BridgePointe Christian Church

<p>We've all seen a movie when a superhero has to decide whether to use their special power. There's one reason they take action--concern for the person who needs it. Similarly, the more someone loves the people of the church, the more willing that person will be to use their gifts for the good of their church. In this Scripture, we find a description of the love that compels us to use our gifts for others. A church that loves like this has no limit to what it can do.</p><p>6 questions to ask yourself to help recognize your spiritual gifts:</p><p>- What comes naturally to me now that didn’t before Jesus?</p><p>- What do people I trust in the church see in me? </p><p>- What does the Holy Spirit prompt me to do?</p><p>- What do other people really appreciate about me? </p><p>- What brings me joy and satisfaction when I serve others?</p><p>- What do I wish every Christian would do for Jesus?</p>

<p>There are many kinds of spiritual gifts and we all have a unique combination of them. That can make it difficult to know which ones the Holy Spirit has given to each disciple. This message will provide an overview of the different spiritual gifts and practical guidance for people to discover how they are uniquely gifted by God to be a part of His work through the church. </p><p><br></p><p>6 questions to ask yourself to help recognize your spiritual gifts: </p><p>- What comes naturally to me now that didn’t before Jesus?</p><p>- What do people I trust in the church see in me? </p><p>- What does the Holy Spirit prompt me to do?</p><p>- What do other people really appreciate about me? </p><p>- What brings me joy and satisfaction when I serve others?</p><p>- What do I wish every Christian would do for Jesus?</p><p><br></p>

<p>When it comes to spiritual gifts, people can drift to two extremes--they can think they don't need the gifts of others or they can think that no one needs the gift they have. Using the image of a body with many parts, this Scripture teaches that every disciple of Jesus has a gift that is important to the church. And every person needs the rest of the church to be strong in their faith and effective in their mission. </p><p><br></p><p>Recommended Reading: Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms</p>

<p>Many people within the church don't realize that they are uniquely gifted by God to participate in His work through the church. Others have an idea of how they're gifted, but still haven't yet realized their full potential. In this introduction to spiritual gifts, we will learn where they come from, who get them, and what purpose they have in our lives. </p><p><br></p><p>Recommended Reading: Beginners Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms</p>

<p>Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples bring His Kingdom to earth by living with a purpose. God created us with a desire for purpose and there's no greater one to live for than helping people enter the Kingdom of God and experience its renewal here on earth. This purpose extends into every part of life--work, school, family, community. There are simple actions we can all take to have a Kingdom influence right where God has placed us. </p>

<p>Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples bring His Kingdom to earth by offering what they have to make earth more like heaven. Money is an incredible resource God has entrusted to us for this purpose. For a disciple, giving begins with the church because it represents God's presence and purpose on earth. Generosity is also expressed by responding to needs and showing kindness so more will experience the renewal of God's Kingdom on earth.</p><p><br></p><p>*Related Resources*</p><p>- Use the button above for a message from our Seeing Green series, "The King's Portion" regarding tithing</p><p>- Book: "Fields of Gold" by Andy Stanley</p><p><br></p>

<p>Because of their love for Jesus, disciples do their part to build up His church. The church is not a building or a service but a people who are united by their commitment to Jesus. The best way to strengthen other disciples is through deep, meaningful relationships. People often wait for others to initiate relationships. But a core practice of a disciple is making personal investments in relationships with other followers of Jesus. </p>

<p>Because of their commitment to Jesus, disciples do their part to build up His church. The church will be healthier, stronger, and more effective when each person finds a way to use their time and talent to serve others in the church. There are countless ways to do this-- hospitality, prayer, ministry teams, leadership, meeting needs, etc. We each have something different to offer, but the church will be best when each person does their part. </p>

<p>Disciples live with Jesus as King, giving Him full authority over their lives. There are so many other things in our lives that divide our attention and demand our allegiance. We need a regular rhythm of worship with our church to help us keep Jesus as the highest priority and authority in our lives. This worship gathering can best serve its purpose when accompanied by a day or rest.</p><p><br></p><p>*Related Resources*</p><p>- Use the button above for a messages from our Less is More series, "Sabbath" </p><p><br></p>

