BridgePointe Christian Church

<p>A rich young man ran up to Jesus to gain assurance of his salvation. Instead, Jesus confronts him with the hard truth of what following Jesus might cost us. In order to enter His Kingdom, Jesus must receive our full allegiance and our greatest affection.</p>

<p>After revealing the reason He came, Jesus enters into the glory of heaven on earth to be replenished and strengthened by God the Father. He needs this breath in order to keep marching toward the cross. The presence of God is intended to also supply us with what we need to walk the way of Jesus.</p>

<p>Previously, Mark has revealed Jesus as King on the basis of His authority. There has been much confusion about Jesus, even among the disciples. Starting with this passage, Jesus begins to reveal why He came--to go to the cross. This is most unexpected, but it's the reason Jesus came. And those who want to be His disciple must walk that road, too.</p>

<p>The Bible calls the church the bride of Christ, the body of Christ, and the family of Christ, all showing how much Jesus loves and cares about His church. Jesus wants His church to be strong, healthy, and mature. Every disciple of Jesus has responsibility in helping his or her church to be strong. There are many ways disciples do this including serving according to the gifts of the Spirit, giving generously of the money God has given, and gathering together on Sundays and in Small Groups.</p>

<p>Through Jesus life, we see the inbreaking of a new reality into our lost and broken world. He cared for those who are hurting, restored what is broken, and brought goodness and beauty into the world. Because disciples do what Jesus did, Jesus entrusts this work to His disciples so that His Kingdom continues to come to earth. In this message, we will understand the many ways we can intentional bring heaven to earth through our everyday lives.</p>

<p>Living with Jesus as King is the essence of being a disciples of Jesus. We relate to Him first and foremost as the good and loving King who has authority over our lives. We need to spend time with Jesus in order to know, love, and trust Him more. And as we learn what He desires for us and commands of us, we obey Him in every part of our lives.</p>

<p>Being a disciple of Jesus is not something we casually drift into. It demands a decisive moment when we declare our allegiance to Jesus. Baptism has served this purpose since Jesus instituted it and the first disciples practiced it. This message challenges us to declare our allegiance to Jesus.</p>

<p>Ebenezer Scrooge was a bad man--greedy, selfish, harsh, unloving. He hurt people close to him and cared little about how he could help… until one night he was given a vision that revealed the consequences of a life lived like this. He awoke a changed man, ready to be kind and do good. How would our lives change if God gave us a glimpse of the impact of our own sin, selfishness, or greed? We would be devastated to know how we have hurt others, but we would be powerless to change. Jesus came to forgive our sin, change our hearts, and give us a new beginning.</p>

<p>Jeronicus is an inventor whose life collapsed due to betrayal and tragedy. He slips into a life of grief, isolation, and depression and doesn't have much reason to hope. Through the persistent love of a granddaughter, Jeronicus discovers hope and restoration. We all, in some way have been hurt by this world. Sometimes, so much so that we struggle to believe there's a reason to hope. Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that makes wrong things right and brings healing to our hurts.</p>

<p>George Bailey is a good man, doing good things. But being a good person and doing the right thing wears him out. When he gets to a breaking point, he's given a vision of the real impact of his life. That changes his perspective on everything. Likewise, we are created to have a purpose worth living for. We so often go through life exhausted from trying to be good enough. Jesus came to establish a Kingdom that gives us a purpose worth living for, which can change how we see it all.</p>

<p>The Grinch is an unhappy creature, at least in part because he does not have a place in the community or celebration in Whoville. It's not until an unexpected act of kindness that the Grinch finds his place of acceptance, which changes His heart. We all have a deep need to belong... to be loved and welcomed as we are. Jesus came to establish a Kingdom for all people. When we receive His love, our hearts are changed.</p>

<p>In the final scenes in Mark's first part, there is still so much uncertainty about Jesus among the crowds and disciples. He has shattered every expectation and people are still wrestling with what to believe about Him. The miracle of the blind man represents how Jesus is soon going to heal spiritual blindness by revealing His true identity.</p>

