TheBridgeWynne Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dustin Clegg
Reframing Suffering. What does that mean?!? Let's take a look at Romans 8:16-28 and see what the Word says about suffering. In verses 17-18 we see The Misunderstanding of suffering. In verses 19-22 we see The Frustrated Creation and in verses 23-25 we see the Eagerly Patient.
Today we continue in our study of the book of Romans and as we look at Romans 8:1-17 Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us a few things to think about:
1) The Reality (vs 1-2).
2) The Power (vs 3-4).
3) The Mindset (vs 5-7).
Continuing in the series, In View of His Mercies, we look at Romans 6:15-23 and in a sermon titled, I Pledge Allegiance, Pastor Dustin Clegg presents 4 ideas to think about:
1) The Rejection.
2) The Slavery.
3) The Progression.
4) The Gospel.
Continuing in the series, In View of His Mercies, we look at Romans 6:1-14 and talk about The Battle Within. Pastor Dustin Clegg starts out by talking about the freedom in each of the 3 parts of our salvation:
1) Justification - Freedom from the punishment of sin;
2) Sanctification - Freedom from sin's power; and
3) Glorification - Freedom from the pressure of sin.
The Battle Within
1) The Death (vs 1 & 2)
2) The Baptism (vs 3 & 4)
3) The Freedom (vs 5-7)
4) The Identity (vs 8-11)
How do we fight the battle?
5) The Offering (vs 12-14)
Today finds us in Romans 5:12-21. Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us 3 things to think about from this text:
1) The progression.
2) The choice.
3) The change.
Keep coming back to Jesus!
Continuing with Romans 5:1-11 Pastor Dustin Clegg give us 3 main points to think about:
1) The prop of abiding.
2) Reframing suffering.
3) Confidence in the King.
Today we are blessed to have a couple of baptisms then Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the study of Romans as we look at Romans 5:1-11.
We were blessed to be able to start the service with 2 more baptisms and those are included on the podcast. Then Pastor Dustin Clegg picks up with our study, In View of His Mercies, and as we look at Romans 4:13-25 he gives us 3 observations from the text.
1) God's promises are always bigger than we can understand when we hear them.
2) Faith must be the horse that pulls the cart in the race of Christianity.
3) Faith in Jesus is not about good or bad people being better. It's about dead things made alive.
How does this apply to you?
1) Everyone must be saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
2) Anyone can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus.
Pastor Dustin Clegg had planned a message today to continue with our study of the book of Romans, but he asked if a few of the teenagers would share about their experience at Church Camp and more and more wanted to share so he decided to let them "preach" instead. And we had one baptism planned and ended up having three! It was a great day of hearing what the Lord has been doing in the life of our teenagers.
Continuing with our study of the book of Romans today we look at Romans 4 and talk about the necessary mess.
How will you respond today?
Today we look at Romans 3:24-31 and Pastor Dustin Clegg points out 3 things for us to talk through:
1) The Demonstration. (3:24-26)
2) The Haymakers. (3:27-30)
3) Mold or Model? (3:31)
How do we respond to this today?
Adoration?
Surrender?
Gratitude?
Today we continue with the series, In View of His Mercies, and our study of the book of Romans as we look again at Romans 3:21-31.
Today we take a break from our study of the book of Romans and look at John 11 for a special Mother's Day message and discover 5 truths that Pastor Dustin Clegg you to see if you are suffering today:
1) Jesus loves better than we do.
2) Jesus weeps with us.
3) Jesus is angry with sin's consequences.
4) Jesus calls us to trust Him.
5) Jesus takes our place.
We continue today with our study in the book of Romans and the series, In View of His Mercies. Romans 3:21-31. 2 words. Justified. Redeemed.
How will you respond today?
Continuing with the series, In View of His Mercies, and our study of the book of Romans, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Romans 3:1-20 and gives us a few words to think about:
1) Important but insufficient. (3:1-10)
2) All and none. (3:9-20)
3) The unmentioned name from Romans 1:1 - 3:20 that should strike us.
But now.....
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the book of Romans and the series, In View of His Mercies.
Today we continue in the series, In View of His Mercies, and look at Romans 2:1-8. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through the passage and we talk about the differences between Moralism and the Gospel.
Moralism
1) Operates out of ignorance of what is actually going on in others.
2) Focuses on the badness of people.
3) Is self-saturated.
The Gospel
1) Is based on the whole truth alone.
2) Teaches us to walk in His mercies.
3) Is always righteous and holy.
Application
If you keep smelling dog poop everywhere you go and on everyone you meet, check your own shoes.
Happy Easter! Continuing in the series, In View of His Mercies, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Romans 1:18-32 and has three points for us to focus on:
1) Suppressing the truth. (vs 18-23)
2) Deliverance we do not want. (vs 24-28)
3) Inventin and applauding evil. (vs 29-32)
In view of His mercies, we have started a study of the book of Romans and as we look at Romans 1:8-17 Pastor Dustin Clegg has 4 observations:
1) We will never become a Paul until we learn to become small.
2) First, and there is no second: communion with God and His people.
3) The obligation because of His mercies.
4) The real power.
Kevin Middlebrook gives us an intro to the Book of Romans today as we prepare to continue in the series, In View of His Mercies, and explore Romans.
Today we continue with the series, In View of His Mercies, as we look at Hosea 12 and 13. We started the service with 2 scheduled baptisms and ended with 2 additional baptisms. Praise the Lord!
Pastor Dustin Clegg asked us to focus our preaching time today on:
1) The Chasm
2) The Pride
3) The Only Real Bridge
Continuing in the series, In View of His Mercies, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Hosea 10 & 11 and has 3 observations:
1) Our hearts are devilish.
2) We are responsible for the hard places of our own hearts.
3) God's wrath doesn't always abandon His mercy.
Continuing with the series, In View of His Mercies, we look at Hosea 8 & 9 and Pastor Dustin Clegg points out 3 things fro the text that we have to talk about so we can be true to ourselves:
1) A God we "know" who doesn't know us.
2) Reaping whirlwinds. (8:7)
a. We should expect to reap after we sow.
b. We should expect to reap what we sow.
c. We should expect to reap more than we sow.
3) A Gospel too good to recognize. (8:12 & 9:7)
How do we respond to this today?
Acknowledge we become like the thing or person that we worship.
In view of the mercies of God....... Today we continue in our study of the book of Hosea and as we look at chapters 6 and 7, Pastor Dustin Clegg offers 3 observations:
1) Faithful love, not religious emotion. (6:4-11)
2) Faithful love of God always translates to faithful love of others. (7:1-7)
3) Politically charged religion is not the same as faithful love of Jesus. (7:8-18)
How do we respond?
Continuing with our study of the book of Hosea and in view of the mercies of God we look at Wrong Diagnoses and Faulty Cures. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Hosea 4:1 - 6:3 and gives us 5 observations:
1) Hosea presents the case God has against the people. Then he works backwards in describing the 3 offenses in chapters 4 - 13. (4:1)
2) False priests and the way they operate. (Mainly 4:8)
3) When we step away from the knowledge of God, we lose protection against idolatry. (4)
4) Faulty cures...
BUT... Hosea 6:1-3
5) We always have room for repentance as long as Jesus is pursuing us.
Continuing in our study, In View of His Mercies, we look at Hosea 3 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 4 observations from the text:
1) Jesus humbly forfeits His rights for those who have arrogantly pursued their own. (vs 1-2)
2) Jesus not only accepts us, but He purchases us at an infinite cost. (vs 2)
3) The goal of the enemy for every soul is destruction. (vs 2)
4) Full restoration from Jesus requires exclusive worship from His people. (Vs 3-5)
How do we respond to this?
Continuing with the series, In View of His Mercies, today we look at Hosea 2 and explore Awkward, Painful, Messy Mercy. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us though the chapter and shares his observations:
1) The holiness of Jesus leads Him to come to us in our gross rebellion. (2:13)
2) Jesus fiercely loves unrepentant people. (2:3-13).
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His fierce love blocks our path. (vs 6)
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His fierce love will not allow us to be satisfied in our unholy pursuits. (vs 7)
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His fierce love cares for us even when we are running away. (vs 8)
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His fierce love exposes our need. (vs 9)
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His fierce love crashes our party. (vs 10)
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His fierce love keeps us unsatisfied in outward religious activity. (vs 11)
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His fierce love removes our ability to provide for ourselves. (vs 12)
3) Jesus unexpectedly loves completely redeeming wayward, but repentant people. (2:14-22)
We are starting a new teaching series based on Romans 12:1 as we reflect on the mercies of God in our lives, In View of His Mercies, and today we look at Hosea 1 and explore the message titled, A Prostitute and a Preacher Walk Into a Chapel. Pastor Dustin Clegg has the following observations:
1) Jesus has every right to call His people to impossible and dreadful things to put His mercies on display for a broken world to see, and the only way we can rightly do what He calls us to is to be broken over what He has done for us more than what He called us to. (Hosea 1:1-3)
2) God is faithful. God keeps His promises. He is merciful and loving. He is full of grace and compassion. But God will judge idolatry of the heart. (Hosea 1:3-7)
3) It doesn't matter if we call Jesus ours if He is not calling us His. (Hosea 1:8-9)
4) God's promises are based on His goodness, not on our faithfulness. (Hosea 1:10 - 2:1)
How do you respond?
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg finishes up the series, Irreverent Christmas, as we look at Matthew 2 and see Christ in Chaos.
We discover 4 different groups of people within these verses:
1) The maniac throne guardian.
2) The massacred innocent.
3) The familiar ignorant or indifferent. And
4) The eager worshippers.
Read and reflect on Romans 12:1 and as you identify what group you are in, decide what true Christ worship looks like for you in the year ahead.
Today we look at Matthew 1:17.....The Genealogy of Jesus. Pastor Dustin admits that you probably won't find your life verse in this passage but describes the richness and depth of of how Jesus can change our "now" and our "future" so we don't have to live in our "past".
3 observations for the text:
1) Jesus doesn't come to us because he is impressed. He comes to us because we are desperate.
2) Jesus came to save anyone who would trust Him.
3) Don't surrender to heritage. Let Jesus inform your life.
Continuing with the series, Irreverent Christmas, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Luke 1:1-25 as we talk about the Joy in Silence. We see that God's word to us is not based on the abilities, past or current circumstances, talents (or lack of them), or personalities of the hearer, but in the power of the One who speaks it. We must learn this! We also realize that we easily forget that God's Word is not just for the whole world, but for us (me and you).
Continuing in the sermon series, Irreverent Christmas, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Luke 2:8:20 and invites us to focus on two things from the text:
1) Religion and its followers exclude from peace who Jesus and His followers pursue with peace.
2) Peace offered and received leads to peace experienced which leads to peace extended.
How do we obey this?
With the beginning of Advent Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a new sermon series titled Irreverent Christmas, and as we look at Matthew 1:18-25 we talk about hope in brokenness. We see that:
1) Hope fueled by truth leads to grace (vs 18-19);
2) Hope and fear never agree, but they can be at war with one another in the same soul (vs 20-23); and
3) Biblical hope and brokenness is always centered around Jesus and self-denial (vs 24-25).
As we finish up our study of 1 John Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 5 and we discuss what "(Re)birth Marks" look like:
1) Belief in Jesus that leads to loving what & who He loves.
2) Correct confession about Jesus the Messiah.
3) Confidence in the King, His will, & His ways.
Continuing in our study of 1st John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 4:7-21 and points out that those who understand the love God has for them are characterized by 2 things in this passage: Fearlessness and Freedom.
God is love, but love is not God.
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The love of God sends (His best) - vs 9, 10, 14.
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The love of God sacrifices (Himself) - vs 10.
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The love of God stays (Abides) - vs 12, 13, 15, 16.
How do you respond?
Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 4:1-6 and has 4 observations:
1) Verse 1
2) How do we test the spirits? (vs 2-3)
3) The True Gospel of the Real, Biblical Jesus will almost never be most popular, but will always be most powerful. (vs 4-5)
4) The content of the old Gospel message will not and cannot ever change. (vs 6)
How do we respond?
As we look at 1 John 3:10-24, Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations from the text:
1) Gospel love moves from Gospel thought to Gospel activity. (vs 16-18)
2) We can over think Gospel love. (vs 19-22)
3) Believe, like remain, is a verb. (vs 23-24).
How do we obey this?
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our study of the book of 1st John and as we look at 1 John 3:10-24 he gives us three questions to consider as we study the text:
1) What is love as defined by Jesus?
2) Why are we prone to hate others?
3) Why must we guard against being surprised when we are hated by others?
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 3:1-10 and we talk through some observations of being children of God:
1) Genuine children of God will be currently treated like Jesus was treated. (vs 1)
2) Genuine children of God will be becoming like Jesus. (vs 2)
3) Holiness begins to overflow from the hearts of genuine children of God. (vs 3)
4) Sin begins to lose its power in genuine children of God. (vs 4)
What are YOUR applications from the message today?
Continuing in our study of the book of 1st John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 3:1 and offers two points to consider:
1) Beholding His love for me always makes me more like Him.
2) Beholding is not all that is involved with abiding, but we cannot abide without beholding.
Pastor Kirk Owens walks us through 1 John 2:24-29 and we talk about what it means to "remain" in Jesus. Kirk also shares 3 key points:
1) When we remain with Jesus, we can rest assured and not be ashamed at His coming.
2) If you are a born again follower of Jesus Christ...you have all you need.
3) We must all go to "The Beginning" with The Word made flesh, Jesus.
Continuing with our study of 1st John, today we look at 1 John 2:18 - 23 and Pastor Dustin Clegg presents us with 3 questions to reflect on as we study the passage:
1) How can John say they were in the last days 2000 years ago?
2) Antichrist or antichrists?
3) Is it only confession that gets us a relationship with Jesus?
Pastor Dustin Clegg touched on this message last week and today he continues the discussion about conquering the undertow of our self-destruction. Dustin organized his thoughts around 3 questions and then led us through the answers to the questions:
1) Why does John repeat these phrases?
2) What does the word "world" mean?
3) Why does he list these 3 things being "not from the Father but from the world"?
Lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
Abide!
After 4 baptisms presented us with a wonderful "sermon" Pastor Dustin Clegg felt led to just bring 1 point from his message to help us all understand the "why" behind the baptisms today. Taken from 1 John 2:15-17 he asks the question, "What does the word "world" mean?". Tune in next week as Dustin talks more about Conquering the Undertow of Self-Destruction.
This is Part 2 of a message from 1 John 2:3-11 titled The Amazing Love Life. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through the passage and has 3 observations and 3 applications from the text for us this morning.
Observations
(1) Love is the key identifier for those who follow Jesus.
(A) Love is new in its model.
(B) Love is new in its supremacy.
(2) We are unable to see Biblically, rightly, and clearly when we are not walking in Jesus' love.
(3) Abiding, staying, and remaining in the love of Jesus is as important or more important than any other command we follow.
Applications
(1) Stop justifying a lack of love.
(2) Start begging the Spirit for help to love.
(3) Even when we are going, we better be staying.
Continuing with our study of 1st John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 2:3 - 11 and shares three observations from the text:
1) Command keeping is not about prideful, religious duty, but about humble, quiet confidence in the King. (1 John 2:3)
2) There is major potential that we have bought into some lie. (1 John 2:4-6)
3) The church of Jesus is meant to be His continued life and ministry in this broken world. (1 John 2:6)
Let's be real. Consider all of your opinions and everything everyone has ever told you that isn't Biblical and crush it all at the altar.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the study of the book of 1st John as we look at part 2 of the sIn exposing Light.
Continuing in this new series titled My Little Children, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 John 1:5 - 2:2 and we explore the Light that exposes sin. We see in 1 John 1:5 that God is Light and in 1 John 1:6-10 that owning our own sign before God, ourselves, and others is crucial to healthy life in Jesus.
Pastor Dustin Clegg "introduces" us to 1st John and outlines 4 purposes of 1st John:
1) That our joy may be complete (1 John 1:4);
2) So that we sin less, and learn to repent when we do (1 John 2:1);
3) To refute false doctrine (1 John 2:26); and
4) So that we may have assurance of faith (1 John 5:13).
Dustin also shares 2 observations from the text:
1) Redemption, not perfection, was the plan from the beginning.
2) John saw complete joy as a necessary fruit of those following Jesus.
Pastor Dustin Clegg finishes up the One Another Summer series today, and as we look at Colossians 3:1-17, we talk about Biblical One Anothering and Dustin voices 5 applications from the text:
1) Focus our minds entirely on Jesus. (Col 3:1-4)
2) Remember who we WERE. (Col 3:5-8)
3) Remember who we ARE. (Col 3:9-13)
4) Submit our hearts to His rule constantly. (Col 3:14-15)
5) Voice His word. Live His Way. (Col 3:16-17)
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the One Another Summer series as we look at Romans 12:9-21. As you listen, keep this application in mind: Keep climbing back on the altar and offering yourself as a Living Sacrifice.
TBC Elder Derek Wood picks up with the One Another Summer series as we look at 1 Peter 5 and talk about clothing ourselves in humility towards one another. Derek talks about how this is counter culture leadership and counter culture witness, adding that we need to realize that humility is at the root of our obedience, and pride is at the root of our sin.
One Another Summer brings us to Hebrews 10:24-25 and Consider One Another. As you listen, ask yourself this question: How do we obey this passage?.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the One Another Summer series as we look at Romans 14:1 - 15:7 and talk about accepting and not judging one another.
Continuing with our One Another Summer series, Pastor Kirk Owens speaks to us from James 4:10-12 about criticizing one another and forgiving one another.
When we criticize we:
(1) Discourage and often destroy others;
(2) dishonor Jesus and hinder our relationship with Him.
Biblical remedies:
(1) Humble yourselves. James 4:6-10
(2) Seek to lead a quiet life. 1 These 4:11-12
(3) Be a fountain that builds up and not a drain that tears down. Eph 4:29-32
Forgive one another.....just as God forgave you in Christ.
Let us go to the cross!
Continuing in the One Another Summer series, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 Peter 4:7-11 as we talk about showing hospitality to one another. He reminds us that now is the time to be real. Take up your cross, and follow Jesus!