<p>Disciples live with Jesus as King, giving Him full authority over their lives. This allegiance is established not by power or force but by love. Jesus has demonstrated His love for us and He wants us to trust Him to lead us into life at its best. This kind of dependence and allegiance happens one day at a time. Jesus taught that our relationship with Him should be like that of a vine and its branches, meaning that we need a constant connection to He to thrive. This abiding relationship grows through the daily practices of prayer and Scripture reading. </p><p><br></p><p>*Related Resources*</p><p>- Use the buttons above for two messages from our Less is More series, "Mornings" and "Fasting" </p><p>- Book: "How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth" by Gordon D. Fee</p><p>- Book: "Women of the Word" by Jen Wilkin</p>

<p>God's love never fails. He never gives up on the possibility of life with His people. He continues to initiate, promise, and pursue. No matter how far someone runs from God, there's always a way back. No part of Scripture makes this more clear than the prophets of the Old Testament. God's promises find their fulfillment in Jesus, who assures us of God's love and makes the way for us to come back. </p>

<p>Sin is the greatest and only threat to our relationship with God. Not only does the offensiveness of sin break the relationship, the guilt of sin can often keep us from coming back to God to reconcile the relationship. Even long before Jesus, God offered forgivenss to His people so that they could live with God. Through Jesus' life and death, God forgives sin once and for all for those who believe in Jesus. </p>

<p>It is often the pain in our own lives or the problems in the world around us that make us feel like God is not close. But the times actually provide a unique opportunity to experience God's presence. For the people of Israel, God most powerfully revealed His presence when things were at there worst. They came to know God as the One who is always with them to guide and protect them. Through faith in Jesus, we can come to know God in the same way, no matter what we face.</p>

<p>How can I be sure that God really loves me? Is it really possible to be close to God? The Bible begins and ends with a picture of God delighting in being to His people. And at the center of the story is what God was willing to do to make that possible. God loves each person so much that He came from heaven to earth as Jesus, Immanuel, so that all who believe in Him can be with Him now and forever. </p>

<p>Each of us deeply desires for our lives to make a difference. Jesus tells us that the difference He wants us to make is bringing the Kingdom of Heaven into this world, right where we live. Jesus described the coming of His Kingdom as a harvest, which makes us wonder how we can bring a good harvest by the end of our lives. Jesus reveals a secret about the harvest in a story He told. The key to a good harvest isn't about searching for good soil but about scattering much seed. </p>

<p>We live close to a lot of people--those who are next door, at workspace, in your family, and all along your way. In Scripture, these people are called neighbors. Jesus tells a shocking story to show that one of the best ways to bring His Kingdom to earth is by being a good neighbor to the people close to you. Jesus challenges each of us to not look past the people around us but instead to see their needs and be willing to meet them.</p>

<p>Money is a powerful resource in our world. It can be used for great good, terrible evil, or nothing at all. Jesus spoke often about money not only because it affects our hearts but also because it can be used to bring His Kingdom to earth. People who follow Jesus should manage their possessions differently than the rest of the world, for the good of others and the glory of God. In this parable, Jesus teaches people to be generous to God rather than keep money all to themselves. </p>

<p>Forgiveness might be the most difficult thing Jesus asks us to do. It's also one of the most powerful ways the Kingdom of God breaks into our world of sin, brokenness, and pain. Even the first disciples were shocked at the kind of forgiveness Jesus expects from His followers. So, Jesus told a story to help us see that our ability to forgive others can only come from our acknowledgement of the incredible, life-changing forgiveness we've receieved from Jesus. Once forgiven, we can forgive.</p>

<p>God unconditionally, relentlessly loves every person. God wants His people to possess and demonstrate that love to others. God especially wants us to share His passion and urgency for those who are still far from Him. Jesus confronted religious leaders who thought some were too far away to be brought back to God. Jesus urged His followers to love the lost like God does and go after them to bring them home to God. The Kingdom comes when people come into the Kingdom.</p>

<p>We know and feel that the world is not as it should be. Our hearts long for something better--a world of compassion, peace, kindness, grace, and joy. Jesus announced he was bringing a new reality into the world--His Kingdom is coming. This new reality is what our world needs and our hearts long for. Jesus said it comes through His people who live different and distinct lives. Prayer is the foundation of this Kingdom life. For this reason, Jesus taught us to align our hearts with His by praying, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done." </p>

<p>We have this one brief life to live. We were made to find satisfaction in God and yet our hearts are so prone to chase after the things of this world. How do we make sense of life under the sun? We all need wisdom and understanding. Even that is a pursuit that can take God's place in our lives. But when we seek God and His wisdom, it gives us the perfect perspective that will guide us through this life.</p>

