Bridgeway Church

Money is not just practical – it's deeply spiritual. While our culture leans into an ownership mindset fueled by consumerism, Jesus calls us to a manager mindset, recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and is entrusted to us for a season. Through the story of Zacchaeus, we see the danger of hoarding for ourselves and the freedom that comes from open-handed generosity. Where our treasure is, our heart follows. True life isn't found in an abundance of possessions, but in trusting God, loosening our grip, and being rich toward Him.

Instead of swinging between the extremes of the “poverty gospel” (money is bad) and the “prosperity gospel” (more money means more blessing), we're invited into a better way: a manager mindset. Scripture reminds us that God owns it all – our income, possessions, investments, even our abilities. And we are entrusted as stewards of our things, not owners. Through the Parable of the Talents, Jesus challenges us to faithfully manage what He's placed in our hands, not with fear or self-indulgence, but with purpose, gratitude, and kingdom vision.

James reminds us that faith isn't just something we believe, but something we live. Throughout the letter, he challenges us to be doers of the word, to reject favoritism, to steward our words wisely, to confront pride in our conflicts, and now, in chapter 5, to wrestle honestly with money. James pushes us to see that wealth isn't a curse but a dangerous responsibility, revealing what's really going on in our hearts. How we handle our money, possessions, and resources shows whether we're living open-handed lives of generosity and justice – or clinging to comfort and excess. In the end, James invites us to let Jesus lead every part of our lives, including our finances, so that our faith moves from talk to action in the world around us.

In this message, we're reminded that following Jesus was never meant to be a passive belief but an active, lived-out faith... especially when life is hard. James challenges us to move beyond just hearing God's Word and instead put it into practice: showing favor to everyone, watching our words, and confronting the subtle but destructive power of pride. James exposes how pride fuels conflict, fractures relationships, and keeps us focused on ourselves, while humility opens our hands to receive God's grace. The invitation is clear and deeply practical – submit ourselves to Jesus.

In this message from James 3, we explore how real, lived-out faith shows up in one of the most powerful and dangerous places: our words. James reminds us that faith isn't just what we believe but how we speak, especially under pressure. Our words may be small, but they have the power to steer lives, spark conflict, or bring healing and hope. This teaching challenges us to pause before we speak, shift our goal from winning to building, speak life intentionally, and let prayer interrupt criticism. When God transforms our hearts, our words begin to reflect His kingdom – turning small sparks into forces that build rather than burn.

This message reminds us that real life change doesn't happen through good intentions alone, but when faith is put into action. Drawing from the book of James, it challenges us to move beyond comfortable, “New Year, new me” resolutions and live out a faith that's active, visible, and under pressure. James calls us not only to active faith, but also to reject favoritism and discrimination, valuing every person as Jesus does.

In this message, we dive into James 1 and discover that real change, real faith, and real growth only happen when belief turns into action. James reminds us that faith without action is dead, that God does His deepest work in us through pressure and perseverance, and that wisdom isn't just knowing what's right but obediently moving toward the future God desires.

Exploring the original context of “good news” (euangelion), this message reveals how the angels' announcement to the shepherds wasn't just a sweet, nostalgic moment, but a bold declaration of a new King and a different kingdom. A kingdom one that offers joy for all people and true peace. As we navigate the many “gospels” competing for our allegiance today, this sermon challenges us to ask: which gospel are we actually living, and are we aligning our lives with the good news of Jesus that truly delivers hope, joy, and peace this Christmas?

This week we kicked off our Christmas series, Songs of Christmas, by exploring how the first Christmas was filled with real people, real struggles, and real songs of hope. From Zechariah and Elizabeth's story to the origin of “Silent Night,” we looked at how God often meets us in the middle of chaos and disappointment – turning pain into praise.