<p>As Mark's account gets closer to the full revelation of Jesus' identity, miracles continue to provide insight into His power, authority, and Kingdom vision. This is the first time a non-Jew is the recipient of a miracle, showing that Jesus came to bring His Kingdom for all. <br><br>Reflection Questions:<br>Who do you need to see like Jesus does?<br>What would it mean if you seized God’s Kingdom?</p>

<p>The religious leaders had established a system to deal with the external problems of sin. But that's not really where sin lives. Jesus came to turn the religious system inside out and deal with sin where it starts--in the heart. We must acknowledge the root of sin within us so that we will see Jesus as the only real solution. <br><br>Reflection Questions:<br>Where do you see an impure heart or sinful decisions in your life?<br>How does your awareness of sin make you more appreciative of Jesus?</p>

<p>Jesus feeds a crowd and walks on water. He continues to baffle people, even the ones closest to Him. And yet, in these passages Jesus turns His attention to the disciples to help them understand that He is empowering them to do His work. As Jesus brings His disciples into His work, we can see how we are a part of the continuing work of bringing His Kingdom to those around us.<br><br>Reflection Questions: <br>Where is opportunity for you to continue the work of Jesus?<br>How do you need to depend on the Holy Spirit to do that?</p>

<p>This one story provides two portrayals of faith--a desperate father pleading for his sick girl and a desperate woman trying to find healing from an incurable condition. Both believe that Jesus offers hope and healing. This story shows that He brings even more than expected to those who believe.</p>

<p>In the two scenes in this passage of Scripture, Jesus demonstrates authority over the forces of nature (wind and waves) and the forces of evil. These miracles expand the scope of Jesus' authority, leaving the witnesses of them in reverent fear. No one else has authority like this. And authority like this would be terrible, unless it's possessed by someone perfectly good and loving.</p>

<p>Jesus taught in parables to explain the nature of His Kingdom. In this set of parables, He focuses on the surprising way that His Kingdom starts humble and small (in the dirt) and grows to be great.</p>

<p>The Jews had countless rules to ensure that no work was done on the Sabbath. The problem was that it was work to keep all the rules and they never experienced rest. Jesus came with authority over every moment and all of life. And He is the one who gives true rest to all who come to Him.</p>

<p>As enthusiasm about Jesus begins to build, He makes a startling claim--to have the authority to forgive sin. This is nothing less than a claim to be God. Jesus proves this authority by giving a lame man the ability to walk. The following story shows just how far the forgiveness of Jesus goes--he invites a tax collector to become His disciple.</p>

<p>Mark emphasizes the miracles of Jesus throughout his account. Here, he provides a series of miracles that show the authority of Jesus and give a glimpse of His Kingdom coming to earth. The challenge for us is to also be people who bring His Kingdom to earth in all it's diverse beauty and power.</p>

<p>Jesus calls his disciples to follow Him. This is an invitation that would have been familiar to any person in that day. It meant to attach themselves to Jesus, to become like Him, to go where He goes and do what He does. It's the same invitation He gives today... and it requires us to let go and leave behind all else.</p>

<p>In Mark's opening words, he makes a bold claim about Jesus--he is the Son of God, the Messiah we've been expecting. This claim (1:1) is followed by three witnesses who affirm it--the testimony of John the Baptist, God's announcement at the baptism of Jesus, and Jesus' own claim to be the one who ushers in the Kingdom of God.</p>

<p>Smaller gatherings of believers have always complimented the larger weekly worship gathering. Together, they serve unique purposes that help believers grow as disciples. This sermon looks at the "relational rhythms" of Jesus and explains how we can move toward these same rhythms.</p>

<p>There are obstacles that keep our relationships from growing and they've been around ever since sin entered the world. The good news is that Jesus came to remove sin and restore our relationships. When we respond to sin in the right way , our relationships will grow.</p>

