BridgePoint Church Podcast

<p>In this first message in our new series "When We Give," we explore the connection between our financial stewardship and our spiritual lives. Pastor Tyler delves into the Biblical principles of money management, emphasizing that our approach to finances should reflect our trust and surrender to God's will. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural references, including a deep dive into Malachi 3, the message challenges us to view our possessions and financial decisions as integral to our spiritual obedience and relationship with God. Join us as we uncover how embracing God's guidance on finances can lead to greater spiritual fulfillment and freedom.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What challenges do you face when trying to align your financial practices with biblical teachings, and how do you address them?</p><p>• Reflect on a time when you felt God guiding your financial decisions. How did that experience impact your understanding of stewardship?</p>

<p>Through the Resurrection of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, God has freed us to be a new kind of people who live a different kind of life together. This life is one of growth into people who reflect the image of Jesus to the world in what we do and say. It's also a life where we get to choose to either embrace the changes that God will use to grow us, or run back to the comfort of what we've always done and end up living a lesser version of the story of life God has created, Jesus has freed, and the Spirit has empowered us to live.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you ever been part of a group that felt "united" like Luke's description of the followers of Jesus in Acts 4:32?</p><p>• Which of Brad's practical steps (Who, Do, New) do you think will be the most difficult or easiest for you to practice this week?</p>

<p>In this next message from our "What's Next" series, we delve into the powerful narrative of Acts 3, where faith and action converge in the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth. Gabe explores how the apostles Peter and John use their faith in Jesus Christ to bring physical healing and spiritual renewal. This message unpacks the significance of trusting in God’s timing and receiving His gifts of power and grace.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• In what ways can we, like Peter and John, use what we have been given by God to make a difference in the lives of others around us? How can we apply this lesson to our everyday interactions?</p><p>• Acts 3 highlights the power of God working through the apostles to perform miracles. How can we cultivate a greater awareness and expectation of God's presence and power in our own lives and communities?</p>

<p>When the Holy Spirit shows up, His presence brings HIs power, and that's exactly what we see recorded in Acts chapter 2. The Holy Spirit comes and the disciples begin gaining strength to share the good news about Jesus. By the Spirit's work, people were "cut to the heart" by what they were hearing and many turned to faith in Jesus as Lord. The beauty of what God was doing was accentuated by the response of those beginning a new faith: they started forming a new community that lived for awe of God. The early church reminds us that, as believers, we were made for a new community that helps us get closer to God as His Spirit works. What is discovered in faith communities happens to be a value of our church: we are better together!</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Are you in awe of God regularly?</p><p>• How do you remain devoted to the new community where our new life in Jesus is most powerfully shaped?</p>

<p>Joining with believers around the world, this message is intended to join the global celebration of the historical resurrection! Jesus is alive! Tyler takes us back to that first easter morning, originally sad, dark and hopeless, until Jesus followers looked into His empty tomb. They were moved to belief, and resolved to share the message of salvation. The empty tomb means death is defeated and a life to the full is possible for us. Tyler wonders with us how long it took the disciples to remember Jesus' invitation to save their lives by "losing" theirs. In other words, the empty tomb is the invitation to surrender to Almighty God all the things we look to as "gain" in this world at the expense of our souls because of sin. Therefore, we anchor our hope to Jesus' resurrection as the source of the life we are longing for in Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Are there things, patterns, people, places, etc. that are examples of dead things you go back to in search of a meaningful life?</p><p>• What is God inviting you to surrender to Jesus to experience new resurrected life with Him?</p>

<p>Today Tyler's message revolves around embracing the perceived weakness of the cross and finding eternal strength in it. It recounts the events of Palm Sunday and Jesus's crucifixion, highlighting the shift in perception from adoration to condemnation. It's crazy to think the sinless Savior died a criminal's death. And for his followers, friends, and family it felt like everything had just unravelled. The whole plan had just fallen apart because how could Jesus be King of Kings if he was dead? Don't we often look into our lives through the lens of faith and see weaknesses as obstacles, too? Tyler reminds us that what was perceived as the world's greatest humiliation or failure was actually the exact opposite: a divine plan being executed in full strength. And it's His strength that is enough in our weakness, if we'll lay it all down at the cross.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>* What are the common ways you work to cover your weaknesses instead of surrendering them to Jesus?</p><p>* What scares you the most about confessing weaknesses to God or others?</p>

