BridgePointe Christian Church

<p>The world offers a way to think, hope, and interact. But this way leads to division in all directions. If we are to have a unity that stands up and stands out, we must not love the ways of the world or put our hopes in it. Instead, we should believe that Jesus' way is better and choose to walk in it.</p>

<p>Jesus is the reason for unity among Christians. Everything that may divide us is dwarfed by the single thing that we share--Jesus. When we have the same belief (1:1-4) in Jesus and the same recognition of our need for Him (1:5-2:2), we have an immense reason for unity with others who may be very different from us.</p>

<p>Annual rhythms of celebration and commitment have characterized the people of God for a very long time. This service, uniquely constructed, celebrates what God did in 2019, anticipates what God will do in 2020, and calls us to Gospel Partnership this year.</p>

<p>Our faith cannot thrive when it's all about us. We need regular rhythms that shift our focus toward others. These practices should be a part of every month, with varying frequency. They each uniquely move us and others closer to Jesus. Gospel economics say that the more we give to others the more we grow ourselves.</p>

<p>God created us and knows what's best for us. From the beginning, he has said that we need a weekly rhythm of rest in order to fully appreciate life. This rest is for the purpose of worship, giving us space to acknowledge how great God is. Regularly sharing this worship and love of God with others is part of being strengthened by it.</p>

<p>Our days are the most elemental part of our lives. So, the things that we do every day have a profound impact on our lives. If we want to grow closer to God and experience more of Him throughout our lives, we should do something each day to spend time with Him. Prayer and Scripture reading are a 2-way conversation with God every day.</p>

<p>The end of Revelation describes our role in eternity… we will work with God, we will live with God, and we will reign with God. Our hope is you have a more wholistic understanding of eternity, are excited for what's coming and live differently today because of it.</p>

<p>Everything has been building toward the moment when God would be reunited with His people. The curse of sin has been reversed. The enemy has been defeated. The faithful have been brought home by their bridegroom. And theirs is eternity at home with their God. For Christmas this year, we will look at Jesus' first coming as the introduction to life with Him and His final coming as the completion of life with Him for all who believe in Him!</p>

<p>Throughout Revelation and all of Scripture, it is clear Jesus is coming again. He said so Himself many times, and John's vision testifies to it. This return is paramount to our faith in Him and our lives lived for Him. This message traces this truth through the book of Revelation, explains the most important truths about Jesus' return, and culminates with the analogy of the Groom who returns for His bride. The first coming was Jesus' engagement proposal and His second coming will be the wedding of those who accepted.</p>

<p>This passage in Revelation shows the other side (the spiritual side) of the nativity story in Bethlehem. Jesus was born into a physical world and a spiritual battle. From the beginning, Jesus won the battle against the eternal enemy. Even though the war was won, we live in a battle until Jesus returns to claim the final victory.</p>

<p>In this message we see a startling image of "the real Jesus" as He appeared to John who wrote the book of Revelation while exiled and in prison. Jesus was only robed in flesh for a short period within eternity. This vision of Him completes our understanding of Him as the powerful Jesus that always has been, and always will be. We need to be reminded of who Jesus was and will be, because it is also who He is right now in every moment of our lives.</p>

<p>In the end shows that the way to win the game is by trusting His words and putting them into practice. Action demonstrates our love and trust in Him and it establishes our lives as strong and secure in Jesus. They'll withstand the storms of life and the ultimate storm of final judgment.</p>

<p>Jesus explains that there are really only two paths to choose from. One leads to life and the other to destruction. Some might feel like there's no way to know which you're on until the end, but the truth is that the path to life has been clearly marked out for us. The challenging is choosing that path and staying faithful to it.</p>

<p>How do we get to the end and what does it take to win the game? The only way we finish well is if we finish together. Jesus tells us not to judge, but this doesn't mean we should mind our own business. Instead, He is showing us how to help each other with the things that can get in our way.</p>

<p>Who of us hasn't worried about money? Financial stress does not discriminate, for rich and poor, old and young, men and women all experience it. Maybe this is especially true when we store up treasures in heaven and strive to trust God more than money. Jesus gives us a way to deal with that stress and exchange it for peace from God.</p>