<p>We are made in the image of God to live and thrive in relationships.</p><p><br></p><p>In this opening message of the series, we look at how we are uniquely created by a relational God for relationships. Despite the current of culture moving us away from relationships, the church should be characterized by close relationships. </p><p><br></p><p>********************</p><p>New Testament relational passages: </p><p>Romans 12:1-6</p><p>1 Corinthians 12-13</p><p>Galatians 6:1-3</p><p>Ephesians 4:1-16</p><p>Philippians 2:1-12; 4:2-6</p><p>Colossians 3:12-17</p><p>1 Thessalonians 4:9-12</p><p>Hebrews 10:24-25</p><p>James 2:1-13; 5:13-16</p><p>1 Peter 4:7-11</p><p>1 John 3:16-24; 4:7-21</p>

<p>In order to be effective in the Gospel work, we must receive and rely on the power of the Spirit.</p><p><br></p><p> Paul moves onto Ephesus to do ministry there. He prays for some disciples who had not yet received the Spirit. By the power of the Spirit, Paul did extraordinary miracles. Some tried to replicate that power, but failed miserably. This resulted in deep respect for the Spirit and openness to the Gospel. (Ephesus later becomes the hub of the Gospel work.)</p>

<p>God knows there are people close to you who will receive the Gospel if you share it with them.</p><p><br></p><p> Ministry in Corinth wasn't easy (Paul's letters show just how challenging of a place it was). God speaks to Paul to assure him that there are more in the city who God has already claimed as His. Paul just needs to remain there and carry out the work. There are people here who belong to God but need the Gospel!</p>

<p>We can share the Gospel by showing that Jesus is what people are searching for.</p><p><br></p><p> Paul visits the city of Athens, pays attention to what is happening there, and gains a hearing among the philosophers. They ask him to speak, and he uses their culture and religion to reveal the truth about Jesus. Some would not accept the resurrection, but others believed and became disciples!</p>

<p>In the work of the Gospel, our part is to be faithful and God's part is to make it fruitful.</p><p><br></p><p> Paul and his fellow missionaries travel to the cities of Thessalonica and Berea, with mixed results. Some are open to the Gospel while others oppose it. This is true throughout all of Acts, even for the most gifted apostles. They cannot do more than their part-which is to make Jesus known.</p>

<p>Your worship of God is a witness of the Gospel's power.</p><p><br></p><p>After performing miracles that disrupted the social and economic norms, Paul and Silas were opposed by the crowd and imprisoned. While they worshipped God, they were miraculously freed. They demonstrated integrity and compassion, which saved the jailer and his family.</p>

<p>The Holy Spirit shows us where we should go with the Gospel.</p><p><br></p><p>This passage picks up halfway through Paul's second missionary trip and shows that God had a bigger plan for the Gospel, more people to reach, and He was uniquely architecting it’s spread through the Spirit. We also see how the Spirit was at work on both sides, prompting those who were taking the good news and preparing the hearts of those who received it. For us today, the Kingdom will advance when we are led by the Spirit.</p>

<p>The message of the Gospel is that we can have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus alone.</p><p><br></p><p>Is Jesus the only way to get into the Kingdom? What stipulations, complexities and other things have we added to the good news of Jesus? After Gentiles of Antioch became Christians, some wanted to force them to also become Jews. This demanded people to subscribe to Jewish religion in addition to a Christian relationship. But the Jerusalem Council determined that faith in Jesus and a life that pleases God was enough. Today we look at Acts 15 and remind ourselves that Jesus alone is enough.</p>

<p>Sharing the Gospel will result in pain and requires perseverance.</p><p><br></p><p>As Paul and Barnabas continue travelling and preaching the good news they meet both receptive hearts and great opposition. In this message we will look at how the kingdom of Jesus will advance in the face of opposition. It will be costly to us personally and following the example of the apostles, we should persevere in the face of opposition by the power of the Spirit. </p><p><br></p><p>Reflection questions: </p><p>How have you experienced opposition to the Kingdom?</p><p>What will the advance of the Kingdom require of you?</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture passages: </p><p>Acts 5:38-39</p><p>Acts 12:24</p><p>Acts 13:49</p><p>Acts 14</p><p>John 8:44</p><p>Ephesians 2:1-2</p><p>Revelation 12:9, 17</p><p>Acts 1:4, 8</p><p>Acts 2:38-39</p><p>2 Timothy 1:7</p>

