Bridge Church Virginia Beach

December 8, 2024Series: The Great Gift ExchangeSermon: Give God Your Worry and He'll Give You His PeaceScripture: Luke 1:29-33'Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 'INTRODUCTION: What do you do when God's words make you worry? What Is Worry? The Dictionary of Bible Themes defines Worry as, “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future. Scripture indicates that such anxiety is ultimately grounded in a lack of trust in God and his purposes.”Words paint pictures...'The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” '-Luke 1:28Words are but pictures.-John DrydenPictures produce emotions and feelings...'Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.'-Luke 1:29A picture is worth a thousand words.-Fred R. BarnardTrust the Painter...But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. -Luke 1:30Saturate your worry with worship.-Archie CallahanCONCLUSION: Trust the painter when you can't see or figure out the whole picture. God is still painting your story on the canvas of life. ★ Support this podcast ★

December 1, 2024Series: The Great Gift ExchangeSermon: Give God Your Life and He'll Give You His LifeScripture: Luke 1:34-38'“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. 'INTRODUCTION: You receive LIFE when you give your life Jesus.You receive three things that MARY received when you give your life to Jesus:Receive the Presence of God...The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you...-Luke 1:35aReceive the Power of God......and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.-Luke 1:35bReceive the Promise of God...For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. '-Luke 1:37-38CONCLUSION: Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant." ★ Support this podcast ★

November 24, 2024Series: OpenhandedSermon: RememberScripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. '-2 Corinthians 9:6-11INTRODUCTION: Before you can open your hand you must open your heart. 'One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. '-Proverbs 11:24-25We are Members of the Body of Christ...Members Must Remember:The Sowing and Reaping Principle'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. -2 Cor. 9:62. Cheerful Giving Moves the Heart of GodEach of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -2 Cor. 9:73. Cheerful Giving Moves the Hand of GodAnd God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - 2 Cor. 9:8CONCLUSION: Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! -2 Cor. 9:15 ★ Support this podcast ★

November 17, 2024Series: OpenhandedSermon: The Test of LoveScripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9“And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬INTRODUCTION: The overflow of a loving heart is the openhand of generosity. Love Defined... 1 Corinthians 13:4-8“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬Love Refined... 1 Corinthians 13:11“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬Love Confined... Romans 5:8“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬CONCLUSION: Openhanded people excel in the GRACE OF GIVING. ★ Support this podcast ★

November 10, 2024Series: OpenhandedSermon: Monkey See...Monkey Do! Scripture: Malachi 3:6-12'“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty. 'INTRODUCTION: What we do with our money shows what we truly believe. -Randy AlcornKeys to Living Openhanded:Recognize God is the Owner...“When we acknowledge God’s ownership, every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision.- Howard Dayton“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”-‭‭Psalms‬ ‭24‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬2. Realize we are managers of God blessings.“In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭NASB3. Repent of ownership.“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”-‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬Three things we notice here in Malachi 3:10-12: (-Scott Newton)First, obedience in giving is a principle that is personal with God.Second, obedience in giving has a purpose that is practical for the Church.Third, obedience in giving includes a provision that is promised to you.CONCLUSION: The BLESSED LIFE is the GOD FIRST LIFE. ★ Support this podcast ★

November 3, 2024Sermon: The Anatomy of PraiseScripture: Hebrews 13:15-16Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. -Hebrews 13:15-16Introduction: What is praise? Praise is a ProclamationShouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous.Psalm 118:15Praise is PublicLet everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.Psalm 150:6Praise is PhysicalLife up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LordPsalm 134:2Let them praise his name with dancing.Psalm 149:3Praise is Proactive'I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. '-Psalms 34:1Praise is Pre-rejoicingAbout midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.Conclusion: Praise is the response of a thankful heart. ★ Support this podcast ★