Guest speaker, Jeff Brown, walks us through several scriptures as we discuss how important it is that we greet one another in a manner worthy of believers.
Continuing in our One Another Summer series today Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through the scripture as we talk about encouraging one another.
We are starting a new series called One Another Summer where Pastor Dustin Clegg will walk us through some of the "One Another" commands in the Bible. Today we look at Romans 12:1-16 and as we explore what it means to be members of one another, we have a couple of observations with some applications:
(1) Genuinely becoming members of one another is primarily dependent on our individual and corporate relationship with Jesus. (Romans 12:1-2)
Applications:
(1) Daily ask Jesus to have His way in the bodies He has given us.
(2) Protect your mind from being molded by the world.
(3) Ask Jesus to give us His mind.
(2) Genuinely becoming members of one another is also dependent on the depth we allow the Gospel to shape our hearts for our King & His family. (Romans 12:3-16)
Applications:
(1) Think rightly about ourselves.
(2) Use our gifts for the mission of Jesus & the good of others.
(3) Allow the Gospel to sink deeply into our souls to the point that it affects every relationship we have.
Today we finish up the Who is Jesus? series and our study of the book of John as we look at John 21:15-25.
Today we take a look at John 21:9-14 and Pastor Dustin Clegg asks one important question: Will you submit to Jesus?
We begin John 21 in the Who is Jesus? series and as we look at verses 1-8 Pastor Dustin Clegg has 4 observations from the text:
1) The Spirit of Jesus guides us to observe, acknowledge and celebrate the work of Jesus in our brothers and sisters.
2) Actively waiting on Jesus is a biblical practice.
3) The difference between church nothingness and incredible, joyous, amazing, unbelievable Kingdom impact could be 48 inches.
4) Jesus is trustworthy to be present even if we cannot see Him clearly in our current circumstances.
Application
Obedience is better than expertise.
Obedience is better than planning.
Obedience is better than systems and structures.
Obedience is better than programming.
Continuing with our study of the book of John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 20:24-31 and offers several observations from the text.
1) We need people in our lives who will tell us and keep on telling us the truth no matter what. (John 20:25)
2) We need people in our lives who will love us and keep on loving us no matter what. (John 20:25)
3) Jesus offers His presence and His peace to doubters. (John 20:26)
4) One of the best ways that Jesus relieves doubt in the minds and souls of people is revealing to them His restored (but still broken and scarred) body. (John 20:27)
Application
Worship (and not shame) is the right response for reconciled doubters. (John 20:28)
5) Doubt sometimes flows from a lack of perspective. (John 20:29)
6) Scripture is given for the sake of life through belief in Jesus. (John 20:30-31)
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues this week with our study of the book of John as we look at chapter 20:24.
Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN! Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our journey through the book of John and as we look at John 20:11-23, we see Jesus as the Quiet Conqueror.
1) Jesus is not nearly as interested in proving Himself to His enemies. (vs 11-18)
2) Jesus offers peace to failing forward followers. (vs 19-20)
3) Jesus sends his failing forward followers into His sacrificial mission. (vs 21-23)
Let Jesus be Jesus in our lives.
The series, Who is Jesus?, continues and as we look at John 20:1-10 Pastor Dustin Clegg poses 3 questions to ask of the scripture:
1) Why would John record the reactions of Mary and the disciple in an unbelieving light?
John was mainly concerned with the facts of the resurrection.
2) What was it about the grave clothes that caused John to believe?
He knew the body was not stolen.
3) Why the stone even moved at all?
The stone was moved to let the disciples (and us) in, not to let Jesus out.
The message of the resurrection......"Come and see!".
Continuing in the Who is Jesus? series and our walk through the book of John, Pastor Dustin Clegg talks us through John 19:38-43 and has 3 observations about The Anointed King.
1) The Anointed King changes the fearful to fearless.
2) The Anointed King turns graves into gardens.
3) The Anointed King makes His enemies His friends.
Chase Worley teaches from The Sermon on the Mount as we look at Matthew 5:1-12 and talk about the Beatitudes. Chase asks the question, "Do you want to be blessed?" then offers the following observations:
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Humble yourself, so that you may be exalted.
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When you mourn, know that your Savior is near.
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Seek closeness with God.
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Show mercy, even when you judge others as underserving.
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Purify the heart. Only then can the outward appearance be truly pure.
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When chaos comes, make peace.
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In praise or persecution, pay no mind to the crowd.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues with our study of the book of John and the Who is Jesus? series, and as we look at John 19:31-37 he shares 3 observations:
1) When Jesus seems to be messing up our plans or holiday... we need to let Him. He is the only One who can clean up our mess.
2) When we trust in Jesus and believe in Him and His promises... pain and dark trials come... keep clinging to Him and His promises.
3) Jesus' prophesies and promises clearly point us to Him as the Passover Lamb.
All this and so much more... Why? So that you may believe and have life in His name... the name of Jesus!
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 19:23-30 and 2 sayings from the cross:
1) "Woman, here is your son." "Here is your mother." John 19:26-27
2) "I'm thirsty." John 19:28-29
2 things we should glean from the text:
1) Jesus is and never was a victim. Anytime we feel that, we are following the wrong voice to the wrong place.
2) We cannot add one thing to what Jesus has done on the cross for us. To try to do so is insulting to the King of Kings.
Continuing with the Who is Jesus? series and our study of the book of John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 19:6-24 and shares several points for us to consider.
(1) One primary theme of John is to clarify for readers that Jesus is the promised King of the Jews.
(2) Jesus uses people with bad motives to get His way all the time.
Application: Don't miss Kingdom opportunities because we're in our feelings.
(3) Pleasing people ultimately leaves you unpleased.
Application: Don't let people cause us to miss the Kingdom.
Main Question: Will you trust Jesus as the King He is or say with the chief priests, "Away with Him"?
Today we look at John 19:1-16 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
1) Jesus was crushed beyond human recognition by His choice for our healing. (John 19:1)
2) Religious leaders are not always trustworthy. Only Jesus is. (John 19: 6, 15)
3) Strength in numbers is a lie. Real power only comes from One. (19:6:16)
Continuing in the Who is Jesus? series, today we look at John 18:33-40 and Pastor Dustin Clegg talks us through a conversation that Jesus had with Pilate and gives us 4 observations:
1) Jesus was not a threat to Pilate's power, but He was. (John 18:33-34)
2) Jesus was born, but he was not just born. (John 18:37)
3) Jesus is the Truth.
(A) The truth of Jesus is both absolute and universal.
(B) The truth of Jesus is objective.
(C) The truth of Jesus is freeing and full of grace.
4) It's either Jesus or anarchy.
Today we look at John 18:28-32 and Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us 3 thoughts from the text:
1) Religion builds pride in our own ability to be righteous which ultimately blinds us from the reality of the darkness of our own hearts.
2) Jesus has a way of uniting people that makes no sense either for Him or against Him.
3) Following Jesus will sometimes put us at odds with the whole world, but He is always working and He is always winning.
3 Takeaways
1) We have to intentionally look inward to see our own hypocrisy.
2) A united crowd (even saying Bible words) does not equal rightness.
3) It is always OK to stand only with Jesus.
Continuing in our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 8:12-27 and gives us three observations from the text:
1) Jesus has been and will always be the only Hero of the story of every disciple of His. (John 18:10, 15-16)
2) Jesus is everything we are unable to be. (John 18:17-25; 13:37)
3) When we get caught in sin, it is a clear sign we are His or He is pursuing us to be. (John 18:27)
Applications
1) Stop trying to save or fix ourselves. Jesus has to be the only Hero.
2) Rest and Abide in Him.
3) Be encouraged that His mercies are new every morning.
Today we continue in the series, Who is Jesus?, and as we look at John 18:1-11 Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
1) The death os Jesus should not ultimately inspire courage (because He was not a martyr) or pity (because He was not a victim), but surrender (because He was a voluntary Sovereign Savior).
2) No matter what Jesus does, some people will not get it because they do not want to get it.
3) Some of us are swinging swords at enemies that can only be defeated by surrender to the Sovereign Savior.
Application:
Stop trying to defend Jesus and just open doors for people to come to Him.
Continuing in the Who is Jesus? series we look again at Jesus the Prayer Warrior as we explore John 17:6-29. We also get to observe a couple of baptisms as the Lord continues to move among our youth and His church called The Bridge.
Continuing in the book of John and our Who is Jesus? series, Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through John 17:1-19 and emphasizes an overarching observation: God is best understood and known by surrendering to, knowing, and following the Biblical Jesus. Then he leads us through 3 awkward questions from tense statements in this part of the prayer of Jesus that may help us surrender, know and follow Him better:
1) How can Jesus say the Disciples kept His Word?
2) Why does Jesus say that He doesn't want the father to remove them from the world?
3) How can Jesus say the Disciples bring glory to Him?
Keep the Word of the Father by laying down the monastic mindset and letting Jesus do whatever He wants with whoever He wants in our individual lives and the life of this Body for their sake, our sake, and His glory.
Pastor Dustin Clegg explores verses 1-5 of the prayer of Jesus in John 17 as we continue with the series, Who is Jesus?, and has three observations from the text.
(1) The life of Jesus was always leading to the death of Jesus which opened the door for all people to have the opportunity to know Him.
(2) Jesus has the power to deliver absolutely anyone from absolutely anything.
(3) Eternal life is more about quality than quantity.
Do you believe the Father answered the prayer of the Son?
Pastor Dustin Clegg picks up the Who is Jesus? series, and as we look at the first verse of John 17 we see that the posture of prayer is important. Dustin encouraged us to (1) change our physical posture when we pray and to (2) "be you when you pray".
James Langston opens the Word today, covering several passages about the Holy Spirit and sharing 4 steps to swapping being full of ourselves to being full of the Holy Spirit.
Surrender
Wait
Avoid Sin
Push
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Psalm 136 and we see that His faithful loves endures forever.
1) Love Jesus for who He is.
2) Love Jesus for what He has done in creation.
3) Love Jesus for His deliverance.
4) Love Jesus for His sovereign protection and provision.
5) Love Jesus for His redemption.
Pastor Dustin Clegg poses 3 questions to guide our thoughts as we walk through Psalm 98:
1) Where do we find joy?
2) How is joy expressed?
3) What is the response to joy?
Applications:
1) Remember His salvation.
2) Draw near to Jesus.
3) Deny yourself & obey Him.
Today we look at Psalm 51 and Brother Dustin Clegg offers 4 observations from the text.
1) The peace of Jesus begins with honest confession. (Psalm 51:1-5)
2) We can have peace trusting that Jesus cleans us completely. (Psalm 51:6-12)
3) Allegiance to Jesus brought by His Spirit brings us peace. (Psalm 51:13-16)
4) Genuine worship flows from a peaceful tension of our own complete brokenness and our Savior's complete redemption. (Psalm 51:17)
Applications1) Get real with the brokenness, ugly, hard, personal, and congregational sinners that we are.
2) Have peace in the truth that we are not rejected by Him when we are aware of the brokenness.
Finishing up the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, we look at Daniel 6 and Pastor Dustin Clegg offers 3 observations and a couple of applications for us today.
(1) Envy and jealousy (which is rooted in pride) is extremely destructive in nature, especially in the Kingdom of God.
(2) When persecution comes nothing should change about who we are in Jesus.
(3) We must study passages like these observing principles instead of patterns.
How do we apply these observations?
(1) Kill jealousy quickly.
(2) Cry out to Jesus - - desperately begging for His Spirit to fill you in such a way that it is observable to others and only He gets credit.
Continuing with the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done and the study of the book of Daniel, Pastor Dustin Clegg points out things from the text that God uses to "weigh" us.
(1) What we do with what we know (Daniel 5:22).
(2) Motives of the heart (Daniel 5:22, Proverbs 16:2 and 21:2).
(3) Pride (Daniel 5:23).
(4) Reverence for the purposes of God (Daniel 5:23).
(5) Idolatry (Daniel 5:23). And
(6) Our awe of the person of God (Daniel 5:23).
Today we move along in the study of the book of Daniel and the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, and as we look at chapter 4, Pastor Dustin Clegg presents 4 observations and applications from the text.
(1) All leaders are sovereignly established and sovereignly removed by the hand of The One True God.
Application: Vote how Jesus tells you, leave your ballot in the box, then go serve Jesus.
(2) Acknowledgement and praise for The One True God does not equal submission to Him.
Application: Be sure we aren't only giving lip service to Jesus but bowing our hearts in complete surrender to Him.
(3) When sharing Kingdom concepts with others, courage and compassion should exist equally in us.
Application: Look in the mirror twice as much as we look out the window.
(4) Ironically pride makes us foolish and humility makes us wise.
Application: Identify pride rising up as soon as possible and deal quickly and harshly with it.
We continue with our study of the book of Daniel and the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, and we look at chapter 3 verses 1-30. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
1) Believers will have pressure to conform into images that are not of God.
2) Pride is revealed when someone goes after our image. Humility is revealed when we do not feel the need to defend our image.
3) The image we should care about is that of the Biblical Jesus.
Main Point -
The world has no need to know who we are, but they are bleeding to know the One who bled for them.
Today Dr. Larry Pillow with We Can Ministries spoke and had several recipients of the ministry speak.
With a painful past as a son of an alcoholic and the father of a son who died of an overdose, Dr. Larry Pillow, a retirement-aged minister, was energized by finding and fulfilling his God-given purpose: helping those struggling with addiction.
After founding The Renewal Ranch, a successful transformation ministry in Conway, AR. Dr. Pillow assisted in establishing several other Christ-centered recovery ministries in both Arkansas and Ohio. As the calls for help increased it quickly became apparent that those called by God to start Christ-centered recovery centers could benefit from the experience of those who have already done it. And so, WeCan was born.
Dr. Pillow and WeCan continue to answer God's calling to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Dr. Pillow was instrumental in assisting The Bridge Church to start The Harbor, a Men's Recovery Ministry.
https://www.wecanmin.org
Continuing with Part 4 in the series, Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done, and our study of the book of Daniel, today we look at Daniel 2:31-45 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
(1) We can be confident in that what Jesus tells us is true.
(2) Every world government is or will be undermined by the Kingdom of Jesus.
(3) When Jesus uses us to accomplish His purposes, there can be a crisis of pride.
How do we apply this?
(1) Identify all high things in your life and allow Jesus to crush them.
(2) Be gentle in the presence of brokenness and bold in the presence of power.
Today we continue with our study and look at Daniel 2:1-30 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations:
(1) Jesus will absolutely put His people in impossible situations to refine us, remind us of who we are, and reveal to the world who He is.
(2) Prayer, rest and worship are essential at all times, especially to those in the midst of suffering.
(3) The lives of the followers of Jesus should be an absolute life giving blessing to their enemies.
Question.
How much suffering or pressure are we willing to embrace so that others who do not deserve the Gospel can see the truth of it?
Today we pick with in Daniel 1:8-21 in part 2 of the series, Your Kingdom Come Your Will Be Done. Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations from the text:
(1) Holiness and humility are tandem results of a Spirit filled life (vs 8-16).
(2) Jesus always rewards gritty faithfulness (vs 17-20).
(3) Our normal lives or our risky obedience will have ripple effects on people we know and others who may not be alive yet (vs 21).
We are starting a new series from the book of Daniel titled Your Kingdom Come Your Will Be Done and today we look at Daniel 1:1-8. Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations from the text:
1. The goodness of Jesus will send His people into difficult circumstances for the mercy and grace of godless men and women.
2. The sons and daughters of Jesus must prepare themselves for demonic warfare in the midst of a godless culture.
3. Even though we have to live in the culture, we do not have to allow the culture into us.
How do we apply all of this?
1. Be aware of the mercy extended to a godless world in the midst of our suffering.
2. Let the word get into you.
Each year around this time we come together and have a Family Gathering to reflect on what God has done in and through the Bridge Church during the last year. We look over the budget and give a few reports, but more importantly we celebrate those who have been baptized. Today we had the honor of baptizing three new believers and these baptisms make up the podcast today.
Thanks for being a part of The Bridge Church this year.
Today is the 9th and last part of the CommUNITY series and as we look at Luke 20, Pastor Dustin Clegg and 2 observations from the text:
1) We must remember where we have come from and the grace we have been shown, as well has the grace shown to others in the family.
2) The table of Jesus is not for the worthy. It is for the hungry and the thirsty.
What are the main takeaways?
1) Let grace guide the guest list to the table of Jesus.
2) Empty ourselves of whatever is keeping us full.
Part 8 of the CommUNITY series takes us to Luke 14:1-24. Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations from the text then poses a question for each observation:
1) Humility in this world flows from the security that we have been accepted by the One who is bigger than this world, and we never deserved it.
Question: Are you "throwing elbows" to get recognized or exalted?
2) Ordinary things are often suspect to keep us from glorious Kingdom blessings.
Question: What ordinary things are keeping you from joining community and enjoying the blessings of the Kingdom?
3) Holiness and righteousness are always and only a result of a relationship with Jesus, not a route to it.
Question: Are you compelling? Are you keeping yourself from the Kingdom because you feel like you don't belong?
Today Brother Dustin Clegg continues with Part 7 of CommUNITY: Open Doors and Messy Tables, and walking through Luke 10:38-42, he shares three observations from the text:
1) Jesus values presence over performance.
2) Perspective becomes a problem when we aren't fully present.
3) Serving can be a delight or a distraction.
Applications
1) Choose to be with Jesus before you allow anything or anyone else to be with you.
2) Choose to be present with people when you are with them.
3) Begin serving with Jesus or because of Jesus instead of for Jesus.
Today Brother Dustin Clegg continues with Part 6 of CommUNITY: Open Doors and Messy Tables, and walking through Ephesians 4:1-16, he shares three observations from the text:
1) Community provides proof that Jesus is who He says He is and we are who we say we are in Him (Ephesians 4:1-11 and John 3:13-16).
2) Community is necessary for maturity (Ephesians 4:12-13).
3) Community is necessary for protection and exposure.
The Holy Spirit has raised up leaders and established each group, therefore....
Ask yourself why you wouldn't want to be in a group;
Support every single group and fight in prayer for the; and
Be in the group you NEED to be in.
