February 2, 2025
Series: Courageous Faith

Sermon: Trusting God's Plan: Life Lessons from Abraham

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-2

“Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

INTRODUCTION: Life is full of lessons that must be learned.

Life Lessons:

1. Answer the Call...

“Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Act in Faith...

“On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Avoid the temptation to try to figure it all out...

“Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

CONCLUSION: Trusting God's plan ultimately leads us to the place of provision.

“So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV

January 26, 2025
Series: Courageous Faith

Sermon: The Great Commission

Scripture: Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

‭‭

INTRODUCTION: The church has been empowered by the Holy Spirit to go make disciples of all nations.

1. Jesus has all authority...

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

-Matthew 28:18

1. Jesus has given us authority...

What is authority (Exousia)?

Authority is the right or privilege to exercise influence or control. It implies a recognized position or role that grants ability to influence or direct others.

“He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

-‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”

-‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

1. Jesus has given us power...

What is power (Dunamis)?

Power is the ability or capacity to do something, often emphasizing strength, might, or miraculous abilities. It is the ability to enact authority or to perform actions.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Conclusion: Not only has Jesus given us power but he has given us the authority to function in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.””

-‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

January 19, 2025
Series: Courageous Faith

Sermon: The Samaritan's Kindness

Scripture: Luke 10:33-37

“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.””

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INTRODUCTION: Like the Good Samaritan, we must all find time to kind.

The Man...

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

-Luke 10:30

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

-Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Who is the man in the story?

The Religious...

“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

-‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Without Jesus, all religious activity is powerless to change our lives and to help others!

The Good Samaritan...

Who is the Good Samaritan in the story?

1. He came to where the man was.
2. He took compassion on the man.
3. He oil and wine on his wounds and bandage them.
4. He picked him up.
5. He took him to a safe place to heal.
6. He paid for it all.

CONCLUSION: Our Savior Jesus is the GOOD SAMARITAN and like Him we are called to extend kindness to those we meet.

January 12, 2025
Series: Courageous Faith

Sermon: Daniel's Friends

Scripture: Daniel 3:16-18

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.””

INTRODUCTION: Faith is purified by the fire of trials.

Daniel's friends had a furious adversary...

Furious with rage, Nebuchandenezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego...

-Daniel 3:13

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

Daniel's friends had faith...

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hands."

-Daniel 3:16-17

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

-1 Peter 5:9

Daniel's friends had courage...

But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

-Daniel 3:18

Be courageous; be strong...

-1 Corinthians 16:13

CONCLUSION: Like Daniel's friends, we can have courageous faith!

January 5, 2025

Download the Courageous Faith study guide here:

https://bridgechurch.tv/21days/

Series: Courageous Faith

Sermon: Vision: Seeing Beyond the Present

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18

Where there is no vision, the people perish. KJV

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint. NIV

Where there is no prophetic vision, the people cast off restraint. ESV

INTRODUCTION: The key to seeing beyond the present and moving forward is aligning our personal vision and church vision with God's will.

(TELL THE STORY): Video for GB & NC...With Main Vision Points and Objectives!

Tell the STORY OF 2024... List the Accomplishments: Overall and Campus Specific

Mission: To Connect All people to the person, power, and purpose of Jesus.

Our REACH must go wider, and our DISCIPLESHIP must go deeper!

VALUES:

1. KNOW GOD
2. FIND FREEDOM
3. DISCOVER PURPOSE
4. MAKE A DIFFERENCE

VISION Defined:

Vision is a clear mental image of a preferable future!

Vision is the art of seeing what’s invisible to others.

Helen Keller… the only thing worse than being blind is having sight without vision.

BIBLICAL VISION: In the Bible vision does not begin with seeing but with hearing. Again, without a prophetic revelation (what you are hearing from God), the people perish.

Vision Points: Campus Specific...

Write the vision down, make it plan on tablets. Habakkuk 2:2

Characteristics of a Godly Vision

- A. Inspired by Faith

- 1. Trusting in God's promises

- 2. Examples from biblical figures (e.g., Abraham, Moses)

- B. Hopeful and Transformative

- 1. Vision that brings change and hope

- 2. Encouraging others to embrace the vision

- C. Action-Oriented

- 1. Taking steps towards fulfilling the vision

- 2. The role of perseverance and commitment

CONCLUSION: Like the Apostle Paul, we will stay true to the heavenly vision!

For information or to register for the School of Ministry:

https://bridgechurch.tv/schoolofministry

December 29, 2024
Letting Go + Looking Forward
Isaiah 43:18-19

December 24, 2024
Series: The Great Gift Exchange

Sermon: Give God Your Fear and He'll Give You His Favor

Scripture: Luke 2:8-14

'But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

INTRODUCTION: Letting go can be hard! However, we must let go of fear and take hold of God's favor.

What is God's favor?

Favor is the goodness of God that has been given to us through Jesus.

How to exchange fear for favor:

1. Seek Jesus...

'When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” '

-Luke 2:15

2. See Jesus...

'So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, '

-Luke 2:16-17a

3. Spread Jesus...

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, '

-Luke 2:17

CONCLUSION: Favor is spelled JESUS!

December 22, 2024
Series: The Great Gift Exchange

Sermon: Give God Your Grief and He'll Give You His Joy

Scripture: Luke 1:39-47

'At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, '

INTRODUCTION: Grief doesn't have to become your grave.

What is grief?

Grief is the emotional response to loss.

What should we do with grief?

ANSWER: Open the door of our hearts to Jesus

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. -Revelation 3:20

• Elizabeth open the door to Mary
• Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting
• Elizabeth's baby leaped
• Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit

Conclusion: Jesus wants to turn our grief to joy.