October 27, 2024Series: OvercomerSermon: Conquering the EnemyScripture: Ephesians 6:10-12Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. INTRODUCTION: If we are going to conquer the enemy we must Recognize and Resist the enemy. Recognize the Enemy...The World... Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. -1 John 2:15-16World Def. - indifference and opposition to God’s design or anything in the world that is antichrist; empty passing values.2. The Flesh...As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. -Ephesians 2:1-3Flesh def. - Our corrupt inclinations, disordered desires and passions that pulls us away from God, the enemy within. 3. The Devil...Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. -1 Peter 5:8Devil def. - a real, personal enemy, a fallen angel, Father of Lies.Resist the Enemy...How?We have three enemies and there are different ways to resist each of them.The World...1. Believe Jesus is the Son of God.Who overcomes the world? Only the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.-1 John 5:5 2. Renew Your Mind.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:2The Flesh...1. Refuse to attribute the acts (works) of the flesh to the Devil. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. -Galatians 5:19-212. Crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. -Galatians 5:24So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. -Galatians 5:16The Devil...1. Realize that Jesus disarmed the Devil and his demons. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. -Colossians 2:152. Jesus follower's have power over the Devil and his demons.He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. -Luke 10:18-193. Jesus follower's must resist the Devil and his demons. Resist him, standing firm in the faith...-1 Peter 5:9Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. -James 4:7CONCLUSION: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can conquer the enemy and be victorious in life. ★ Support this podcast ★

October 20, 2024Series: OvercomerSermon: Moving from coping to conquering...Scripture: John 16:33 & 1 John 5:4-5' “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”'-John 16:33'for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. '-1 John 5:4-5INTRODUCTION: Are you coping or conquering? What does it mean to be an Overcomer? Def. One who conquers challenges and adversities.Three Steps to Moving from Coping to Conquering:Change Mindsets...Moving from a coping mindset to a conquering mindsetAs a man thinks in his heart, so is he. -Proverbs 23:7Cultivate Faith...Moving from doubt to faithSo faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. -Romans 10:17Claim Victory...Moving from defeat to victoryNo, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. -Romans 8:37 Conclusion: It's time to bust a move! It's time to make a bold decision! ★ Support this podcast ★

Oct 13, 2024Inviting Jesus In And we know that in ALL THINGS God works for THE GOOD of those who love him… ROMANS 8:28On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him. JOHN 2:1-11Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-18When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” JOHN 2:3-4“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. luke 1:38 ★ Support this podcast ★

October 6, 2024Series: YOLO... YOU ONLY LIVE ONCESermon: God's PromiseScripture: Joshua 1:1-6After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you allow the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.INTRODUCTION: Your purpose is anchored in God's promise! Russell Carter wrote a hymn called 'Standing on the Promises'. One verse in the hymn says, "Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, Standing on the promises of God." Paul said, "having done all to stand... stand therefore. Sometimes the difficulties of life and bouts with doubt make it hard to move forward, that's when you just stand on the promises of God until God begins to move supernaturally and breathes a fresh wind of his Spirit into the sails of your soul.The Two Key Figures: Moses and Joshua...Key highlights of Moses life and significance:Birth and Early LifeFlight to MidianThe Burning BushThe ExodusMount Sinai and the Ten CommandmentsLeadership and ChallengesThe Promised LandLegacyThe Difference BETWEEN GRIEF AND MOURNING:Grief is the internal meaning given to the experience of loss. Mourning is when you take the grief you have on the inside and express it outside yourself. Another way of defining mourning is “grief gone public” or “the outward expression of grief.”JOSHUA'S TIME5 words that changed the direction and vision of a nation!Joshua 1:2..."Moses my servant is dead!" God's promise is his presence which is:PowerfulNo one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. -Joshua 1:5aPersonalAs I was with Moses, So I will be with you...1 Joshua 1:5bSignificant ways in which God was with Moses:Call and CommissionMiraculous SignsDivine GuidanceIntercession for the PeopleReceiving the LawProvision in the WildernessEncouragement and ReassurancePermanentI will never leave you or forsake you.-Joshua 1:5cCONCLUSION: Because God's presence is powerful, personal, and permanent, we can be strong and courageous. (Joshua 1:6) ★ Support this podcast ★

September 29, 2024Series: YOLO...YOU ONLY LIVE ONCESermon: Characteristics of Ineffective ChristiansScripture: Acts 13:36'“Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. -Acts 13:36INTRODUCTION: What does it mean to serve God's purpose in our generation?Characteristics of an Ineffective Christians:Christians Stop...But David remained in Jerusalem. -2 Samuel 11:1Christians Get Stuck...The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."2 Samuel 11:5Christians Become Sapped...For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped.-Psalm 32:4CONCLUSION: Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.-Psalm 51:12 ★ Support this podcast ★

