Bedrock Church Sarasota

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine where we place our trust. The central passage, Jeremiah 17:5-8, presents a stark contrast between those who trust in man and those who trust in the Lord. We're reminded that relying on our own strength or the approval of others often leads to spiritual drought and isolation. However, when we fully trust in God, we become like trees planted by streams, flourishing even in difficult times. This imagery beautifully illustrates the peace and fruitfulness that come from a life rooted in faith. The message encourages us to reflect on areas where we might be turning away from God and instead invites us to lean completely on His wisdom and strength. It's a call to surrender our self-reliance and embrace the blessings that come from trusting God with every aspect of our lives.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to maintain a kingdom perspective that keeps us on mission, even in the face of adversity. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians serves as our guide, reminding us that difficult circumstances, challenging people, and conflicting emotions should not deter us from our divine purpose. Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, even while under house arrest, demonstrates how we can turn obstacles into opportunities for God's glory. We're encouraged to see beyond our immediate struggles and focus on the bigger picture of God's kingdom work. This perspective shift can transform our approach to life's challenges, helping us to rejoice in all situations, knowing that Christ is being preached. As we reflect on this, we're invited to examine our own lives and ask: Are we allowing temporary setbacks to distract us from our eternal mission?

In the face of life's most challenging moments, we're confronted with the age-old question: Why does a good God allow suffering? This powerful message delves into the heart of this dilemma, reminding us that while we may not have all the answers, we can develop a framework for enduring evil and suffering while remaining grounded in faith. At the core of this framework is the profound truth that 'God is love' - a statement that gives us a glimpse into the very nature of the divine. As beings created in God's image, we too are designed for love, but our freedom allows for the possibility of choosing against God. This choice has brought death and decay into the world, setting the stage for the ultimate redemption story. The gospel, as Jesus himself proclaimed, is not just about personal salvation, but about the coming of God's kingdom - a restoration and renewal of all creation. We're called to live in this 'already but not yet' reality, where suffering still exists, but where we can also witness and participate in God's ongoing work of redemption. This message challenges us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to trust in the ultimate goodness of a God who stepped down to sacrifice Himself for us.

In our exploration of Philippians 4, we discover a profound truth: God offers us His peace, but we must first empty our hands to receive it. This peace surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It's not the absence of challenges, but rather a sustaining force that carries us through life's storms. We're encouraged to find our joy in the Lord, not in our circumstances, and to practice graciousness in our relationships. By letting go of our burdens - difficult days, dysfunctional dynamics, and deep distresses - we create space for God's peace to fill us. This message challenges us to shift our focus from earthly troubles to the unchanging nature of God, reminding us that our ultimate security lies in His love and provision.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our spiritual lives through the lens of Lazarus' resurrection. The story in John 11 isn't just about physical resurrection, but spiritual rebirth and freedom. We're asked to consider: are we truly living in the fullness of our faith, or are we still bound by our 'grave clothes'? These grave clothes represent sins we can't leave behind, hurts we've received, or lies we've believed. The message reminds us that Jesus not only brings us to life spiritually but desires to set us free from these lingering bondages. We're encouraged to identify our own grave clothes and seek God's help in removing them, emphasizing that true freedom comes not just from being saved, but from fully embracing the new life Christ offers.

In this powerful exploration of 1 Kings 18, we're confronted with a timeless question: How long will we waver between two opinions? The story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal serves as a stark reminder of our tendency to divide our loyalties between God and worldly idols. Just as the Israelites struggled to fully commit to God, we often find ourselves caught between faith and doubt, obedience and compromise. The dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel isn't just ancient history—it's a mirror reflecting our own spiritual battles. Are we, like the people of Israel, waiting for a spectacular display before we'll commit? Or can we recognize the 'still, small voice' of God in our daily lives? This message challenges us to examine the areas where we're 'limping between two opinions' and calls us to make a decisive choice for God, letting His consuming fire purify every aspect of our lives.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront our impatience and its potentially devastating consequences. The story of the Israelites creating a golden calf while waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai serves as a stark reminder of how easily we can stray when we rush ahead of God's timing. We're encouraged to reflect on areas in our lives where impatience might be leading us astray - whether in relationships, finances, or spiritual growth. The sermon draws fascinating parallels between the Israelites' actions and our modern tendencies to create 'easy-bake gods' that suit our immediate desires. This thought-provoking analogy urges us to examine our own lives for false idols we may have erected. Ultimately, we're reminded of God's patient love for us, even as He remains intolerant of sin. The message challenges us to trust in God's process, understanding that His timing, though sometimes frustratingly slow to us, is always perfect and aimed at our ultimate good.

Are we truly walking with God, or just going through the motions? This powerful message challenges us to examine the depth of our relationship with the Divine. Drawing from the book of Exodus, we're reminded that God desires more than our physical presence - He wants our hearts fully engaged. Just as Israel was called to be a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation,' we too are invited to live set apart lives that reflect God's character to the world. The message emphasizes that holiness isn't about behavior modification, but life transformation. It's a call to be different, to prioritize our time with God, and to treat others with justice and compassion. As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember: God wants to go with us, but we must choose to go with Him. This isn't just about proximity, but about aligning our will with His purpose for our lives.