<p>In this world, money equals opporutnity, comfort, security, power, status, and more. How we pursue and use money often reveals that we value it more than all else. We can't help but believe that more money will bring us more satisfaction. Ecclesiastes offers a sober warning from the richest person in history--like everything else under the sun, money cannot satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. And chasing after more will never give us enough.</p>

<p>We spend so much of our lives getting ready to work and going to work. What we do is often the first thing people know or ask about us. For so many reasons, we look to work to give meaning, value, and significance to our lives. Yet, work is never complete and we are never fully satisfied with it. Even when our work results in accomplishments, affirmation, or accolades, we still desire more. Is this the way it has to be, or is there a way to be satisfied in the work of our days?</p>

<p>We all want to be happy. It is a basic human instinct, and the primary motivator for nearly every decision we make in life. This strong desire drives us to seek happiness in so many ways. Yet, if we are honest, happiness feels so fragile and illusive. Whether we seek it in entertainment, leisure, relationships, sex, or accomplishment, we're always left wanting more. God wants us to be happy and His wisdom in Ecclesiastes can help us learn how. </p>

<p>Everything in life is temporary, like smoke in the wind. Even when things last, the satisfaction we get from them doesn't. Every experience of pleasure, leisure, achievement, or affirmation is followed by an almost instantaneous desire for more of that thing. So, naturally, we strive to get more of it. And so begins the chasing after the wind. In this message, we will explore where this endless desire comes from and how we can find what truly satisfies. </p>

<p>Jesus chose baptism as a distinct practice that would identify us as His people. Christians throughout history have responded to the Gospel with belief & baptism. For those who haven't been baptized yet, this message is an invitation to consider it's significance, and for those who have already been baptized, it's an encouragement to let your baptism remind you of the great work God has done in your life, and inspire you to live a life that pleases Him. </p>

<p>Our pride is the biggest threat to our love for God. When we imagine ourselves to be independent or self-sufficient, we push God away. In one of the final scenes of David's life, in the face of God's anger over sin, David seeks to find comfort and security in his own strength. God exposes this sin, which is costly to David and Israel. Our pride is costly for us and those around us, too. Jesus is the sacrifice that forgives that sin and protects us from the full consequence of it.</p>

<p>How do we respond when confronted with our sin? None of us want to be defined by our worst and weakest moments. What really defines us is not those moments, but how we respond to them. David, who loved God with his whole heart, still deeply sinned against God. But in his love for God, he responded to that sin with humble repentance. For us, this is the way to move forward from our sin. When we repent of our sin, we find healing and grace in Jesus.</p>

<p>David shows unexpected, undeserved kindness to someone who could attempt to compete with him for the throne. This is first an incredible picture of God's mercy toward us in Jesus, who welcomes the weak, the power, the powerless, and the disloyal to eat at the King's table. When we have received such love, we also ought to show compassion to those around us who are in need.</p>

<p>The presence of God is no ordinary thing. It deserves our reverence, awe, and worship. When we recognize that our sin could have kept us from the presence of God, we should be filled with joyful worship that God has given us His presence once again.</p>

<p>How do we respond to people who hurt us or have it out for us? Do we look for every opportunity to get even? Or will we choose mercy and kindness, even when it is costly to us? David faced this decision on several occasions and showed mercy to the one who chose to be his enemy. When our hearts are full of love for God, His love flows through us even toward those who least deserve it.</p>

<p>When we love God and desire to live for Him, we constantly need the wisdom, guidance, and peace of God that is only available to us through prayer. Because David loved God with his whole heart, he prayed to God about the difficult decisions he faced. Whatever decisions we face, large or small, should be approached with prayer to the God we love and trust.</p>

<p>The battle between David and Goliath isn't really about a little guy and a big giant. Instead, it's about a big challenge and an even bigger God. Faithfulness to God required David to do something far beyond his own ability. Faith is like that for us, too. Eventually, we'll encounter a challenge, a decision, or a change that is just too risky or costly for us. It's in those moments that we must trust in God and do what honors Him.</p>

<p>When God chose a leader for His people, God cared only about their heart. Only David, of all people in Scripture, was described as a "man after God's own heart." It didn't matter that David wasn't strong, impressive, or experienced because he loved God first and most. We are tempted to evaluate ourselves based on things that people see--skills, strengths, successes, etc. God wants us to focus on what He sees-our hearts and how much we love Him.</p>