September 22, 2024Series: YOLO...YOU ONLY LIVE ONCESermon: Make Your Life CountScripture: Nehemiah 2:17-18'Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. 'INTRODUCTION: We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. - Winston ChurchillKeys to Making Your Life Count:Hear the Need...'They said to me, “Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” When I heard these things... -Nehemiah 1:3-4aFeel the Need...I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. -Nehemiah 1:4bSee the Need...'Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire.Nehemiah 2:17Meet the Need...Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work. 'CONCLUSION: Remember, we maximize our lives by making the most of every opportunity. ★ Support this podcast ★

September 15, 2024Series: YOLO... YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! Sermon: What Motivates You? Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:11-15'For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 'INTRODUCTION: YOLO...You Only Live Once! "What we do now echoes in eternity." -Marcus Aurelius Live with Eternity in View...For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. -Romans 14:8Why?This ONE LIFE determines where you will live the next life. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? -Mark 8:36Man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets. -Ecclesiastes 12:5This ONE LIFE determines the rewards of the next life. For me to LIVE is Christ, and to die is gain. -Philippians 1:21For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.-Matthew 16:27CONCLUSION: Eternal life has to be received in this life! ★ Support this podcast ★

September 8, 2024Series: NudgeSermon: Maximizing the OpportunityScripture: Ephesians 5:14-16'This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. '-Ephesians 5:14-16INTRODUCTION: Nudge Evangelism is waking people up to see that Jesus is already at work in their lives. I define evangelism as “nudge” and evangelists as “nudgers.” -Len SweetNudgers recognize the Importance of three things:Be Awake:'To live like this is all the more urgent, for time is running out and you know it is a strategic hour in human history. It is time for us to wake up! For our full salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.'-Romans 13:11 (TPT)'This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”Ephesians 5:14 (NIV)Be Wise:Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise...Ephesians 5:15 (NIV)But a life lived loving God bears lasting fruit, for the one who is truly wise wins souls. -Proverbs 11:30 (TPT)Be Ready to Maximize the Opportunity:Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16 (NIV)CONCLUSION: Jesus is at work in the lives of people that we meet everyday. Will we maximize the opportunity by helping them see Jesus? ★ Support this podcast ★

September 1, 2024SERIES: NUDGESERMON: The Jesus WaySCRIPTURE: Matthew 9:36-38'When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”'INTRODUCTION: Evangelism is an invitation for broken people together to meet the Christ who loves broken people. (Len Sweet)Rethink Evangelism...I define evangelism as “nudge” and evangelists as “nudgers.” -Len SweetNudge: A light touch or push gently in order to draw attention to something. 1. Evangelism is nudging people to see that Jesus is already at work in their lives.2. Evangelism is nudging people to pay attention to the mission of Jesus in their lives.3. Evangelism is patient farming.'I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. '1 Corinthians 3:6-9CONCLUSION: Today, let's join with Jesus on the mission field and nudge those who cross our paths to see Jesus at work in their lives. Let's be NUDGERS! ★ Support this podcast ★

Aug 25, 2024Keep Moving Forward After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! Exodus 14:15 (NLT)“When we were at Mount Sinai, the Lord our God said to us, ‘You have stayed at this mountain long enough. 7 It is time to break camp and move on. Go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the neighboring regions—the Jordan Valley, the hill country, the western foothills, the Negev, and the coastal plain. Go to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, and all the way to the great Euphrates River. 8 Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it, for it is the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and to all their descendants.’' Deuteronomy 1:6-9 Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go. Then they remained in their camp as long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle. If the cloud remained over the Tabernacle for a long time, the Israelites stayed and performed their duty to the Lord. Number 9:17-19Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19Don’t minimize the powerful gift that operates in your life, for it was imparted to you by the laying on of hands of the elders and was activated through the prophecy they spoke over you. 15 Make all of this your constant meditation and make it real with your life so everyone can see that you are moving forward. 1 Timothy 4:14-15 (TPT) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 ★ Support this podcast ★

