BridgePointe Christian Church

<p>Chapter 3 in 1 Timothy presents two layers of leadership for the church, elders and deacons. This message looks at their respective roles and finds that both need to provide selfless leadership in order for the church to last.</p>

<p>Setting aside all the things that distract, the church should keep its focus on the Gospel. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." To be a church that lasts we need to keep this good news, the Gospel, in full view.</p>

<p>God has carefully and beautifully crafted His church. He has entrusted us with the work, and too often we lose sight of His design. In "Wrong Focus," we look at how Paul instructs the early church to not to get caught up in arguments and division related to matters less important than the Gospel.</p>

<p>In the parable of the bags of gold, Jesus explains what we must do while we wait for his return.</p>

<p>Two parables, one about two servants, and one about ten bridesmaids help us understand what it means to be ready for Jesus's coming kingdom. Since we don't know when he is coming, our preparation must be both urgent and able to endure.</p>

<p>In this message, Jesus tells three parables (The Two Sons, The Tennant Farmers, and The Wedding Banquet) that together describe who can get into the kingdom of God. Pointedly aimed at the religious leaders of the time, these parables encourage us to examine our assumption that we are "in" and make certain that we respond to the invitation God offers.</p>

<p>Jesus tells the Parable of the Vineyard Workers to explain how the first could be last and the last first in the Kingdom of Heaven.</p>