<p>The message of the Gospel challenges us to change (what we believe, how we find identity, where we get security)</p><p><br></p><p>Paul sets off on his first missionary journey to make known the truth of Jesus. In Antioch, Paul first presents the good news of Jesus. In this message we look at what the Gospel is, where it comes from, and how it forces us to make a decision.</p><p><br></p><p>Reflection questions:</p><p>Why is it Good News for you that Jesus is King?</p><p>How will this change the way you live for Him?</p>

<p>The work of the Gospel cannot be stopped.</p><p><br></p><p>In the opening message of the series, we look at the major themes of the book of Acts, what the good news of Jesus is and how it spreads.</p><p><br></p><p>Reflection Questions:</p><p>- Which theme from Acts am I most prone to forget?</p><p>- Who is close enough to me to experience the Good News through me?</p>

<p>The dining room represents where relationships are formed. Jesus should influence all our relationships. Ephesians 5 gives a template for surrendering to Jesus in those relationships. We also ought to intentionally build relationships within the church and with the lost, showing hospitality and kindness for Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Jesus wants His people to form deep relationships within the church and in the world. Hospitality, generosity, and intentionality put flesh on the love of Jesus. After all, disciples of Jesus will be known by their love. And love shows up in relationships. Scripture Passages: Matthew 28:18—20, Romans 15:7, Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, Hebrews 13:2, Acts 17:24-27, Matthew 9:9-13, Colossians 4:2-6 Reflection Questions: What do you need to do to create space for change to take place? Who are the people around you that would be encouraged by your hospitality? Additional Resources: Book: Surprise the World by Michael Frost Book: The Relational Soul by Richard Plass and James Cofield</p>

<p>The attic is off limits. Things stay hidden there. Money is often the part of our lives we keep people, and Jesus, out of. But Jesus cares a great deal about our money and He intends to change how we view and use it. (See Matthew 6 and other texts)</p><p><br></p><p>In the attic, we deal with the thing we often don’t want to give over to Jesus—finances. Money can be the cause of sin or the catalyst for good. Jesus wants to change the way we view and use money, managing it well on earth and investing in eternity. Scripture Passages: Matthew 6:21, Psalm 24:1-2, Deut. 8:10-14, Deut. 8:17-18, Matthew 6:31-32, Ecclesiastes 5:10-11, 1 Timothy 6:6-9, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Leviticus 27:30, 32, Deut. 16:17, Matthew 23:23, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Galatians 6:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:12-13 Reflection Questions: What needs to change about the way you view money? What needs to change in the way you use money? Additional Resources: Book: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki</p>

<p>The office represents where and how we work. Work makes up so much of our life and it can become a place of compromise. This message should address working for God with all our heart (Col. 3:17), having a healthy rhythm or rest, and seeing work as our mission field.</p><p><br></p><p>We spend much of our lives working and so much of that time wishing we weren’t. Work has always been part of the human existence. It became painful because of sin. Jesus shows us how to find meaning, value and purpose in what we do each day. Scripture Passages: Genesis 1:1-2, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:5, 7-8, 15, Genesis 1:31, Genesis 3:16-17, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, Revelation 22:3-5, 1 Peter 2:9, Romans 1:20, Colossians 3:23, Matthew 28:18-19, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 Reflection Questions: How do I need to change the way I think about work? What will I do differently in order to work for God’s purposes? Additional Resources: Book: Garden City by John Mark Comer Podcast: Andy Stanley Leadership Podcast</p>

<p>The toy room represents how we interact with our kids. Family matters greatly to God and people who follow Jesus should have a different approach to parenting than the rest of the world. The Gospel influence of parents should show up in the culture the create, the vision the have for their kids, and the priorities they establish.</p><p><br></p><p>The next generation is essential to the ongoing advance of the Gospel. It is the responsibility of every disciple of Jesus—parents, grandparents, friends, and people of the church—to raise up the next generation of disciples of Jesus.</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Passages:</p><p>Deuteronomy 6:1-2, Mark 10:13-16, Mark 1:17, Matthew 16:24-27, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Ephesians 6:4</p><p><br></p><p>Reflection Questions:</p><p>What will you do within your family to make disciples of the Next Generation? </p><p>What will you do within the church to make disciples of the Next Generation? </p><p><br></p><p>Additional Resources: </p><p>Podcast: Risen Motherhood </p><p>Book: Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord by Dave Stone </p><p>Class: Alpha’s “The Parenting Children Course” Go to: <a href="http://bpri.church/classes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bpri.church/classes</a></p>