<p>This message will go live Sun, 6/25/23</p><p><br></p><p>One of the core questions we face is what we will let rule over our hearts and lives. Through His kindness, power, and love, God has shown Himself to be a good and faithful King. But the temptation is strong to put ourselves or something else in that highest place. God wants to have our whole hearts and warns of what will happen when we give it to something else. As we start this series, we'll be challenged to let God be our King and see in David's life what it looks like to love God more than anything else.</p>

<p>We don't often think of what we want to be true of our lives at the end of them. But it is both healthy and helpful to gaze ahead to the end of our days to consider what is most important to us. For Paul, he found peace and contentment in being faithful to the end. Each of us have a unique part in the story of the Gospel. We can't control what part God gives us, but we can control what we do with that part. Each of us has the same opportunity to be faithful to the end.</p>

<p>Jesus sent his disciples out as His witnesses to the ends of the earth. 30 years later, Rome is evangelized and the Gospel has outposts across the entire ancient world. This happened through ordinary people who were empowered by the Spirit and obedient to God, one step at a time. Our cumulative obedience will result in a Gospel harvest that will far exceed our greatest imaginations.</p>

<p>Paul had a deep desire to take the Gospel to Rome. He was focused on that, while not missing the Gospel opportunities right in front of him. Likewise, we should have a vision for who we want to see impacted by the Gospel and commit to sharing it with them. And at the same time, be open to unexpected opportunities God gives to share the Gospel along the way.</p>

<p>In our culture, it is common for people to judge harshly those who follow Jesus. Our character and reputation matter. If our lives were on trial, what would be revealed about the Gospel? It is the simple, quiet acts of faith that we choose day-by-day that result in a life that is blameless and faithful in the end.</p>

<p>Elizabeth provides an example of faithfulness to God. Her story invites us to be faithful, when life is full of disappointment, when life is full of delight and when others are full of doubt. When our lives are marked by the same kind of faithfulness, the Gospel will take ahold of us and come into the world through us. </p><p><br></p>

<p>God is sovereign. He is working for our good and the advance of the Gospel. He can use whatever we are going through to draw us closer to Him and provide unexpected opportunities for people to see and hear the Gospel through us. God is always with us and we need to listen for His voice so we can see how He is working even when it's hard.</p>

<p>When following Jesus is difficult or costly, it is helpful to go back to the love you felt from Him at first. Remembering and retelling God's first work in our lives keeps our faith fresh and invites others to find life in Jesus as we have. When we share our story respectfully, honestly, and humbly, people can see the power of the Gospel through us in a way that draws them to Jesus.</p>

<p>No one can be faithful to Jesus without personal sacrifice. Jesus modeled it and told His disciples to expect the same. Choosing faithfulness to Jesus and His mission will bring us closer to opposition and sacrifice. It will also bring us closer to Jesus, who suffered in every way. To remain faithful to the end, we must be prepared for the cost of following Jesus.</p>

<p>This is the first message in the third part of our study of Acts. We look back at the book of Acts and see that Jesus sends His people to be His witnesses by the power of the Holy Spirit. The opposition we experience will test our devotion to Jesus and our dedication to His work. By the power of the Spirit, we can resolve to be faithful to God until the very end of our lives.</p>

<p>We have a discomfort with silence. We feel it in conversation, when we are with people, even when we are alone. We fill every empty space with noise--music, podcasts, shows. Even when there's not noise, we're usually plugged into some technology that is still bombarding our minds. The result is that we are anxious, distracted, and disconnected from ourselves. Our minds, hearts and souls need silence to recover from this noisy world. When we allow for silence in our lives, we find that we learn to listen better to ourselves and to the Spirit who is always with us. </p>

<p>Have you ever noticed that Jesus never seemed to be in a hurry? He never seemed stressed or anxious. In a world dominated by hurry, stress, and anxiety, wouldn't you love to know His secret? Jesus exerted control over His life and always lived with margin--empty space--in life. We fill every space on our calendar with busyness. And the result is that we're more stressed than ever. We need to learn from Jesus that less hurry is more peace.</p>

<p>In this special service, BridgePointe commemorates its tenth birthday by celebrating what God has done among us and looking to future. </p>

<p>Work, both within and beyond our home, takes up a huge part of our lives. The satisfaction of it is part of the blessing of God. The fatigue and frustration of it are part of the curse of sin. Most of us have a love/hate relationship with work. We instictively know that there isn't much joy in life if work is all we do. Yet, it can be so hard to get out of the endless cycle of more to be done. Jesus offers us an alternative--the practice of Sabbath, which creates space for rest, delight, and worship. </p>