BridgePoint Church Podcast

In today's world, how we communicate matters more than ever — especially when sharing our faith in spaces where it might not be welcomed. If we present our stories with a harsh, self-righteous attitude — “I'm right and you're wrong”—we risk misrepresenting the very message we're trying to share. That approach doesn't reflect how Jesus taught us to live or love, and it may even close hearts instead of opening them.Jesus calls us to let our light shine so that others see our good works and glorify God. This reminds us of a powerful truth: our story begins speaking long before we say a single word.And when sharing our faith feels hard or uncomfortable, we can remember the words of Paul—our struggle isn't with people. Our real enemy is spiritual, and we don't push back darkness by attacking others. Instead, we overcome by living out the love, grace, and truth that Jesus modeled.✨ Key Points:* How we share our faith matters — especially in environments where it may not be welcomed.* Our actions speak before our words — our lives should reflect the message we want to share.* Jesus calls us to let our light shine, so others see our good works and glorify God.* Paul reminds us of our struggle is spiritual, not against other people — we're not called to attack, but to love.

What if sharing your faith wasn't about pressure, performance, or having all the right answers—but simply living from who you are in Christ? In this message from Acts 17, Pastor Curtis unpacks how Paul shared the gospel in a deeply secular culture, not from obligation but from conviction and identity. Whether you're at work, the gym, or a coffee shop, you don't need a bigger platform—you need a clearer understanding of who you are. This message will challenge and encourage you to live out your faith naturally in the everyday spaces you already occupy.✨ Key Points:1. Your Story Begins with God's Love2. Evangelism Can Feel Uncomfortable3. Evangelism Isn't About Technique4. Evangelism Begins Where You Are5. God Can Expand Your Platform6. Build Bridges Before Sharing the MessageReflection Questions:How does your story reflect the love of God?What makes evangelism feel intimidating or awkward for you?Where are your current "synagogues" and "public squares"?Have you ever missed opportunities to share Jesus because you were looking for a “bigger” moment or platform?Are you focusing more on “what to say” than “who you're saying it to”?What “unknown gods” exist in the culture around you that people turn to for hope?How can you make evangelism a natural part of your life instead of a scheduled event?

This week's message explores the challenge—and importance—of sharing our faith story with the people closest to us.Pastor Brad teaches that how we live and speak reflects God's love to those who know us best. Our goal isn't to fix people, but to love them in a way that invites them to experience the grace of Jesus for themselves.Questions for Reflection:• What would it look like to speak about your faith with wisdom and grace?• Are you loving the people closest to you in a way that reflects God's love?The Anatomy of Peace Book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4ku1pvF

This week kicks off our new series, Your Story Speaks, with a reminder that your faith story has value, because it reflects the goodness of God. Pastor Tyler challenges us to reflect on who Jesus is to us, whether our lives reflect the hope we've found in Him, and if we're ready to share that hope with others. Our stories may be imperfect, but they carry the power to point people to a perfect God.Questions for Reflection:• Have you taken time to consider what your story is? Have you thought through different aspects of your story? The way to tell it, it to remember it.• Does sharing your testimony come naturally to you? Why or why not?

Life doesn't always go according to plan, but God's promises never fail. In this message, Pastor Cam shares a personal story and dives into Acts 27, where Paul faces a violent storm at sea. Even when all hope seems lost, Paul holds onto one truth: “I believe God. It will be just as He said.”No matter your storm, whether it's relational, financial, emotional, or spiritual, God still sees you, still loves you, and still has a plan.Questions for Reflection:• What has God spoken over your life that you need to remember today?• In what area of your life do you need to move from believing in God to believing God?

The final step in the journey of faith isn't arriving at personal growth—it's helping others walk the way of Jesus too. In this closing message of The Way series, we're reminded that spiritual maturity means leading others to know and follow Christ. You don't have to be perfect to be purposeful. The world needs what God is doing in you.Whether you're feeling unsure or unqualified, this message will challenge and encourage you to step out and pour into someone else on the journey.Questions for Reflection:• Is there any area of your faith that is becoming "dull", or where you find yourself "sitting and soaking" more than feasting and leading?• What excuses or fears might be holding you back from leading others in faith?

