If you sneeze and I say, "Bless you!" - it isn't going to change your life. Much more powerful than the blessing of a man or woman is the blessing of God. But how do we get God's blessing? God's promise to prosper us and give us His happiness?
Scripture Passage: Numbers 6:22-26
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Rule #4: When you confront, confront with love and gentleness. Every conflict provides you with an opportunity to please God. Every conflict provides you with an opportunity to love others.
Scripture Passage: Galatians 6:1-2
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Rule #3: Humbly asking for forgiveness is the most powerful relational remedy in conflict. Remember: There is a big difference between an apology and asking for forgiveness.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:3-5
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Rule #2: You must focus on your part of the conflict regardless of what the other person does. Remember: your biggest enemy in conflict is YOU!
Scripture Passage: James 4:1-2
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: The happiest and greatest moments of your life happen through relationships. The worst and hardest moments of your life happen through... relationships! Join us as we discover the "rules" to build better, lasting relationships.
Sermon: Rule #1: Your goal in conflict cannot be to win the conflict or avoid the conflict. Your goal must be to please God. Remember: Sinful people tend to respond sinfully when sinned against.
Scripture Passage: Roman 12:18
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Although the world lives with the end in mind, with Jesus our story is not a story of ends. Regardless of what you have done in the past, Jesus wants to turn your grave into a garden. Jesus isn't finished with you. He's just getting started.
Scripture Passage: John 21
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: We have been marked by Jesus to leave a mark! Possibly the defining mark of a follower of Jesus is love. What does it look like for us to love where we live?
Scripture Passage: Matthew 22:34-40
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: We have been marked by Jesus to leave a mark! Few things can change and influence people like forgiveness. As we learn to forgive, we live out what we have been marked to do!
Scripture Passage: Luke 23:32
Speaker: Adam Morrill
Series: What's the thing that defines you? When people think of you what is the thing they first associate with you? What if when someone thought of you they quickly thought of Jesus? What if you lived in such a way that it was obvious you have been marked by the power, forgiveness, love and mind of Christ? In this series, we will discover what it looks like to bear the marks of Jesus.
Sermon: If you are a follower of Jesus, you have been marked for a mission. Jesus has set you apart and called you but you may have to learn to take care of the donkeys before you see your name in lights.
Scripture Passage: Ephesians 4:1
Speaker: Rich Clark
Too often we miss who our battle is truly against in this world. We miss our “Breakthrough” because we are fighting the wrong things and/or the wrong people. You and I have an enemy and the sole purpose of his existence is to chew God’s people up and spit them out. If we desire to proclaim victory in this world, if we want to thrive and not just survive, then we need to identify our true enemy and build a battle plan to stand against him.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: We have a choice before us when we experience the brokenness of this world in our lives first-hand. We can choose to be just like the broken or we can choose to be who we are in Jesus. Suffering in this world leads us to one of two responses; sinning or serving; which will you choose?
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 3:9-15
Speaker: Kurt Goglin
Sermon: Everything God does is by design and done for His purposes, but too often we live completely opposite of that truth; especially in the middle of suffering and pain. We come to believe that everything just happens around us and to us without thinking of a divine purpose. What if there was a plan. What if God has revealed His plan and we just missed it. Once we see with clarity that God does everything on purpose for a purpose, we are able to understand that we have been chosen right here, right now, for such a time as this. Each and everyone of us has a purpose and it is far greater than ourselves!
Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-10
Speaker: Rich Clark
Finding our breakthrough starts with our minds. How we think determines how we live, simply because thinking always precedes doing. It is when we are alert and fully sober minded we are able to live differently- and when we live differently than the broken world around us we find our victory over it.
Speaker: Rich Clark
This world is not one we were meant to just survive; we are meant to thrive. As we read through scripture, we come to the same conclusion over and over again that we can find victory in a defeated world- but how we do that will surprise many of us. A breakthrough in life is a life of busting free from the brokenness of the world and taking a hold of a life that is truly life through God’s grace!