August 18, 2024Series: Hot TopicsSermon: Jesus and the Transgender MovementScripture: John 1:14 & Ephesians 4:14-16'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 'John 1:14'Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. 'Ephesians 4:14-16INTRODUCTION: You don't have to feel the weight to decide your gender when God has already designed it for you. God's Design:'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. 'Genesis 1:27'Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 'Genesis 2:22-23Gender is not a social construct that can be changed but a biological fact designed by God. What makes a biological male or female?ReproductionExternal AnatomyPresence or absence of a Y chromosomeGod's design for our BODY is GOOD.God saw all that he made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31'For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 'Psalms 139:13-14Sex:Male or female, Typically with reference to chromosomes, internal reproductive anatomy, and external genitals. -Mark YarhouseUndersrtanding Gender DysphoriaGender Identity:A persons self-perception of whether they are male or female, masculine or feminine.-Andrew WalkerWhat Does The Bible Say About Gender Identity...Gender Dysphoria:the sense of mismatch between physical sex (body) and phychological gender identity (mind).-Nancy PearceyLOVE THY BODYTRANSGENDER:An umbrella term for many experiences of gender identity that do not align normatively with a persons biological sex.-MARK YARHOUSE AND JULIA SANDUSKYEMERGING GENDER IDENTITIESWhat is PERSONHOOD? The World's View of Personhood:Person (mind)... Has moral and Legal StandingBody (doesn't matter)... An Expendable and Biological OrganismThe Word's View of PersonhoodCreated in the image of God...Body and soul are connected.Genesis 1:26-27If I feel like my mind and body are out of alignment, what should I do? World: Listen to your mind and change your body.Word: Embrace your body and change your mind. 'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 'Romans 12:1-2CONCLUSION: 'Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, “The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” And let no eunuch complain, “I am only a dry tree.” For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever. 'Isaiah 56:3-5'But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. 'Isaiah 53:5 ★ Support this podcast ★

August 11, 2024Series: Hot TopicsSermon: In the Image of God: Race and RacismScripture: Genesis 2:7 & Acts 17:24-27Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. '-Genesis 2:7'“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’ '-Acts 17:24-28INTRODUCTION: Before we RACE to any conclusions about RACE we must look at what God says about the subject. What is race?Secular Definition: Race is a worldview and social classification that divides humans into groups based on their appearance and assumed ancestry, and that has been used to establish social hierarchies. Biblical Starting Point: Race is not plural but singular. Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. '-Genesis 2:7What is racism?Secular Definition: Racism is “systematic discrimination by a powerful individual or institution against individuals based on their perceived membership in a socially defined racial group.” Biblical Understanding of Racism: The more biblical term for racism would be HATE!! Hate is a strong dislike or ill will toward persons or things. As an emotional expression, a person may oppose, detest, or despise contact with a thing or a person. What is God's solution?God Formed...(Gen. 2:7)God Breathed... (Gen. 2:7)God Gave... (John 3:16)Oneness in Christ Jesus...(Gal. 3:26-29)You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Gal. 3:26-29) CONCLUSION: In Christ we are ONE brand new creation. Jesus is the solution. ★ Support this podcast ★

August 4, 2024Series: Hot TopicsSermon: Can a Christian Drink Alcohol?Scripture: Proverbs 23:33-35'Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”'INTRODUCTION: Should a Christian Drink Alcohol? Dangers...Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;whoever is led astray by them is not wise.- Proverbs 20:1'Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich. '-Proverbs 21:17'Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. '-Proverbs 23:19-21'Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. '-Proverbs 23:29-32“Wine has robbed my people of their understanding. '-Hosea 4:11Boundaries...A boundary is a limit and the purpose of setting a healthy boundary is, of course, to protect and take good care of others and yourself. 'Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.'-1 Corinthians 6:19-20"Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” -Luke 21:34-36The Christian Witness... 'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” '-Acts 1:8'Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, '-Ephesians 5:15-18CONCLUSION: Our Christian witness is formed by the word of God and our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. ★ Support this podcast ★

July 28, 2024Series: 1 JohnSermon: The Essence of LoveScripture: 1 John 4:7-12 & 1 John 5:1-5Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.-1 John 4:7-12 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.-1 John 5:1-5INTRODUCTION: Love is more than a feeling it's a NEW BIRTH experience.Love's Foundation... God becoming a man: The Incarnation9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. - 1 John 4:9Love's Power... Man becoming like God: The New BirthTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!-2 Corinthians 5:17 NIVLove God and others... (1 John 4:11-12 NIV)11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.Love drives out fear... (1 John 4:18 NIV)18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.CONCLUSION: The 'New Birth' experience empowers us to overcome the world. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. - 1 John 5:4-5 ★ Support this podcast ★