Life gets heavy. Faith gets dry. And sometimes, even the most seasoned believers find themselves trying to carry what only Christ was meant to hold. In this week's message, Held Together in Christ, we're reminded that walking in step with the Spirit leads to transformation—and that Jesus alone is the one who holds all things together.Whether you feel stretched thin or just out of sync spiritually, this message will help you pause, realign, and return to the peace found in Christ.Questions for Reflection:• What have you done in the past when things begin to break or fall apart? What could you do differently?• Do you see evidence of the Spirit's work in and through you? Can you give an example?

Brad, the downtown St. Pete campus pastor, welcomed viewers to the second week of the series on 'walking in the way of Jesus,' emphasizing that this path is a lifelong journey, not a one-time decision.Brad shared a personal anecdote about his initial struggles with the Florida heat after moving from the Midwest, which he used to introduce the scriptural theme of dressing appropriately for one's current life season. He highlighted the core idea that following Jesus into a new life requires leaving the old life behind.He then delved into the letter to the Colossians, explaining that Paul addressed the church's issues by reinforcing that Jesus has already provided everything necessary for salvation. Paul emphasized that believers have been transferred from a kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of the beloved son through Jesus's sacrifice.Brad elaborated on Paul's teachings, stating that believers should set their sights on heavenly realities rather than earthly concerns, as their lives are now hidden with Christ in God. He stressed the importance of putting to death sinful earthly things and replacing them with virtues, urging the congregation to clothe themselves with love above all else.To facilitate this transformation, Brad introduced a practical process of 'reflect, adjust, do,' encouraging self-examination and action. He cautioned against complacency, reminding even seasoned followers of Jesus to continually assess their path and make necessary adjustments. He also emphasized that God provides the strength and grace needed for this journey, inviting partnership rather than self-reliance.Reflect: What in my life right now doesn't fit the new life Jesus has given me?Adjust: What virtue or Christlike habit needs to replace it?Do: What's one small, practical step I can take this week to live more like Jesus?

Faith isn't about reaching the finish line all at once — it's about taking the next step with Jesus. In this message, we explore what it looks like to walk worthy of God's calling by identifying where we are spiritually and stepping forward in faith. God meets us in every season, every struggle, and every step along the way. Sometimes the extraordinary life of faith is found in the most ordinary moments.Whether you're beginning your journey for the first time or continuing on from where you are, this message will encourage you to move forward, trusting that Jesus is with you at every step.Questions for Reflection:• How would you describe where you are in your faith journey?• Are there any areas of your life or faith that have grown stale or stagnant? What's your next step in getting them moving again?

Easter reminds us that Jesus is not a king like any other. He wore a crown of thorns, endured the cross, and rose from the grave—not to build a worldly empire, but to bring us into a new kind of kingdom. A kingdom where shame is traded for hope, and where death no longer wins. Watch this Easter message and discover how the resurrection changes everything.Questions for Reflection:• What part of the Easter story are you most drawn to this year—the crown, the cross, or the empty tomb? Why?• How might surrendering to Jesus as King impact the way you face fear, shame, or uncertainty?

When Jesus was hailed as King, the world expected domination—but Jesus delivered sacrifice. This message invites us to reflect on a King who reigns not through control or performance, but through love, truth, and surrender. His reign exposes the limits of our legalism and self-rule—and calls us to something greater.Questions for Reflection:• Have you seen legalism distort grace—or truth abandoned in the name of love? How did it miss the mark of Jesus?• What do you feel when you picture Jesus staying silent before Pilate? What does that reveal about His Kingdom and authority?

On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise—but the people misunderstood what kind of king He was. They expected power, victory, and change on their terms. But Jesus came to bring peace through surrender.This message invites us to reflect on the expectations we bring to our relationship with Jesus. Are we willing to trust Him even when He doesn't meet our expectations? True worship starts when we lay down our assumptions and follow Jesus for who He truly is.Questions for Reflection:• What expectations have you placed on Jesus?• Can you trust Jesus through obedience, even when His way looks different than yours?

