Bridge Church

Paul and Barnabas spent several days climbing in the gruelling mountains of Tarsus to reach Pisidian Antioch. At the top they shared the Good News of Jesus with the people but were quickly booted out of town. Life is a journey marked by many steep ascents into the unknown. How we perceive success is critical for finding joy no matter what meets us at the top. 

Drawing from the ancient wisdom of Ecclesiastes, this message explores how the "meaningless" toil of our daily lives—from New Year's resolutions to our favorite hobbies—is often like a fleeting vapor that we simply cannot grasp. However, when we shift from a life lived "under the sun" to one lived with an eternal perspective, our routine tasks are redeemed into significant opportunities for ministry. By centering our ambitions on the grace of Jesus Christ, we discover how to turn the "puff of smoke" that is our daily schedule into a lasting bridge for the Gospel 

Barnabas and Saul encountered a sorcerer who had the Roman Governor of Cyprus under the spell of his control. By the end of the story a devil is blinded and a man is set free. In our own world a fog of confusion can fall over us and those we love. What does it mean to embrace the power of the Word of God in our lives and cut through the lies?

Barnabas and Saul encountered a sorcerer who had the Roman Governor of Cyprus under the spell of his control. By the end of the story a devil is blinded and a man is set free. In our own world a fog of confusion can fall over us and those we love. What does it mean to embrace the power of the Word of God in our lives and cut through the lies?

God was forming something special at Antioch. By bringing different people with a variety of giftings, passions and talents together, a team was created that would impact the world forever. While we seek after purpose in all sorts of avenues in our life, God offers deep fulfillment in being part of His church on mission together.

When confronted and criticized in our community, it can be very difficult for the critics and the criticized to make use of critical thinking skills, but NOT a critical spirit. How are these different? Why is this so important? How can we learn to do better?

While many would say the idea of God's wrath makes them feel uncomfortable, an equal amount (or maybe more) people would reluctantly admit His gracious Love makes them more uncomfortable. Even today, God is still setting us free from our cultural or religious programming that naturally excludes people unlike us.

Without the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit we can become shells or shadows of who God intended us to be. Whether paralyzed, dead or hollowed out, the Lord Jesus speaks to our condition with the words "Get Up!" He takes us by the hand and presents us to the world as agents of His continued transformation.

At first glance, it would appear that Herod holds all the cards in his showdown with Peter. Yet when you look closer, we find that power and authority in God's Kingdom comes when we our hearts are in their proper place before Him. 

As the year draws to a close, it invites us to reflect on what has been and dream of what might yet unfold. Whatever shadows linger from your past, the journey ahead remains a thrilling unknown—like Abraham's call into the wilderness. In such uncertainty, faith in God stands as the truest guide.

The far reaching power of a simple act challenges us to move beyond performative charity and to rediscover the ancient call of philoxenia—the love of strangers. By stepping into the shoes of the suffering and opening our hearts to those in need, we reflect the selfless love of Christ that "stepped down" into our world. Discover how a simple act of hospitality can become a divine encounter and a powerful fruit of our faith this Christmas season. 

Life is full of surprises - some are welcomed and some not so much! If you've ever faced disappointment or rejection, it is easy to get cynical and be skeptical when good news comes your way. Christmas is a season that reminds us that God is a God of good surprises, and even when the day seems dark - dawn is right around the corner.

Life is full of surprises - some are welcomed and some not so much! If you've ever faced disappointment or rejection, it is easy to get cynical and be skeptical when good news comes your way. Christmas is a season that reminds us that God is a God of good surprises, and even when the day seems dark - dawn is right around the corner.

Ironically, while Christmas is supposed to be a season of reflection and growing near to Jesus, the season itself has become so loud and busy that we can struggle with drawing near to God. How can we find Peace in the middle of a busy season? How can the Holy Spirit empower us to cut through the distraction and noise?

While conventional wisdom might have led God to choose a woman of power to bring Jesus into the world, God chose Mary, a humble peasant girl from Nazareth, to be part of His plan. Her response of "yes" to God brought hope into the world and transformed it forever.

When many would have doubted the genuineness of Saul's sudden life change, Barnabas vouched for him with the apostles. This act of kindness opened doors to launch Paul's life calling as the church's greatest missionary. What does it mean to embrace the ministry of Barnabas today? How can we seek to take one another to the next level in our faith? 