July 21, 2024Series: 1 JohnSermon: Cultivating Discernment in the Age of Deception...Scripture: 1 John 4:1-6Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.INTRODUCTION: Spiritual discernment is the ability to recognize truth and falsehood. 5 Ways to Cultivate Greater Discernment in the Age of Deception:Studying God's WordDeveloping a life of PrayerCultivating a greater sensitivity to the Holy SpiritSeek guidance from pastors and mature believersRemain in fellowship with God's peopleCONCLUSION: Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." ★ Support this podcast ★

July 14, 2024Series: 1 John Sermon: Actions Speak Louder Than WordsScripture: 1 John 3:10“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬Introduction: You look just like your father.Our Father…“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬Our Future…“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬Our Fruit…“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬Conclusion: Who determines our nature and our eternal destiny? ★ Support this podcast ★

July 7, 2024Series: 1st JohnSermon: The Advocate, Antichrist, and Overcomer! Scripture: 1 John 2:13-14 NIV“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.”‭‭Introduction: Christ followers have overcome the evil one. The Advocate…“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬The Antichrist…“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬The Overcomer…“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬Conclusion: The will of God is our next act of obedience. ★ Support this podcast ★

June 30, 2024Series: 1 JohnSermon: Let there be Light in a Dark WorldScripture: 1 John 1:5-10 NIV“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”‭‭Introduction: Light makes life better! How to escape the darkness:Love the Light…God is light… 1 John 1:5“Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬Live in the Light…“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ A. Light reveals B. Light heals C. Light Dispels Conclusion: We have become children of light through Jesus. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jun 23, 2024The Necessity of Joy“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 ESVJoy is a by-product of …“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬Joy is a of the Spirit…“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”_ Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬Jesus is the of all Joy. ★ Support this podcast ★

June 16, 2024Series: Mighty MenSermon: The Process of FaithScripture: Judges 7:7“The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.””‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬Introduction: “Give me ten men who fear nothing but sin and love nothing but God, and I shall change the world." - D.L. MoodyThe Process of Faith:God Faith“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬Growing Faith“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬Great Faith“Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬Conclusion: Great faith is faith that refuses to give up! ★ Support this podcast ★

June 9, 2024Series: Mighty MenSermon: Faith>FearScripture: Judges 6:14The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬Introduction: Mighty Men choose faith over fear because faith is greater than all their fears. Choosing faith requires Mighty Men to:Embrace TruthWhen the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12 NIVThe Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the midianites, leaving none alive.” Judges 6:16 NIVEmbrace the Process ‬So Gideon built an altar to the Lord and called it The Lord is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. Judges 6:24 NIVThe same night the Lord said to him, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one seven years old. Tear down your father’s altar to Baal and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. The build a proper kind of altar to the Lord your God on the top of the heights… Judges 6:25-26a NIVCONCLUSION: We walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV ★ Support this podcast ★

June 2, 2024Series: Mighty MenSermon: Fighting the Good FightScripture: Judges 6:11-12 & 1 Timothy 6:12“The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.””‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬Introduction: Mighty Men are Spirit-Empower to conquer the enemy within! See yourself as God sees you… 1. Gideon’s view of himself“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.””‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 2. God’s view of Gideon“When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.””‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬Conclusion: Fighting the good fight requires us to see ourselves as God sees us! ★ Support this podcast ★

May 26, 2024Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12​And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will crush your head, and you will strike His heel.​ Genesis 3:15​Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.​ Galatians 6:1-3 NLT​ ★ Support this podcast ★

May 19,2024Series: Encountering JesusSermon: Encountering the Power of JesusScripture: John 14:15-20; Acts 1:815 “If you love me, keep my commands.16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”INTRODUCTION: Jesus who saved us also empowers us to live an overcoming life through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The Promise of Holy Spirit (John 14:26)The Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8a)The Purpose of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8b)a. Makes the believer a witness to the world...b. Makes the believer fruitful (Galatians 5:22-23)c. Empowers the believerd. Transforms the believer daily (2 Corinthians 3:18)Conclusion: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? (Ephesians 19:2) ★ Support this podcast ★