When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” it wasn't just a question for Peter—it's a question for all of us. Our answer reveals not only what we believe, but how we live.In this message, we examine the defining moment in Mark 8 where Peter declares Jesus as the Messiah, only to discover that following Him means surrender, not comfort. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him—and it all begins with how we answer His question.Questions for Reflection:• Who do you say Jesus is—and how does that shape your daily life?• What might it look like to surrender more fully to His kingship?

This message challenges us to examine the state of our hearts if Jesus were to look at them today. Using the story from Mark 11, the speaker explores how Jesus' encounter with the fig tree and His cleansing of the temple symbolizes God's justice and restoration.Fig Tree as a Symbol: The tree, full of leaves but without fruit, represents Israel's spiritual state—appearing righteous but lacking true faith and obedience. Jesus curses the tree, signifying judgment on Israel for failing its purpose.Cleansing of the Temple: Jesus enters the temple and overturns tables, not out of mere anger but to restore access to God for all people, especially those being exploited. This is not just judgment but an act of restoration.Call to Faith: Jesus tells His disciples to "Have faith in God," emphasizing trust in His justice and sovereignty rather than worldly systems.The speaker challenges listeners to evaluate their own lives:Are you truly bearing fruit or just looking the part?Are you blocking others from accessing God?Are you willing to let Jesus remove obstacles in your heart?

Interruptions can feel frustrating, but what if they are actually invitations from God? In Mark 5, Jesus was on His way to heal a dying girl when a desperate woman reached for Him in faith. Instead of rushing past her, He stopped, acknowledged her, and restored her completely.In this message, we see how Jesus modeled interruptibility—and how, when we allow our plans to be interrupted, God's mercy can flow through us to those in need. Faith in Jesus frees us to be people of mercy in a merciless world—but we must be willing to pause, listen, and act when He calls.Questions for Reflection:• How do you typically respond to interruptions in your day?• What would it look like for you to be more interruptible for God's work?

When a group of friends brought a paralyzed man to Jesus, they expected a miracle—but Jesus saw something deeper. Before healing his body, Jesus forgave his sins, revealing that true restoration starts in the heart.This message explores how the Kingdom of God is about more than just fixing our circumstances. Jesus offers us complete restoration—healing what is broken in our lives and bringing us back into relationship with Him.Questions for Reflection:How does Jesus' response to the paralyzed man challenge your view of healing?What areas of your life need restoration beyond the physical?

The arrival of Jesus marked the beginning of something new—The Kingdom of God. But what does that mean for us today? In this message, we look at Mark 1, where Jesus declares that the Kingdom has come and calls people to repent and believe. The good news is that Jesus is not just a Savior—He is a King, and He invites us to follow Him into a new way of life.Questions for Reflection:• In what was have you heard about or experienced Jesus being a different kind of King?• Does your life reflect submission to Jesus' Kingship? Or are you treating Him more as a "get out of jail free" friend?

The church is not just a place you go—it's a family where you belong. Throughout this series, we've explored God's design for singleness, marriage, and parenting, but no matter our family experiences, God has given us the church as a spiritual family.In this message, we dive into Titus 2 and other key passages to see how mentorship, discipleship, and mutual encouragement are central to God's plan for the church. Church isn't just about attending—it's about engaging, investing, and growing together.Questions for Reflection:• How does viewing the church as a family change the way you engage with it?• What steps can you take to move from simply attending church to actively investing in your spiritual family?

Our message with Cam today highlights the importance of guiding children in their faith journey by looking at Jesus' own growth. Luke 2:41-52 recounts how Jesus, at twelve years old, stayed behind in the temple, engaging with religious teachers and demonstrating remarkable understanding. His parents, initially anxious, found him in deep discussion about spiritual matters. The passage provides key principles for parenting in faith. As parents, one of our responsibilities is to point our children to Jesus and help them grow in their faith. As easy as it sounds, it could be quite challenging to figure out how to do that. Parents can take encouragement from this story, trusting that intentional discipleship and exposure to God's teachings help children grow in faith.Questions for Reflection:1) What are you modeling to your child when it comes to faith?2) Do you trust God with your kid?