The realities of the broken world in many ways, for many of us, overshadow the greatness of God’s glory through the gift of life by His son. We forget who we are, we forget what He has already done and we get lost because we think we have lost. There is victory in Jesu and victory over this defeated world.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: All of us are living on a percentage of our income, but we have allowed our culture to squeeze our Breathing Room.
Scripture Passage: Malachi 3:7-12
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: There's something in all of us that wants to walk as close to the line as possible. By seeing moral breathing room, we set standards for ourselves that allow lesser consequences than when living right on the line.
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:18
Speaker: Rich Clark
Ever feel like you can’t catch your breath? Our culture encourages us to fill up our schedules and empty our bank accounts. Living on the line creates too much stress and tension but God has a better way. Our Heavenly Father wants to lead you to a life with breathing room.
In our attempt to get the most out of life, our schedules spin out of control. Our time is limited, and someone has to decide how we spend the time we have left. When we surrender our time to our Heavenly Father, He will lead us to breathing room.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Jesus’ earthly reception was unexpected. How will you respond to Jesus?
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Jesus' plan was the most unexpected of all. People expected Jesus to save those like them; He came to save everyone. People expected a king to rule and make everything right-right now; He came to die.
Scripture Passage: Luke 2:25-35
Speaker: Rich Clark
Assumptions often blind us to reality. When I assume something won’t happen or can’t happen, but then it does happen - it’s unexpected. Jesus not only comes in an unexpected way, he wants to do the unexpected in our lives.
If God can use these spiritual rejects, God can use you!
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: We all want to be recognized, admired, sought after, and envied. We hunger for approval. We want to be known. But what do you do when there is no amount of "known" that will satisfy your appetite?
Scripture Passage: John 1
Speaker: Rich Clark
Maybe you’re a “Three P” person - you have power, prestige and possessions. You have influence. You are envied. People take you seriously because of what you’ve accomplished, what you look like, or who you’re married too. There’s nothing wrong with being a “Three P” person. But when it comes to pride, “Three P” people face a unique challenge.
Speaker: Rich Clark
There’s something that rises up in each of us. It keeps us from apologizing, admitting we’re wrong, or showing weakness. It keeps us from forgiving. It causes us to lie about our pasts, to cheat instead of loose, and to feel happy when someone else fails. It stands in the way not only of our relationships with other people, but our relationship with God. What is this thing and how do we kill it?
There is a sin that is so common to the human experience, it is the gateway to all other sins. It promises to make us bigger, better and more important, but only make us smaller and meaner. It strips us of our capacity to connect with others. So, what is “it” and how do we kill it?
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Give like Jesus is in need.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 25:31-46
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Save like your money is God's.
Scripture Passage: Proverbs 6:6-8
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: Earn all you can and save all you can, so you can give all you can for as long as you can.
Sermon: Earn More. Work like Jesus is your boss.
Scripture Passage: Colossians 3:22-25
Speaker: Rich Clark
There is a life that is abundant, and to the max awesome. But it’s on the other side of a new set of patterns and a new self.
Speaker: Brett Bixby
Sermon: There is a life that is abundant, and to the max awesome. But it's on the other side of a new set of patterns and a new self.
Scripture Passage: Numbers 5:5-7
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Guilt and shame are a nasty cocktail that keeps many enslaved in a vicious cycle of defeat and destruction. But unconditional love has something to say about it.
Scripture Passage: Luke 15:11-28
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: There is a grief that leads to freedom and one that leads to death. How to find the path from brokenness through grief to freedom.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10
Speaker: Rich Clark
It’s easy to push blame for the problems, but only one of us is responsible for where we find ourselves. But the good news is there is another one who has come to undo what we’ve done.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Everyone and everything eventually gets a little busted up. Life has a way of leaving us wounded, hurt, or stuck with some habit we don’t want. But God promises to restore us, and not just a little bit, but at a soul level. Not just a little tinkering, He promises to make us new. A promise of restoration.
The four common places we run to fix what we know is broken.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Church isn't all about "me." If you are a follower of Jesus, you will have a concern for people.