Join us as we explore the dramatic conversion story of Saul on the road to Damascus. From being a sworn enemy to Christians, to becoming one of the great Apostles, the story of Saul and his conversion is full of lessons for us today.

Philip preaches the gospel to Samaritans and encounters two unique individuals: the fraudulent Simon and the devout Ethiopian Eunuch. These contrasting interactions demonstrate that God's love and call for repentance extend to all people, especially those typically excluded by religious prejudice. Ultimately, the message challenges believers to overcome their biases, step out of their comfort zones, and emulate Philip's obedience in proclaiming Christ to the outcasts around them.  

Stephen was a faithful man of God who died for his beliefs. After pouring out his heart, he was brutally stoned by people who should have known better. Yet in the middle of the suffering of the early church, God was up to something. How is it that God can turn our most difficult and dark hours into the ones that define our lives?

Have the growing demands on your life ever outpaced your personal capacity to meet them all? In Acts 6, the Apostles came to a realization that if they took on any more responsibilities they would neglect the things that mattered most to them. How can Followers of Jesus learn an Empowering Focus that pleases God, serves the world, and raises up others in the process?

When the apostles are facing heat for bringing about positive change in Jerusalem, God's power showed up in direct and indirect ways. Through God's Common Grace, He mercifully upholds the whole creation and preserves His Church. As Followers of Jesus engaging the world today, how can Common Grace give us confidence to proclaim the Good News in our daily lives? 

The signs and wonders performed by the apostles shook Jerusalem. Against all odds and despite oppression from the religious elites, the Church was unstoppable. Why? Because "they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). We'll look at how this life-altering relationship qualifies us in the Church today to advance with radical love and truth.

Our world can be a lonely place where finding real friendships is hard to find. The early church was filled with the Holy Spirit and created a new kind of community. The church was designed to be a place with Christ at the center and all people find their fit. How can this vision of Christ-centred community change our city as we know it?

Pentecost marked the arrival of a new era. The wind and fire of the Holy Spirit fell and thousands were transformed. In a world that can feel so spiritually dry and discouraging - the same Holy Spirit is at work today transforming lives and building Christ's Church.

After Judas' betrayal, the apostles needed someone to replace him on their team. What ensued was a powerful example of how the Spirit can lead a community in discernment. In our families, communities and church, how can we find supernatural guidance for the biggest decisions that stand before us?

Long before Christianity became a global revolution it began with a group of bewildered disciples watching Jesus ascend into heaven. They were promised power from on high and told to wait. Here in Fort Saskatchewan we begin the fall season with a million possibilities. What does God promise us and require of us as we head into a new season?

Excitement is in the air as a new school year has begun. 2025/26 will be monumental in the history of Bridge Church. How can we "Get Ready" for all that God has for us in the future? Join Bridge Church this week as Pastor Ryan shares what God has put on his heart for this new season. 

This week Brent Kellington digs deeper into Psalm 57 and the what David's song of God protection and His grace means in your life today.

For thousands of years Trappist Monks have sung Psalm 4 before bed. In a world filled with anxiety, we need the peace of Christ more than ever. What is it about this ancient song that has helped people sleep for generations?

Music has a way of shaping and moving us; the songs we sing, whether we realize it or not, make up part of our identity. Join us this week at Bridge Church as we examine the song Jesus sang from the cross and explore its implications for us today.

The Psalms express a wide range of emotions. This week, we'll explore what the Bible says about laments. When it seems like God is silent, and we feel like we need to suppress or ignore negative emotions, the Bible offers a different perspective. 

The practical wisdom of our time encourages us to stay the course, hedge our bets, not have too ambitious dreams, and that hope can be dangerous. Praying through the Psalms teaches us otherwise. Join us this week at Bridge Church as we explore what it looks like to boldly pray our hopes and dreams. 

For millennia, the Psalms have been the prayer book of God's people. This Sunday we start our summer series in the Psalms by looking at Psalm 121. We will see that the LORD is a God who never slumbers but watches over our coming and going. As we say goodbye to a faithful pastor, we see that God is faithful in all of life's transitions.

This Sunday we end our journey through the book of Exodus with a story of encounter with God. In a moment where Moses might have felt the most alone in his leadership, God revealed His Glory. When the Holy One calls us to step out in faith, we can hold Him to His promises. 