<p>Jesus repeatedly reminds the disciples to stay awake while he is praying in the garden. This is a reminder for us today to stay awake and alert so we don’t miss out on what God is doing/getting ready to do. We do this by doing what Jesus tells us, praying even nothing is happening, and laying down what causes us to go back to sleep. </p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you stopped praying? If so why?</p><p>• What do you need to give up that’s causing you to sleep on what God might be trying to do?</p>

<p>Who is Jesus and what does it mean to follow Him? These are the questions that are explored today as Pastor Travis looks to Jesus’ message to His disciples in Luke 9:18-25. Jesus has a plan for redeeming our lives and the path to get there involves the same path Jesus walked down as He made His way to the cross. Although upside down from our cultures perspective, Jesus invites us to experience new life by way of self-denial and sacrifice.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Who is Jesus to you and what does that mean for your everyday life?</p><p>• In what ways does self-denial and self-sacrifice challenge you and what are you being asked to surrender or empty in your life to be able to pickup your cross and follow?</p>

<p>To wrap up this series, we'll look at the three primary characters in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Jesus told this parable to teach us more about the heart of God the Father. In today's message, the party for the younger son begins, but not everyone is feeling like a party. The older son of the Father protests. What we discover is that while the older son did go and squander money or live recklessly, he still missed the heart of the Father. The older son was busy doing things in the Father's house, but still hadn't experienced the Father's love. He was lukewarm, neither fully on fire in the Father's love or ice cold to the Father, and it was a sad place to be because nearness to the Father was strictly about obligation and it was absent of joy. </p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you ever found yourself expecting something from God because of what you've done for Him?</p><p>• How do we prevent becoming lukewarm in our faith and how do we know it's starting to happen?</p>

<p>In this message, Tyler explores the timeless parable of the prodigal son, shedding light on its relevance in our lives today. Through this narrative, we're reminded that our journey back to God isn't met with judgment but with a celebration of our return. Tyler's insights challenge us to reconsider our perceptions of divine love, encouraging us to take the steps necessary to rekindle our relationship with the Father. Join us as we delve into understanding the depth of God's welcoming embrace.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Reflect on the parable of the prodigal son we're studying. Why do you think Jesus chose this story, and how does it challenge or affirm your expectations of acceptance?</p><p>• Tyler listed several guests at the table, The Unwanted,The Paralyzed, The Undesirable, The Defiled, Those In Bondage, The Prodigal Son. Which guest do you identify with, and how has that influenced your way of connecting with or showing gratitude to God?</p>

<p>In this message Travis launches us into a new series that we are calling Pursuit. He teaches on the transformative journey of the prodigal son to illustrate the depth of God's grace and acceptance. Through a personal anecdote of getting lost in a race, he draws parallels to our spiritual wanderings and the unchanging embrace of God's love, even when we feel distant. This message is a powerful reminder that our missteps do not define us; instead, we are welcomed back with open arms, invited to rediscover a love that never turns us away. Join us as we explore the profound truth that we are lost, but never rejected.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• How can sharing our own stories of feeling 'lost' help strengthen our community and foster a deeper understanding of God's grace?</p><p>• Consider the role of forgiveness in your life. How does forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness, relate to the theme of returning home in the prodigal son's story?</p>

<p>The message concludes a series on Joseph, emphasizing learning to experience God through brokenness. It highlights Joseph's journey of maintaining integrity despite adversity, relying on God beyond outcomes, and seeking God's goodness in life's challenges. Joseph's story, particularly his forgiveness of his brothers and recognition of God's hand in his trials, serves as a model for forgiveness, trust in God's plan, and the power of redemption. The message encourages embracing God's forgiveness and extending it to oneself, others, and reconciling misplaced expectations of God, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness in healing and renewing broken lives.</p><p><br></p><p>Tyler references a previous message, The Freedom of Forgiveness, you can watch it here: <a href="https://youtu.be/Oz50ZZr8Rrc?si=XSmDMvR-FazFm3qe" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/Oz50ZZr8Rrc?si=XSmDMvR-FazFm3qe</a></p><p><br></p><p> Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What about Joseph's story and what we've learned has meant the most to you in your faith journey?</p><p>• Who is it in your life is it time to begin to work toward forgiveness?</p>

