BridgePointe Christian Church

<p>In Numbers we see the Israelites had sacred daily, weekly, and yearly rhythms that helped them remember who God was and what He had done for them. In this message we look at the annual feasts of the Israelites to show how rhythms of remembrance renewed their minds and restored their attitudes.</p>

<p>Instead of maintaining a commitment to holiness and purity, the Israelites tolerate sin among them and indulge in it. This sin ultimately leads them away from God and into the worship of idols. This is devastating for people who have been promised an inheritance from the Lord. That's why we can't tolerate sin. Tolerating sin in our lives puts us in a vulnerable position before God.</p>

<p>In the story of Balaam and his donkey, we see that stubbornness is when people persist in their rebellion or defiance against God. This results in a spiral of consequences that eventually brings ruin. Our stubbornness, especially when it is in direct opposition to God, turns us away from Him and threatens the experience of life and blessing He longs to give us.</p>

<p>After being rerouted, which cost them valuable time, the Israelites become impatient because God is taking longer than they want. When they grumble, God brings consequences (venomous snakes) which turns their hearts back to Him. Impatience plagues us, as well, when God doesn't seem to operate on our time frame.</p>

<p>Some of the Levites rebel against Moses because they think he has too much influence or authority. By comparing themselves to another, the Levites lose sight of the incredible and sacred responsibility they've been given. Comparison, and the jealousy that comes from it, threatens our gratitude for what God has given us.</p>

<p>On the verge of entering the Promise Land, scouts are sent to bring back a report of the land, which proves to be both dangerous and bountiful. The Israelites give in to fear, believing that the risk/cost is greater than the God who is with them. Similarly, our own fears keep us from walking into the good that God desires to give to us.</p>

<p>Despite the fact that God is doing great things in and for the people, they often grumble that it's not good enough. In this scene, God's anger is aroused by their complaint because they are failing to see the good that God has done for them. We face the same temptation to complain despite the fact that God is doing great things for us.</p>

<p>This message introduces the book of Numbers in the Old Testament shows how it fits in the larger story of God's plan. The first chapters show how Israel was intended to be centered on God. He is with them and for them. Their attitude during the journey through the wilderness will determine whether they stay close to God or slip away from Him. Likewise, our attitudes this year will impact our intimacy with God.</p>

<p>Jesus is worth searching for. God uses many various means to bring people to Jesus. He is the One God promised and He deserves our worship and surrender.</p>

<p>The quiet, unassuming town of Bethlehem was home to the most extraordinary event in history. In this town, the angels announce the arrival that is "Good news of great joy for all people." Jesus is a shepherd of His people who is also the Eternal King. The angels' announcement is most important--Jesus is Good News… for all people… for He is a Savior… the Messiah, the Lord!" We want to be the ones who hear, receive, and believe the message that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.</p>

<p>The first people who were witnesses of the newborn King were ordinary people, mostly overlooked by the world–shepherds in the fields, a guy named Simeon, and lady named Anna. These ordinary people understood something about Jesus that resulted in authentic, extraordinary praise to God. Understanding who Jesus is and what His arrival means is the key to responding in praise, worship and thanksgiving to God.</p>

<p>Two ordinary people—a young woman and a carpenter—were each asked to trust God and accept what seemed impossible. Their extraordinary faith, demonstrated through their obedience, was a response to who they believed Jesus to be.</p>

<p>The ordinary list of ancestors in Jesus’ genealogy reveals an extraordinary truth–Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s ancient promise to come to save His people.</p>

<p>Paul asks for prayer so that he may be effective in proclaiming Jesus and then he urges the Colossian Christians to seize every opportunity to share their faith. Finally, the letter ends with a list of people who have found their place in the Gospel work of Jesus. This message include video greetings from extended BridgePointe family.</p>

<p>When Jesus is given reign in our hearts and lives, He changes everything about us from the inside out—from the peace that we experience in our hearts to the harmony we have in our relationships. As we surrender to Jesus, he restores God's image in us and gives us a new way to live.</p>

<p>In chapter three of Colossians, the focus shifts from what Jesus has done to how we respond to what He has done for us. In this week we look at how we must put to death the sin that separates us from the life Jesus wants to give us.</p>

<p>We can easily be deceived into thinking we need to add more to Jesus, but Paul writes powerfully to show that Jesus is enough and there is no need to add anything else to faith in Him.</p>

<p>Perhaps one of the biggest dangers to the faith of the Christians in Colossae and to us today is a diminished view of Christ. In this portion of scripture, Paul writes to correct a wrong view of Christ and reveals who Jesus is from pre-creation through the completion of his substitionary death. He is Lord over all and has reconciled us to God.</p>

<p>This is the first message in our series in Colossians, a study that aims to deepen our roots of faith and produce fruit in our lives… for our good and for God’s glory. <br><br>In his introduction, Paul applauds the church and prays for them. What he celebrates and what he prays for give us a picture of what the church is supposed to be. The predominant thought (vs. 9-14) is that the church most pleases God when its people live lives worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit, growing in knowledge, being strengthened and giving thanks for what He's done for us.</p>

<p>Because of what Jesus has done for us, we continually want to be part of helping others find life and hope in Him. We all have unique circles of influence and sometimes it's overwhelming to know where to start. The best place to start is asking God to give one person to share His love with.</p>

<p>We need other people to help us follow Jesus. Worship gatherings are a great place for relationships to start, but small groups are where relationships can grow. By connecting consistently with a group, people have a safe and loving environment to wrestle with faith, receive care, and be challenged to walk more closely with Jesus.</p>

<p>In response to what God has done for us, Partners joyfully and sacrificially give to the church to make sure that the mission has adequate resources to keep moving forward. God has always expected His people to give generously for His glory and purpose. When we create a rhythm of generosity toward Jesus and His mission, it increases our trust in God and moves our heart toward him. Often, generosity becomes the catalyst for spiritual growth in other areas.</p>

<p>God intends for every person who believes in Jesus and is filled with His Spirit to serve the church for the advance of His mission. The individuals experience joy and purpose through serving. And the church has everything it needs to bring people to maturity in faith.</p>

<p>Since the beginning of the church, Christians have gathered weekly as a sign of their unity and their commitment to Jesus. It is still the best representation of the values that define the Christian community. It is also the best way for someone to be introduced to the church. The weekly gathering best accomplishes its purpose when partners are committed to it.</p>

<p>Jesus renamed Simon as Peter, meaning rock, after he declared that Jesus was the Messiah the Son of God. On this declaration, Jesus said He would build church His church. In this opening message of the series, we understand what the church is and God's design for our part in His mission.</p>