Scripture Passage: Luke 10:25-37
Speaker: Rich Clark
If we are following Jesus, we will be concerned about people that are far from Jesus.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: You can't do life alone. It is almost impossible to follow Jesus if you aren't tied to a local church and a smaller group of people that have permission to step into your life and have a hard conversation.
Scripture Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:8-10
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: We see our Bridgewater core values hanging on the wall each week, but do we really know what they mean? Vision leaks, is a series all about reclaiming our purpose as a church and living out our core values.
Sermon: If you are walking with Jesus, He will be changing things in you and around you. That is why Jesus wants everyone to take the next step in their spiritual journey.
Scripture Passage: Philippians 3:10-14
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Christians have a different scorecard. Victory doesn't happen every couple years on one day in November, it happens every day we love unconditionally those we disagree with politically.
Scripture Passage: Philippians 2:1
Speaker: Brett Bixby
Sermon: Our world is increasingly divided, but Jesus prayed that as followers of Him we would be united. How do I talk with someone who believes differently than me?
Speaker: Rich Clark
Politics and religion are the most divisive subjects in America today. How do we love like Jesus and yet courageously stand for truth? When it comes to politics and religion, what is the win?
Unity comes from a purpose or person greater than you. Are you willing to evaluate your politics through the filter of God’s Word or do you create a version of faith that supports your politics.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Are you frustrated, depressed or just blah? There is a great adventure to which God is calling you. Follow this path to the encouragement and recharge that we all need.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: As we've become more social media centric, we statistically have less empathy for others. Social media isn't the problem, it's just become a crutch to the natural inclination of our hearts. So how do we develop empathy and better care for others the way God intended us to?
Scripture Passage: Mark 1:40-41 NAS, Matthew 14:14 NIV
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Do the constant app notifications leave you feeling scattered and weary? There is a special rest for the people of God. Find out the benefits of a technology break in week 3 of struggles.
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:12
Speaker: Rich Clark
How has social media affected you? If you say it hasn’t, there is a good chance you are wrong. One of the areas of impact is the “Authentic you”. Being “Authentic you” is a rarity on social media and the pressure to be someone you are not is overwhelming. Instead of presenting the authentic you, we post the me we want to be.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: As you scroll through your day, does it feel like everyone else has it all together? Someone always has the best job, cutest kid, or happiest relationship. We're pressured to measure up to other people's social media status updated and left with more #struggles. This four-week series studies what it's like to live a Christ-focused life in a selfie-centered world.
Sermon: We all want to know the secrets to life, the secret of getting fit, rich, liked, or the secret to falling in love. But what about the secret of contentment, the secret of knowing how to have a heart that is fully satisfied? It could change your life!
Scripture Passage: Philippians 4:11-13
Speaker: Rich Clark
The question that most churches are asking themselves as they reopen is "Now what do we do?", but the truth is that the answer is just as simple as the question. We make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. That is the churche's mission. That is our mission. Now is the perfect time to press reset and make sure our mission is His mission.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: It is the most destructive evil known to humanity, and it lurks within every human heart. Discover how to spot and overcome the sin that corrupted the mightiest of angels.
Scripture Passage: Obadiah 1:11-14
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Sadness says life is terrible, but despair says life is terrible...and it will never get better. How do I deal with despair - or help someone I love out of it?
Scripture Passage: Habakkuk 1:2,4
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: What do you do when you seem to stand alone for God? Instead of mediocrity, Amos chooses to be strangely courageous.
Scripture Passage: Amos 6:1
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: How do you respond to tragedy, loneliness, despair and arrogance? Join us as we explore truth from 4 unfamiliar books of the Bible that will help you thrive when life tries to take you under.
Sermon: What do you do when your world turns upside down? Joel's strange response shows us how to thrive even in disaster.
Scripture Passage: Joel 1:2-3
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Even if the Bible is the Word of God how can a book that is so old have any relevancy in my life? How does ancient text from a culture that is so far gone impact my life? These are excellent questions and now here are the answers!
Scripture Passage: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: Over the years the Bible has been affectionately known as "The Good Book". People believed it to be the Word of God. Over the recent decades this idea has eroded away. Each year fewer and fewer people read it, believe it to be true or have any relevancy for life. Now, more than ever, is the time to stop and ask a simple question, "Is the Good Book God's Book and how does it relate to me?