<p>In this message from our series on Joseph, Tyler reflects on significant, hopeful moments in Joseph's life, emphasizing God's ability to use every situation for good. Despite Joseph's trials, his rise to prominence in Egypt at thirty years old exemplifies how our journeys, no matter how challenging, are never wasted but woven into God's greater plan. This message invites us to actively seek and acknowledge God's presence and goodness in the everyday fabric of our lives, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence through all circumstances.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you found yourself in a circumstance or season where you were tempted to believe there was no goodness of God to be found?</p><p>• Are there some circumstances or seasons that you can now look back on and see how God used some ugly circumstances for a beautiful finished story?</p>

<p>In this conversation Travis and Curtis explore the journey of faith during life's unexpected halts. Drawing inspiration from Joseph's story, this message delves into the importance of remaining steadfast in trust and faithfulness, even when our own plans face interruptions. We'll uncover how every circumstance can be a stepping stone in God's grand design, encouraging us to see beyond immediate setbacks and embrace the growth and opportunities that lie in God's process.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• How have you experienced God's presence and guidance during a time when your personal plans were put on pause? Reflect on the emotions and lessons learned during this period.</p><p>• In what ways can maintaining faithfulness during times of pause transform our understanding of God's process? How might such experiences might deepen our trust in God's timing over our own?</p>

<p>In this message, we explore Joseph's life journey, a narrative of dramatic shifts between triumphs and setbacks. Joseph's steadfast commitment to integrity is a focal point, even in the face of adversity. Tyler explains the concept of integrity, aligning it with God's power and presence in our lives. He points out that during our own difficult times, holding onto integrity can lead us to blessings, steering us away from the temptation to find wrong solutions to our problems. This sermon sheds light on the importance of upholding integrity through life's unpredictable moments.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Do you find that you more commonly react in the moment, or do you tend to take a beat to respond? Why?</p><p>• Can you think of a moment when you forfeited your integrity in the midst of a tough time? How did that turn out and what can you learn from it?</p>

<p>In this new series, we'll be working our way through a character study of Joseph from Genesis. This message is intended to kick off the series by covering both the beginning and end of Joseph's story. What happens in between is the mystery of God working through broken stories, like mine and yours. Tyler reminds us to consider our own stories. The series on Joseph will be a call to dream and believe again. Why? Because, as we're going to discover throughout this series, God doesn't waste a broken story, which means God won't waste your life. But if you try to figure it out by yourself, you'll miss how Jesus is trying to transform you!</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection?</p><p>• In what ways has "the dream" for your life not gone according to "the plan"?</p><p>• Have you ever (or are you now) tempted to give up on your dreams or your faith? </p><p>• What is stopping you from experiencing God at work in your life?</p>

<p>In this message, Tyler builds upon our New Year's Eve message, inviting us to consider what God is calling us into this year. He emphasizes that God invites us to participate in His transformative work, both within us and in our communities. Drawing on Jesus' teachings, Tyler highlights the contrast between old and new, illustrating how Jesus' arrival ushers in a superior way of life. This message serves as a powerful reminder that embracing God's new path for us often requires letting go of the old, a journey worth undertaking because of the unparalleled goodness of Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What is God inviting you into this year?</p><p>• What are some of the "old ways/habits" it is time to let go of to receive the new?</p>

<p>As we close out the year, it’s time to reflect on God’s transformative work in our lives. Revisiting meaningful messages from the past 12 months, this message calls us to remember key teachings about worship, grace, purpose, and love. Additionally we can take a moment to ask ourselves the questions: Where are we spiritually? What is God inviting us into next? </p><p>Let’s reflect and prepare to take intentional steps with Him into 2024.</p>