Waiting is not easy for most people. It certainly wasn't easy for the Israelites. In their impatience the Israelites created a golden calf which led to a world of pain. How do we find God in the waiting periods in our life? What does it look like to find forgiveness and a fresh start when we step outside of God's framework for our lives? 

As Israel left Mt. Sinai behind, the Spirit of God moved in a miraculous way to see the construction of the Tabernacle completed. On Bridge Church's road into our future, the same Spirit of service is at work among us! What does it mean to boldly follow after God and be "All In" for the Lord and for each other?

After miraculously being delivered from Egypt and then encountering God at Mt. Sinai, everything has changed yet again for the people of Israel. The God whose Glory rested on the mountain is now dwelling among them in the camp. In our world today, where many seem to wander in the desert without direction - God is still present and faithful for all who call on His Name. Join Bridge Church as we start the last part of the book of Exodus by reflecting on the miraculous gift of God's Presence.

We all need assurance. In a world of doubt, brokenness and distraction - we need to come back to our core commitments that really matter. In the "inbetweenness" of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised land, God provided assurance through sprinkling and a meal that we still feel the effects of today. Join Bridge Church as we gather around God's Word and His Table this Sunday.

Contentment is hard to find in our consumer society. "Keeping up with the Joneses" has created a consumption culture that promises satisfaction but delivers only more hunger. What does Scripture have to say is the cure to this disease? The answer might be closer than we think.

If you've ever felt ripped off or slandered, you understand the pain lies bring about. Finally out of Egypt, God's desire for the people of Israel was to build a society that was truly fair and just. In a world of half-truths, bribes and out-right lies, the 9th commandment offers the blueprint to freedom. 

In a world where we are encouraged to always watch out for ourselves, to take what we need. God calls His people to live differently. Join us this week at Bridge Church as explore how honesty, trust, and respect for others and for their belongings are foundational to a flourishing community. We'll see how as God's covenant people our hearts transform from takers into generous givers.

Rejected by the ones He served, Jesus died the death of a criminal. When the world thought He was down and out, He won the ultimate victory of the ages. Easter is The Story - so good that it is true. Written in our hearts, in the creation, and the history books - Jesus Christ is Hope for every human being. In our world of chaos, uncertainty and despair, the King of Glory comes to establish a new people and new world.

People's hearts and character are most predominantly displayed through their actions, and Jesus's heart is no different. Join us this week at Bridge Church as we examine the triumphant entry on Palm Sunday, how it helps us sense who Jesus is, and how that inspires us to this day.  

Like the healing of the man at Bethsaida's sight, our journey of faith and understanding God is a process. While our eyes can play tricks on us, more and more God's glory is revealed to us over our lives. When we fix our gaze on Jesus we find hope and illumination no matter what we face.

Jesus, God in flesh, broke the taboos of his day by reaching out and touching the untouchable outcasts of society. He invites us to reach out to him regardless of the mess our lives may be in, and he wants to touch our hearts with his love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Join us this week at Bridge Church as we learn how Jesus' touch can make us clean and give us new purpose.

In an act of sacrifice and love, Jesus had expensive perfume poured on his feet. This smell lingered and foreshadowed His ultimate death on the cross. As children of His resurrection, what does it mean to embrace His life and become a sweet fragrance to the world?

In a world of many competing voices and noise, the voice of God has the power to create and bring life. How do we tune out the screeching of the world and tune into the voice of the Good Shepherd?

The apostle John said “we declare to you… what we heard, what we have seen… what we have looked at and touched… concerning the word of life” (1 John 1:1). God embodied physical reality as a flesh and blood human being in the Lord Jesus Christ. As we journey towards Easter this Lenten season, join Bridge Church as we reflect upon stories of “Sensing Jesus” through taste, hearing, smell, touch and sight. 

Our world today puts an incredible emphasis on sex, and as such, there is a lot of noise, confusion, and teachings with regard to sex today. Surprisingly, this was also the reality for the Israelites in the wilderness. Join us this week at Bridge Church as we see how God's intent for sex enables us to love our world in a transformational way. 

While most of us will never commit murder, we soft-kill people with our words and deeds daily. How are we liberated when we learn restraint, forgiveness and even love for difficult people?