Marriage is more than just a relationship—it's a reflection of God's covenant love. From Genesis to Ephesians, Scripture reveals that marriage was designed to showcase Christ's sacrificial love for the church.In this message, we explore God's intent for marriage, the roles of husbands and wives, and how understanding marriage as a covenant, not just a contract, transforms how we live in relationship. No matter your relationship status, this message will challenge and encourage you to see marriage through the lens of God's design.Questions for Reflection:• How have you noticed culture tends to view marriages? Good or bad?• How does viewing marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church change the way we approach relationships?• In what ways can you better embody sacrificial love in your current relationships?

Singleness is often seen as a waiting season, but the Bible presents it as a gift—a space to experience the wholeness of God. In this message, we explore how true fulfillment is not found in a relationship status but in Christ alone. Whether single, dating, engaged, divorced, or widowed, God invites each of us to find our ultimate satisfaction in Him.Questions for Reflection:• What is it in your life, other than Jesus, that you most regularly run to feel or find love, acceptance, or wholeness?• Have you ever been so focused on future desires that you missed God's purpose for your present season?

Christian community is more than just being together—it's about showing the world who God is through the way we love one another. In this final message of our Life Together series, discover how living in deep, authentic connection fulfills God's call for our lives and reflects His love to a world in need.Questions for Reflection:• Why are our efforts to show the world what God is like incomplete apart from community?• What's your next step into community? To Start? To Further? To Change?

Christian community is both proximity and process. In this message, discover how God transforms us through shared lives and mutual investment. Learn why belonging to a community isn't just about being together but about engaging in the process of growth and transformation with others.Questions for Reflection:• Which aspect do you most struggle with in Christian community: proximity or process?• What's the next step for you to take to see your Christian community become all God intended it for you?

The passage Tyler shared reminds us of how powerful it would have been to witness those events firsthand. So many people experienced the depth of God's love for humanity through Jesus' death and resurrection. Thousands responded, and 3,000 were added to the family of faith. But what came next revealed the true power of transformation: a deep devotion to life together. The people were changed, and they longed to be in community with other believers, where the Holy Spirit was actively working. That changed everything.What are you devoted to? Are you committed to the things God uses to grow your faith? Or have you settled for what's easy, familiar, comfortable, or isolating—things that can lead you back to the very path Jesus saved you from? We harm our faith journey when we either remain disconnected or fail to stay devoted.Other Questions:* Have you trusted Jesus for the rescue from and forgiveness of your sins?* Have you lived into the expectation of participating in the gift of community? If so, what's your next step of devotion toward your community?

We weren't made to live in isolation—Christian community is both a gift from God and an expectation for spiritual growth. In this message, discover how Jesus transforms us from strangers to members of His family and why belonging shapes our faith journey.Questions for Reflection:• What are you doing with the good news of Jesus' work in you? Is your faith getting bored? Why or why not?• Do you have or have you ever had Christian community? How have you seen it's positive impact before?

The nearness of God in Jesus is the ultimate expression of love. In this final message of our Christmas Playlist series, we reflect on how the birth of Christ reveals God's desire to be with us, know us, and transform our lives. Christmas is an invitation to experience the depth of God's love and to live in the joy of His presence.Questions for Reflection:• Does your soul feel its "worth"? Why or why not? Why does God being with us speak to that?• Why do you enjoy spending time around people you love? What does that say to us about Jesus having come to be with us?

This week in our Christmas Playlist series, we explore the carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing and the biblical promise of peace. Far more than the absence of conflict, true peace brings wholeness and restoration to our lives through Jesus. Discover how His arrival fulfills God's promises and offers us peace that transforms even the most chaotic seasons.Questions for Reflection:• In your life's journey, who/what/where do you tend to turn to fill the void/emptiness than can dwell inside?• In the quote used at the end of message, do you see evidences of places you're lacking peace: with others? within? with God? What would it take to surrender those to the King of Peace today?

Discover the powerful hope of Christmas in this message from our Christmas Playlist series. Drawing from the carol Come Thou Long Expected Jesus, we explore how centuries-old prophecies were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Through His life and message, we find a hope that meets our deepest longings and transforms our lives today.Questions for Reflection:• What are some of your hearts deepest longings and desires?• How does Jesus being hope change how you navigate waiting seasons?