<p>In this message we look at how to experience God's peace beyond understanding. The key lies in letting go of our need to control. As we celebrate Christmas, it's important to remember that true peace comes from trusting God's plan, not in managing every detail of our lives. Join us as we explore how the birth of Jesus teaches us to trust in God's guidance, helping us find peace amidst the holiday bustle and in every aspect of our lives.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What circumstances in your life are currently robbing you of peace?</p><p>• How can letting go of the need to control our circumstances this Christmas help us experience a deeper sense of peace? </p>

<p>The "good news of great joy" declared at Jesus' birth is far more than fleeting happiness. Biblical joy is soul-deep contentment that comes from trusting God in every circumstance. Though Jesus endured the agony of the cross, he modeled how we can choose enduring joy because of God's love and sovereignty. When we behold the miracle of Christ's birth, we discover a reservoir of joy that can transform how we walk through daily life, no matter our present troubles. Christmas invites us to embrace Jesus as the source of joy that never runs dry.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• How do the dictionary definition and the biblical concept of joy differ, and how does it change your ideas of joy?</p><p>• What is a circumstance in your life where God is inviting you to receive His joy in the midst of it? How would that change your perspective in that circumstance?</p>

<p>The heart of this Christmas series is to make sure we SEE IT - the biblical meaning behind "behold." In this message, Tyler reminds us that Christmas is about love. One of the foundational aspects of our faith is that God incarnated, born into His creation. That's hard to fathom, but the reason why is even more unfathomable: His love for you. Jesus came to rescue us from sin and death, and to see Jesus is to see love in action. "Long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth." You are never alone and never unloved. Who needs to experience the love of God through you this Christmas season?</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• In what ways are you still trying to earn God's love or acceptance? Why do you think it’s so hard to simply embrace His unconditional love demonstrated at Christmas?</p><p>• Who needs to experience God's love through you this Christmas? How can you reflect the grace and understanding Christ modeled by dwelling among us?</p>

<p>Former Bridgepoint staff member and Lead Pastor of City Light Church, Brennan Washington, returns to preach on the nature of biblical hope. He explains how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's long-held promises to bring hope to the world, contrasting worldly wishful thinking with scriptural confident expectation. Brennan shows how God's faithfulness throughout history should build our trust and hope in Christ. He urges us to find hope in Jesus in every life situation rather than despair.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Can you relate to feeling stuck between expectation and revelation? What promises of God are you waiting on?</p><p>• When have you practically experienced the hope that Brennan describes - confident expectation rather than wishful thinking - in your own life? What did that look like? How were you able to maintain real hope rather than just positivity?</p><p><br></p>

<p>We often allow our circumstances and past experiences to define us. Just like the man in this passage who was paralyzed for 38 years, we can get stuck in an identity shaped by what we cannot do or overcome on our own. Our impossibilities form our excuses. But Jesus sees beyond these excuses and false identities. He asks, “Would you like to get well?” inviting us into a new identity grounded in His grace, not our limitations.</p><p><br></p><p>When Jesus said “stand up and walk” to the man, He gave Him a new identity not constrained by the past 38 years. The man’s old identity said “I can’t.” His new identity enabled him to stand up and walk in grace and healing. What excuses is your identity making that keep you from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace? Don’t let the “I can'ts” define you. Jesus is ready to give you a new identity as He calls you to rise up in faith and walk transformed into His freedom and purpose.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What are some common "if only" statements we tell ourselves? How can we remind each other that God's grace covers it all?</p><p>• When have you related to feeling stuck in an undesirable circumstance in life? What did it look like to wait upon God's grace in that season?</p><p>• What are some ways Jesus gives us identity and purpose beyond our past? How can we encourage one another to embrace the new life Christ offers?</p>