This message explores what happens when life doesn't go according to plan and how our instinct to grasp for control can pull us away from trusting God. Through a humorous but honest story about a disaster-filled student ministry trip and the biblical account of the Israelites forming a golden calf, Niko's message shows how fear and uncertainty often drive us back to familiar habits, false comforts, and “golden calves” of our own making – things we cling to for a sense of security. But God invites us to loosen our grip, release our illusions of control, and trust Him even when the path feels unclear.

In this message, we explore why the way out of life's hardest moments is often straight through them. Using Jacob's story as a guide, we see a God who meets us in the struggle – not after it. Instead of numbing, avoiding, or outrunning our pain, God invites us to bring our questions and fears directly to Him. Just as Jacob's encounter led to a new identity, our own honest struggles can become the very places where God transforms us. This sermon encourages us to stop running, face the darkness, and walk through it with God, where healing and growth are found.

Have you ever felt the weight of loss so heavy it seemed impossible to move forward? Facing grief head-on, rather than avoiding it, can lead to profound transformation. Through the story of Naomi and Ruth, and the moving testimony of Tim and Renee Roberts, we discover that God doesn't just rescue us from pain – He walks with us through it.

Have you ever felt like your world was crumbling beneath your feet? We can't avoid life's shocking moments – those unexpected events that leave us reeling. Both receiving help and crying out to God are essential pathways through our pain. Whether you're in the midst of shock now or supporting someone who is, this message offers practical wisdom for navigating life's most challenging seasons with authenticity and hope.

Jesus' teaching transforms our spiritual vision from blurry to crystal clear. Praying "Lord, I want to see" can shift our focus from control to clarity, from our small story to God's bigger picture. Whether you're struggling with forgiveness, feeling spiritually stuck, or seeking fresh purpose, this message illuminates how prayer reshapes our perspective.

We need to move beyond "Amazon wish list" prayers to a transformative relationship with God. "Lead us not into temptation" isn't about dodging spiritual landmines—it's an invitation to let Jesus guide our lives away from self-protection and self-gratification toward loving others. Whether you're wrestling with temptation or seeking deeper faith, this powerful message shows how following Jesus—not just believing in Him—opens the door to abundant life.

What if your prayers have been missing their true purpose all along? Jesus transforms our understanding from treating prayer as a spiritual wishlist to seeing it as a profound alignment with God's will. Mature faith means declaring our daily dependence and extending the same forgiveness we've received - even when it's difficult. we should move beyond "kiddie prayers" to experience the power of praying as Jesus taught.

Have you ever wondered if your prayers are more than just a cosmic wish list? Prayer is not about bending God's will to ours, but aligning ourselves with His perfect plan. Seeing God's true greatness changes everything about how we pray. "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" isn't just a religious phrase, but a transformative way to approach our relationship with an amazing Creator who knows us better than we know ourselves.

What if the path to peace isn't found in rage rooms or primal screams, but in discovering your true identity as God's beloved? Joel unpacks how embracing our belovedness transforms anger into grace, drawing from Paul and Peter's radical examples of remaining unoffendable even amid persecution. Trusting in God's unconditional love empowers us to forgive freely and live with thick skin but soft hearts.

Have you ever wondered what true Christian love looks like in a world that seems increasingly hostile to faith? We're called by God to love the world, not police the way those around us live and act. Grace-filled words and unexpected kindness can transform lives more powerfully than judgment ever could.

Have you ever wondered why humans are the only species that can hold onto anger for years while zebras shake it off in seconds? Joel talks this week about breaking free from offense. Through Paul's letter to the divided Ephesian church, we discover how harboring anger creates room for destructive forces in our lives, while choosing kindness and forgiveness leads to freedom. This message offers hope for those wrestling with difficult relationships. Are YOU ready to trade bitterness for peace?

Have you ever noticed how easily offended our world has become? Joel ackles this cultural moment head-on, challenging us to embrace "unoffendability" as our Christian superpower. Anger corrodes our relationships, health, and spiritual life. We should release others from the pressure of perfection and embrace God's grace in our own lives.