May 12, 2024Series: Encountering JesusSermon: Flipping a HouseScripture: John 12:1-8”Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”“‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬Introduction: Our house can become God’s home when we encounter Jesus.Lessons from Mary:Mary’s Attitude…Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume… John 12:3aWorship will cost you something.Mary’s Action…She poured it on Jesus feet and wiped his feet with her hair… John 12:3bWorship is Christ centered.Mary’s Worship (action) flipped the Atmosphere…And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. John 12:3cWorship makes a house God’s home.Conclusion: The attitude and actions of a woman can flip the atmosphere of a house! ★ Support this podcast ★

May 5, 2024Series: Encountering JesusSermon: It’s Never Too Late!”Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”“ ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬An encounter with Jesus has the potential to change our lives forever.Encountering Jesus Defined: is an experience of meeting the living Christ through an event, a person, a prayer, or another circumstance where Jesus reveals his presence.Three things happened when Paul encounter Jesus:Jesus __________ PaulJesus __________ PaulJesus __________ PaulThree things that we learn about about Paul’s Encounter:It’s never too late to __________ Jesus.As long as there is __________ there is __________.God’s grace can __________ anyone. ★ Support this podcast ★

April 28, 2024The Priority of Worship“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” -1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ -Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬“You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside. The enemy of the ‘best is often the ‘good.’” — Stephen Covey.“The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.” -Leviticus‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬“He who sacrifices thank offerings HONOR me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”_ -Psalm 50:23“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” -Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬1“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬“Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’ Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ ★ Support this podcast ★

April 21, 2024Series: This is the lifeSermon: Overcoming AnxietyScripture: Proverbs 12:25 AMP”Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad.“‭INTRODUCTION: If you are weighed down, it’s time to look up! Rejoice when you don’t feel like it…Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice. Phil. 4:4 NIVRejoice Always. 1 Thess. 5:16Pray when you don’t feel like it…Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by pray and petition… Phil. 4:6a NIVPray continually… 1 Thess. 5:17Give thanks when you don’t feel like it…With thanksgiving present your request to God… Phil. 4:6b NIVGive thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Think the right thoughts…Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever, is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8CONCLUSION: Overcoming anxiety requires us to practice the presence of God. ★ Support this podcast ★

April 14, 2024Series: This is the LifeSermon: Understanding Mental HealthScripture: 1 Kings 19:1-5a”Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.Psalm 13…INTRODUCTION: There is hope and healing for those who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and other anguishes of the soul. Mental Health Defined: It's not just the absence of mental illness... Mental health involves having a sound mind, experiencing emotional stability, and cultivating a healthy mindset rooted in God’s truth and love. Mental health involves:1 Nurturing our thoughts2 Managing our feelings3 Aligning our beliefs with biblical principles4 Pursuing wholeness through life in ChristCONCLUSION: ”“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.“‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬We recover our life when we come to Jesus who is the author of life. ★ Support this podcast ★

April 7, 2024Series: This is the lifeSermon: How to Process PainScripture: John 11:32-34 NIV”When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. ‭‭INTRODUCED: Have you ever experienced the drain of pain? How to process pain:Connect or Reconnect with JesusWhen Mary reached the place where Jesus and saw him, she fell at his feet… Vs. 32aHow?A. Prayer and meditationB. Engage God through reading the BibleC. Participate in a community of believersBe Authentic with JesusLord, if you had been here, may brother would not have died. Vs. 32bTake Jesus to the Place of Pain“Where have you laid him?” He asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Vs. 34CONCLUSION: Today, you can trust Jesus with the pain that has become a mental drain. ★ Support this podcast ★

March 31,2024Series: This is the LifeSermon: How to Experience Resurrection Life”Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”“ John 11:1-8 NIVSometimes in life you have to go back before you can move forward. (Mary and Martha had to go back to the tomb of Lazarus).Jesus __________Jesus __________Jesus __________Three Steps to Experiencing Resurrections Life:__________ Jesus__________ Jesus__________ JesusChrist has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. -1 Cor. 15:20 NIV ★ Support this podcast ★