Today we continue with the series, CommUNITY: Open Doors and Messy Tables, as we look at Luke 7:36-50. Pastor Dustin Clegg gives three observations from the text:
(1) Jesus doesn't pass on an invitation.
(2) When Jesus comes, reverence must be redefined. And
(3) Compassion for brokenness flows from knowing who Jesus is and knowing who we are.
How do we apply this?
(1) Continue coming as you are.
(2) Be sensitive to what you need to give.
(3) Be sensitive to what you need to get.
Continuing with the CommUNITY series, we look ay Luke 19:1-10 and Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations and 3 applications from the text.
Observations
1) The ministry of Jesus happened often during interruptions.
2) Jesus intentionally went places where He knew He would see the unclean and outcast.
3) The only way sinful people change is for Jesus to come and stay with them.
Applications
1) Pay attention during your interruptions.
2) Look for the unclean and the outcast.
3) Stop making decisions on behalf of sinners whether they will embrace Jesus or not.
We were blessed to be able to witness 2 baptisms this morning and it was quit the celebration. This is part 3 of CommUNITY: Open Doors and Messy Tables, and as we look at the Gospel picture in Genesis, Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations.
1) Living in genuine community is difficult, but is a gift from Jesus
(Genesis 2:15-23);
2) Community is meant to bring us out of hiding (Genesis 2:25-3:11); and
3) We will never be free as long as we claim victimhood (Genesis 3:12-13).
The main point is that Jesus does not want to expose us to leave us exposed, but to give us new clothes.
Continuing with the series, CommUNITY: Open Doors and Messy Tables, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 2 Corinthians 5:1-17 and has 2 observations from the text centered around verse 16, From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective:
1) The Gospel is bigger than our differences; and
2) The Gospel is bigger than our similarities.
Application
When we launch our Life Groups, ask Jesus, your spouse, and a person who has invested in you, which life group you need to be a part of.
Today we start a new series titled CommUNITY, and as we look at Luke 5:27-33 Pastor Dustin Clegg shares his observations and a couple of applications.
(1) Because of Jesus, holiness is no longer measured by who is pushed out but by who is welcomed in. (Luke 5:27-29).
(2) If no one is ever offended by who we invite to our tables or whose tables we are invited to, we aren't doing it right. (Luke 5:30-33)
How do we apply this?
(1) Get uncomfortable with being comfortable.
(2) Be careful about how you view people who live messy lives with messy people.
Today is not the final message in the series, Who is Jesus?, but the last one for a few weeks as we start a new series about CommUNITY. But today we look at John 16:25-33 and Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations and applications from the text.
(1) Jesus accepts the feeble faith of those who walk in what light they have as long as they are never satisfied with the light they have (John 16:25-32).
(1) Rest in the fact that Jesus has appropriate expectations on our faith, also understanding that growth is essential.(2) People tend to scatter when the pressure hits (John 16:32).
(2) Invest all you can in the One relationship that you can always depend on.(3) Every negative thing that we face as believers now is a desperate attempt at dying blows from a defeated foe (John 16:33).
(3) Believers - - be courageous in all things because Jesus is the Compassionate Conquerer.
Unbelievers - - surrender to Him with all you know.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues in the Who is Jesus? series and as we look at John 16:16-24, he offers 3 observations.
1) Jesus takes our sorrow and He turns it into joy. (John 16:20-21)
2) No one can rob our blood bought, Jesus joy. (John 16:22)
3) We now have access to the Father through the Son. (John 16:23-24)
Applications:
1) Come to Jesus with your sorrow.
2) Go boldly to the throne of Jesus for His help.
This week we have Part 2 of Who is Jesus? The CROSS Examiner as we look at John 16:5-15. Pastor Dustin Clegg offers 3 observations from the text:
1) The presence of the Counselor is necessary to the task of the church (John 16:5-8);
2) The prosecution of the Counselor is necessary for salvation (John 16:8-11); and
3) The help of the Counselor is necessary for believers to have any understanding (John 16:12-15).
Continuing with the Who is Jesus? series and our study of the book of John, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 16:1-15 and gives us 3 observations from the text:
1) The suffering of believers fits perfectly into the plan and sovereignty of God to move His Kingdom forward;
A. Suffering always refines us as His children.
B. Suffering in the lives of believers is both a prosecution for not yet believers,
and a defense for those who are.
2) Evil, error, and fanaticism happen often in the Name of the God of righteousness, truth, and love.
3) The Holy Spirit exalts no one other than Jesus, not even Himself.
Applications
1) Don't be afraid to suffer.
2) Align our passions with those of Jesus.
3) Be filled with the Spirit and glorify Jesus.
Continuing in the Who is Jesus? series, Pastor Kirk Owens walks us through John 15:17-25 and shares 4 observations from the text:
1) The world hates Jesus (John 15:18);
2) Jesus has chosen and called us out of the world (John 15:19);
3) We belong to and serve the hated One, Jesus. (John 15:20); and
4) When Jesus shows up, He exposes sin (John 15:22-24).
Reminders:
1) Don't live "in your feelings".
2) Don't forget to love.
3) Watch yourself.
4) Keep going in and with Jesus.
We are looking again this week at John 15:9-17 as we continue with the series, Who is Jesus?. Pastor Dustin Clegg offers 4 observations from the text as look upon Jesus as the Lover of Love:
1) Our ability to love flows from our understanding of how we have been loved.
2) Our joy can't be affected by outside circumstances, but it can be affected by our disobedience.
3) Jesus chooses us, but we must learn to choose Him.
4) Love is extremely simple and extremely deep and extremely risky.
How do we apply this in our lives?
1) Do not move away from the cross of Jesus.
2) If your joy is low, look inward.
3) Be genuine.
Continuing in our study of the book of John, we are in John 15:9-17 but we had to detour to 1 Corinthians 13 to see how Jesus defines "love". In this passage we see that love is better (1Cor 13:1-3), love is practical (1Cor 13:4-7), and love is eternal (1Cor 13:8-13). In response we should all confess with humility that we cannot do what He has told us to do, but we want to. Ask Him to change us deeply from the inside out. (Abide).
Continuing with the study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 15:5-11 and has 3 observations:
1) Intimacy with Jesus is the point of following Him. Everything else is either sin, a means to be more intimate with Him, or a fruit from intimacy with Him.
2) The Gospel is a person, a message, and a life.
3) The fruit Jesus produces in us is for His glory, the good of others, and our joy.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the study of the book of John as we look again at chapter 15. We celebrated a baptism, high school and college graduates, and we observed the Lord's Supper. It was a great day!
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 15:1-11. In the passage we see the following:
(1) Jesus steps into our failure;
(2) We will either be cut back or cut off;
(3) We are only clean because of Jesus; and
(4) We are only branches.
The main point is that whatever or whoever we attach ourselves to will produce fruit in our life.
How do we apply this? Keep a working knowledge of those things that stir our affections for Jesus and those things that slow our affections for Jesus.
Elder Derek Wood continues with the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 14:16-31. John 14:18 says No, I will not abandon you as orphans - I will come to you. We aren't just left to figure it out. We are given a helper, an Advocate, to walk alongside us in everything we do.
Continuing with the study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 14:6-17 and points us to three observations from the text:
(1) Familiarity with the things of God cause us to miss Him completely. (John 14:6-11)
(2) Jesus believed we would do greater things. (John 14:12-14)
(3) Lovers of Jesus desire to know and keep His commands. (John 14:15-17)
How can apply this?
(1) Strive for intimacy, not familiarity.
(2) Remember forward, not backward.
(3) Love Jesus by obeying, not only knowing.
Happy Easter! Today we continue with our study of the book of John and talk about the peace we have in our grave-robbing Savior, Jesus Christ. As we look at John 13:31 - 14:6, Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations:
(1) Jesus is the only way we can have peace when we blow it.
(2) It is entirely possible to die before you're dead.
(3) Abundant and eternal life is exclusively and only for those who surrender to Jesus.
How do we apply these things?
(1) Remind yourself of whose you are, what He has done, and His good plans for you.
(2) Remind yourself who you are not. Stop allowing fear and anxiety to define you.
(3) Recognize the possibility of being sincerely wrong.
Pastor Dustin Clegg has three observations from John 13:21-35 as we continue with the Who is Jesus? series:
(1) Following Jesus can be faked to a troubling extent;
(2) The cross and resurrection of Jesus changes our identity to the core;
(3) Our love for each other can and should be evangelistic.
Applications
(1) When facing confronting words from God, as first, "Is it I?".
(2) If you are a believer remind yourself constantly you are the one He loves.
(3) Pray for the ones in the church you cannot love.
As we continue with the Who is Jesus? series and look at John 13:1-20 Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations:
(1) Pressure, power, love, authority, betrayal, and grief all take Jesus to the posture of service. (John 13:1-5);
(2) Jesus touches before He teaches; and
(3) Spirit filled followers will be supernatural servants.
Applications -
(1) Rethink our difficulties and become more attuned to kingdom opportunities.
(2) Find connection with people before assuming authority.
(3) Look for opportunities to serve in supernatural ways.
Today we continue with our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?.As we look at John 12:12-50 Pastor Dustin Clegg has three observations:
(1) Jesus is impossible to understand correctly until/unless He is glorified rightly. (John 12: 12-19);
(2) The cross is the centerpiece of the glory of Jesus (John 12: 20-36); and
(3) The cross will either remove our judgement or be our judgement (John 12: 37-50).
How do we apply this?
(1) Keep Jesus glorified.
(2) None of us are worthy of what Jesus has done, therefore everyone should know it is available to them.
After the series on Jubilee, we are back to the book of John with the Who is Jesus? series. Today we look at John 12:1-11 and see Jesus as the Sword of Division. In this passage we see that:
(1) Jesus is worthy of extravagant love and humble reverence;
(2) Worshipping Jesus supremely makes us love others rightly; and
(3) We are not called to be witnessing, but to be witnesses.
Pastor Dustin Clegg gave us 3 questions to consider:
(1) How do you view your possessions?
(2) What does it look like in our world to worship Jesus extravagantly like Mary?
(3) Does your life align with the message of the Gospel?
There is NO middle ground.
Today we finish up with the last message in the Jubilee series as we take a look at Proclamation. We see that Gospel Proclamation will happen in the life of every believer; that Gospel Proclamation is good news; and that Gospel Proclamation is life threatening, but also life giving.
How do we apply this?
1) Stick to proclaiming essential truths about Jesus. Secondary truths (although important) tend to lead to unnecessary arguments debated.
2) Remember to listen.
3) Be courageous, knowing that Jesus is with you in every Kingdom conversation.
4) Talk about Jesus.
5) Do not feel obligated to "seal any deals".
6) To be better talking about Jesus, spend more time talking to Jesus.
7) Expect Jesus to put you in difficult situations for the purpose of proclaiming.
We continue in the Jubilee series as we look at John 16:32-33 and talk about Jesus and healing.
We see that (1) the need for healing should be expected and prepared for. How do we prepare?
(A) Cultivate your relationship with Jesus consistently when you are not yet in trouble. "In ME you may have peace."
(B) Do not be surprised that trouble comes even if you are surprised by how it comes. "You will have suffering in this world."
(C) Do courageous things in preparation for suffering and healing.
"Be courageous."
(D) Live fearlessly understanding that the world is broken but overcome.
"I have overcome the world."
We also see that we should (2) Pray and take our medicine; and (3) Healing does not equal "moving on" or "getting over it".
What happens if healing doesn't come? (2 Corinthians 12:6-10) - Focus on the Healer instead of the healing.
We continue in the Jubilee series as we look at Leviticus 25:8-10 and talk about Freedom.
We see that Gospel Freedom is NOT:
(1) The removal of all constraints;
(2) The same as American freedom;
(3) The removal of one set of chains only to pick up the chains of religion.
We also see that Gospel Freedom is:
(1) Strategically and voluntarily choosing to lose some freedoms to gain the ultimate freedom;
(2) An intimate love relationship with Jesus which always leads to freedom in unimaginable ways.
How do we apply all of this?
(1) Understand and identify the schemes of the enemy that are after your freedom in Jesus.
(2) Prioritize love for others above freedom for yourself.
(3) To be completely free, concern yourself with following Jesus and not freedom.
Today we continue our conversation about Jubilee and look at various passages. We see that;
GOSPEL REDEMPTION IS NOT:
1) Striving to do good to make God happy with you.
2) Striving to do good to avoid the consequences of bad actions.
3) Unaffected, easy believism.
GOSPEL REDEMPTION IS:
1) The transactional work of Jesus that moves us from enemies and slaves to sons and daughters.
2) The way by which we change deeply from the inside out.
3) The route by which the Spirit produces the fruit of Christ in our lives.
Applications:
1) Spend time thanking Jesus for specific things He has freed you from.
2) Examine whether you spend most of your time avoiding consequences, earning favor, or simply living with and for Jesus.
3) Practice sacrifice.
4) Put away anything or anyone with control over you other than Jesus.
5) Seek counsel and correction from healthy believers if you are subject to obsession and/or addiction.
6) Be patient with ourselves and others.
7) Share it with someone else.
As we continue in the Jubilee series and look at Leviticus 25:28 and Matthew 18:21-25 we see that Gospel Forgiveness is NOT:
1) Therapeutic forgiveness;
2) Doormat forgiveness;
3) Approval; or
4) Natural.
What is Gospel Forgiveness?
1) It is rooted in the identity of Jesus and is Spirit led.
2) It can be granted before it is felt.
3) It is "others" focused.
4) It is costly.
5) It is work.
Applications:
1) Work on your willingness at the feet of Jesus.
2) Strive for truth and grace.
3) Recognize the roadblocks.
4) Stop debt collecting.
5) Be patient with yourself and others.
Today we continue in our series titled Jubilee, as we look at Jesus and Sabbath. Pastor Dustin Clegg starts out with 3 observations:
(1) Jubilee Sabbath was about rest rooted in trust and humility (Lev 25:11-12);
(2) Sabbath as worship (Gen 2:1-3); and
(3) Jesus is our Sabbath rest (Matt 11:28-12:14).
He also gave us 7 ways that we can apply this in our daily lives:
1. Prepare for Sabbath.
2. Find specific times to be completely silent and present with Jesus.
3. Spend a day without your phone.
4. Look for opportunities to trust Jesus in risky ways.
5. Be present in relationships with others.
6. Take responsibility for your own Sabbath rest because almost no one will honor it if you do not.
7. Expect an outcry from others when holding Sabbath sacred.
As we begin the new year we start a new series called Jubilee based on Leviticus 25. This series is NOT a plea for a New Year's Resolution.
The 7 topics we will be focusing on in the coming weeks related to Jubilee, but ultimately Jesus are:
1. Sabbath.
2. Forgiveness.
3. Freedom.
4. Redemption.
5. Healing.
6. Justice.
7. Proclamation.
We see in the text today that halfheartedly following Jesus leads only to chaos. We also see that Jesus is our Jubilee and we must join Him in Jubilee for others.
How do we apply this today? Take steps in each of these truths and help others do the same.
We end the year with the celebration of 3 baptisms and a message from Matthew 16:13-18, and Luke 15:1-2, 11-32.
Today we look at Luke 2:21-35 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has two observations:
(1) Salvation is only found in the person of Jesus (Luke 2:21-32). And
(2) Jesus has divided the entire world into two camps (Luke 2:33-35).
The Christmas question is "Do you see what Simeon saw?".
Merry Christmas from the Bridge Church.
Today we continue in the series, A Thrill of Hope, and look at Luke 1 beginning with verse 57. We see that Zechariah's song represents purpose in our pain and afflictions. We also see that people who have really experienced and understand the mercy of Jesus make the best worshipper.
If you're a "good person", humble yourself and look for a worship example in a changed person.
If you are a person who no one would call "good", Jesus is pursuing you and we are excited to hear your song.
We continue in our Christmas series, A Thrill of Hope, and take a look at Luke 1:26-56 and explore Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, who tells her that she will bear the Messiah.
In the passage we see that (1) Mary was genuine and mature (vs 26-37); (2) Mary was humble (vs 38-55); (3) Mary was able to see God at work in the "normal" (vs 41-45);
(4) Mary was biblical (vs 46-55); and (5) Mary was bold (vs 56).
Spiritual fruit must be held in tension with the if/then covenant nature of God.
Today we start a new series for Christmas titled A Thrill of Hope and look together at Luke 1:1-25. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from the text:
(1) We forget about Jesus but He never forgets about us;
(2) Christmas represents the reality of the supernatural colliding with the reality of the natural; and
(3) Hope can be lost when we only, or primarily, focus on natural reality.
How do we apply this to our lives?
(1) Listen.
(2) Be quiet.
(3) Remember.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our study of the book of John and as we look at 11:38-48 he has three observations:
(1) Resurrection is nasty business;
(2) Jesus is and will always be a threat to "life as we know it";
(3) If Jesus is consistently rejected, He will move on at some point.
How do we apply this? Find a mess to step into, but maybe not for the reason you think.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues with the Who is Jesus? series and walks us through John 11:17-37 giving us three observations from the text:
(1) Pain and suffering are definitely real, and we can rest assured Jesus is always present, loves us deeply, and He is working all things for our good and His glory;
(2) Knowing what to say about or to Jesus is the easy part, but believing and trusting in Him through faith can be very difficult...but always worth it; and
(3) Jesus, the Great I Am is the answer, remedy, solution, and much more to all our apparent problems and circumstances.
Praise the Lord! We started and ended the service with baptism, but in between Pastor Dustin Clegg walked us through John 11:1-16 as we continued with the series, Who is Jesus?. He began with a question.... Are you okay with a Savior who will allow your body, mind, finances, etc. to suffer so that He can heal your soul? .... and then shared four observations from the text.
(1) When making a request of Jesus start with who He is. (John 11:3);
(2) The love of Jesus & the suffering in our world are not always at odds. (John 11:5-6);
(3) When following Jesus, nothing can happen TO us. It can only happen FOR us. (John 11:8-10); and
(4) Death is completely powerless in the presence Jesus.
How do we apply this?
(1) Trust like Thomas even if you don't understand. (John 11:16); and
(2) Remind those of us in our grief & suffering that it is for our good.