What if the key to finding God's presence isn't in doing more, but in slowing down? Matt shares how hitting burnout led him to discover the transformative power of Sabbath—not just as religious obligation, but as God's gift for healing and wonder. Intentionally stopping allows us to notice God's fingerprints in everyday moments, from morning coffee to sunset walks. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or simply missing life's sacred beauty, this message offers practical steps to make space for rest and restoration.

Have you ever wondered what happens when good things come to those you'd rather see fail? Through our exploration of Jonah's story, we discover it's not just about a reluctant prophet and a big fish—it's a powerful mirror reflecting our own struggles with enemies. This message shows how God's transformative love shatters our comfortable categories, inviting us to see potential where we once saw only enemies.

What drives us to seek revenge when we're wronged? Through the cautionary tale of Samson, Joel reveals how vengeance only escalates pain and keeps hurt in circulation. Rather than being a simple superhero story, Samson's journey shows us the futility of taking justice into our own hands. Yet even in Samson's darkest moment, God's grace prevails. Watch or listen to discover how dropping our "jawbone of revenge" and trusting God's justice can transform our response to life's deepest hurts.

Have you ever wondered how ancient stories can still speak powerfully into our modern lives? Today we took a look at the Tower of Babel – we realize that this tale isn't just about confusion and punishment. We discover that God's response to humanity's pride is not one of wrath but of love; by confusing their languages, God offers a redemptive opportunity for connection and understanding. This reminder resonates deeply in today's world saturated with technology, urging us to consider how we engage with it.

Have you ever wrestled with the fantastical stories of the Old Testament, wondering if they truly hold relevance for our lives today? These stories invite us into a deeper understanding of God's nature as one who seeks to restore a broken world. The God we see in Noah's Ark offers a covenant of grace, not only saving Noah and his family but also inviting them into a partnership to heal the world. Exploring these ancient stories with mature faith can awaken our wonder and reshape our understanding of God and ourselves.

Are you treating Jesus like a genie in a bottle, just waiting for your wishes to be granted? We often customize Jesus to fit our comfort zones. In this sermon, Joel skillfully examines the misconceptions around prayer and faith, reminding us that true fulfillment in our spiritual journey comes from deepening our relationship with Christ. We should be aligning our prayers with God's purpose rather than our personal agendas.

Are you trapped in the endless cycle of trying to earn God's love through rules and appearances? "Country Club Jesus" is a version of faith that prioritizes looks over authenticity. Many of us have felt pressured to conform to a set of expectations, but true faith isn't about fitting molds. It's about seeking a genuine relationship with Jesus. Reflect on your own spiritual journey and consider how your view of God may need to shift to align more closely with the real Jesus.

Have you ever crafted a version of Jesus that perfectly suits your desires and preferences? We sometimes have a tendency to create a "Build-a-Bear" Jesus—one that aligns with our views and comforts us without ever challenging us. A true relationship with Jesus requires us to stay alert, actively engage with His teachings, and remain accountable for the truth we've been given. We're invited to step beyond our comfort zones and embody Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.

Jesus defied societal norms, breaking barriers not only to include those labeled as enemies but to demonstrate that love transcends labels. True following of Christ means embracing His call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, challenging us to extend that grace to those we may see as "others".

What if the struggles and uncertainties in your life are actually invitations to experience God's faithfulness in profound ways? Chelsea explores the hidden significance of trees found in the Bible. Each illustration invites us to reflect on how we can be a source of encouragement and shade for others in their deserts. Don't miss the chance to discover how these lessons can transform your faith journey—watch or listen to the full sermon now!

Have you ever felt the weight of hiding your true emotions behind a mask, especially in a place meant for acceptance and love? Faith and doubt are not mutually exclusive; instead, they coexist in our spiritual journey, allowing us to be "complicated cocktails" of belief. We should embrace our struggles, remembering that Habakkuk ultimately chose to trust God even amid uncertainty—declaring, "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord."