<p>In this final message on 1 Corinthians, Tyler focuses on chapter 15, which Paul used as the glue holding his letter together. Paul's point: Jesus' resurrection anchors everything in our faith. Many eyewitnesses saw Jesus die and come back to life. This pivotal event changes everything - it proves Jesus defeated sin and death!</p><p><br></p><p>The resurrection invites us to find new life in Christ today. Do we embrace this gift? Or do we struggle to know what to do with this history-altering truth? Tyler reminds us that because Jesus lives, we can face any challenge with hope. His resurrection doesn't erase pain, but gives us purpose, peace, and power to endure.</p><p><br></p><p>Though written long ago, Paul's words still speak today. We serve a risen Savior who walks with us through every valley. Our faith can be anchored in the hope of Christ's empty tomb.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Do you have any doubts or skepticism about Jesus' resurrection? What evidence speaks loudest to you - for or against? How could fully believing this change your perspective?</p><p>• What areas feel "dead" or hopeless in your life right now? How can you invite Jesus into those spaces to bring new life and transformation?</p><p>• If you truly believed Jesus rose and lives today, how would that change how you live starting tomorrow? What new courage or purpose might it give you?</p>

<p>In this timely message, Pastor Tyler unpacks 1 Corinthians 12 to address how churches can thrive today. He explains that God has gifted each believer - despite their differences - to serve others in love. Unity in diversity displays Christ's power.</p><p><br></p><p>The key is moving from passivity to actively investing our gifts. Pastor Tyler challenges spectators to take next steps of service. He stresses that when each person uses their abilities to help others encounter Jesus, the church fully thrives. This ancient letter still speaks truth - we must mature from self-focus to putting love into action. Our world desperately needs the hope embodied in a church unified by faith, hope and love.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What do you feel like is your giftedness to offer the church? How do you use that gift?</p><p>• What is a next step you can take to put love into action?</p>

<p>Knowledge vs. Love: Which One Builds Up the Church?</p><p>In this message, Tyler unpacks a heated debate in the early church - should believers eat meat sacrificed to idols or not? He explores how Paul rebuked both sides, not for being wrong, but for puffing themselves up with knowledge rather than building up the church in love. </p><p>This message challenges us to consider how we use our own knowledge of faith. Do we value being right over people? Or do we live like Jesus, who served us in love when we were at our worst? </p><p>Get ready to look inward and examine if your knowledge builds up or tears down. You'll be inspired to walk in greater love and unity with fellow believers.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you experienced or have you ever placed "unwritten rules" on other people following Jesus? How did that turn out?</p><p>• As you evaluate your interactions with others, does your knowledge puff you up or help you build others up?</p>

<p>Does God care about what we do with our bodies? In this conversation, Pastors Travis and Brad explore what Scripture teaches in 1 Corinthians about honoring God with our bodies. God created us for a purpose - to reflect His image through how we live. Our choices matter, including those regarding sexuality and relationships. The conversation reminds us that Jesus provides redemption, healing, and an invitation into God's truth and goodness. No matter our past, we can live in light of our identity in Christ. As believers, our unity is found in Christ alone. We are called to holy lives that point others to Him. The big idea is that we honor God most when we steward our bodies according to His wise and loving design.</p><p><br></p><p>Parental discretion is advised.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>In light of Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians on honoring God with our bodies and maintaining unity in Christ, consider:</p><p>• How can I reflect Christ's love to someone in a practical way this week?</p><p>• What's one way I can honor God with my body and live a holy life?</p>

<p>In this message Pastor Travis teaches that the church should be set apart by its unity in Jesus Christ and him crucified. The gospel message should be the center of the church's identity, not the packaging, personalities, or preferences that divide people. He encourages the church not to focus on differences in doctrine, denominations, or styles, but on the unifying power of the cross. The message calls the church to come together around its shared identity and mission in Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What common ground do you share with those around you? What unique gifts or experiences set you apart? How does following Jesus shape your ability to connect across differences and build unity?</p><p>• What specific actions can you take to foster greater unity within your church community through intentional service, connection, and worship?</p>

<p>In this final message of our "Radical" series, we revisit Jesus' radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Though countercultural in his day and ours, Jesus calls us to live differently by knowing God intimately. More than admirable behaviors, Jesus invites us into personal relationship with Him and the Father. When we are deeply known and loved by God, we are freed to live wholeheartedly for Him.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Do you find yourself working for God more than working with God? What's the difference?</p><p>• Do you believe that God wants to know you and for you to know Him? What does that mean to you?</p>