Sermon: In life we are faced with so many things that are not reliable; work, family, friends, etc. At some point almost everyone and everything has let us down. How can we look at the Bible and think that it is anything different? Is it really the Word of God? Can I count on it? Where will it lead me?
Scripture Passage: 2 Peter 1:12-13, 19-21
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Terrorism. Shootings. Hatred. Intolerance. The world is not getting better. What on earth is God doing? And what part does God want me to play?
Scripture Passage: Genesis 1:28
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: You have a million things on the go, and because you don't want to be selfish, chances are you put everything and everyone ahead of yourself. That's potentially a fatal mistake. Maybe the key to being a better follower of Jesus, a better spouse, a better parent and a better human is actually putting yourself first when it comes to personal growth.
Scripture Passage: Mark 6:30-32
Speaker: Rich Clark
Whatever your sense of morality is, the frightening truth is that we all fail to live up to it. Why and how do you keep coming up short? Surprisingly, compromise never starts with the big stuff. It's way more subtle than that.
Speaker: Rich Clark
In this series we want to talk about how to work on what matters most in your life. What we will discover is that your character, not your competence, determines your capacity.
As much as no one likes to talk about it, one day we're all not going to be here anymore. So here's the socially awkward question: what will people be saying about you at your funeral? We will see that it might not be that hard to predict.
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: Who doesn't want peace? If peace depends on my circumstances, it will always be elusive and out of my control. But what if there is another way to have lasting peace?
Scripture Passage: Isaiah 9:6
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: Did you ever get something for Christmas that was way better than anything you had on your list? What if God's wishlist for you this Christmas is like that? Are you willing to discover and receive what he wants for you?
Sermon: Everyone wants love. Poems are written about it and songs are sung. But where is real love found?
Scripture Passage: 1 John 4:7-12
Speaker: Brett Bixby
Sermon: Walking, running, hiking, swimming, driving, and living life. What do they all have in common? They're all more difficult to do while carrying a heavy load. While the Bible is clear that we are to throw off sin, it also instructs us to throw off "weights and hindrances." This sermon is designed to help us identify areas of our lives that may not be sin, but are slowing us down and hindering our progress in becoming more like Jesus.
Scripture Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3
Speaker: Rich Clark
Sermon: "Let your conscience be your guide" is an often-repeated piece of advice. It even found its way into a Disney movie! Is it good advice? Should I follow my conscience? Is it reliable? What exactly is the conscience anyway? This sermon helps us understand the conscience and how God has designed it to help us navigate the everyday decisions of life. If we can learn to use it the way God intended, we will experience fewer regrets!
Scripture Passage: Romans 14:1-19
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: Life is complicated. The amount of decisions you have to make each day can seem endless. And while the Bible might help us navigate "spiritual" issues, where do we turn to find guidance in the "practical" areas of our lives? Can the Bible help us there? If the Bible doesn't mention my specific circumstances, does that mean it's silent on the subject? What if we could learn how to understand and handle God's Word in a way that helps to guide us through every decision we encounter - whether spiritual or practical? This series explores three biblical principles that can help us make better decisions and experience fewer regrets.
Sermon: Who did you most want to be like when you were younger? Who would you have said was your role model? the Bible tells us that we should be imitators of God - looking to him as our ultimate "role model." This sermon helps us understand how striving to emulate Jesus can actually help us make better decisions by encouraging us to ask the question, "Will it be what Jesus would do?"
Scripture Passage: 1 John 2:1-6
Speaker: Brett Bixby
Sermon: There is a connection between money and peace. The problem is we think that connection is through the word more. It's not. It's through the word manage.
Scripture Passage: 1 Timothy 6:5b-10
Speaker: Rich Clark
Series: There is a connection between money and happiness, but it's not through the word "more." Find out the way God designed money to bring reward and joy instead of misery and grief.
Sermon: His wealth cost him both his happiness and the greatest invitation and opportunity of his life. What can we learn from this rich ruler?
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:18-30
Speaker: Rich Clark