Many of us face a struggle between faith and doubt, but questioning God is a part of the relationship with Him. In chapter three of Habakkuk, the focus shifts to remembering God's past faithfulness, suggesting that recalling how God has acted in the past can instill hope for the future. It's sometimes difficult, but we should strive to hold onto our faith in dark times and share what God has done for us to encourage others.

Waiting on God... it can often be more challenging than questioning. Waiting is not passive; instead, it should be characterized by expectation, confidence, and humility as we trust in God's timing and plans, even when they differ from our own. It's important that we maintain faith during periods of uncertainty and waiting. God is always at work, even when we can't see it.

Doubt is a common part of everyone's faith journey. Habakkuk expressed raw emotions towards God about injustice and suffering while also maintaining a deep trust in Him. We're encouraged to be honest with God about our doubts – it's better to wrestle with God than to walk away from Him altogether. We're invited to engage in a journey of "faithfully doubting," where we can bring our questions and frustrations to God.

We should be responding actively to the death and resurrection of Jesus by becoming "culture medics" rather than "culture warriors." Our challenges as believers is to live with broken hearts for those around them and to engage with people where they are, fostering love and compassion rather than fear and anger. We should view others as individuals to love, serving as vessels of God's healing in a troubled world.

Following the resurrection of Jesus, our mission is to actively engage with the world rather than retreat into safety. God's intention is to break down barriers and invite all people, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances, into His family. Our challenge is to embrace hospitality towards others, fostering a diverse community that mirrors God's inclusive love and celebrating the beauty found in a varied, interconnected society.

In the aftermath of Jesus' death and resurrection, early followers faced opposition as they shared the message of hope and healing. Like those early Christians, we shouldn't respond to adversity with fear or bitterness, but with boldness and a commitment to serve others. Ultimately, we should embrace opposition as a part of our journey, trust in God's sovereignty, and react with grace, reflecting Christ's love in our responses to challenges.

Early Christians understood their role as temples of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring heaven to earth, emphasizing the need for active participation in this mission. Our challenge is to recognize our purpose and live out our faith actively, embodying the hope and transformative power of the resurrection in our daily lives.

The resurrection of Jesus transforms dead ends into new beginnings! We look at stories of Mary Magdalene, Thomas, and Peter, each grappling with their own despair, doubts, and failures, yet finding hope through the resurrection. Christ's resurrection isn't just about eternal life, but also about restoration and an invitation to partner with God in bringing healing to the world.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear

Jeff Newton discusses pride this week, emphasizing that it is often the root of other sins like greed and envy. He explains the distinction between healthy pride, which acknowledges our worth and achievements, and unhealthy pride, which leads to arrogance and disconnect from others. He highlights the importance of humility and the need for repentance, urging us to turn back to God and embrace a sense of community over individualism.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear

If you grew up in purity culture, you may still have shame surrounding sex. Or maybe you view sex as an unhealthy way to use others. There's a space we need to find between unhealthy, lustful sexuality and sex being a bad, disgraceful thing. As Christians, we need to discover the healthy sexuality that God intended for us.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear

Gluttony is often only thought about when it comes to food, but it can apply to anything we overindulge in – shopping, tv, scrolling on social media, etc. We need to practice voicing our emotions to God instead of numbing them through gluttony and work on saying "no" to ourselves.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear

Comparison is dangerous. It can cause jealousy and anger in us towards other people. We need to focus on seeing ourselves the way God sees us instead of trying to compare ourselves to those around us.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear

Sloth... not just an animal, but also a way we sometimes live our lives. We can be "lazy" or just not putting in effort at our jobs or at home. Part of being faithful to God is truly putting in our best effort in all areas of our life.

During this lent season, we're going to have conversations to help us learn and grow together. Jump in today! ⁠https://www.bridgewaykokomo.com/drawnear