In this message, we explore God's covenant with David and how it points to His eternal plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Despite David's imperfections, God's promise of an everlasting Kingdom reminds us of His faithfulness and grace. Discover what it means to trust in the unshakable hope of Christ and live as part of His eternal story.Questions for Reflection:• What areas of your life feel uncertain or unfulfilled, and how might seeing yourself as part of God's eternal Kingdom change your perspective?• What does it mean for you to live as part of God's eternal Kingdom, trusting that His purposes are greater than your successes or failures?

Sin often begins with small compromises, leading to far-reaching consequences. In this message, we explore how David's seemingly minor decisions set the stage for one of the most tragic moments in his story. Yet, even in the weight of sin, God's grace offers redemption and the opportunity to turn back to Him. Discover how trusting God's story can lead us from destruction to restoration.Questions for Reflection:• Have you experienced the disappointment of sin overpromising and underdelivering, leading you further away from God than you ever imagined?• Is there an area in your life where you might be compromising, putting yourself at risk of sin's destructive influence?

In this message, Pastor Travis explores the destructive power of comparison through the story of Saul and David. While Saul's jealousy of David reveals the trap of comparison, David's life models true contentment found in trusting God's unique plan. Discover how letting go of comparison and embracing God's story brings lasting peace and freedom.Questions for Reflection:• Where in your life have you struggled with comparison, and how might embracing God's unique plan for you bring greater peace and contentment?• How can you remind yourself daily to focus on God's story unfolding in your life rather than measuring yourself against others?

In "Put Down the Armor and Rely on God," we explore the early life of David, a young shepherd anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel. Before ascending to the throne, however, David endured a 15-year wait, demonstrating that God's promises often come with a period of preparation. The message draws parallels between David's experiences and our own, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness to His purposes.The narrative shifts to the iconic story of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17. Here, we meet Goliath, a fearsome giant representing the Philistines, who taunts the Israelite army. King Saul and his troops, paralyzed by fear, hesitate to confront him. David, still a shepherd, hears Goliath's challenges and steps forward, motivated by faith and past experiences where God delivered him from danger.David's confidence stems not from arrogance but from his recognition of God's power. He recalls how God had previously rescued him from a lion and a bear, framing his upcoming battle against Goliath in the same light. This narrative serves as a profound reminder that God often prepares us in smaller battles for the greater ones ahead.Ultimately, David's story illustrates that, despite our fears, God calls us to act in faith. The account encourages us to trust in God's guidance and provision, reminding us that true victory comes from reliance on Him rather than our own strength. As the message concludes, it reflects on personal transitions and new beginnings, linking David's readiness to step into his calling with the speaker's own journey toward a new ministry opportunity.Reflecting on Sunday's Message:What stood out to you, challenged you, or did you have a question about?If you could ask the speaker one question about the message, what would it be?What did you think or feel when you heard this week's Big Idea.Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11 together as a group.Saul doubts David's ability to fight Goliath but reluctantly allows him to go, only to witness David's unexpected victory, sparking both admiration and a complex, evolving relationship marked by Saul's growing envy and unease toward David.Have you ever felt like you were being taunted by the Enemy (Evil One)? If so, how did you respond? Read 1 Samuel 17:20-30 together as a group.Can you think of a time when you might have missed what God was up to because of fear?Has there been a time when you choose faith over fear and saw God do something incredible for you or through you?Read 1 Samuel 17:30-51 together as a group.In verses 45-47, David looks back at what God had already done (defeating David's “enemies”) as a way of living in trust that God would do the same again (give David the victory). How can you do the same in your own life?

In our culture, waiting feels unnatural—but in God's Kingdom, waiting is a vital part of our faith journey. Have you ever waited on God? Or wished that you had? Rushing ahead can lead us into careers, relationships, and life paths that we later regret. In this message, we'll explore David's story, but our main focus is on what God is showing us about Himself. When David was chosen as Israel's future king, he received the anointing of God's presence and power—and then returned to the shepherd's field to wait. The Bible is full of moments where God's people learn and grow through waiting. Our challenge is to trust His story for us, even in seasons of delay, because God's timing is always worth it.Questions for Reflection:• How did you feel in your waiting season? Why?• What are the ways you're tempted to "help God along" by taking matters into your own hands?