As we continue in our study of the book of John and with the Who is Jesus? series, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 10:22-41 and has three observations:
(1) Convictions are good. Opinions are normally not that great. (John 10:22-23);
(2) Doubt and suspense are not the same as unbelief. (John 10:24-25); and
(3) Backward thinking leads to backward believing which leads to backward living. (John 10:33).
Question: Has your faith made you more humble or more arrogant?
Application: Wrestle with your faith, but always say "yes" to Jesus.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Who is Jesus? series and as we look at John 10:1-21 he has three observations from the text:
(1) The Good Shepherd is shockingly personal with His sheep (John 10:1-6);
(2) The Good Shepherd is shockingly protective of His sheep and their joy (John 10:7- 13); and
(3) The Good Shepherd is shockingly loving towards His sheep (John 10:14-21).
As we continue in our study of the book of John and the Who is Jesus? series, we look at John 9:8-34 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has three observations:
(1) The question is and always will be "Who" and not "how";
(2) The family does not grow and the Kingdom does not advance by way of exclusion; and (3) The unbelief of a seeking heart is much softer and more logical than the unbelief of a hardened heart.
How do we apply these truths?
(1) Seek Jesus audaciously with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
(2) Ask Him to make your heart audaciously soft.
(3) Ask Him to give you an audacious heart for His people and His family.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues in our study of the book of John and leads us through John 9:1-7, 35-41. In this passage we that (1) Jesus' vision is much better than His disciples' focus; (2) Following Jesus will cost you, but not really; and (3) Taking steps with Jesus is a progression which will lead you into His Kingdom forevermore.
How do we apply this? Know that Jesus sees you right where you are and loves you. Let Jesus progress you by taking steps with Him that will ultimately lead you to worship Him.
As we continue in the Who is Jesus? series, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 8:30-59 and has three observations:
(1) Believing Jesus is not the same as believing IN Jesus;
(2) When the Word of God is rejected, the truth is lost and people get stupid; and
(3) Not all truth leads to freedom, but the Truth named Jesus does. The freedom we receive from Him may not look like we think it should.
How do we apply this? Don't follow the rules - - follow the Ruler.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the Who is Jesus? series, and as we look at John 8:12-30 he gives us four observations from the passage.
(1) We judge ourselves by what we do with Jesus. (John 8:12-19)
(2) No one does anything that is not allowed by Jesus. (John 8:20)
(3) Jesus absolutely claims that He is God. (John 8:21-26)
(4) Jesus is not interested in being a part of our belief system. (John 8:27-30, Daniel 7:9-14).
How do we apply this?
For believers - - Be certain Jesus is the foundation of your identity.
For those who are not yet believers - - Judge yourself now so that you will not judge yourself later.
Today we continue in The Who is Jesus? series as we look at John 8:12 and discuss the Light of the World. Pastor Dustin Clegg has only one observation today: Life apart from Jesus is only formless, empty and dark.
After spending a couple of weeks talking about the importance of Life Groups, today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 8:2-11 and see Jesus as the Merciful Judge.
Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Acts 2:42-47 as we talk about the importance of community through our Life Groups. Jesus has chosen to cause His people to grow best over time in community with other believers experiencing the mundane and miraculous activities of daily life.
(1) Our devotion to gathering needs renewal.
(2) Fellowship is critical to the life of the church and is terribly misunderstood.
( Everything about biblical church pushes back against privacy, secrecy and individualism.
Walk away with this.... Our "withness" impacts our witness.
As we approach the start of our Life Groups, Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through various passages and talks about the importance of community in the body of believers.
(1) In Genesis 2:18 we see that it's not good for man to be alone.
(2) In Proverbs 18:1-2 we see that isolation is sinful.
(3) In Luke 4:16-21 and Isaiah 61:1-7 we see that community is messy because Jesus gathers the messy.
How do we apply this?
We are all choosing community. Be sure it is in the best places.
Today we continue in the series, Who is Jesus?, and as we look at John 7:40-8:2 Pastor Dustin Clegg shares the following observations:
(1) Good news will always be divisive (John 7:40-44);
(2) Jesus arrests with His words the people sent to arrest Him because of His words (John 7:45-49);
(3) The Judge allows Himself to be judged (John 7:50-52); and
(4) The Creator of Earth had no home in it (John 7:53-8:2).
How do we apply this?
(1) Don't be surprised when Good News causes conflict.
(2) Don't buy into the lie that your brokenness or anyone else's can dispel the love of the King of irony.
We continue in the series, Who is Jesus?, and our walk through the book of John leads us to chapter 7 verses 25-39. Pastor Dustin Clegg points out 3 observations from the passage:
(1) Jesus is the only clear and perfect representation of the Father (John 7:25-29);
(2) If leadership does not remain completely focused on the main thing, it causes intense confusion among those following (John 7:25-36); and
(3) Jesus loves to satisfy thirsty people and turn them into rivers.
How can we apply this?
(1) Don't even mention neckties to people who are about to die from thirst;
(2) Are you thirsty? If so, come to Jesus and drink. Drink so much that you become a river. Not just a pond.
(3) Behold Jesus.
After a time of celebrating a couple of parent commissioning and baptisms, we explore John 7:14-29 as we continue with the series, Who is Jesus?, and Pastor Dustin Clegg makes three observations from the passage:
(1) The Spirit of Jesus is the best Teacher;
(2) Some of the worst accusers of the Kingdom claim to be part of it; and
(3) Jesus is much more concerned with making people whole from within than fixing their outward appearance.
How do we apply this?
(1) Stop accusing others and excusing ourselves.
(2) Arrest every belief, opinion, worldview, etc. and submit it to Jesus as the standard.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens continues in our series through the book of John, Who is Jesus?. As we look at John 7:1-13 we see that (1) Jesus isn't bound by time, but He is always right on time; (2) Jesus, the Great Physician, paid for your sin, diagnoses sin, and is the cure for sin; and (3) Jesus wasn't seeking popularity, but Jesus was and is the Famous One.
What must we do?
(1) Stop running away from Jesus into the darkness that's killing us.
(2) Repent and come to Jesus so He can shine His light on what's keeping us from walking in the light with Him.
(3) Enjoy and welcome Jesus' sweet presence in your places of tabernacle...and watch Him work through you unto others.
Today we had a guest speaker from The Land of Hope, a ministry based in Guatemala. Oscar Palencia speaks to us about The Land of Hope and The Kingdom.
Today we continue in our study of the book of John, and as Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 6:60-71 he has 4 observations from the text:
(1) Our flesh is completely unhelpful in genuine salvation (John 6:60-65);
(2) Salvation cannot be disconnected from genuine following (John 6:66);
(3) Two things must exist in a genuine confession of faith in Jesus (John 6:67-69) -
a. We must know who Jesus is ("You are the Holy One of God")
b.We must trust Him completely and only ("Lord, to whom will we go");
(4) Proximity to Jesus does not equal genuine salvation (John 6:70-71).
There is a question we must ask ourselves:
What is the thing that if Jesus told you to do it you'd be out?
Today we continue in our study, Who is Jesus?, as Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 6:25-60 and gives us three questions to think about:
(1) Are we not hungry for Jesus because we are filling up on other things?
(2) Can we live without Jesus?
(3) What does it mean to consume Jesus?
How do we apply it?
Stop going to the grocery store hungry.
Stop praying transactionally. Start praying relationally.
Stop studying transactionally. Start studying relationally.
Stop obeying transactionally. Start obeying relationally.
We were blessed to be able to witness several of the ones who went to youth camp being baptized this morning and make their decision to follow Jesus public.
We continued with our study of the book of John and as Pastor Dustin Clegg led us through John 6:22-37 we see that (1) our work is to work out our belief in Him (John 6:22-29), and (2) that Jesus chooses us, but we must choose Him (John 6:30-37).
There are three applications today:
(1) Aim at Heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither. -- C. S. Lewis
(2) Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. -- Paul (Philippians 2:12)
(3) Surrender to Jesus!
Today we continue in our study of the book of John after we celebrate a couple of baptisms.
Today we continue in our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?. Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us three observations from John 6:1-13.
(1) Jesus is interested in teaching and growing and and involving His people in the expansion of His Kingdom. He allows room for us to fail forward.
(2) Unnamed and unknown and uncredited does not equal unimportant when Jesus is involved.
(3) Jesus does not waste anything ever.
How do we apply this to our lives today?
(1) Learn to encourage people who are willing to fail forward for the King and the Kingdom. Learn to do the same as they are doing.
(2) Learn to bring everyone and everything to the King.
(3) Learn to fight the desires to be known by people and strive to please only the King.
We continue with our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?,as we explore a much greater Moses. Pastor Dustin Clegg gave two observations from John 6:1-21. (1) The greatest miracles of Jesus walk hand in hand with life's greatest impossibilities (6:1-15), and (2) Jesus often feeds those with bad motives (6:2). The main point of the message is that wherever our hope is, Jesus is always better.
Today we walk through a part of the book of Galatians with Pastor Kirk Owens. There are 4 main parts that he points out:
(1) We reap what we sow;
(2) We reap more than we sow;
(3) We reap in a different season than we sow; and
(4) We are not the only ones sowing and reaping.
How should we apply this?
Come to Jesus and trust Him alone;
Walk in the Holy Spirit and be the faith-filled "witness" Jesus has called you to be; and
Worship Jesus with great joy.
Today we continue with our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?. We look at John 5:36-47 and see 5 witnesses to the "Godness" of Jesus: (1) John the Baptist, (2) the works of Jesus, (3) the Word, (4) the Father, and (5) Moses.
Without submitting to Jesus, we cannot (1) Rightly understand the Word of God; (2) Love God; (3) Honor God; or (4) Avoid the judgement of God.
Today we continue with our study of the book of John and the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 5: 30-35 talk about the Judge on trial. We see that (1) Jesus meets us in whatever mess we have made (vs 30-31), and (2) Jesus always exposes us, and our response to it is critical. The question for all of us today is what happens in your soul when Jesus exposes you?
Today we continue in the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 5:19-29 and see that (1) Jesus claims authority that only God has (vs 19-21, 24); (2) Jesus welcomes honor that only God deserves (vs 22-23); and (3) Jesus claims power that only God has (vs 26-29). The main point is that WE are the ones who are really on trial.
Pastor Dustin Clegg returns to the Who is Jesus? series as we look at John 5:1-18, and he has four observations from the text:
(1) Healing always comes with responsibility to follow (vs 1-8);
(2) False religion cannot celebrate the healing of brokenness unless it's on their terms (vs 9-13);
(3) The most merciful thing that can be done for another is to share the reality of Jesus and the scriptures with them (vs 14-16); and
(4) Real Sabbath is more about trusting than resting (vs 17-18).
How do we apply this to our lives?
(1) Don't forget to talk about Jesus and His goodness during this time.
(2) Remember to Sabbath (trust).
Last thing.... Do you want to get well?
Happy Resurrection Day! What a great day today. We had the privilege to observe three baptisms and shared in the Lord's Supper together as family. And Pastor Dustin Clegg brought a great word of hope and peace from John 20:1-21 and had the following observations:
(1) Chaos creates shock which looks different in different people (John 20:1-10);
(2) Jesus is speaking confidently, gently, specifically, lovingly, authentically, powerfully, and individually in the midst of our chaos (John 20:11-16);
(3) Nothing can stand in the way of the peace offered by the resurrected Jesus;
(4) The cross and resurrection of Jesus makes those who follow Him and trust Him family in the most real way possible (John 20:17); and
(5) We are sent with His peace to our people (John 20:21).
In part one of a three part series leading up to Easter Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Luke 23:32:43 and points out a few things about Jesus' forgiveness:
(1) Genuine forgiveness is nearly impossible apart from the Spirit ("Father...");
(2) Genuine forgiveness happens through a deep understanding of grace ("...forgive them...");
(3) Genuine forgiveness requires understanding and empathy ("...because they do not know what they are doing..."); and
(4) Genuine forgiveness preaches the Gospel in itself. (Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27:38-44, and Mark 15:29-32)
Today Pastor Kirk Owens continues with the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 4:39-54. Kirk has three observations:
(1) Real faith in Jesus is not going on tour just to see the show, but a true commitment;
(2) Authentic faith in Jesus is not just an emotional feeling, but an informed belief; and
(3) Genuine faith in Jesus has a starting place, but always results in a continued ongoing trust in Jesus.
We continue today looking again at John 4:1-42 in our series, Who is Jesus?.
Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us five observations from this passage;
(1) Anybody can talk about Jesus to anyone;
(2) The way we handle other people's sin matters;
(3) We can worship wrongly in right places, but when we worship rightly there are
no wrong places;
(4) The enemy only needs to distract us to defeat us; and
(5) Jesus is able to completely identify with humanity, and He is completely God.
Surface Application:
Talk to one person this week about how Jesus has changed your life.
Deep Cultivation:
Ask Jesus to reveal to you the areas in your life where you are distracted and defeated. Refocus completely on Jesus.
Today we continue in the series, Who is Jesus?, as we examine John 4: 1 - 42 and look at Jesus as the Living Water for Parched Souls. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 2 observations from the text:
(1) Jesus is driven to save the outcasts of the outcasts.
(2) Jesus alone completely satisfies and every other pursuit in our lives leaves us completely thirsty.
How do we apply this to our lives today?
Our "Surface Application" is dig deeper wells of Living Water instead of building higher fences of culture, race, ethnicity, religion, tradition, etc.
For "Deeper Cultivation" we need to spend time asking Jesus to reveal the pursuits of our souls that continue leaving us thirsty. Drop whatever it is, and go back to the Well of Living Water.
Pursue Living Water!
We continue with the series, Who is Jesus? as we look at John 3:22 - 4:2 and look at Jesus as the cure for pride. Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations from this passage:
(1) Pride blinds us from actual reality;
(2) Pride can only be corrected by the life of Jesus being formed in us; and
(3) Pride can be held at bay by consistently cultivating the Gospel in our souls.
"Surface" application:
Do something holy and humble this week that only you and Jesus know about (I must decrease).
Deep Cultivation:
Remind yourself of the Gospel all the time (He must increase).
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with The Who is Jesus? series as we look at one of the most well known passages of the Bible.
We continue in our study of the book of John as we look at chapter 3 verses 1-13. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations from these verses:
(1) What is the Kingdom of God that Jesus is talking about?
(2) Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once. And
(3) We can't see the Spirit move, but we cannot help but see the Spirit move.
Applications?
(1) Be humble.
(2) Repent, surrender to Jesus, and see.
In the current teaching series, Who is Jesus?, we continue in our study of the book of John as we look at John 3:1-3. Pastor Dustin Clegg has a couple of observations from the passage.
(1) It is entirely possible to believe right things about Jesus and still stand in the way of His Kingdom advancing.
(2) A statement from Jesus that is still just as tense as it ever was. Look at verse 3.
How do we apply this?
(1) Praise the Lord! We didn't choose to be born the first or second time.
(2) Look for what Jesus is doing. Celebrate it. Follow Him in it.
Today we continue with the series, Who is Jesus?, as we look at John 2:13-25. Pastor Dustin Clegg emphasizes 3 things out of this passage:
(1) Some things should make us angry, but they need to be the same things that make Jesus angry;
(2) Jesus is a better Temple. We no longer go to a place to experience God, we go to a person.....Jesus; and
(3) We are all desperately evil and Jesus is completely aware of it.
How do we apply this to our lives?
(1) Be aware of the anger of Jesus directed at us when we block others from His presence or make it about what it's not;
(2) Remember that nothing ever really changed about our lives until we encountered the Life-Giving Temple called Jesus; and
(3) Be aware that we may have convinced ourselves that we are good when Jesus knows otherwise.
Today we look at the story in John 2:1-12 of the first recorded miracle of Jesus where he turned water into wine at a wedding. Pastor Dustin Clegg brings out three points from the scripture:
(1) There is a point in time when our allegiance and intimacy must move completely to Jesus;
(2) A lot of times what Jesus tells us to do doesn't make sense. (But do whatever He tells you to do.); and
(3) Servants know stuff about Jesus that others don't know.
The application for this message is "Do whatever He tells you to do".
Today was a great day as we commissioned a couple of parents and were honored to witness a baptism. Pastor Dustin Clegg continued in the series, Who is Jesus?, as we studied the Gospel of John. Today we look at John 1:35-51 and explore a few things in this passage:
(1) Jesus expects us to become like Him.
a. The humility of John to send his disciples to Jesus;
b. Jesus says "Come and see". Phillip says "Come and see".
c. They told the people they know about Jesus, embracing His mission in their lives.
(2) Jesus calls us not what we are, but what He intends to mold us into. And
(3) Jesus pursues us in spite of knowing EVERYTHING about us.
Application for today? Come and see....
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a new series from the book of John called "Who is Jesus?". We look at John 1:19-34 and Dustin offers three observations from the text: (1) Following the Lamb can only lead to humility;
(2) Following the Lamb means clearing the path to Him for others; and
(3) Following the Lamb means constant and consistent reliance on the Spirit.
Three questions for us to consider
(1) How are you/we growing in humility?
(2) How are you/we helping clear a path between someone else and Jesus?
(3) How are you/we growing in reliance on the Spirit?
What an exciting time to be at church with the start of a new year and the Lord allowing us to witness a baptism, the spend time in His word as Pastor Kirk Owens kicks off the new year in John 1:14-18. Kirk shows us in the word that Jesus is full of grace and truth, Jesus has given us "grace upon grace", Jesus is God, and that when we walk/abide in Jesus... Jesus enables us to be this for others.
We also see that Jesus' word "cuts" us. And Jesus' word exposes us. Jesus understands us in our journey. Jesus is always there, so run to Him boldly and unashamedly... receive mercy and find grace.
It was a great Christmas morning at The Bridge Church. Listen in as Pastor Dustin Clegg shares about the origin of some of our favorite Christmas songs. Our trio of singers consist of Beth Clegg, Sarah Riddle and Trey Pruiett.
Today we look at Matthew 1 & 2 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has three observations of who Jesus is from the passage: (1) Hope for the outcast; (2) Hope for the lost world (a warning to the church); and (3) Hope for the hurting.
Don't allow the magic or the mourning of Christmas distract us from the majesty of Christmas.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Mark 5:1-20 and explores these three statements in the text:
(1) "Go home to your own people...",
(2) "...and report to them how much the Lord has done for you...",
(3) "...and how He has had mercy on you."