March 29, 2024 Sermon: The Magnetic Force of the CrossScripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-21; TPT “To preach the message of the cross seems like sheer nonsense to those who are on their way to destruction, but to us who are being saved, it is the mighty power of God released within us. For it is written: I will dismantle the wisdom of the wise and I will invalidate the intelligence of the scholars. For in his wisdom, God designed that all the world’s wisdom would be insufficient to lead people to the discovery of himself. He took great delight in baffling the wisdom of the world by using the simplicity of preaching the story of the cross in order to save those who believe it.” INTRODUCTION: When you think of the Cross, what do you think of? The Cross: 1. Pulls me into freedom… “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 NIV 2. Pulls me into a desire for righteousness… ““He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”” 1 Peter 2:24 NIV 3. Pulls me into the love of God… “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”Romans 5:6-8 NIV CONCLUSION: The story of the cross is the story of salvation. He canceled out every legal violation we had on our record and the old arrest warrant that stood to indict us. He erased it all--our sins, our stained soul--he deleted it all and they cannot be retrieved! Everything we once were in Adam has been placed onto his cross and nailed permanently there as a public display of cancellation. -Colossians 2:14 TPT ★ Support this podcast ★

March 24, 2024Series: Jesus the BridgeSermon: Giving an Invitation”Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.“ ‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬”Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”“ ‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭39‬-‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬Invitations have:Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah? (John 4:29)Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)Remember, your testimony and the invitations have purpose, power, and potential. ★ Support this podcast ★

March 17, 2024Jesus the Bridge: Removing BarriersSeries: JesusSermon: Jesus the Bridge: Removing Barriers”The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”“ John‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬The Barrier…The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? John 4:9aThe Background…For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. John 4:9bThe Bridge…Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water. John 4:10How to be the BRIDGE?Be willing to go __________ of your __________.Be willing to __________ ethnic and gender __________.Be willing to __________ your __________.Like Jesus, we must be the bridge to people that are far from God. ★ Support this podcast ★

March 10, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the BridgeScripture: John 4:1-8”Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)“‭‭INTRODUCTION: Bridge builders are willing to follow the Holy Spirit into the mission field. Our mission is the connect ALL people to the person, power, and purpose of Jesus. Two things needed to build a bridge:A. Time… Jesus sat down by the well. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. John 4:6B. Talk…Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”CONCLUSION: Are we willing to BE THE BRIDGE and take time and talk to someone about Jesus or invite them to church? ★ Support this podcast ★

March 3, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the Generous One: Part 3Scripture: Malachi 3:6-10 & 2 Corinthians 8:76 “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.INTRODUCTION: Don’t rob God of the opportunity to bless you. DID YOU KNOW THE TITHE IS A TEST? 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)If Jesus said you ought to tithe in the New Testament, would you do it?“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of you spices- mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law- justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter (Justice, mercy, faithfulness) without neglecting the former (tithing). (Matthew 23:23) Will a man rob God?Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. (Malachi 3:8a)How do we rob God? “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’“In tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:8b)Will we give God an opportunity to continue bless us?”Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.“‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬”Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.“‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬CONCLUSION: If Bridge Church is going to excel in it's mission, we collectively must excel in the GRACE of GIVING! ★ Support this podcast ★

February 25, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the Generous One: Part 2Scripture: Matthew 23:23-2423 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."INTRODUCTION: Money will either master you or you will master Money! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24 NIV)Prioritize Your Money:(Dave Ramsey) TitheExpensesEmergency Fund (1K)Retire DebtInvestPut God First: But see first the his kingdom, and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)Tithe = a tenthTithing is returning the FIRST 10% of our income to God's house.The tithe belongs to The Lord... Lev. 27:30Tithing is giving God my First and Best so He can BLESS the rest.Put God to the Test:Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10 NIV)Tithing Statistics:5% of churchgoers tithe (Church Development).1.5 million people tithe out of the 247 million U.S. citizens identifying as Christians (Sharefaith).77% of tithers give more than 10% (Health Research Funding).CONCLUSION: Today, choose faith over fear and begin to trust God with the tithe. ★ Support this podcast ★

February 18,2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the Generous OneScripture: Ephesians 5:1-2Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and GAVE himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.INTRODUCTION: Jesus modeled generosity and calls his followers to be generous also.Jesus was generous when he encountered human need.When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:13-14 NIV)Jesus was generous when it didn't benefit him personally. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (Ephesians 5:2 The Message Bible)Jesus was generous with the right attitude. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets... (Matthew 6:2 NIV)CONCLUSION: For God so loved the world that he gave... (John 3:16 NIV) Giving flows from a generous heart. ★ Support this podcast ★