In this powerful message, we're invited to reflect on the birth of the early church as described in Acts 2. The story of Pentecost reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of responding to God's call. We see how Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Messiah led to the conversion of thousands. This challenges us to consider: Who is Jesus to us? Are we willing to repent, believe, and be baptized? The early believers' devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer serves as a model for us today. Their Spirit-filled living attracted others to the faith, showing us that our lives can be a powerful testimony. As we contemplate making more room in our hearts and communities for God's work, let's be inspired by the early church's example of radical generosity, community, and commitment to the Gospel.

In Luke 24, we witness a powerful moment of revelation and restoration. After the crucifixion, the disciples are overwhelmed with grief and disappointment—their hopes shattered, their vision clouded. But as the risen Jesus walks alongside them, they don't recognize Him. This Easter sermon explores how the tragedy they experienced distorted their understanding of God, causing them to miss His presence even when He was right in front of them. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is closer than we think—walking with us, speaking to us, and ready to open our eyes.

In this powerful exploration of the Ten Commandments, we're challenged to view God's law not as a burden, but as a loving boundary set for our freedom and protection. Just as a video game's boundaries keep players alive, God's commandments are designed to preserve our spiritual life and relationship with Him. We're reminded that the law isn't meant to condemn us, but to reveal our need for God and point us towards Jesus, who fulfilled the law on our behalf. This message encourages us to examine our hearts, recognizing that true obedience stems from love for God and others. It's a call to live within God's boundaries, finding freedom and purpose in aligning our lives with His design.

In this powerful message, we're reminded that our greatest enemy - Satan - is relentless but ultimately weak. The story of the Amalekites attacking Israel in Exodus 17 serves as a metaphor for our spiritual battles. Just as the Amalekites attacked when Israel was weary, Satan often strikes when we're at our weakest. However, we learn that our weakness can become our strength when we rely on God and our community. The image of Moses holding up his arms, supported by Aaron and Hur, beautifully illustrates how we need both divine intervention and human support in our struggles. This message challenges us to remain vigilant, to build altars of remembrance for God's victories in our lives, and to live under the banner of Christ rather than worldly identities. It's a call to embrace our vulnerability, allowing God's strength to shine through our weakness.

In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the Israelites' journey through the wilderness as described in Exodus. The central theme revolves around maintaining awe for God, even in challenging circumstances. We're reminded that when we lose our sense of awe, we often miss out on seeing and enjoying God's blessings. The story of bitter water turned sweet at Marah, and the provision of manna and quail, serve as poignant examples of God's faithfulness. These narratives challenge us to examine our own lives - are we viewing our struggles as 'awful' or recognizing God's 'awesome' work within them? This message encourages us to cultivate a spirit of trust and obedience, even when God's instructions don't make immediate sense. It's a call to renew our wonder at God's daily provisions and to resist the temptation to romanticize the past or test God out of frustration. As we navigate our own 'wildernesses,' we're invited to see them as opportunities for refinement and deeper reliance on God's faithfulness.

In this powerful exploration of faith and trust, we delve into the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, focusing on their journey to the Red Sea. This narrative teaches us about facing seemingly impossible situations with unwavering faith in God. We learn that sometimes God leads us to places of impossibility to demonstrate His power and glory. The key message is that when we're caught between a rock and a hard place, God calls us to 'stand firm' and trust in His deliverance. This parallels our own lives, where we often face overwhelming challenges that require us to rely on God's strength rather than our own. The sermon encourages us to see our impossible situations not as our burial grounds, but as the place where God buries our enemies and fears. It challenges us to embrace these moments of impossibility as opportunities for God to work miracles in our lives, reminding us that with the God of impossibility, nothing is truly impossible.

In this powerful exploration of the Passover story from Exodus, we're reminded of the high cost of freedom and the transformative power of God's love. The central theme revolves around the final plague in Egypt, where the blood of a lamb protected the Israelites from death. This vivid imagery foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice offers us salvation and deliverance from sin. We're challenged to consider: Are we truly living under the 'blood of the lamb,' or are we merely adjacent to it? The message urges us to fully embrace our freedom in Christ, leaving behind the 'Egypt' of our past sins and shame. Through the symbolism of the four cups in the Passover Seder, we see how Jesus fulfills every aspect of God's promise - sanctification, deliverance, redemption, and praise. This teaching invites us to examine our lives, abandon our unnecessary burdens, and walk confidently in the freedom Christ has purchased for us.

In this powerful exploration of Exodus, we dive deep into the story of the Ten Plagues of Egypt, uncovering profound truths about God's nature and our own spiritual journey. As we witness God's relentless pursuit of His people's freedom, we're challenged to examine the false gods in our own lives. Are we, like Pharaoh, hardening our hearts against God's call? Or are we open to seeing His wonders, even in difficult circumstances? This message reminds us that God is greater than any false deity or worldly power, and He's working tirelessly to dismantle the things that enslave us. We're encouraged to shift our perspective, viewing life's challenges not as plagues, but as wonders that God uses to shape and free us. This timeless story serves as both a warning against stubbornness and an invitation to experience God's transformative power in our lives.

