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>