Discussion Questions: Hebrews 7:20-28

1. Have you ever "sworn an oath" or made a covenant before? (Think marriage or a court of law.) Does that make your commitment a bigger deal? How so?

2. How do you feel about God making an oath that Jesus would be a priest forever? What does that mean for our security and assurance?

3. What kinds of things does a priest do?

4. Have you ever had to co-sign on a loan? What does the co-signer promise to do? When Hebrews says that Jesus is a guarantor of a better covenant, in a way, He is saying He will be "on the hook" for us. How does this make you feel?

5. Hebrews 7:25 - read this in different English translations of the Bible. What words bring you comfort and hope in this verse?

6. What specific thing is Jesus praying for you about right now? Can you close your eyes and imagine him praying for you?

7. Hebrews 7:26 lists several descriptors for Jesus. Which one is your favorite and why?

8. Spend time praying together and encouraging each other to draw near to the Great High Priest.

A Better Hope

Have you ever tried to be perfect?  How did you do?  On the surface, this is not a bad goal.  After all Jesus Himself said, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).  Perfection is required to be right with a perfect God.  But I'm far from perfect and I'm guessing so are you.  So, what do we do?  

We have some options.  We could just try harder.  We could come up with excuses.  We could blame someone else.  We could follow a system, work a program.  Seven Steps to a Better You.  It all sounds good...until it's not.  Until we realize it is all empty of the power needed for true change and transformation.

People are people everywhere and the original audience that first heard Hebrews looked for other ways to achieve righteousness and perfection also.  They were tempted to go back to the Law - a good thing, given by God on Mt. Sinai.  They were tempted to trust a system of sacrificing animals for the forgiveness of sins and this system had a purpose, but only to show us our sin.  The Law has no power to save us from our sin.

But then the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world died on a tree He died once for all and declared before His final breath "It is Finished."  And then He rose from the dead so the author of Hebrews can say, "He has become a priest by the power of an indestructible life" (Hebrews 7:16).

We have an invitation brothers and sisters.  A better priest from a different tribe has come to accomplish what the Law could not do and what we could not achieve.  Look to Him.  Fix your eyes on Him.  

"For the law made nothing perfect...a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God" (Hebrews 7:19)

"Run, John, run, the law commands,
But gives us neither feet nor hands,
Far better news the Gospel brings;
It bids us fly and gives us wings."

May we be those who trust in the better priest from the tribe of Judah in the order of Melchizedek who fulfilled the Law and then bids us fly and gives us wings.  Fly high!  Be loved!  Soar!  Rejoice in this better hope which draws us near to God.

See you tomorrow,
Steven

Calling all sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends...

Dear sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends,

IF:Alton 2018 is almost here! Over the last year, God has been prompting, building relationships, challenging us, calling us deeper, healing wounds, reconciling, and creating a yearning and desire in our hearts for more.

We want to come alongside what the Holy Spirit began long ago and build upon it. 

On February 9th and 10th, more than a million women around the globe came together for a 2-day event called IF:Gathering. They met in homes, churches, and community centers to look at one of Paul’s letters to Timothy as he reminded him of the power and responsibility of sharing the gospel. 

Since that weekend in February, women have continued to host IF:Gatherings around the world - where together they worship, pray, open the Word, listen to the same teachings on perseverance and discipleship, and experience the presence of God. Although the IF lineup has many well-known teachers, pastors, and authors, such as Jennie Allen, Christine Caine, Katie Davis Majors, and more, this gathering is not really about hearing your favorite speaker...however great he or she may be. Rather it is about participating in a generation of women who believe God at His word and desire to spend their lives well for His glory.

The vision of IF is to come alongside local churches to gather, equip, and unleash women to live out their calling as followers of Jesus in their communities.

This is where you come in.

This Friday evening, April 27th, and Saturday, April 28th, we will gather, as women, at The Bridge Church for IF:Alton. This event is open to ALL women in our community. We want to give God away in the very places He’s put us, so we’re going to gather for the purpose of remembering why following God and making disciples matters. We all get tired, we all wonder if what we’re doing matters, so IF:Gathering 2018 will be the reminder--it will be the celebration. The work we’re doing to share the gospel on the earth is worth it and God DOES move through the little things that nobody sees.

If you're not already registered, we would love for you to join us. There is still time!

For more information and to register, click here or email Erika Paul at erika@thebridgealton.com. 