February 11, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the Coming OneScripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ” Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. “1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV INTRODUCTION: Today, the uninformed will be informed and those who are unready can get ready for JESUS THE COMING ONE! The Return…Jesus "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. (Matthew 25:10 NIV) The Lord himself will come down from heaven… (1 Thess. 4:16 NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. (10) They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. (11) Men of Galilee, they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, WILL come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11 NIV) The Ready…Wise Ready def.: Fully prepared. The virgins who were ready went in with him (JESUS) to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. (Matt. 25:10 NIV) The Unready…Foolish Unready def.: Not prepared for a situation. Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you; I don’t know you.’ “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. “ (Matthew 25:11-13 NIV) CONCLUSION: Considering Jesus’ returning, we need to get ready and live ready! Ready or not here Jesus comes! "Look he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierce him; and all the people on earth "will mourn because of him." So shall it be amen." (Revelation 1:7 NIV) ★ Support this podcast ★

February 4, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the RevealerScripture: Hebrews 1:1-3”In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.“‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬INTRODUCTION: The “R” in GLORY stands for Revealer. The Heart of God…Jesus Wept. John 11:35As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it… Luke 19:41The Hand of God…”Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.“‭‭Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬”When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.“‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭50‬ ‭NIV‬‬”So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”“‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬The Hope of Glory…”To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.“‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬CONCLUSION: The glory of God is man fully alive in Christ. ★ Support this podcast ★

January 28, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the FinisherScripture: Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV”Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.“‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NKJV‬‬INTRODUCTION:If we want Jesus to finish the work of faith in our lives, we must continue to look to him.Jesus is the author of our faith.Significant Numbers for 2023:- 430 professions of faith- 101 Baptized- 1780 First Time GuestJesus is responsible to finish our faith.Core Values & 2024 Vision Goals:Know God:- First Time Guest: 2250- Salvations: 550- Baptisms: 150Find Freedom:- Small Group: 50% Adults Involved- Recruit and Train New Small Group Leaders- Connection Events: One NightsDiscover Purpose:- Start Point Revamped: 250- School of Ministry: 20 StudentsOur responsibility is to continue to look unto Jesus.Look: look and keep on looking; a continual and ongoing process; observe, discern, and perceive…Three things happen when we fix our eyes on Jesus:”Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us… Hebrews 12:11. The weight that drags us down is removed.2. Sin loses its dominion over us.3. We run the race of faith with endurance.CONCLUSION: Finished faith is developed through continually focusing on Jesus. ★ Support this podcast ★

January 21, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the ServantScripture: ‭‭Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭42‬-‭45‬ ‭NIV”Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”“‬‬Tagline: The same yesterday, today, and forever.INTRODUCTION: If serving is below you, then leadership is beyond you.Our God is a servant God.-Henri NouwenThe Anatomy of a Servant: AttitudeAttitude: a settled way of thinking. ”Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,“‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬ ‭NASBAltitudeAltitude: the height of an object.”Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”“‭‭Mark‬ ‭9‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬Jesus humbled himself.Philippians 2:8AptitudeAptitude: a natural ability to do something. ”We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.“‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬CONCLUSION: Are you willing to pick up to the towel of service? ★ Support this podcast ★

January 14, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the BuilderScripture: Matthew 16:13-19When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 “But what about you?”he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will beloosed in heaven.”INTRODUCTION: Not only is Jesus the foundation of the Church but he is also the builder. ”Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”‭‭Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬How does Jesus build his church? ”So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up“‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬”From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.“‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬Jesus builds his church through: Anointed Preachers ”How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?“‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬Anointed People”As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.“‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬Anointed Places”And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”“‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬CONCLUSION: The church that Jesus is building the “gates of hell” will not be able to stop it! ★ Support this podcast ★

January 7, 2024Series: JesusSermon: Jesus the AuthorScripture: Philippians 1:6 NIV & Hebrews 12:1-3 NKJV6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. INTRODUCTION: The gospel is not just something we know but something that we become! Becoming what God wants us to become in 2024 requires:Confidence in the Author... (Phil. 1:6)Focus on the Author... (Hebrews 12:2)Acknowledge the Author... (Hebrew 12:3)CONCLUSION: It's time to turn the page and begin a new chapter in the book that God is authoring called your life! ★ Support this podcast ★