Some people really don't want Jesus to reign because it is too costly. What about you?
Today Elder Derek Wood kicks off our Christmas inspired series, Manger Things, and talks about a Kingdom of Peace. The main scripture references are Luke 2:8-14 and John 14:25-27. Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.
Today we look at Luke 18: 18-30 as Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through casting a vision for TBC for 2023. We see in the passage that (1) everything without the Only Thing always leaves us looking for Something, and (2) Jesus wants to give us more than everything.
So what does it mean to be "All In"? "All In" means I do not want anything or anyone more than I do Jesus. "All In" means I will allow Jesus to deconstruct me when He needs to and build me up when He needs to.
Today we gathered and enjoyed a meal together and celebrated what the Lord has done in our midst during the last year.
Today we were blessed to be able to witness a baptism, and then we finished up with our study of the life of King David as we looked at 2 Samuel 22. Pastor Dustin Clegg posed several questions to the congregation and gave time for people to respond.
Today before we continued with our study of the life of King David we had the honor of participating in the baptism of a new believer. Stick around after the message as we prepare to observe the Lord's Supper. Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through 2 Samuel 12 and shares 3 observations:
(1) Our own personal sin always looks a whole lot uglier on someone else than it does on us;
(2) we get to make our own choices on everything except the consequences of our choices;
And (3) Look at Psalms 51 to see what genuine repentance looks like.
How do we apply these things to our lives? When we sin it's better for us to go to Jesus to address it, than for Jesus to come to us to address it. We also need to handle one another with care.
We continue today with our study of the life of King David as we look at 2 Samuel 11. Pastor Dustin Clegg offers only one observation: The enemy of our souls is crafty, but not creative.
Things we can take from the scripture for our understanding and that we can use as tools against the enemy:
1. We are more vulnerable in our boredom.
2. Sin is not the same as simply being human.
3. We can never sin enough to keep us satisfied.
4. Jesus speaks to us even when we don't want to listen.
5. Sin is almost always a group effort.
6. The normal response to sin is isolation and slipping further into the shadows.
7. Sin makes us cold.
8. Our sin always affects others.
9. Our sin disrupts the relationship Jesus wants with us.
Application for individuals: When we are tempted, think about how acting on our temptation is going to affect us and others.
Application for our church: Micah 6:8.
Jesus is a better "David". (Matthew 4:1-11)
Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly.
Today we continue with our study of the life of King David as we look at 2 Samuel 6. Three observations from the text:
(1) The problem with the presence of God.
(2) Only one person can be big in our lives. We have to choose between our dignity and His glory.
(3) Raisen cakes and barrenness.
How do we apply it?
Allow worship to start with the person of Jesus.
Let Jesus have His way in you.
Let Jesus have His way in us.
The Gospel of Uzzah
We pick up today in our study of the life of David in 1 Samuel 25. There are 3 things that Pastor Dustin Clegg would like for us to see in these verses:
(1) We need to be careful with our heroes;
(2) The 3 ways of the world:
(a) The foolish way. (Nabal) Evil for good.
(b) The normal way. (David) Evil for evil.
(c) The Gospel way. (Abigail) Good for evil.
(3) Sometimes our circumstances in one area of life can be projected into other areas of life.
How do we apply this to our lives?
(1) Remember who you are and who you want to be in Jesus. Our current circumstances will be our future stories.
(2) Create habits of grace in your life. And
(3) Have spiritual heroes, but be careful to make sure they are not exalted to the status of Jesus.
Today we celebrate the baptism of Dustin and Beth's son, Jud. Then Pastor Dustin Clegg opens the Word to 1 Samuel 18:1-9 as we continue in our current series about the life of King David. We see in verses 1-4 that loving ourselves rightly precedes loving our neighbors best. In verses 5-9 we see that finding our identity in anything (even God's callings, blessings, mission, ministry, etc...) other than a valued son or daughter of Jesus is a deep spiritual and mental pit that is difficult to climb out of.
How do we apply this? (1) You have permission ultimately and most importantly from Jesus, but also TBC to love yourself and take care of yourself. And (2) Believe the One who loves you best.
Today we continue in our study of the life of David as we look at 1 Samuel 17:31-58. Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations: (1) Our trials today are preparing our faith in Jesus for the battles in the future (vs 34-37); (2) Other peoples armor doesn't always fit what Jesus has called us to do (vs 38-40); and (3) David was not there to get them to believe in themselves. He was there as a substitute.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens picks up in our study of the life of David and looks at 1 Samuel 17:1 - 30.
He notes a couple of observations in verses 1 - 11: (1) Our disobedience causes consequences to creep up on us... and they will remain until we kill them; (2) Our opposition or obstacles in life should cause us to look to Jesus.
In verses 12 - 24 he points out that there is great freedom for us when we obey the Father... and this often leads to great opportunity.
We see in verses 25 - 30 that, sadly, opposition for us advancing against the enemy comes from within...our own mindset (fear/doubt); our family (false accusations/guilt); church family (attempts to put out your fire).
Do you see who the True, Good, Great, Chief, Overlooked Champion is?
Who do you call good and great in this life?
Who is the commander in chief over your life?
Will you let Jesus alone be the true Champion of your heart and soul?
We continue with our study of the life of David with the sermon series, The Sling in the Rock, as we take a look at 1 Samuel 16:1-13. We see in verses 1 & 12 of the passage that Jesus doesn't need any of us, but any ordinary person can be used by Him to do incredible things.
We also see some deep implications of verse 7:
(1) We look at outward appearance and that's all we can ever do.
(2) What does the Bible mean when it says "heart"?
(3) What was so special about David's heart?
(4) God looks at the heart and that is great news.
(5) God looks at the heart and that is horrifying news.
What does God see about you?
Pastor Dustin Clegg started a new series today called The Sling in the Rock. We look at 1 Samuel 8:1-18 and set the stage for a study on the life of David.
We see in the passage that (1) rebellion has to do with our allegiance to Jesus, not how right or wrong we are or think we are. Apply this by identifying the ruble rebellion in your soul.
We also see that (2) sometimes our worst judgement from God comes when He gives us exactly what we want. We should always align what we want with what He wants.
Lastly, we see that (3) any king besides King Jesus always becomes a tyrant in our lives. The main point today is that Jesus is the only King who always gives, and even if something is taken from us, He uses it for our good.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues in the Free! series as we look at finding rest in Christ alone, and he asks us that as we look at Isaiah 30:15, 18 & 19 to look at who is talking and notice what He is saying.
How can we obey these passages today?
(1) Repent and return to Jesus.
(2) Take every thought captive to obey Christ. (2 Cor 10:5). Keep in mind that it is often mental... so filter everything that comes your way with Jesus' word.
(3) Jesus will meet you where you are... you can trust Him!
Today we finish up the Free! series as we take a look at Galatians 6:5-18. The first observation is that verses 7-10 indicate a divine law. Pastor Dustin Clegg also points out the characteristics of Cross-Centered people:
(1) Cross-Centered people are humble and not prideful.
(2) Cross-Centered people treasure Jesus and not the world.
(3) Cross-Centered people want genuine transformation, not shallow ritual.
(4) Cross-Centered people want truth always and never error.
(5) Cross-Centered people develop the scars of Jesus which lead to gentle and humble authority.
Today we continue in Galatians with chapter 6 verses 1-5. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 2 observations he wants to share about the passage:
(1) Sin is sneaky......... and when we go to a fellow believer as a "restorer" to confront their sin, the restorer needs to be spiritual, gentle, and careful.
(2) Paul calls on us to own our own loads, and carry one another's burdens.
We can apply this to our lives by being a part of a Life Group. And we need to be alert to the burdens of others and carry our own load.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our study of the book of Galatians as we explore the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:16-26. We see that the fruit of the Spirit is not the same as spiritual gifts (Gal 5:22-23, 1 Cor 12:4-11). We also see that there is eternal, endless, incredible, gigantic, unlimited, powerful, limb-bending, goofy, silly, disproportionate, wild, risky, amazing, crazy, absurd, unbelievable, improbable, ridiculous, unregulated fruit (Gal 5:22-23, John 15:4-5).
Applications:
(1) Be patient with ourselves and with one another. Fruit takes time! (John 15:5)
(2) Be part of a life group. (Matt 21:18-22)
(3) Constantly put to death our own desires and submit to the Spirit. (Gal 5:24-25)
(4) Don't be a fruit stealer and sometimes distance ourselves from those who are. (Gal 5:26)
Picking up in Galatians 5:13-26, Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Free! series as we take a closer look at the freedom we have in Christ Jesus.
We see that (1) the tension of spiritual freedom is real (5:13-15, 18); (2) the tension of spiritual freedom is right (5:16-18); and (3) grace is available in the tension (5:19-21).
3 questions about these verses:
(1) What do these words really mean?
(2) What does it mean that this person will not inherit the kingdom?
(3) I did these things yesterday. What about me?
How do we apply these?
(1) Walk by the Spirit daily.
(2) Observe the obvious.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Free! series as we take a look at Galatians 5:1-15.
Dustin points out that there are 2 things that can derail our freedom:
(1) Sin (Hebrews 12:1-2) and (2) believing false messages (Gal 5:7).
What are some characteristics of a counterfeit message? (1) Jesus is not quite enough; (2) We are subject to 1 or 2 or a few of the laws; (3) A turn from the doctrine of grace; and (4) A loss of future righteousness.
What are some characteristics of false followers? (1) They distract from obedience to the truth; (2) They aren't from Jesus; (3) They always involve others in their false beliefs; (4) They will be and probably already are being judged; and (5) They will come after people/teachers of the truth.
How do we apply this? Always filter everything we do through love of Jesus and love of others.
Continuing in the Free! series, today Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Galatians 4:8-31 and organizes his thoughts around three prayers for The Bridge Church from the passage:
(1) Jesus, help us understand how to embrace and stay in Your freedom;
(2) Jesus, help us live Your Word when it's not easy or popular; and
(3) Jesus, give us passion to be like You and help others do the same.
Today one of Pastor Dustin Clegg's mentors and friends in the faith, Todd West, opens God's word and speaks to us about Walking with God as we look at Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5-6.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Free! series as we look at Galatians 3:25 - 4:7 and seeThe Best Part! We explore 3 major truths about our salvation found in Galatians 3 & 4:
(1) Justification - Declared innocent by God the Judge because of God the Son;
(2) Adoption - Belonging to the family of God; To adopt a person the adopter must have a fiery and bold compassion that overwhelms existing barriers between the adopter and the adopted (3:25-4:3), the timing must be right (4:4), and the adopter must possess the right qualifications (4:4);
(3) Intimacy - the ability of believers to relate boldly to the creator of the universe.
How do we apply this to our lives? We align with the Spirit of Jesus. And be family. For real.
Today our elder Derek Wood continues our "Free" series through Galatians. Today we look through Galatians 3. Thanks for Listening.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues the "Free" series through Galatians. Today we look at Galatians Two. Dustin has three points from this passage 1) Legalism Hypocrisy and Freedom together in clear view in one chapter. 2) Law or Messiah? 3) No one is too big or too little in the Kingdom of Christ but only precious sons and daughters.
Legalism- Right behavior for the wrong reason- Galatians 2:1-10
Hypocrisy- Good belief but bad behavior - Galatians 2:11-14
Freedom- Allowing the life of Jesus to flow in me- Galatians 2:15-21
Application Points
1) Denounce Legalism and hypocrisy and embrace His Freedom
2) Join us in working on our diversity value, it is not a Bridge thing. The Good Gospel is at stake.
We continue in the series Free! as Pastor Dustin Clegg opens the Word to Galatians 1:11-24. There are 3 things to consider in this passage: (1) To defend or not to defend? (2) No believer is incredible, but Jesus has an incredible plan for every believer. And (3) Every believer has the power for church change, community change, and world change inside them.
3 huge reasons for story sharing:
(1) Evangelism of unbelievers.
(2) Encouragement of other believers.
(3) Alerting the world to the reign of Jesus.
2 mistakes in talking about our pasts: (1) We hide it and (2) we make it the best part of the story.
The application or challenge for today is to share a genuine account of the story of Jesus in your life with an unbeliever or a struggling believer.
Today we start a new series as we explore the book of Galatians. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through chapter 1 verses 1-10 and has 2 observations: (1) Any addition to the Gospel is anti-gospel. We explored the question, "What is legalism?" Legalism is working for God's favor, working in our own power, and playing by our own rules. What is NOT legalism? Biblical expectations for all believers, Biblical boundaries for church leadership, and parallel accountability. (2) We cannot follow the Jesus of the Gospel if we are consumed with the thoughts of people. As the church we cannot be consumed with pleasing people.
How do we apply all of this? Search the Scripture for the heart of Jesus in all things, and follow hard after Him alone.
Pastor Kirk Owens opens the Word to Matthew 7:13-23 and gives us three aberrations related to the narrow gate and the wide gate discussed in the passage: (1) "Enter" is a command from Jesus and we must respond by moving our trust into Him alone; (2) There is a wide gate that leads to death. Many and most folks go this route; And (3) Jesus is offering Himself as The Superior.... far more superior option.
Other scripture references include John 14:6, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5, Genesis 3:8-12, and Romans 1:18-20.
How can we apply this? (1) Get toJesus and stay there.....trust Him alone. (2) Stop running and hiding. Repent from the fruit that's forbidden and killing you. And (3) Humbly remind yourself and others of the Gospel...... the BEST NEWS EVER!
Today we finish up the series, Pop Quiz: The Questions Jesus Asked, and look at Mark 9:14-29 to explore the question "What do you mean, if I can?". Pastor Dustin Clegg shares four observations: (1) Religious/church games always leave hurting people even more hurt; (2) Faith is more about the Person our faith is in than the amount we can muster up; (3) Jesus works in our failures, and when He does, it's good; and (4 ) The enemy desires death and destruction for every soul. Jesus desires incredible, redeemed life.
How do we apply it? Grow, learn, think in light of the heart of Jesus. Be honest with Jesus, yourself and others about your faith and your failures.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Like 6:39 - 7:9 as we explore people's inability to see the "plank" in their eye as they tell someone else about the splinter in their eye. Three observations from this passage: (1) It is really hard for the blind to see blindness; (2) Our life's fruits reveal our heart's roots; and (3) Life is most effective and best lived in our own unworthiness.
We have to learn to deal with our own junk most swiftly and aggressively.
Big Picture Point: Following Jesus causes us to serve others and control ourselves. When we are out to control others and serve ourselves we are no longer following Jesus.
Today we continue with the series, Pop Quiz: The Questions Jesus Asked. We look at Mark 4:35-41 and Pastor Dustin Clegg shares three observations about the question, "Why are you afraid?": (1) Jesus will give you more than you can handle, but not more than He can handle; (2) Fear causes us to forget who Jesus is and who we are, which leads to us questioning His character; and (3) Real worship flows from both intimacy with and awe of Jesus - - it cannot be one of the other.
If we live in fear we will not do what Jesus has called us to do.
Today we continue with the series, Pop Quiz: The Questions Jesus Asked, and explore the question that Jesus asked the man at the pool at Bethesda, "Do you want to get well?". There are several things that we need to understand about the passage, John 5:1-18. (1) This is a physical circumstance revealing a spiritual truth; (2) We tend to gravitate toward others with the same spiritual paralysis as us; (3) Jesus is not interested in comforting us in our spiritual paralysis, but walking us out of it; and (4) Healing and conflict tend to walk together.
What is keeping you from getting up off your mat and walking? Jesus might find you broken, but He is not going to leave you on the mat.
Today we continue in the series Pop Quiz: the Questions Jesus Asked as we look at John 6:22-71. The crowd had just seen Jesus provide food for the 5,000 men and had seen Him walk on water. We pick up on the story when He told the crowd that they must eat of his flesh and drink his blood, and most everyone left. He asked his disciples, "Are you gonna leave too?"
Pastor Dustin Clegg makes three observations about our faith and our relationship with Jesus: (1) "Doing" will kill our faith, "believing" will sustain it; (2) Coming to Jesus because He gives prizes instead of valuing Him as THE prize will kill our faith; (3) If we can go anywhere besides Jesus, we will, and it will kill our faith.
You can't have Him and what He does until it is JUST HIM.
Today we have Desired Haven with us to talk about their mission to provide struggling families with stability & advocacy. We also had the privilege of participating in the baptism of Dusty Brewer.
Happy Easter and welcome to a new sermon series called Pop Quiz: The Questions Jesus Asked. Today Pastor Dustin Clegg opens Matthew 16:13-26 and explores the question that Jesus asked Peter, Who do you say I am?.There are 4 things that are vitally important to understanding this question: (1) Making Jesus "special" but not Lord can be more dangerous than rejecting Him completely; (2) "Fighting for Jesus" can quickly become satanic. We have a lot of people in society who want to "fight" for Jesus, but not many who want to "die" for Jesus; (3)Jesus has to reveal Himself to us to answer His question rightly: and (4) we all have to answer this question.
It's Good Friday and Kirk and Carly Owens open the word and talk to us about the Passover.
We finish up the series, No More Thems, as we look at Ephesians 5:18 - 6:24. We explore 4 relationships that must change at salvation: (1) with our spouses; (2) with our children / parents; (3) with our bosses / employees; and (4) with the world. If the Spirit is at work in these relationships it is a wonderful testimony to a watching world. Three keys to being filled with the Spirit: (1) Believing in Jesus, (2) Obeying Jesus, and (3) Embracing Jesus.
Today we continue in the No More Thems series as we look at Ephesians 5 and explore the characteristics of churches from Ephesians 5 known more for "heart" than "attack". (1) We see in verses 1-5 the first characteristic is that Jesus is the Hero. We should be sure that we , like Jesus, are defined by truth and love. (2) We see that they cling to solid truth in verses 6-14. We should ask Jesus to give us a supernatural desire for truth. And (3) we see in verses 15-20 that they depend on the Spirit. We should ask Jesus to fill us with the Spirit every day.
Brother Kirk Owens leads us through Ephesians 4 today as we continue in the No More Thems series. In the first part of the scripture Kirk has 3 points: (1) We must strive for unity at the Bridge Church; (2) WE must get rid of rivalry and competition among our fellow families in Christ; and (3) We must kill whatever it is inside of us that is killing unity from happening around us.