<p>In this week's sermon Tyler continue's through our series looking at some of the radical teachings of Jesus during his "Sermon on the Mount". Today's teaching would have probably sent shock waves through the crowd, as Jesus introduce something that to that point in history had never been a thing: knowing and calling God as Father. Suddenly the Almighty was introduced to be someone very near, very personal, and very close. What would it mean to you if you could know God like that?</p>

<p>In this message Tyler tackles one of Jesus' most challenging teachings - to love our enemies. This radical call to unconditional love cuts against our natural instincts. But it's the mark of a true Jesus-follower. When we love those who hurt or oppose us, our hearts start to align with God's heart of love.</p><p><br></p><p>This message is a powerful reminder that God doesn't just love the people on "His side." He loves ALL people - even those who reject Him. We're called to have that same boundless love.</p><p><br></p><p>Loving our enemies is not accepting abuse, but seeing the humanity in those who have wronged us. It's fighting with love rather than harm. This kind of supernatural love has the power to change our lives and our world. But it requires total dependence on God.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Has there been a time you experienced unconditional love from someone? What impact did it have?</p><p>• How have you wrestled with Jesus' teaching to love your enemies? What makes it difficult?</p>

<p>In the message "The Truth About Pleasing God," Pastor Tyler examines Jesus' radical teachings on righteousness and what is truly required of his followers. Exploring key passages from the Sermon on the Mount, Tyler unpacks how Christ changed the standard from outward actions to inward motives rooted in love. Through compelling stories and examples, he illustrates how cultivating loving hearts is God's focus—not just rule-following behavior. This message encourages serious evaluation of our intentions and a life fully surrendered to God's radical love shown to others. Walk through important Bible truths as Tyler tackles questions many ponder: what moves our motivations, and how can we live loved through radical change?</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Tyler talked about our culture often focusing more on self-preservation than service. Where have you seen examples of this mindset in your own life or society? How can we shift toward cultivating hearts of love instead?</p><p>• Using the examples of his children's apologies, Tyler illustrated how it's easy to concentrate on proper behavior over sincere change. When have you caught yourself in this trap - and how can you develop motives aligned with "what does love require"?</p>

<p>Ready to discover true happiness? In the launch of the new "Radical" series, Pastor Travis delves into Jesus' surprising definition of blessing found in the famous Beatitudes. He challenges conventional views of fulfillment and meaning, encouraging us to see through Jesus' eyes rather than the world's. Gain fresh perspective on finding lasting joy as Travis unpacks a message that shifts focus from fleeting pleasures to deep relationships and God's grace. Walk away with insights that may inspire reevaluating your journey. Don't miss this timely talk exploring the counterintuitive path to blessing revealed through Christ's radical yet transformative teachings.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• I’m what ways does the life Jesus describes in the Beatitudes confront the way you have viewed the world and the life you have pursued?</p><p>• How is God calling you to see a radically different view of what it means to be blessed, and how does that change your everyday life and interactions?</p>

<p>In life we should be constantly asking ourselves, “What do we want?” In mark 10, we discover from Bartimaeus’ encounter with Jesus that in order to get what we want, we need to look at both what we are doing and where we are going.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Is what are you doing and where you are going in life helping you get closer to what you want?</p><p>• If not, what needs to change?</p><p><br></p>

<p>In the final message of our "Worship" series, Tyler explores the impactful story of a sinful woman finding freedom through worshipping Jesus. Through tears of gratitude, she washes his feet - an act that has echoed through the ages. Tyler draws powerful parallels for our lives today. What might it look like for each of us to authentically bring our brokenness before God?</p><p><br></p><p>Through compelling illustrations from Scripture, we see how worship strengthens our faith and draws seekers to the Savior. Whether singing praise or simply kneeling in His presence, true worship requires understanding the depth of God's forgiveness and grace. Tyler encourages the congregation to actively build one another up through shared celebration.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you made expressing your love for God a priority in your life?</p><p>• Can you name an instance where someone else's worship (songs, message, or action) had an impact on you?</p>