<p>Only one thing can have first place in our lives. Whatever gets that sacred place receives our devotion, energy, attention… our worship. God deserves that place in our lives, and our lives go best when He reigns supreme. Money might be the biggest threat to God's place in our lives. We are faced with a choice... will we worship money, or will we worship God with our money?</p>

<p>Money is a big part of the game of life. If we're not careful, we can start to think it's actually the whole point of the game. Jesus offers pointed and powerful words about how we can view and use money in a way that keeps our focus on what life is really all about. This message will show how we can invest our money in a way that will make it last (and grow) forever!</p>

<p>Continuing the focus talking with the God who loves us, this week will focus on what to say when we approach God in prayer. The "Lord's Prayer" isn't something we should just repeat, although that's ok, too. It was intended to be an example to teach people how to talk to God. We use the simple model PRAY-- Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield--to summarize this powerful teaching of Jesus.</p>

<p>Talking to God the Father was important to Jesus. He did it often. Jesus believes that this same intimate conversation with God is important for all who want to experience the blessed life He offers. With all of the baggage, insecurity, and awkwardness that accompanies prayer for most people, we need to hear from Jesus how to think about prayer and approach God.</p>

<p>This might be the most counter-intuitive command Jesus gives… to give grace to those who unfairly treat you or demand things from you. Only Jesus knows just how much life can come from undeserved kindness and unconditional love. As we express this kind of grace to others, we must remember we've received it from Jesus!</p>

<p>Sex and marriage are worth protecting in God's eyes. Avoiding adultery or accommodating divorce were once the standard. But Jesus has a better view of life for us that includes purity and fidelity in this most personal part of our life. It may not be the popular view, but Jesus way proves best.</p>

<p>The law of Jesus and life with him goes far beyond the law. Instead of reaching the low bar of avoiding murder, Jesus stretches us to live without (sinful) anger. If we are the offender, we are to make it right through repentance. If we are the offended, we are to make it right through forgiveness. Life is best when we pursue reconciliation!</p>

<p>When we live as Jesus intends, our lives become beautiful and attractive to the world around us. This is part of the reason we should be so serious about living for Jesus. The difference in our lives is not a superficial conformity to a set of rules but an internal transformation from a serious relationship with Jesus.</p>

<p>In His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the word "happy" 10 times underscoring that life in His kingdom should be enjoyable, beautiful, blessed… even happy! This doesn't mean it's always easy, and may include things like mourning or persecution, but like the sunrise and sunset each day, there's always beauty in the life Jesus leads us to.</p>

<p>Instead of seeing "the golden years" as a time for leisure and indulgence, grandparents (or others in that stage of life) should be even more intentional during this season of life to impart wisdom and influence their kids, grandkids, and younger generations in their church.</p>

<p>Parenting is exhausting, hard, frustrating, and scary. It is also the most we have. The Gospel endures and advances one generation at a time, and parents are on the front lines of making that possible. This message will inspire and equip parents to love their kids like Jesus and lead their kids to Him. It will provide ways that parents can count on the church and the church can support parents.</p>

<p>The value, beauty, and sanctity of marriage has been greatly diminished. God, however, has a holy and high view of the most intimate of human commitments. This message will provide a Biblical view of the covenant of marriage and provide instruction on how to let the Gospel shape your marriage.<br><br>Related Resources:<br>Care Page <a href="https://www.bridgepointechristian.com/care" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.bridgepointechristian.com/care</a><br>Book: The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller <a href="https://timothykeller.com/books/the-meaning-of-marriage" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://timothykeller.com/books/the-meaning-of-marriage</a></p>

<p>Singleness is often viewed as a curse in our culture, maybe even more so in the church. But Scripture does not agree with this perspective. Instead, singleness is celebrated as a way to be even more single-mindedly focused on God and His mission. This message will provide a Biblical understanding of singleness with practice wisdom for honoring God in it.</p>

<p>This is the story of the Gospel advancing to "all nations," "the ends of the earth." Cornelius is a Gentile and God works in a very precise way to demonstrate that the Gospel is equally available to all people. It is an amazing story that sets up the rest of the book. In the finale of this study of Acts, we celebrate that there is no limit to the Good News of Jesus and we should be left asking, "Where will it go next?"</p>