Then we see that it is on the leaders of the church to equip the Saints for the work of the ministry. Kirk points out that each person's responsibility or assignment may look different than someone else, but God weaves us all together beautifully. He finishes up by saying that there should be less "it's on them" to do the work as we all grow/mature in Christ together.
Let us be known by God and others in this way..... (1) They teach God's Word faithfully; and (2) They love one another and everyone in the community.
Derek Wood leads us through Ephesians 3 today as we look explore there being "no more thems" because of Christ.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Ephesians 2 and we see that we are all united in desperate hopelessness.
Three things that divide us and keep us divided:
- The ways of this world.
- The ruler of the power of the air.
- Our fleshly desires.
But we also see that we are all united in need of Gods love, mercy, and grace. And we are all united in our forgetfulness.
Focus on what Paul calls a dividing wall of hostility. The only way things change is to go to the one who hold the chains to our sin.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg starts a new series, No More Thems. We look at Ephesians 1 and see that (1) for us to be a healthy us, we must be Jesus saturated, and (2) being a deeply united family is our best apologetic or defense of what we believe. Question......Am I really ready to welcome all the broken and lost people in our community if there are people already here that I have yet to welcome?
Today we look at John 13 as Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us on a journey of why Jesus washed feet and why we should wash feet today.
Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 9 as we continue with the series, Unceasing, and look at Healing Worship. We see that (1) cause smothers worship. Purpose fuels worship. It's okay if you are wondering the cause of your circumstances, but don't miss the purpose. We also see that (2) healing worship involves faith and obedience. Be obedient while you are trusting Jesus to heal you. And (3) our willingness to see is the ceiling for our ability to worship. CAN YOU SEE?
Today we look at Mark 4:39 - 5:20 and Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations: (1) Demons are real. They are destructive. They know Jesus, and in His presence, they kneel and obey because they must, not because they trust; (2) Jesus doesn't stay where He is not wanted; and (3) The only way to worship Jesus is to do His thing, His way, in His time, even if you do not understand. How can we apply this to our lives? Let Jesus change you completely. Let Jesus command you completely. Let Jesus consume you completely.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg opens God's Word to Isaiah 6 as we talk about heavenly worship. We see that heavenly worship is always Jesus centered, is always purifying, and it demands a response. We should all worship Jesus before it is too late. But we should worship Jesus completely, even if it is too late.
We continue in our series titled Unceasing and look at John 4:7-26 and explore True Worship. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 4 observations: (1) True worship of Jesus both unites and divides; (2) To truly worship Jesus, we have to acknowledge that we may have believed wrong things; (3) True worship cannot be limited to places; and (4) True worship always involves both Spirit and truth.
He also has 4 questions for us to consider: (1) Does your worship of Jesus connect you with other worshippers of Jesus? (2) Are you willing to acknowledge you may have believed wrong things? (3) Are you willing to put off the belief that Jesus is worshipped in a certain place or at a certain time, and worship Him with your whole life? And (4) can you honestly say that you worship Jesus in both Spirit and truth?
We continue with the series on Worship as we look at Genesis 22:1-14. Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations: (1) Jesus has proven that He deserves absolute worship from all of us; (2) Anything Jesus demands from us, He also provides for us; and (3) It is spiritually healthy for our kids to understand that we value Jesus over them.
How do we apply this? (1) Rehash the promises of God in His Word. They cannot fail. And (2) Hold nothing back.
A 4th observation is that Abraham wasn't the only one who passed the test that day.
We continue in our series about worship as we look at Luke 7: 36-50 and explore what authentic worship is. We see that authentic worship of Jesus will always be questioned by those who are worshipping something else. We also see that "sinners" have a special insight on authentic worship, and that authentic worship is costly. And finally we see that authentic worship is always motivated by faith, hope, and love.
How do we apply it to our lives? (1) Be careful looking critically at the way others worship. (2) If you are a "sinner", do not be scared to do exactly what Jesus tells you to do. And (3) ask Jesus to give you a fresh, correct view of him and yourself.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2022! Today we begin a new sermon series called Unceasing and start a discussion about worship as we look at Romans 12:1-2. First, a definition of worship: The constant pouring out of all I am in response to my chosen god or one who has chosen me, which always leads to a consistent change of who I am into its image or His image. We see that worship is about pouring out ourselves and not about us getting something out of it. We need to ask ourselves what or who we are pouring ourselves out for that is constantly pushing us into its' image.
Pastor Kirk Owens walks us through Luke 2:21-21-38 as we explore Joseph & Mary, Simeon, and Anna. We see that Joseph & Mary did what God said, trusting Him one day at a time. The we see that Simeon waited on, recognized, and embraced Jesus. We also see that Anna waited on, recognized God, gave thanks to God, and proclaimed His Word.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens challenges us to keep our focus on Jesus, especially at Christmas. We look at Isaiah 9:1 - 7 and see that (1) this is for us...... this is for you, and (2) that we should stand in awe of Jesus. Jesus's government is the greatest! How do we apply this today? Receive the gift of Jesus and treasure Jesus in your heart. Share the gift of Jesus with others this Christmas season.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Luke 2:8-14 as we discuss two truths that we need to bring into the Christmas Season: (1) Christmas does not ignore our pain, and (2) Christmas gives us a way through our pain. The applications for today are: (1) Don't fake it till you make it, but don't believe the lies that this has to define you forever; and (2) Be like Jesus. Give people space to grieve while offering truth of the hope found only in Him.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues the series, Before the Silence, as we take a look at Malachi 3:13 - 4:6 and Dustin points out 3 things: (1) Complacent Christianity is not a thing. There is no middle ground. (2) The is a genuine connection between the work of God and the obedience of His people. And (3) God calls all men to be real men who are passionate about reconciliation.
How do we apply today's message?
Make room:
- Get rid of legalism and license.
- Completely submit to Jesus.
- Men, please rise up.
We pause today to enjoy breakfast together as a family and to celebrate what the Lord has done in and through The Bridge Church in 2021. Pastor Dustin Clegg also challenges us all to MAKE ROOM and to DREAM BIG.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg looks at Malachi 2:17 - 3:12 as we continue with the series, Before the Silence. We see that God lovingly and logically reasons with us when He is not obligated to. What does it look like when Jesus is present? God gives through us, not to us.
November is Orphan Awareness Month and Aaron Chastain with Connected Foster Care & Adoptions is with us today and speaks to us out of 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 about reconciliation.
What a responsibility.
What a reward.
What a relief.
We are all called to the ministry of reconciliation.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, Before the Silence, as we look at Malachi 2:10-17. Diversity. Dating. Divorce.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the study of the book of Malachi as we look at chapter 2. If we are going to listen to God we have to ask ourselves "How does God speak?". We see that God speaks through trustworthy people, through our circumstances, supernaturally, and through His Word. AsK yourself what are some ways we listen, but do not take it to heart? Chapter 2 starts out addressing the priests. Why? Who are you influencing and where are you leading them?
Today we start a new study of the book of Malachi called Before the Silence. Malachi is the account of the last thing that the people of God hear from God for 400 years before they hear about Jesus. We see in Malachi 1 that love matters when saying hard things. People need to hear that you love them before they hear how wrong they are. We also see that it matters that we are chosen, and that our choices matter. What is your application?
Today Pastor Kirk Owens finishes up the Thieves of Joy series as we talk about bitterness. We take a look at Hebrews 12:1-4, 11-15, and Ephesians 4:31 and see that we should (1) Repent from our "thieves of joy" and replace them with times of refreshing in Jesus' Word; (2) Pursue peace with everyone and holiness..... without it no one will see the Lord; and (3) Fix our eyes on Jesus.... the Source and Perfecter of our faith.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the Thieves of Joy series as we talk about spiritual burnout. We look at 1 Kings 19 and see that burnout happens (1) when we stop receiving God's Word, and (2) when we start believing half-truths. How can avoid burnout or be restored when burnout occurs? Laugh a little, and speak the truth of the Gospel to yourself more than you listen to yourself.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Thieves of Joy series as we take a look at Luke 9:23-26 and discuss unrealistic expectations regarding (1) my right to happiness, (2) my marriage, and (3) my relationship to the church and to the lost. Our response to all of this is found in John 16:33. Check it out.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Thieves of Joy series as we take a look at another thief of our joy; Comparison. Not all comparison is bad, but comparison leads to competition, which leads to fractured relationships where no one wins or has joy. We should learn to celebrate the strengths and successes of others because celebration is the dagger to comparison. And most importantly we should turn our eyes upon Jesus.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens picks up the Thieves of Joy series and talks about legalism as we look at Luke 18:9-14 and Matthew 6:1-5.
Today we continue with the series, Thieves of Joy, and talk about how the Media can be considered a thief of your joy if you aren't careful. Pastor Dustin Clegg takes us to 2 Timothy 1:7 and the to Romans 12. We see that the Media has a way of making us fearful and that the Media has a way of conforming and dividing us. As long as we are outraged, we can't have joy. We should spend more time focusing on what you know to be truth than what could be error. Look at Philippians 4:8-9. If you want to have joy, you will have to find time to think on the things in Philippians 4:8-9.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our Thieves of Joy series as we take a look at Galations 1 & 2 and see that desiring the praise of man can step our joy.
We see that what Jesus thinks of us is all that matters. We should check our stance with scripture. Don't be a jerk. And submit to only Jesus.
We also see that desiring man's praise is a recipe for confusing and shallow Christianity. Furthermore, desiring man's praise is blinding.
7 questions we should ask ourselves:
(1) Are your decisions primarily driven by what others will think of them?
(2) Do you spend more time crafting your skill than you do in the Word or prayer?
(3) Do you only portray the most desirable aspects of your life to those around you?
(4) Do your deepest relationships reveal your struggles?
(5) Are you a person who encourages or one who flatters?
(6) Is your confidence found in obedience to Jesus or the praise of man?
(7) Do you have to respond when critiqued?
Today we continue with the new series, Thieves of Joy, and take a look at Gossip & Slander. Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through 1 Corinthians 3 and makes 3 observations: (1) Gossip and slander originate with idleness; (2) Gossip and slander both feel really good to participate in, but lead only to problems; and (3) Gossip and slander must be addressed for the joy of the church, the joy of the one being hurt, and the joy of the one causing the hurt. How do we apply it? (1) If you have been slandered or gossiped about, joy is found in the vine; (2) Establish relationships of truth and grace for the joy of everyone; and (3) If you have gossiped and slandered others, repent and run to the grace available to you.
For the next several weeks Pastor Dustin Clegg is going to talk about the thieves of joy.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks walks us through Jeremiah 29:4-14 and asks the question, "What are we going to have to do if we are going to thrive?".
He offers the following: (1) Learn to live in the moment; (2) Love people; (3) Pursue the good of the entire community, understanding their good is your good; (4) Do not listen to everyone who says they speak on behalf of God; (5) Place your hope in the promise of Jesus; and (6) Pray to Jesus, understanding He always has your good in mind. And change your prayer from "WHY?" to "WHAT?". Dustin also reminded us that we became foreigners in this world when we trusted Jesus.
Today we look at Exodus 34-36 as Pastor Dustin Clegg finishes up the Rediscovering Redemption series. Onward. A little bit of a look ahead as we ask ourselves, "Now what?". Dustin poses three questions: (1) Will we be people desperate for God's presence or dependent on ourselves? (2) Will we beg to see more or have we seen enough? And (3) Will we be givers or consumers?
Today we take a look at Exodus 32 and explore the idols in our lives. Pastor Dustin Clegg points out 3 observations about idolatry: (1) Idolatry is sneaky; (2) Idolatry can be overcome by intercession. Idols fall when we fall on our faces on behalf of another; and (3) Idolatry cannot be overcome as long as we shift blame or justify worshipping idols. Dustin went on to say that if we don't consume our idols, they will consume us. How do we apply it? Identify and confess any idolatry in our lives. Also we should identify an intercessor for ourselves, and be an intercessor for someone else.
Proximity determines how much we can see the good and bad in others. Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our study of Exodus as we look at chapters 20-23. We see that we need family to help us love Jesus better. We also see that we need family to help us lover others better. We need to have reasonable expectations of our family at The Bridge Church. What are some right or good expectations? (1) We aren't going to follow the crowd. We are going to follow Jesus together. (2) We are going to care for the vulnerable. (3) Do not show favoritism. And (4) Jesus is on display and nothing competes with Him.
Caring for the poor, the widows, and the fatherless is not a " side note" of the Gospel..... it IS the Gospel.
Pastor Kirk Owens picks up in our study of Exodus with Chapters 19 & 20 with a talk about the Ten Commandments. Kirk has 3 main points: (1) We must pay close attention to who it is who gave the Ten Commandments; (2) We must remember what all God has done for His people....and in what order; and (3)We must see how Jesus fulfills the law, empowering us to live for Him in freedom from ourselves and our sin. The Ten Commandments should drive us all to Jesus!
Happy Independence Day! We continue in our study of the book of Exodus as we take a look at Chapter 17 & 18. In these chapters we see that a healthy church is dependent on the power of Jesus. We never grow out of that. We should consider our need for Him individually and as a family. We also see that a healthy church shares the story of God in their life consistently. We need to share what He is doing in and through us.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the Rediscovering Redemption series as we take a look at Exodus 16: 1-3, 6-8, and 21-30. We see that (1) the enemy has a way of glorifying our past to throw shade on our journey with Jesus today. We have to be able to look at our past for exactly what it was..... slavery. We also see that (2) we have a tendency to misplace our frustrations with Jesus on His people. And we see that (3) because of our sin problem we have a hard time embracing the good gifts of Jesus.
The main takeaway.......... We are able to experience breakthrough when we think rightly about our past, our circumstances, and His Word.
Today we are back in Exodus as Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Exodus 13:20-22 and 14:10-14, 19-31. The first observation: The plans of God are revealed when the presence of God is pursued. How do we apply it? Do not miss the plan of God for your life by only wanting to know the plan of God for your life - - KNOW GOD! The next observation: When the pressure hits, we tend to forget who our salvation comes from. How do we apply it? When pressure hits, rest in the same God who delivered you the first time.
Continuing in the Rediscovering Redemption series, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Exodus 12:1-13 and gives us 5 things we need to remember from the text: (1) Remember the severity of God's wrath and the relief of His mercy; (2) Remember our very best is tainted at best; (3) Remember the blood of the Lamb must be applied; (4) Remember Jesus finds us in our bitter slavery to sin, but He does not leave us there; and (5) Remember to run to salvation when He offers it.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens steps into the Rediscovering Redemption series and picks up in Exodus 4:27 - 5:23.
Today we continue in the Rediscovering Redemption series and look at Exodus 3 and 4. We see that Jesus comes down to save, and Jesus sends us out to save. Pastor Dustin Clegg reminds us that no matter what, we need to remember that Jesus hears and is present with us. And no matter what, we need to remember that Jesus send us.
Today we celebrate the 2021 High School Graduates and we celebrate several baptisms. Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our study of Exodus as we look at Exodus 2: 11-25 and see that God used the formal education of Moses, but he needed to learn something else about the heart of God and leading people. Dustin also shared from Christopher Wright's book, The Mission of God, that "Exodus-shaped redemption" demands "Exodus-shaped mission". How do we apply it to our lives? Be a humble learner allowing Jesus to teach you His redemption, which involves caring for urgent spiritual and physical needs.
Today we celebrate Mother's Day and honor those who hold the sacred role of "Mom". Motherhood and Mother's Day can involve deep hurt and great joy. This morning we as we take a look at Exodus 2:1-10 we see an incredible picture of both. The application from Pastor Dustin Clegg's message is: To be involved with genuine redemption and step away from generational curses, we have to walk away from behavioral modification and learn to abide in Jesus.
Today we start a new series titled Rediscovering Redemption and Pastor Dustin Clegg directs us to the book of Exodus. We take a look at Exodus 1:1-22 and explore The Real Hebrew Midwives. We see that (1) God's plan of redemption has to adjust the worldview of His people. And (2) there is always a spiritual reality behind every physical circumstance. We also see that (3) Jesus can use anyone He chooses to do anything He chooses, anywhere He chooses, anytime He chooses. How do we apply it? FEAR JESUS.
Today we continue our discussion about the next steps with the "Not Yets" as we look at Luke 15:11-32. As we explore the story of the Prodigal Son we see that our role as a church is to align with Jesus in establishing prodigals as our family, and valuable to our community. We also see that both open rebellion and secret self-righteousness can cause us to miss the presence of the Father and the party of Heaven.
Dustin invited us all to do our part to be sure that The Bridge Church celebrates the same things Heaven does.
Today we conclude the Not Yet series with a look at next steps. As we explore Luke 1-10 Pastor Dustin Clegg poses 3 questions: (1) Who were the tax collectors and sinners who were so drawn to Jesus? (2) What was it about Jesus that caused them to approach Him and listen to Him? (3) Why is rescue prioritized over being found?
Moving forward.......... Jesus was a refuge for the broken. Broken people knew it because He had proven it. Join us in passionate prayer, creative thinking, and risky attempts at connecting with the uninitiated.
Pastor Dustin Clegg has 3 observations as we continue the Not Yet series and take a look at Matthew 11:25-30 and explore Rest for the Weary. We see that (1) the invitation of Jesus is simple, specific, and clear; and (2) the humble and lowly heart of Jesus is mind-blowing and life-altering for the whole world. How do we apply these 2 observations? Be sure you are a bridge and not a barrier between broken people and Jesus. The 3rd observation is the yoke of Jesus and the cross of Jesus cannot be separated. You should find real rest for your soul by constantly putting off your own agendas and motives and learning from Jesus.
Happy Easter! Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Mark 16: 1-8 as we talk about the Resurrection Story. Dustin points out that (1) the resurrection of Jesus always changes the assignment of those pursuing Him; and (2) if you have gone too far, Jesus conquered death specifically for you. How do we apply this to our daily lives? ALWAYS JESUS. ONLY JESUS.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Not Yet series as we look at Mark 15:1-20 and see that there is a Substitute for the Sinful. Dustin's 3 observations are: (1) The heart of Jesus for the "Not Yet's" is astonishing; (2) Jesus was the substitute for every single sin; (3) Jesus was the substitute for all of our shame.