In this sermon, Pastor Blake delves into the theme of reluctance and how it can prevent us from experiencing God's blessings. Using the story of Moses and the Israelites in Exodus, he illustrates how fear and resistance can cause us to settle for less than God's best. The pastor emphasizes the importance of holding onto our faith when we see God clearly, even when others don't recognize His work. He warns against negotiating with sin, comparing it to "putting your head in a tiger's mouth." Pastor Blake encourages listeners to push through resistance, reminding them that breakthrough often comes just when we're tempted to give up. He concludes by affirming that believers are "built different" because of their spiritual lineage in Christ. The sermon ends with a call to trust in Jesus and overcome reluctance, emphasizing that God's strength is not reliant on our wholeness.

This sermon delves into the story of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3-4. The pastor highlights how God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite Moses feeling inadequate and making excuses. The sermon applies these lessons to modern Christians, challenging them to recognize God's call in their lives, stop making excuses, and serve faithfully. It emphasizes that God uses inadequate people to accomplish His purposes, so our weaknesses shouldn't hold us back from obeying Him.

Pastor Blake introduces a 10-week series on the Book of Exodus, exploring how to thrive in the wilderness. He explains that Exodus picks up 430 years after Genesis, with Israel having grown comfortable in Egypt. God begins to prepare both Israel and Moses for their departure, using increasing oppression to uproot them from where they weren't meant to stay.   Pastor Blake concludes by urging the congregation not to wait to cry out to God for help, emphasizing that God is already working out His plans for us before we even ask.

Pastor Blake explores the fourth pillar of Christian focus: building the kingdom of God. He explains that God's kingdom is eternal, just, pure, free, joyous, loving, and healing. Christians are called to be ambassadors of this kingdom, bringing these qualities into the world around them. Pastor Blake addresses common excuses people use to avoid kingdom work, such as being too busy, feeling disqualified by past actions, or fearing failure. He emphasizes that God's purposes never fail and that He can use anyone who is willing. The sermon challenges believers to change their mentality from "can't" to "can," relying on God's power to make the impossible possible (Luke 18:27).

In this sermon, Pastor Blake delves into the often misunderstood concept of holiness. He begins by explaining that God's holiness is greater than our failures, using the example from Isaiah 6 where God's holiness purifies Isaiah. The pastor then illustrates how God's holiness brings new life, referencing Ezekiel's vision of the river flowing from the temple. Pastor Blake emphasizes that as believers, we are called to be holy - set apart for God's purposes. He explains that holiness isn't about perfection, but about allowing God's presence to flow through us to impact the world. Using Jesus' words in John 7:38, he shows how we become agents of change when we allow God's holiness to flow from us. The sermon concludes by addressing how we pursue holiness. Pastor Blake stresses that it's not about behavior modification, but heart transformation. He uses the analogy of adding water to a jug to illustrate that we grow in holiness by adding more of God to our lives, rather than just trying to subtract sin.

In this sermon, Pastor Blake delves into the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37, using it to illustrate the true meaning of loving God and loving others. He begins by sharing a personal anecdote about his wife's act of love in unpacking his library, demonstrating how love moves beyond words to action. The pastor emphasizes that many Christians may know Jesus without truly understanding or acting like Him. He challenges the congregation to move beyond seeking minimum requirements or exceptions to loving others, pointing out that God's love has no qualifications. Using the characters in the parable, he shows how even those closest to God (the priest and Levite) can fail to show love, while the unexpected hero (the Samaritan) demonstrates true compassion and sacrifice.

In this sermon, we will explore the profound importance of putting God first in our lives and aligning every aspect of our being around loving Him. Drawing from the greatest commandment, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength" (Deut. 6:5)), we will uncover how prioritizing our relationship with God transforms our decisions, relationships, and purpose. When God is at the center of our lives, everything else finds its rightful place. Join us as we delve into the blessings of a life rooted in devotion to God and learn practical steps to reorient our hearts toward His love.

In this sermon, Pastor Cody delves into the often challenging topic of following God's will, especially when it's hard or confusing. He begins by reminding us that as Christians, we are like sheep who need constant redirection, and that our lives are no longer our own but belong to God. Pastor Cody outlines five key points for following God's will: ignore the haters, push against unbelief, pray, embrace the heat, and accept God's plan. He emphasizes that God's timing is always perfect, and His plan is always better than our own. The sermon encourages believers to trust God even in difficult circumstances, recognizing that their personal stories of overcoming hardship can be powerful testimonies to God's glory.

Pastor Brett discusses how to follow God's will, emphasizing that it's not an impossible puzzle but a simple process of loving God and others. He explains that while we can choose to disobey God's will, there are consequences. The sermon concludes with practical steps for aligning one's life with God's purpose, including spending intentional time with God and trusting Him for the outcome.

Pastor Kyle discusses how to seek God's will, emphasizing that God desires to be found and His will is revealed in Scripture. He outlines God's will for non-believers (salvation), believers (glorifying and enjoying God), and individuals (using talents and passions for God's purposes). The sermon encourages Christians to align their lives with God's revealed will and to seek Him wholeheartedly.