<p>Who would God use to take the gospel to the ends of the earth? Saul was a man geographically close to the gospel, but couldn't've been further away from it spiritually. Jesus appeared to him and transformed him into a missionary to the Gentiles. Through Saul's story we see that God uses all the parts of our lives (and unexpected people in our lives) to help us know Him and reach others for Him.</p>

<p>If there was one place people didn't think the Gospel could go, it was Samaria. This story shows that there is no limit to where the Gospel goes. Philip crosses racial (Samaritans) and religious (a sorcerer and a eunuch) lines to proclaim the Gospel, and it continues to go further and further.</p>

<p>Stephen was bold in the face of opposition, and as a result of his suffering the Gospel spread like wildfire. How we respond to the the painful parts of our life might open way for the gospel to advance.</p>

<p>When leaders share and people serve, there's no limit to the work the church can accomplish.</p>

<p>By the power of God and the Good News of the Gospel, the church should be relentless in their pursuit of the lost who need Jesus.</p>

<p>Joyful and selfless generosity characterizes the church who is committed to Jesus, His people, and His mission.</p>

<p>Conviction about Jesus gives the church courage to live for Him.</p>

<p>The church has nothing but Jesus to offer, but that's enough to bring healing and hope to our world. When met with a beggar's request, Peter and John offer something that is priceless.</p>

<p>The church was birthed out of belief in the resurrected Christ. People who committed to Jesus became a part of the new faith community, described here by their devotion to God's word, each other, remembrance, and prayer. This is a beautiful picture of the church that is motivated by and modeled after the Gospel.</p>

<p>In response to the first Gospel message (last week), people were convinced of Jesus and convicted of their sin. The response to belief is to repent and be baptized and the result of belief is forgiveness and the gift of the Spirit.</p>

<p>The message that flows from the resurrection is that Jesus truly is the fulfillment of all of God's promises. Without the resurrection, we'd be left without confirmation of His identity. But now, we can be sure that God is faithful and all God's promises are fulfilled in the work of Jesus.</p>

<p>When we embrace our identity as witnesses of Jesus, we will find ourselves in situations when we don't have the words or wisdom that others need. However, the Holy Spirit empowers believers--then and now--with the power to proclaim the Gospel.</p>

<p>This is an introduction to the book of Acts, which shows how believers in the resurrection changed the world by the power of the Holy Spirit. That was Jesus vision for them from the first chapter--to testify about Him to the ends of the earth. That's still our purpose as disciples, too.</p>

<p>This is a full recording of BridgePointe's Easter Together service at East Providence High School. The message starts at 24:30. <br>Everything we believe is held together by Jesus. Our faith begins with the question, "Who is Jesus?" The answer to that question determines everything else about what we believe and how we should live.</p>

<p>When God created us in His image, He placed eternity in our hearts. We're made for more than this life and we sense it in our souls. Our eternal existence is a continuation of the relationship with God we have chosen during our time on earth. And the only way that relationship can be right is through Jesus.</p>

<p>The Holy Spirit, part of the Trinity, is fully and completely God. His unique role is to indwell the believer in order to produce the character of Christ and empower for the work of Christ. The Spirit is the full presence, power and peace of God with us at all times.</p>

<p>We are painfully aware of our own imperfection. We spend much time and energy trying to deal with it in some way--good works, behavior modification, religion, etc. But only the sacrifice of Jesus can remove our guilt once and for all.</p>

<p>Within the first three chapters of Genesis, two timeless truths about people are revealed: we are created in God's image to enjoy a relationship with Him and sin messed that all up. We have intrinsic value, but we need help beyond ourselves to recover the image of God that has been tarnished by sin.</p>

<p>The Bible reveals to us God's character, activity, and wisdom. Even with Scripture, Jesus is our starting point for accepting it and giving it authority. He is the One piece that gives meaning and clarity to the whole. When we accept the Bible as being from God, we should give it a place of authority in regard to what we believe and how we live.</p>

<p>We believe in an Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth. His character is perfectly revealed in Christ. He desires to be known and loved by the people He has created. The presence of this Being changes everything about our lives. We should respond to Him by worshiping Him, trusting His Word, and working so more may know Him.</p>

<p>Near the end of Numbers, a few tribes ask permission to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. The amazing part is that they've already received God's promise but won't rest until others have, too. For us who've received God's inheritance through Jesus, we shouldn't rest until we've done what we can to help others do the same.</p>