Can you see what Pilate, Barabas, the chief priests, and the crowd were too blind to see?
Today we continue with the Not Yet series and look at Mark 6: 30-44 and The Bread to the Hungry. Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us 3 observations from this passage: (1) Rest is required to realistically minister to the "Not Yets"; (2) "Not Yets" are hungry for genuine; and (3) Concern and compassion are not the same thing. How do we apply this to our lives and personal ministry? (1) Move from a place of concern to a place of compassion; (2) Be real; and (3) Fight for your own rest, and fight for the rest of your brothers and sisters.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Not Yet series as we look at Mark 5 and take about The Cure for the Incurable.
Pastor Dustin Clegg starts a new series today titled Not Yet. At the Bridge Church we refer to those how have not yet trusted in Jesus as the "Not Yet's" and this series is about those who are not yet followers of Jesus Christ. In todays message we take a look at the Parable of the Sower in Mark 4. We first observe that (1) a "Not Yet" cannot be reached where a "Not Yet" is not yet. We should treat all places as sacred places worthy of sowing. We also see that (2) flingin' seed is not precision planting. It can and should be done by every single follower of Jesus. We shouldn't overthink the sowing...... it is not about precision. (3) Beat down dirt, rocky dirt, thorny dirt, and good dirt are all dirty dirt. You don't know what dirt you are sowing on, so just sow. Sow seeds and trust Jesus with the results.
Pastor Kirk Owens finishes up the Clearly Marriage series today and speaks more to those who aren't yet married and reminds them that being married isn't the mission, but being like Jesus is. As we look at 1 Corinthians 7:31b-35 Kirks points out that (1) It's OK to be single; (2) Singles should pursue Jesus with undistracted devotion; (3) Don't look for other people to give you what only Jesus can; and (4) Until you are married there must be boundaries.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, Clearly Marriage, and talks about Authentic Communication.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the Clearly Marriage series as we look at Ephesians 5:22-31 and talk about The Marriage Dance. Dustin has 3 observations: (1) Healthy roles and responsibilities in the marriage cannot be established until healthy boundaries are established in every other relationship. We need to protect our marriage with clear boundaries in all other relationships. (2) The role of the husband is to set the tone for a marriage that honors Jesus. HUSBANDS - lead like Jesus. And (3) the role of the wife is to respond rightly to her husband's right leadership. WIVES - lead like the Spirit.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a new series titled Clearly Marriage as we look at Ephesians 5:15-33 and discover the Mission of Marriage. We see that we cannot fulfill the mission of marriage apart from being daily filled with the Spirit of Jesus. We also see that the mission of the marriage of every believer is to point a watching world to an incredible King. How do we apply this message to our lives? (1) Do not look to your spouse to supply for you what only Jesus can. And (2) Stop focusing on what marriage is not, and pursue (with your spouse) what marriage is.
Today we look at Matthew 11:1-19 and see that the reason Jesus was called a "friend of sinners" was because He was a friend of sinners. Pastor Dustin Clegg points us to three observations in the text. We see in verses 1-6 that (1) there is potential for people of incredible faith to experience seasons of serious doubt. We need to remember that when doubt creeps in, jump quickly to the solid truth of scripture. Verses 7-15 show us that (2) there is potential for every believer to be used in unimaginable ways for the Kingdom. We need to stand ready to unleash His power in our circles. In verses 16-19 we learn that (3) there is potential for some people to not get it no matter the approach. But regardless we need to be a friend to sinners. If you are a sinner, know that Jesus is a friend to you.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our journey through Revelation as we look at chapter 7 verses 9-17. Dustin poses this question: "Is Jesus the thing that defines you?" and has these observations: (1) Even in wrath, Jesus shows mercy; and (2) Even in unfaithfulness Jesus remains faithful. Our Pastor encourages everyone to help The Bridge Church reflect the faithfulness of Jesus. The third observation is salvation is His to give and His salvation is complete. We can apply this by finding our place in facilitating His salvation. Jesus can and will use you to do this.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through John 13:1-17 as we look at this passage where Jesus washes His disciples feet, and then afterwards the congregation has the opportunity to wash the feet of another. Dustin has 3 observations during his message: (1) No one is too busy to serve humbly; (2) No one is above serving humbly; and (3) No one is below being served humbly.
In this episode, the 3rd contribution to the series, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Revelation 6:1-17 as we look at the 6 seals. In verses 1-8 we see that we should filter everything through Jesus, and in verses 9-11 we see that we should look for ways to "decrease". Dustin's main observation is that the only thing more intense than the Lamb's wrath is the Lamb's love.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg and his family lead us in a special Christmas service from their home complete with Christmas Hymns led by Jud, and a special reading by Selah from the Children's Storybook Bible, and a reading from Laynie from the book of Matthew.
Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Clegg's, the Owen's, and the entire Bridge Church Family.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Luke 2:1-24, and as we explore The Rags and Riches of Christmas we see (1) that Jesus stepped into some of the greatest cruelties of our world at His birth and (2) that His riches bring deliverance from all these things. How do we experience His riches at Christmas? WE LOOK! We should be careful not to miss the message because of the messenger. And we need to remember that amazement, wonder, and conviction do not always equal conversion.
Today we take a look at Matthew 2 and explore The Hope and Hurt of Christmas. Pastor Dustin Clegg illustrates that (1) Christmas has never been absent of hurt; (2) Every hurt has a purpose; and (3) Christmas is the birth of hope for every hurt. We can apply this in our lives by remembering and praying for hurting people in our Bridge family and community. Don't miss either the hope or the hurt of Christmas......... they both matter. Christmas is the best news ever in the midst of the worst news ever.
Today as we celebrate Advent and the coming King, Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through several passages and as we explore The Songs and Silence of Christmas we see that:
1.Zechariah was silenced. (Luke 1:5-20)
2.Mary chose silence. (Luke 2:16-19)
3.God broke 400 years of silence. (Malachi 4:4-6; Luke 1:16-17)
4.Heaven sang, still sings, and will sing for eternity. (Revelation 5:1-14)
Application:
During this Christmas season, be silent to ponder the goodness of God and join heaven in singing to this worthy King.
Today as we begin our Advent Celebration Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us a bit of an introduction to Advent.
Today Brother Chanson Newborn opened God's word and encouraged us, and challenged us with the question, "What do we have to do to be ready to go?".
Today was a day that we celebrated as a church family all that the Lord has done in and through us in 2020.
Today is considered Orphan Sunday, a day of rallying individuals and churches worldwide to BE THE LIGHT for orphans and foster children. This call has never been more important, as it is always the vulnerable who suffer most when times are hard. Your prayers and acts of service, whether humble or grand, will bring light to a dark place.
Pastor Dustin Clegg starts the service by interviewing a couple who is starting the process of fostering, and also two representatives of Connected, a gospel-centered foster care ministry of the Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes and Family Ministries.
Then we are challenged with a message taken from Isaiah 1:1-18 centered around the observation that "Repentance involves a turning of our hearts to the affections of God just as much as turning from the things God hates". Dustin encourages us to embrace a lifestyle of complete repentance.
Pastor Dustin Clegg finishes up a 2 part series about Courage and Compassion today as we look at Luke 10:25-37 and the story of the Good Samaritan. We see that Gospel Compassion connects love for God and love for people. We should love people - - especially those we disagree with. We also see that Gospel Compassion understands that weird and difficult circumstances may reach us so that His mercy may reach beyond us. Do not not allow political or religious trappings to consume you while Jesus is wanting to use you. Let Jesus define who you are.
Today we take a look at the book of Daniel as Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a two part series titled Courage & Compassion: A Biblical Way Forward in a Bitter Political Climate. Dustin points out that Gospel Courage means we honor the image of God found in the lives of all humanity. We should never minimize ANY Image Bearer. We see that Gospel Courage means we tell the truth to and about our leaders. We are to be a person of truth, no matter the cost. We also see that Gospel Courage means loving Jesus fully and completely with our whole hearts. We should ask ourselves, "What is it inside me that determines everything about me?". Gospel Courage means we embrace the identity we have in Jesus. The book of Daniel is not about Daniel; it points us to Jesus.
Pastor Kirk Owens picks up our series about the 7 churches in Revelation as we look at Revelation 3:14-22 and the church at Laodicea.
The Letter to Laodicea
14 “Write to the angel of the church in Laodicea:
“The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation says: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Today we look at the church in Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-13, and Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations from this passage: (1) the Church is more powerful when operating in weakness than in strength; (2) Jesus is the truth...... the Church is to clarify; and (3) Jesus takes the love He has for His Church seriously. We can apply this to our lives by freshly embracing the passion Jesus has for us, and being most passionate about Jesus alone.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our study of the seven churches in Revelation as we look at the Church in Sardis in Chapter 3 verses 1-6.
The Letter to Sardis
3 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead.2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before my God.3 Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. If you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come upon you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with me in white, because they are worthy.
5 “In the same way, the one who conquers will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life but will acknowledge his name before my Father and before his angels.
6 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Dustin has 2 observations from this text: (1) There are no juries in the Kingdom of God. There is one Judge. (2) When Jesus returns all of us need for Him to see us in either Holiness of repentance.
We can apply this in our lives by surrendering opinion theology, and laying down what others think of us and focusing only on what Jesus thinks of us.
Pastor Kirk Owens continues with our study of the 7 churches in Revelation as we look at Chapter 2:18-29.
The Letter to Thyatira
18 “Write to the angel of the church in Thyatira:
“The Son of God, the One whose eyes are like a fiery flame and whose feet are like fine bronze, says: 19 I know your works—your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance. Your last works are greater than the first. 20 But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Look! I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her practices. 23 I will kill her children with the plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. 24 I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who haven’t known the deep things of Satan—as they say—I do not put any other burden on you. 25 But hold on to what you have until I come. 26 The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations—
27 and he will shepherd them with an iron scepter;
he will shatter them like pottery—just as I have received this from My Father. 28 I will also give him the morning star.
29 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.
Today we continue in our study of Revelation as we look at chapter 2 verses 12-17.
12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: Thus says the one who has the sharp, double-edged sword: 13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17 “Let anyone who has ears to hear listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers, I will give some of the hidden manna.[e] I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.
Pastor Dustin Clegg offers 3 observations:
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Humanity is bent, and constantly tempted, to embrace any other way of salvation besides the one prescribed by God.
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The approval of Jesus in one area of our lives, or this church, does not equal approval in all areas.
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We are our brother's keepers.
Application: Love others enough to tell the truth. Love His church enough to allow others to tell you the truth.
Application: Stop trying to gain salvation and healing every other way but God's way.
Today we continue in our study of the book of Revelation with Revelation 2:8-11 - - -
The Letter to Smyrna.
8 “Write to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
“The First and the Last, the One who was dead and came to life, says: 9 I know your[a] affliction and poverty, yet you are rich. I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Look, the Devil is about to throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will have affliction for 10 days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown[b] of life.
11 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. The victor will never be harmed by the second death.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with our study of Revelation as we look at Chapter 2 verses 1-7, and begin a journey through the 7 churches with a look at the church in Ephesus. In these verses we see that Jesus wanted the Ephesians to know that (1) He was with them intimately. As believers we must always live as if we are starring into the eyes of our King - - because we are. Jesus also wanted the Ephesians to know that (2) they were not with Him intimately. Purity is not a good replacement for passion. When we are with Him rightly, He will purify us. Christ Followers should constantly give themselves and others Jesus. Rules cannot replace relationship. Jesus wanted the Ephesians to know that (3) He was coming to them quickly with either grace, or judgement. He who has an ear to hear..... this is for you.
Today we continue in the book of Revelation picking up in verse 9 of Chapter 1. We see that we are partners with one another when we experience suffering and affliction, and power and authority as in the Kingdom, and we are all partnering with and helping one another endure and persevere. We also see that physical struggle and spiritual victory at the same time are normal for a Christ Follower. And that fear and fearlessness at the same time is normal for the Christian life.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a study of the book of Revelation. We start with Revelation 1:1-8 and Dustin says that Revelation is not a book to scare you, but rather a book to describe our King and how He will return for His Bride. How do we apply what we have heard today? For you, preparing for Jesus' return might mean helping others prepare for Jesus' return.
Pastor Dustin Clegg completes our look at the book of Jonah today with Chapter 4, and he emphasizes three points. The first point is that the tragic surrender to our moods leads to a dangerous trajectory for our lives. We see some things about Jonah's mood: (1) He isolated himself, (2) He becomes accusatory, and (3) He becomes completely irrational. The second point is that the scary arrogance of the people of God reveals a total ignorance of the person of God. We can apply this by never exalting the blessings of God over the heart of God. The final point is that the whole book ends on a question. The question is relevant for us today.
This morning we had a very special guest. Deandre Warren, an Officer with the Wynne Police Department, spoke to us about pulling down strongholds to be the bridge, and said it starts with the strongholds in our minds. He said if the enemy can get in your mind, he can get your whole body. As Believers we find ourselves sometimes walking in the flesh, but we must do our best to walk in the Spirit. If we are going to pull down strongholds to be the Bridge, we must recognize who we are, and that our true identity is Spirit and not flesh. He added that those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Today we continue our study of the book of Jonah, and as Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through chapter 3, there are 3 things that he wants us to see in this passage: (1) Jesus is constantly pursuing every person with His mercy; (2) In breaking down the king's decree we see that the king called the entire community to pray and repent together. We have a responsibility to cry out to God on behalf of our community; and (3) Genuine salvation costs nothing and everything at the same time.
We don't get Jesus the Savior without Jesus the King.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in our series based on the life of Jonah. Today we see that Jonah is "Saved by the Bell....y".
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues looking at Jonah and points out that, like Jonah, there is sometimes a gap in what we say and how we live. He asks us to consider the gap in what we say about Jesus and what we do with our life. The end goal of the justice of God that believers experience here is mercy and grace. Where are you in the story of Jonah?
We begin a new series today as Pastor Dustin Clegg looks at the life of Jonah. Big Rebel, Big Fish, Bigger God starts with Jonah 1:1-6, and we see that rebellion against God's commands (1) leads to rejection of God's presence; (2) invites wrath on us and all those connected to us; and (3) can seem like justified anger against evil. Dustin also makes two points: (1) we are surrounded by Ninovites; and (2) God in His rightness and justness condemns all sin as evil. How can we apply this to our daily lives? Obey God for the purpose of having God.
Dalton Yates, who is interning at The Bridge this summer, finishes up the Sermon on the Mount with a very insightful look at The Lord's Prayer. Dalton walks us through Matthew 6:5-15 and points out that every part of the Lord's Prayer humbles us, but it also comforts us and points us directly to Christ. He gave us one application: When you pray, remind yourself of the Gospel - - who you are, who God is, and what God has done for you. Katie Weaver, our other summer intern, finished up our gathering by walking us through the observance of the Lord's Supper.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens picks up the Sermon on the Mount as we look at Matthew 7:7-27. We explore The Golden Rule and see how even when we want to do the Golden Rule, we can't without Jesus. What does it mean to enter through the wide gate or the narrow gate? Kirk warns us to beware of false prophets who come to us through the TV, Social Media, Internet, or in person, and not to let the things or these people confuse us. Enter through the narrow gate.
Today we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount as we look at Matthew 6:33 - 7:6. Pastor Dustin Clegg gives us 3 observations to consider: (1) Judgmentalism is a respectable and even praised sin in our culture, but denounced and condemned by Jesus; (2) Judgmentalism is not the same as having sound judgement; and (3) On some issues it is possible for us to disagree, and each of us be acceptable to God. Dustin offers 3 ways we can apply this passage to our lives: (1) Hate your own sin worse; (2) Cling to your convictions humbly; and (3) Never walk away from what you have experienced in Jesus.
Today we continue with our walk through The Sermon on The Mount as we look at Matthew 6:19-34, and explore what Jesus has to say about anxiety. Pastor Dustin Clegg makes 3 observations: (1) Money and possessions can cloud the way we view the world; (2) Money, food, clothes, etc. make great servants, but terrible masters; and (3) Jesus will take care of His children. How can we apply this passage to our lives today? (1) Serve Jesus, seek His Kingdom, and don't worry; and (2) Don't settle for faulty thinking.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues walking us through the Sermon on the Mount as we look at Matthew 6: 1-8, 16-18. We observe that (1) we have to redefine hypocrisy, that (2) Jesus is not preaching against public displays of our faith, and that (3) people should see us living for Jesus, but we cannot only live for Jesus when others see us. Our public life has to align with our private life. Dustin gave us 3 applications for our lives: (1) Check your motives on everything; (2) Be genuine; and (3) Always live for Jesus only.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in Matthew 5 beginning with verse 38 as we look at The Sermon on the Mount, and talks about putting Others First.The first observation he makes is that "Pride is the enemy of Kingdom expression", and shows us that we must surrender pride and victim mentality, and embrace opportunities to show people the nature of our King. The second observation is "Because Jesus tells us to love our enemies, there is not a person on this planet that a believer can justify not loving". We have to decide as individual followers of Jesus, and as a church, if we are going to be more passionate about winning arguments or winning people.
As we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount Pastor Dustin Clegg walks us through Matthew 5:31-37 as he begins part 1 of a 2 part message titled Others First. The message has 2 applications for us: (1) In a world consumed with our rights Jesus is calling those who follow Him to care more about their responsibility to care for the needs of others and (2) Structure your life to keep your word, and watch the dynamics of all your relationships change. He adds that the point of the message is not to go home and try harder with your spouse, but to surrender completely and daily to Jesus.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues exploring the Sermon on the Mount as we look at Matthew 5 starting in verse 21, and he gives us two observations from this passage. (1) Our relationship with Jesus is directly connected to our relationship with His people, and (2) the Spirit of Jesus changes us, but we are responsible for our sin.
We also had the honor of witnessing three baptisms today.
This week Dustin continues to dive into Jesus' Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew. Along with tackling the "salt and light" passage, Dustin speaks to graduating seniors for senior Sunday.