<p>Our hearts are constantly misshaped outside of God. But worship reforms our hearts by recentering them on Him. This message explores worship as the antidote to anxiety, as we prioritize the spiritual and surrender control to God. Discover the power of transforming worship that honors God and reforms your heart toward His purposes.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What worries or struggles are you holding onto that God is asking you to surrender to Him through worship?</p><p>• Who can you invite to walk alongside you as you learn to trust God more through transformational worship?</p>

<p>In this message, Tyler builds on the worship series by emphasizing that worship is ingrained in us because we are made in God's image. But the deceiver tries to twist our worship instinct and cause us to prioritize other people, places, ideas or things over God. Tyler warns that it's easy to slip into worshiping idols instead of God without even realizing it. We were designed to find satisfaction in God alone, but false idols always leave us empty. This message is a reminder to carefully examine where we misplace worship and to realign our hearts to worship God ultimately.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• What are the things in your life that can often take the priority place in your heart?</p><p>• What do you need to do to tear down or remove those things from God's place?</p>

<p>Sometimes we really box in our understanding of worship. In today's message Tyler reminds us that actually, everything is worship! All of creation worships, but mankind is the only one that can choose to not worship God. So do you worship? Because Tyler also leaves us with a caution: everything can be worship, but so can nothing if your hearts are far from Him. How well are you doing giving your life back to God as your worship of Him?</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• How does the idea that everything can be worship change your perspective on worship?</p><p>• Is there any part of your life that you've been keeping from God? Is it time to surrender it in worship?</p>

<p>Is Jesus the only way to Heaven? In our modern culture especially, this question can often feel pretty heavy. Jesus' exact words in John 14:6 spell out the answer to that question in no uncertain terms: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." It's worth taking a moment to process exactly what He means, why He made such an exclusive statement, and the implications of that on our regular lives. What we discover is a God of radical love who wants to be known by all people and who welcomes all into His family through Christ's sacrifice. Jesus' way, while appearing exclusive, turns out to be an exclusively inclusive offer of radical grace and acceptance after all.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Why does it often feel so bad when we read that Jesus says He is the only way to God? Why does that bother us?</p><p>• What do we discover about God's heart for people from this message?</p>

<p>Where does evil come from? This video explores the origin of evil according to Genesis - how Adam and Eve's disobedience brought evil into the world. See how God grieved humanity's broken relationship with Him, but rather than abandoning His creation, He provided a covering for their shame and a promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. Discover the redemptive story woven into Scripture from the beginning and how God's grace triumphs over the evil that entered through humankind's free will to choose sin.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Where have you chosen disobedience over obedience to God in your own life? What were the consequences?</p><p>• How have you experienced evil and suffering in the world and how did you respond? Did it drive you towards God or away from Him?</p><p>• What areas of brokenness do you need to lay before God today and trust His redemptive power and love?</p>

<p>The Bible is a big book full of stories that really tell a single, better story of the world and our place in it; a story defined by God's loving work in Jesus Christ on behalf of a broken humanity seemingly trapped in distorted, lesser stories of life. </p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• When you think about the Bible, what word of phrase comes to mind? </p><p>• If the Bible is God's story that we are drawn up into by what Jesus has done for us, what would it look like for the story of your life to be re-worked around God's better story of love?</p>

<p>Does God exist? Is there purpose to life? These are some of the questions that have been debated since the beginning of time. In todays message, Travis looks to the Creation story in Genesis to explore the life we have been given and what it means to live in relation to our Creator.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• How does the Biblical account of creation point to the order and purpose of creation and the life we have been given?</p><p>• What does it look like to ‘come alive’ in relationship with Jesus? How does Jesus satisfy the longing within your soul and who around you needs to hear that message?</p>

<p>Have you ever wondered what it means to be free or what freedom looks like in your life? In todays message, Travis looks to Galatians 5 to suggest a distinctly Christian view of freedom that is leads focused on personal rights and individualism and more to do with what we use our freedom for.</p><p><br></p>