In this message, we kick off our new series by zooming out to see the bigger picture of God's story in the Bible. Today, we focus on how the people of Israel asked for a king, rejecting God's leadership in favor of human control. But even in their brokenness, God remained faithful to His purposes and His people.Through this story, we're reminded that life isn't about our plans or being the main character. Instead, true freedom comes when we let go and trust God's unfolding plan. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by life or struggling to find your place, this message offers hope in embracing the freedom that comes from trusting God's story over our own.Questions for Reflection:• Where in your life have you been trying to take control, and how might you begin to trust God's plan instead?• How have you seen God's faithfulness in your life, even in situations where things didn't go as you planned?

This message is the final installment in our Masterpiece series, titled "Living Loved: Embracing Your Identity in Christ." In this message, Pastor Tyler helps us understand that our identity is not something we earn through our performance or life circumstances, but it is a gift from God. We were created on purpose, for a purpose, and that purpose is to be loved by Him. As our community faces challenges, we are reminded that we don't have to carry the weight of life alone. Instead, we are invited to cast our anxieties on God and live in the freedom and peace that comes from being His beloved masterpiece.Questions for Reflection:• In what areas of your life have you been striving for approval or validation, instead of resting in the truth that you are already fully loved by God?• What burdens or anxieties are you carrying right now that you need to cast on God, trusting Him to care for you and provide the peace you need?

This message is the third in our Masterpiece series, titled "Your Identity is Shaped for Connectivity." Pastor Tyler walks us through the biblical truth that God has "written eternity on our hearts." This message emphasizes that we were never meant to do life alone. At the core of our identity is the need for community—specifically, a community of believers seeking to know God together. We are reminded that we will miss out on parts of who we were made to be if we don't live in connection with others. The journey of faith is not an individual one, but one we are called to walk together, bringing Heaven to Earth as we go.Questions for Reflection:• What about being connected with the people of God is hard or comes easy for you? Why?• Does your faith journey reflect the core importance of being together with other believers?

This message is the second in our Masterpiece series, titled 'God's Masterpiece: What it Means to be "In Christ."' Pastor Tyler dives deeper into the idea that our true identity is found in Jesus. In today's culture, people often search for identity in what they do, what they have, or what they desire. However, these pursuits can leave us feeling lost and struggling. Drawing on Paul's words from 2 Corinthians, this message reminds us that searching for identity "according to the flesh" won't satisfy. Instead, it is when we root our identity in Jesus that we find freedom, purpose, and the love that defines us.Questions for Reflection:• Do you feel you most commonly see people (or yourself) trying to build an identity on do's, haves, or desires? What helps you see that in yourself or others?• Have you ever had enough faith to open your heart to receive God's love for you and to begin to be "in Christ"? What's stopping you?

This message is the first in our Masterpiece series, titled You Are Made For A Purpose. Using the imagery of stained glass, we explore how each of us is a unique part of God's grand design. The message challenges us to stop focusing on individual pieces and start seeing the bigger picture of God's purpose for our lives. Discover how rooting your identity in Christ frees you to live fully known and fully loved by Him.Questions for Reflection:• What aspects of your life are most tempting to you to be identified by? Why?• Do you embrace that you are fully known and fully loved by God? What's preventing you from believing that deeply in your heart?

Why do you do the things you do? Is it love for others or something else? To conclude our series on How To Love Your Neighbor, Travis examines Luke 10 and the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explore the motivation behind our love for our neighbors. Travis suggests that loving others starts from a place of compassion that results in love.Questions for Reflection:• What motivates you to love others the way you do?• How does compassion change the way you view and engage other people?

In this series, we've been reminded that loving our neighbors is not optional, but there is wisdom in how we love different types of people—the wise, the foolish, and the evil, as described in Proverbs. But how do we love those who seem evil? Proverbs makes it clear that evil exists in this world, and it's unwise to ignore it. God, in His grace, allows us to create distance from the effects of evil. We weren't created to simply endure it. However, even from a place of safety, believers are called to overcome evil with good. This message is for anyone struggling with broken relationships, holding the tension between needing distance and still finding ways to bless those who have caused harm. Our ability to love our enemies, some say, is the true measure of our spiritual maturity.Questions for Reflection:• Does it bring comfort or frustration to know that God will handle vengeance for wrongs, and that we must trust him with that process?• What are some practical ways to overcome evil with good toward someone who necessitates you to keep your distance? Is there anything our church can do to help?