In our first Sunday at our new building (or on it's front porch due to COVID-19), Dustin begins a new series focused around the sermon on the mount in Matthew. In this sermon Dustin walks through the Beatitudes and teaches how each builds upon the one before it.
Today we have Kirk and Carly Owens speak with us about being better equipped to share the Gospel.
In this Easter livestream during the Coronavirus, Dustin lays out this simple truth: if Jesus didn't raise from the dead, nothing matters. BUT, He did raise from the dead, and that resurrection is everything!
Today is Palm Sunday and Dustin and Kirk both share with us about Passover as we prepare for Easter, and also to observe the Lord's Supper together. Kirk shares with us from Exodus 12:21-34 and reminds us that God is Holy and Just, and shows mercy and is full of provision for us. Dustin walks us through Matthew 26:17-25. He reminds us that Jesus was in complete control in the days leading up to His death, and adds that we need to remember that He is in complete control today as we lament about what happened to Jesus.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Clear Truth series as we explore the question, "What is True Worship?". We look at John 4:1-26, 39-42 and see that (1) Jesus initiates true worship, (2) True worship is not contained in a place, (3) True worship is directed at Jesus alone, and (4) True worship always responds in obedience.
This week in following the recommendations of the CDC, we didn't meet as a group at The Merriman, but instead we gathered around Facebook Live with Kirk and Carly Owens. They talked with us about practical things we can do to be better equipped to make disciples of our kids and others, and answered a few questions from the audience.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues the series, Clear Truth, as we look at John 8:31-50 and ask ourselves the question "Why Do I Need Truth?". We find that if we embrace the truth it will bring us freedom. The truth offers freedom from sin, freedom from religion, freedom with purpose, and freedom from fear. The applications for us are: (1) Jesus has new things to teach us and we are to never stop taking steps; (2) We are to love truth even if it disagrees with us, and avoid all manipulation and deception; and (3) Embrace freedom with truth.
Today we met at the Splash Pad and celebrated several baptisms. Pastor Dustin Clegg started a new series titled Clear Truth, as we looked at John 18:28-38 and unpacked the question, "What is truth?"
Today we continue with the series, The Awakened Church, and see that Jesus Will Build His Army. Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through Matthew 16:1, 13-23 and offers three points: (1) No one can see the truth about Jesus until the Father reveals it to them, (2) Following Jesus is not a defensive posture, and (3) A church that raises any other banner besides Jesus Christ becomes a stone for stumbling rather than a foundational rock.
Today we continue with the series, The Awakened Church, as we explore 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and look at a Biblical definition of Servant Leaders and Deacons. Pastor Dustin Clegg encourages us to pray for God to raise up the right leaders to serve The Bridge Church, and also for us to continue to take our next steps to grow as believers.
Today we continue with the series, The Awakened Church, as we look at Acts 19:11-20. Pastor Dustin Clegg opens the Word, and explains that when Jesus alone is exalted by His people (1) the power of God is displayed, (2) He begins to operate outside of the "plan", and (3) we begin to take our sin very seriously. Dustin asks the question, "What is it that you are so scared to lose that it is causing you to say no to your next steps with Jesus?".
Today we continue with the Awakened (Woke) Church series as we look at Acts 11:19-30 and a Biblical Model for Church. Pastor Dustin Clegg opens God's Word and we discover that a Biblical Church (1) Executes creative strategies to reach new people, (2) Commits itself to discipleship, (3) Ministers mercy to the whole person, and (4) Sends and supports it's very best.
Today we continue with The Awakened (Woke) Church series as we look at Acts 8:26-40. We see that the early church, just as today, was an ordinary church with an extraordinary mission. Pastor Dustin Clegg makes three main points as we explore this passage: (1) The church best represents Jesus when groundbreaking love is seen in its people; (2) The church that truly desires to hear from and obey Jesus will; and (3) The church must find its way to Jesus every time it encounters the scripture. Dustin challenges us all to obey the voice of Jesus in His Word even if we don't fully understand the "why". He says we should expect Him to do more than we will ever see, and that we should pursue everyone with the Gospel that is above everything.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues the series on the Awakened Church as we look at the early church in the book of Acts. We take a look at Acts 6:1-7 and also Galatians 5:19-23. Dustin gives us three observations from the passage in Acts: (1) Legitimate concerns never justify sinful responses; (2) NOTHING - absolutely nothing - is more important for the church than Gospel advancement; and (3) The Spirit of Jesus awakened in a person always produces qualities that can be seen by others. This 3rd observation led us to Galatians as we looked at the Fruits of the Spirit.
Pastor Kirk walks us through the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, offering a warning to those who seek a good reputation without true compassion. Kirk's call to the church was to follow Jesus, examine your faith, and let go of things of this world.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, The Awakened Church, as we take a look at the early church in the book of Acts. Today we explore Acts 4:1-30 and see that the ministry of the early church was healing to some, and annoying to some. We also see that the early church embraced both brokenness and boldness. Dustin reminds us that the early church always responded boldly in prayer, and so should we. He pointed out that there were three bold directions of their prayer: (1) God's attributes, (2) God's Word, and (3) God's mission and glory above comfort.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, The Awakened Church, as we look at Acts 2:42-47 on this first Sunday in 2020. Acts 2:42 tells us that the first church devoted themselves to the Word of God, to one another, to having communion together, and to prayer. And the church today must devote themselves to these four things if the body is going to be healthy. We have to embrace them and teach them to others. Dustin tells us that generosity, unity, joy, gratefulness, genuine worship, and evangelism flow naturally from a healthy body.
In his final sermon of 2019, Pastor Dustin spoke on the importance of discipleship from Acts 17 as The Bridge prepares for 2020. His application was a challenge for all Bridgers to find one or two new believers (or unbelievers) to invest in in 2020.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with A Bridge Christmas and demonstrates from Luke 1:46-50 that Hilarious Joy (1) flows from a person who interprets their circumstances through who God is, and (2) Hilarious Joy is connected to humility and finding value in who Jesus says we are. The application of today's message is to live constantly aware of what Jesus has done for us.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with A Bridge Christmas as we look at Matthew 2:13-23. Dustin emphasizes two important things to see in this passage: (1) Christmas has always represented hope in the midst of intense pain, and (2) the Spirit of God awakens people to care for the vulnerable.
Today Brother Kirk Owens opens the Word as we look at Luke 2:1-20 and explore what we can learn about Jesus in this passage. Kirk shows us that (1) God sent His angels to the shepherds first, (2) the Good News / Best News EVER is for all people, and (3) Jesus changes everything for anyone who trusts in Him. Jesus came for you. Jesus is for you. But it's not all about you. Christmas is about Jesus.
Teaching out of Luke 2:25-35, Dustin spoke about how the peace that Jesus brings is always accompanied by conflict. It is to be expected, and even Jesus found Himself in the middle of conflict as He extended His peace to others.
Today we gathered, shared a meal together, and celebrated all that the Lord has done in 2019. Kirk called each of the 20 forward who have been baptized so far this year, and some shared their story with the church family. It was a great day of fellowship, thanksgiving, and celebration.
Today we walk through Mark 2:1-12 with Pastor Kirk Owens as he makes 2 key points: (1) Followers of Jesus who make up the Bridge Church must bring the hurting to Jesus, and (2) Everyone can and needs to know who Jesus really is.
Today is recognized as Orphan Sunday and The Bridge Church participates by hearing from two young families who have adopted children. Pastor Dustin Clegg asks the Suttons and the Pruietts questions about their journey with adoption, and then he opens God's Word as we look at Galations 3:27 - 4:7. Dustin challenges us with two questions: (1) How shouldn't we respond to the orphan crisis? and (2) How should we respond?
In the 6th and final installment of Ruth: A Harvest Story, we look at Ruth 4:1-22 and Pastor Dustin Clegg shares 3 observations: (1) It's okay for those who follow Jesus to be shrewd and urgent with the Good News; (2) In reality, service always leads to greatness; and (3) Holiness and providence are connected.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with part 5 of A Harvest Storyas we look at Ruth 3:1-18. We see in verses 1-9 of this passage that Naomi and Ruth did not make the smartest decisions. Dustin explores two dangers: (1) Forcing the issue can endanger myself or others, and (2) A lack of boundaries and self-awareness can lead to disaster. In verses 10-18 we see that Jesus reigns in awkward and confusing circumstances. Dustin points out that we can live so scared to fail that we fail.
Application for adults: Never put another believer in a position to potentially fail.
Application for teenagers: Strive to learn the Bible and learn yourself. Set boundaries that guard your journey with Him.
Application for children: Be bold. Don't be scared to mess up following Jesus. He gives us grace.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with Ruth: A Harvest Story. We pick up with Ruth 2:14-23. Dustin reminds us that Jesus is our "Family Redeemer" and tells us that those who have been redeemed and follow their family in the redemption of others (1) have abandoned the idea of sacred spaces, (2) are welcoming of all people, and (3) are generous in all things.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with A Harvest Story as we look at Ruth 2:1-13. Dustin asks us to view the commands of God as His invitation to join Him in what He is doing around us and to remember that someone's physical or eternal life is always on the other side of our obedience. He also points out that one role of those who follow Jesus is to close the social gaps around them, and he encourages us to be aware of social gaps and to courageously build bridges in those situations.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues in the book of Ruth as we look at chapter 1 verses 10-22. Dustin pulls and explores 3 main points from the passage: (1) Our good and bad circumstances do not always accurately reflect God's approval or disapproval; (2) Unrealistic memories from the past can cause us to be distracted from what God is doing now; and (3) Our commitment to one another ultimately reflects our commitment to Jesus.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a new series as we explore the book of Ruth. We look at Ruth 1:1-13 and Dustin makes 3 observations: (1) Having no king leads to doing what is right in our own eyes; (2) God uses even our times of darkness to draw others to Himself; and (3) Sometimes we can muddy the character of God with the actions of God's people.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg puts the "exclamation mark" on the Right-Side-Up King in an Upside-Down World series with Sending is Secure. We explore Luke 9:49-62 and see that Secure and Sent people (1) keep the Kingdom exalted over their groups; (2) warn of the judgement to come, but they do not call it down; and (3) lose themselves in the mission of God. Dustin gave us 5 applications for living a "sent" life: (1) Pray intensely, (2) Go humbly, (3) Look for people of peace, (4) Be bold, and (5) Celebrate always!
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Right-Side-Up King in an Upside-Down World series with Mercy is Mighty. We explore mercy in Luke 10:25-37 and observe that (1) Mighty Mercy never flows from religion; (2) The only way forward for genuine racial reconciliation is through mighty men of mercy; and (3) Mighty Mercy flows from a right understanding of Jesus, the GREAT Samaritan. Dustin encourages us to find our identity in the mercy act that Jesus has done for us. And then go and do the same for others.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Right-Side-Up King in an Upside-Down World series with Brokenness Can Be Beautiful. We look at Luke 7:36-50 and see that brokenness in our lives can be a blessing when the end result is a right understanding of Jesus. We also learn that brokenness can be condemning when it blinds us from who Jesus really is. Only Jesus can forgive sins. Only faith in Him can save us and His salvation is thorough.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the Right Side-Up King in an Upside-Down World series with Last is First. We explore Matthew 20:1-16 to find Christ explaining in a parable that the "last will be first, and the first last". Dustin challenged us all to be last.
Today Pastor Kirk Owens picks up the Right Side-Up King in an Upside-Down World series with Small is Big as we look in Luke 20:45 - 21:6 at the story of the Widow's Mite. The widow gave all that she had and Jesus took notice. Kirk reminds us that we can't get caught up trying to earn our salvation because Jesus paid it all. He also encourages us to trust in Christ alone and be serious about learning Jesus' truths and applying them to our daily lives.
Today as we look at Luke 9:37-48 Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, A Right Side-up King in an Upside-down World, with today's message, Weakness is Strength.
Pastor Dustin Clegg starts a new series today titled A Right Side-up King in an Upside-Down World. Todays message, Dying is Living, is based on Luke 9:1-36 and we explore the questions, "Who is Jesus?" and "What does it mean to follow Jesus?". Dustin issues the challenge for us all to commit to wake up each morning and completely set ourselves aside to allow Jesus to live fully in us that day. What does it mean to you when Jesus said "Pick up your cross, and follow Me"?
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg completes Part 2 of A Lasting Faith as we look at James 5:7-20. We see that a lasting faith is patient in suffering, prayerful in sickness, and loving towards sinners. During the message Dustin calls on Kirk Owens to lead a time of prayer as we gather around those in need of touch from the Lord. Hannah Sutton opens the service by interviewing two teachers and asking for ways that The Bridge can pray for them and other teachers as school is starting soon.
Pastor Dustin Clegg continues working through the book of James as we talk about faith. Today we look at James 4:13-17 and explore what it means to have A Lasting Faith, and look at steps we need to take to guard ourselves against burnout in our walk with Jesus. Dustin also talks about some of the values that The Bridge is built upon.
Today Dustin asks two questions from James 3:13-18 and James 4:1-12. He details how our attachment to worldly systems and values makes us unable to clearly hear from God. He describes how a requirement for saying "yes" to God is to say "no" to the world.
Today we continue with our study on faith as we explore James 3:1-12. Pastor Dustin Clegg says that we should have a Vocal Faith,and we should be mindful of Matthew 12:34, "For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart".
Today one of our summer interns, Dalton Yates, opens the Word as we continue with the series about faith and talks to us about A Risky Faith. Pastor Dustin Clegg spends a few moments talking with Millie Lace about the ministry of Concepts of Truth.
Today was a fun-filled day as we gathered at the Splash Pad in downtown Wynne to celebrate several baptisms. We also had the pleasure of hearing from Keith and Cindy Watson about the call on their lives to leave Arkansas for a season and go to Zambia. Afterwards we gathered at Cottonwood park for a time of food and fellowship.
Today as we continue our walkthrough of the book of James we look at chapter 2 verses 14-20 and explore what it means to have an active faith. Pastor Dustin Clegg challenges us today with verse 17, "In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself" and distinguishes "dead" faith from "active" faith.
Today as we continue with our study of James and what this book says about faith, we look at James 1:26 - 2:13. Pastor Dustin Clegg talks about our ability to show mercy with our words and our actions. He concludes todays message by saying that the only way we can truly live the Christian life is to constantly dwell on the mercy we have been shown by Jesus Christ.
Today we continue with our study in the book of James as we look at Chapter 1 verses 19-25 and explore what James has to say about faith. Pastor Dustin Clegg reminds us that our willingness to obey Jesus is not the same as actually obeying Jesus. Just as James tell us, we are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Today Pastor Dustin Clegg begins a new series from the book of James, which says a lot about faith and how our faith in Jesus moves us. We start exploring this book in James 1:1-18.
As Pastor Dustin Clegg continues with the series, A Life Like No Other, we explore John 8: 2-12 and see that The King of Compassionate Authority has the authority to eliminate guilt in a person's life, and we don't have to live under condemnation if Jesus has freed us from it.
Today we visit with Jeremy Bailey with the Odell McCallum Center to talk about the summer programs he is having for the kids in our community. Then we look at Hebrews 13:8-16 and explore Jesus "outside the camp".
Happy Mother's Day! Today we explore the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth as we look at Luke 1:39-56 and how that applies today as we worship, and as we disciple and show mercy to others.
Today as we continue the series, A Life Like No Other, Pastor Dustin Clegg leads us through 1 John 3:19-24 and speaks about Truth for Healing. He starts by asking the question, "'Have you ever heard anybody say "Follow your heart!"?"'He finishes by saying that when our hearts condemn us, use BOL.
Today was also a day we observed the Lord's Supper.
Today as we continue in the series, A Life Like No Other, we explore 1 John 3:11-18. Pastor Dustin Clegg invites us to look at three points: (1) Jesus changes our capacity to love, (2) Jesus broadens who we love, and (3) Jesus changes the nature of our love. He concluded by saying that our only hope in obeying this passage is to connect 1 John 3:16 to John 3:16.
Today the Bridge Church met at the Splash Pad in Downtown Wynne and held our first baptism service. We had a great time of fellowship and worship, and witnessed five baptisms on a beautiful Easter morning. Pastor Dustin Clegg wrapped up the morning with a unique perspective on "The Easter Story" and challenged those present to "come and see".
In this third in the series, A Life Like No Other, we take a look at 1 John 2:15-17 and explore the love that God hates. Before the message, though, Casey Carlson shares briefly about his new "life like no other".
In this second of the series, A Life Like No Other, we look at 1 John 2:3-4 and examine the only way to be a happy Christian, and how confidence in salvation is found in a "rhythm" of following Jesus and a relentless love for others.
Even though we have been gathering for the last several weeks today was the official launch of the Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. We explored Luke 6:12-19 as Pastor Dustin Clegg started a new series, "A Life Like No Other". He explained how you can know the principles of God and not do them, but you can't do the principles of God if you don't know them. A Believer should live their life UP, IN, and OUT.
In this episode Pastor Dustin Clegg explores Mark 4:21-29 as we look at why what we do should not be about us or even about the Bridge Church. All that we do should be about the Kingdom.
This morning at The Bridge Church we gathered around tables to get to know one another better and to share a wonderful potluck breakfast. We were also blessed to have Kim Dillard share her story. Just as Kim pointed out, we all have a story. Our story can be used to speak to the hearts of others for the glory of the Lord and to further His Kingdom.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the last message in a 6 part series about the foundations of the Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Embracing Margin" and that foundation is explored in today's message as we look at Mark 5:21-43.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the 5th in a 6 part series about the foundations of The Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Clarifying Truth" and that foundation is explored in today's message as we look at John 9:1-12, 35-41.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the 4th in a 6 part series about the foundations of The Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Pursuing Diversity" and that foundation is explored in today's message as we look at John 17:20-26.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the 3rd in a 6 part series about the foundations of The Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Loving the Fatherless" and that foundation is explored in todays message as we look at Mark 2:1-12.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the 2nd in a 6 part series about the foundations of The Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Connecting with the Uninitiated"and that foundation is explored in todays message as we look at Luke 15.
Pastor Dustin Clegg with the 1st in a 6 part series about the foundations of The Bridge Church in Wynne, Arkansas. One of the foundations is "Experiencing Joy" and today we explore Romans 15 and Dustin talks about how, as Christians, our joy should be contagious.