<p>This is a check yourself opportunity that might be a little hard to spot in ourselves. Does your life reflect a posture of entitlement or generosity? Modern day life doesn't position itself to put others first, but isn't that exactly what we experienced in the love and grace and of God? Tyler takes us to a principle that Paul teaches: sow sparingly will reap sparingly, but sow bountifully and reap bountifully. This is not a message about money, it's a posture of our hearts, and God loves a cheerful giver.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Does your heart tend to reflect a posture of entitlement or generosity?</p><p>• When it comes to the things of God, do you tend to see a sparse "harvest" or a bountiful "harvest"? </p>

<p>In this message, Tyler picks up from last week's message where Paul specifically says we should forgive as we have been forgiven. That's easier said than done and has the potential to stir up plenty in our hearts. In this message, Tyler walks us through some very practical realities about what forgiveness is and what it isn't. Have you been forgiven by God? It's freeing and available. Are there some people that need to be forgiven by you? It's freeing, even if difficult. We need to check our hearts to make sure we aren't getting stuck in the past due to hurts or offenses we've experienced along the way. Forgiven people forgive, and are freed from being stuck in hurt.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Is there anything in your heart that needs to be released to God?</p><p>• Is there anything you need to confess to God and receive His forgiveness for?</p>

<p>Jesus said the Greatest Commandment was to love God with everything we've got. He then said the second is similar: love others as we love ourselves. What do your interactions with others reflect about the way you are both loving God and receiving His love? Tyler teaches that our goal is to imitate the love of God, but that's not out of obligation. When we are secure in our identity as deeply loved children of God, it frees us to live and love because of whose we are, a people with nothing to prove and nothing to lose.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Are there any warning signs that you need to pay attention to in your interactions with others?</p><p>• What does that warning sign suggest about how you're receiving God's love in that area of your life?</p>

<p>Launching our new sermon series 'Check Yourself', Tyler presents us with the Big Question: Are there any warning signs in your faith journey that demand attention? This cautionary note reflects a concern that, if ignored, these warnings could potentially result in a spiritual derailment. Rooted in the wisdom of Proverbs, we're reminded to 'Guard your heart.' In tune with the Big Idea, it's understood that drifting closer to God isn't a natural occurrence—it requires a commitment. It takes earnest effort to experience the profound grace of Jesus. Start this compelling journey with us and discover how to recognize these spiritual warning signs, prevent wreckage, and draw closer to God through a dedicated faith journey.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Are there any warning sings that you need to pay attention to in your faith journey?</p><p>• What things are you doing spiritually that actively help you get closer to God?</p>

<p>As we conclude this series, Tyler imparts a final lesson on understanding God's will: it's all about remembering. He relates an Old Testament story where the Israelites used a unique method to ensure they'd never forget their experience with God. In our lives, it's easy to get consumed by immediate troubles and overlook God's enduring strength. By recalling instances of God's past support, we can gain the confidence to trust His guidance in our present situations.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Have you had an experience or an encounter with God that has shaped you?</p><p>• What, if anything, do you do to capture or remember the evidences of God's work around us on a regular basis?</p>

<p>In this message Gabe continues our Know God's Will series with a message on praise. Often times we can overcomplicate things as we seek God's will for a specific situation. Is God's will just another option to choose from, or could it be that it’s the option and source of satisfaction we’ve been longing for? Praise adjusts our hearts and realigns our will with God’s so that His desires become our desires.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Do you find God's will hard to understand? How does it help to know that God's main plan, according to Ephesians 1:3-14, is to bring everyone into a relationship with Him through Jesus?</p><p>• Praise aids in aligning our will with God's. How can you be more intentional about praising God this week?</p>

<p>In this message, Tyler jumps off by asking the question he ended with last week: "What is God asking you to do?" This question is central to our quest to understand God's will. If we believe that God's desire for us is to live an abundant life, free from waste and full of purpose, then it's essential to realize that understanding His will comes in steps of obedience. Jesus Himself said, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." So, how do we bridge the gap between where we are now and where God wants us to be? This is the challenge we face. Today's message seeks to guide us in embracing our identities as sons and daughters of God, living in obedience to His will.</p><p><br></p><p>Questions for Reflection:</p><p>• Is your life more characterized by peace or by a troubled heart or fear? Where is that coming from?</p><p>• What is the last thing God has asked you to do? Have you done it? Why or why not?</p>