In this insightful message from Week 3 of our "How to Love Your Neighbor" series, Pastor Tyler tackles the challenge of dealing with people who reject wisdom and act foolishly, as described in the Book of Proverbs. Loving others isn't always easy, especially when their behavior leads them—and sometimes us—down a destructive path.In this message, you'll learn how to set healthy boundaries and enforce consequences, all while maintaining a heart of love and grace. Pastor Tyler offers practical biblical wisdom for navigating tough relationships, emphasizing that while love is not optional, how we express it must be guided by wisdom.If you've ever struggled with difficult relationships or wondered how to love those who resist correction, this message provides clear and actionable steps rooted in Scripture. Discover how to reflect God's love even in the most challenging situations.Questions for Reflection:• Who are some people in your life that you have or need healthy boundaries and consequences with? Why?• Who are the people in your life that help you guard against acting a fool and walking in sin?

In order to love our neighbors well, the Bible invites us to grow our discernment, or ability to perceive, understand or judge things clearly. That's because Proverbs identifies three types of people: the wise, the fool and the evil. Wisdom understands that loving each can look different. Today we focus on the wise. These are the easiest of our neighbors to love, but it also begs the question: are you a wise neighbor? In looking at some of the wisdom from proverbs, we are better able to identify if we are wise and the importance of seeking God's wisdom.Questions for Reflection:* What are unwise things you are struggle with currently?* Who are people in your life that are wise in the things of God? * Do you tend to surround yourself with wise, foolish or evil people?* How do you handle constructive criticism?* Other questions are included in the attached handout

Love of neighbor is something that most people would recognize as a core tenet of the Christian faith, whether they believe or not. But do Christians love their neighbor? Furthermore the concept of how to love your neighbor that often gets misconstrued to becoming a doormat to the whims and opinions of others, or worse. This series opener is the beginning of series that will help us shape two things about living out our faith: 1. we won't love others well until we're able to receive the love of God and love ourselves and 2. is our message Big Idea: Loving all people is not optional. How we love people has options. Have you opened your heart to receive the love of God that began first for you and me while we were still sinners? Questions for Reflection:• Who are the people in your life that are difficult to love?• How does the love of God for you change the way you love other people?

 This sermon titled "Seek and Save the Lost" explores the concepts of being an insider and outsider within the Christian faith. It emphasizes how people often label others, creating divisions that make the faith seem exclusive, akin to membership in an elite club. Travis James uses the analogy of the Augusta National Golf Club's exclusivity to illustrate this point.The sermon centers around the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector in Jericho who was despised and considered an outsider. Zacchaeus, short in stature and unable to see Jesus through the crowd, climbs a tree to get a better view. Jesus, however, calls Zacchaeus by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus's house, shocking the crowd. This act demonstrates that Jesus' grace is not exclusive but is extended to all, even those considered unworthy or sinful.The key message is that nothing can exclude anyone from God's grace. Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus leads to a genuine transformation, showcasing that access to God's grace is not about meeting specific requirements but responding to Jesus' invitation. The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on what might be keeping outsiders from experiencing God's love and to make room for them to encounter grace. It concludes by challenging insiders to allow outsiders to access God's grace, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' love.Questions for Reflection:1) How do you relate to Zacchaeus in his desire to see Jesus? Have there been moments in your life where you felt an urge to seek something greater?2) What barriers (social, personal, spiritual) might be preventing you from experiencing the grace and acceptance of Jesus fully?3) How does Jesus' acceptance of Zacchaeus challenge your views on who is worthy of God's grace and inclusion in the Christian community?4) In what ways have you felt like an outsider, and how did you find a sense of belonging or acceptance?5) How can you extend the grace and welcome of Jesus to others who may feel excluded or marginalized in your community?6) Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformation or change of heart. What prompted it, and how did it impact your life and relationships?7) What role does repentance play in your spiritual journey, and how do you practice it in your daily life?8) How can the story of Zacchaeus inspire you to break down social barriers and build inclusive, accepting communities?9) In what ways can you make a deliberate effort to see and acknowledge those who are often overlooked or excluded in your surroundings?10) How does the concept of Jesus inviting himself into Zacchaeus' home resonate with your understanding of God's pursuit and invitation in your life?(More questions in the attached Discussion Guide).