<p>The bedroom represents the place of intimacy and sexuality. Whether a person is single or married, purity should be protected here (Hebrews 13:4). This message should define God-honoring sex and urge people to let Jesus enter to forgive, heal, purify and satisfy.</p><p><br></p><p>Sex was God’s idea. And it was a good one. But like with everything good, the Devil— the ruler of this world—seeks to distort and destroy sex in order to steal the goodness of what God intended. Jesus desires for us to honor God with both passion and purity.</p><p><br></p><p>Scripture Passages:</p><p>John 8:10-11, Genesis 1:27-28, Genesis 2:24, Mark 10:6-8, Proverbs 5:15-20, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Mark 10:7-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17</p><p><br></p><p>Reflection Questions:</p><p>What do you need the Spirit to provide for you here?</p><p>What do you need to do in this part of your life?</p><p><br></p><p>Additional Resources: </p><p>Book: Intimacy Ignited by Joseph and Linda Dillow </p><p>Book: You and Me Forever by Francis and Lisa Chan </p><p>Resource: Covenant Eyes (internet accountability) </p><p>Class: Alpha’s “The Marriage Course” Go to: <a href="http://bpri.church/classes" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">bpri.church/classes</a></p>

<p>The living room represents relaxation, leisure, and entertainment. This is often a part of our lives where we too easily tolerate sin. Phil. 4:8-9 urge us to think about things that are pure and excellent. Ephesians 5:3 prohibits even a hint of sexual immorality.</p>

<p>The kitchen represents what we consume--food and beverage. What we consume has a way of consuming us. Phil. 3 refers to people who's "God is their stomach" and 1 Corinthians 6:12 Says we shouldn't be mastered by anything.</p>

<p>Jesus wants to come into our lives, to live with us, to rearrange everything so that it is better for us and more pleasing to Him. This series starts with the question, "Will you let Jesus come in?" This happens through the work of the Holy Spirit.</p>

<p>On Easter, we will look at Jesus' resurrection through the latter part of Joseph's story of redemption. Both Joseph and Jesus chose to save those who betrayed them. As we celebrate the resurrection, our focus will be on the way Jesus uses what was intended as evil for good.</p>

<p>For this Palm Sunday, we will use the righteous suffering of Joseph to look creatively at the suffering and death of Jesus, who was righteous and innocent. Jesus came to earth to be God with us. His entire life was devoted to living a perfect life so that His suffering could be for our sins rather than His. On this Sunday before Easter, we reflect on Jesus' suffering that saves us from sin.</p>

<p>God's covenant relationship with His people was established by grace and it continues by grace. He gives birthright inheritance to a son who deceives and He blesses the one who was most unloved. As God completes His work in Jesus, the reversal continues as sinners are saved, the lost and lonely are loved, and the rebels are raised to new life.</p>

<p>God establishes a relationship with people on the basis of faith. With other ancient religions and cultures, sacrifices were made by people for their gods. This story reverses that, showing that the sacrifice is made by God for His people! This story powerfully points to God establishing His covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus.</p>

<p>Before this story , people are estranged from God. They don't know Him or how to relate to Him. (See ch.11 for their best attempt.) So, with Abraham, God begins to show people who He is and how we can relate to Him. This is a critical story to our faith because what is true for Abraham is true for all people--we are made right with God by grace through faith.</p>

<p>Apart from God, we will always try to make a name for ourselves and find reasons to think we can be great on our own. The more we let pride fester in our lives, the further we'll find ourselves from God. Closeness with God is not achieved by us becoming great. It is experienced by God becoming weak, in the person of Jesus.</p>