In this third week of the series, we delve into the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10:17-31. Gabe explores how Jesus' challenge to let go of worldly possessions and fully commit to Him reveals the path to true fulfillment. This message highlights the radical call to sacrifice and how it transforms our lives from feeling like outsiders to embracing a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus.Questions for Reflection:• What areas of your life are you holding onto tightly?• In what ways can yielding to God transform your sense of belonging and purpose?

In this powerful message we explore Luke 8:26-39 and the transformative encounter between Jesus and a demon-possessed man.Pastor Cam emphasizes the importance of sharing our personal stories of healing and restoration. He highlights three key points: Jesus can change your story, there's power when you tell your story, and the importance of starting with your own people. Through real-life examples and biblical insights, Pastor Cam challenges us to boldly share our stories to reveal Jesus' radical welcome and love to others.Questions for Reflection:• When's the last time you shared your story?• Who do you need to share your story with?

The hallmark of Jesus' life and ministry was His continual welcome of cultural and social "outsiders" to Himself. This radical approach to love and inclusion was not just a fleeting aspect of His ministry but the very essence of His mission on earth. Jesus consistently reached out to those who were marginalized, broken, and considered sinners, offering them a place in the Kingdom of God. This way of living and loving was carried on by the earliest followers of Jesus, who embraced His life of welcome. They shared their personal experiences of Jesus' transformative love with everyone they knew, regardless of social or cultural barriers, demonstrating that His welcome was universal and all-encompassing.This message delves into Luke 7:33-50, where we explore the profound ways Jesus transforms lives by welcoming those deemed outsiders by society. Be inspired by the life-changing love of Jesus and learn how we can embody His radical welcome in our own lives and communities.Questions for Reflection:• Have you experienced the welcome of Jesus for yourself?• Who is experiencing the welcome of Jesus through you?• What does it mean to you that Jesus redefines belonging?

As we wrap up the "Made New" series, Tyler explores an interesting aspect of Paul's journey: God's revelation to Paul that his purpose would include jail and suffering. In our culture, there is a real temptation to see Jesus as a "magic eraser" to life's pain, something we simply add to our lives. However, neither Jesus nor the early church communicated or lived this way. Instead, it is in suffering that we find ourselves most dependent on God's presence to bring meaning to our pain.This challenging yet hopeful message delves into Paul's experiences and the hope he found in being made new, even through pain. Tyler reminds us that, like Paul, we can find strength and purpose in our suffering through our faith in Jesus.Questions for Reflection:• How have you viewed pain or suffering, in terms of your faith? Does it bring doubts? Why do you think that is the case?• Do you have a story of the goodness of God or presence of God in the midst of pain?

In this passionate weekly update from Bridgepoint Church, Cam, the student pastor, welcomes attendees and announces the upcoming summer camp. He then delves into Acts 16, focusing on Paul and Silas' imprisonment and their unwavering faith amidst adversity. Despite being beaten and jailed unjustly, Paul and Silas choose to worship and pray, leading to a miraculous event that impacts their jailer profoundly. Cam emphasizes the lesson of continuing to share the gospel and show love even in the midst of life's toughest challenges, inspiring listeners to persevere and trust in God's unchanging power and love.Questions for Reflection:* How does the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16 encourage you to share Jesus in difficult circumstances?* What can we learn from their example of worshiping God in adversity?* Have you experienced a situation where your faith was tested? How did you respond?* Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence even in challenging times.* How does the gospel remain unchanged and relevant today, despite cultural and societal shifts?* What inner strengths can we draw upon when facing hardships, similar to Paul and Silas in prison?* How can we show love and kindness to others, even when facing personal struggles?* What lessons can we learn from the jailer's conversion about God's transformative power?* How can we cultivate a deeper faith that remains steadfast during difficult seasons?* In what ways can we actively share the message of Jesus with those around us, regardless of our circumstances?