With love & great joy,
Erika Paul  

Mirror, Mirror

This week, our passage in Hebrews retells the story of Abraham and Melchizedek from Genesis 14. Abraham experienced a great military victory, and his response was generous worship. Not only did he offer praise to the Lord Most High, but he gave Him a tenth of everything through Melchizedek, the priest of the Lord Most High. His response to God’s goodness was surrender. Abraham knew the source of every good gift – even life itself – was the Lord Most High.

It’s easy today, in our culture and context, to believe that we are entitled to all we have because we worked for it! Because we aren’t often forced to desperately pray for our daily bread, we tend to credit ourselves for the blessings in our lives – without even realizing it.

If we are to take God at His word, every good gift has come from Him. The very breath in our lungs, the twinkling stars that hang in the sky on a dark night, the way our muscles work together to enable us to move and work, the way the synapses in our brains fire back and forth to allow us to think, the love instilled within us for one another…He has made all of this possible! He has lavished us with blessing! He is good, and He loves us.

Abraham knew this, and it compelled Him to worship generously. He recognized God’s generosity toward Him, and in return, from an overflow of His heart, He mirrored the God He knew.

Jesus Christ gave Himself up for us. He loves extravagantly and sacrificially. And He calls us to mirror Him.

The question this week is twofold: 1. Do I know the Jesus Christ of Scripture, who gives generously and loves sacrificially? And 2. What does it look like for me to more closely mirror Him?

We cannot mirror that which we do not know. Or more aptly, we cannot mirror One whom we do not know.

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Father, You are the source of everything good in this world and in our lives. The sunshine on a spring day, the blossoming trees, the colorful sunsets…the very breath in our lungs…you have blessed us so generously, Lord. Please give us hearts of gratitude. As we live our lives, please help us to mirror You – to reflect Your image. We want to be generous with our time, our talents, and our treasure…because it is all Yours. Help us to live accordingly, knowing You withhold no good thing from us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

Anchored

Imagine you’re on a ship in the middle of a raging sea. Dark clouds are building. The walls of water become rougher and rougher and rise higher and higher. Your saving grace? You look for a “hurricane hole,” a port with high cliffs or mountains to shield you from the harshest elements. Then you drop your steadfast anchor and pray that it holds. As much as the storm may batter and frighten you, you hope in the anchor. Without it, the you’re likely to violently crash into the very cliffs offering you protection. The anchor, which has so faithfully been with you through the calm and the hurricane, preserves your life!

“Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:3

“…We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20

For first century Christians and the original readers of Hebrews, they clung not only to the symbol of the cross, but to the symbol of the anchor. Inscriptions on Christian tombstones of that era often included anchors alongside messages of peace and hope. “If I'm a first century Christian and I'm hiding in the catacombs and three of my best friends have just been thrown to the lions or burned at the stake, or crucified and set ablaze…the symbol that most encourages me in my faith is the anchor. When I see it, I'm reminded that Jesus is my anchor." (Michael Card)

We serve a God who offers us peace in the midst of chaos, hope in the midst of uncertainty, and courage in the face of suffering. The anchor held for our brothers and sisters in the first century, and it holds for us today. If you’ve surrendered to Jesus, you’re already in your “hurricane hole.” Take heart, and drop your anchor!

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Father, thank you for your faithfulness. You never promised we wouldn’t face storms in this life. You promised you would walk with us, anchor us, and provide refuge for us in the midst of the storms of this life. Jesus, you endured the worst of storms so we could have the privilege of walking through our storms with You. Thank you. And thank you for Your promise that one day, storms will be no more. May we be people who know you, our Rock, our Salvation, our Anchor, and when we are tempted to drop an anchor that looks nothing like you, please draw us near to You so we’re able to recognize our only hope: You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Discussion Questions: Hebrews 6:13-20

Hebrews 6:13-20
An Anchor for the Soul  

1.       Have you ever been asked to provide a sworn statement or been required to take an oath? Did you take a greater amount of care in filling out the form or providing the testimony? Why or why not? This passage shares that the practice of giving an oath puts an end to all argument. Have you experienced a time when you could not determine the truth in a situation?

2.       What was the promise that God made to Abraham? Do you think God could be trusted to fulfill that promise? If so, why do you think God made an oath? Who did God swear by? Do you think Abraham had reason to doubt God’s promise? Do we sometimes doubt God’s promises? Are you waiting patiently for a promise to be fulfilled?

3.       How do you feel when you read that the nature of God’s purpose is unchanging? Can you think of some scriptures that describe God’s purpose?

4.       Are you going through a situation in which you need to be encouraged? Would you be willing to share this situation? What comfort do you receive when the writer says it is impossible for God to lie? How can we support one another while waiting patiently for God to answer our prayers? 

5.       What hope is the writer referencing? What hopes are you holding onto? Where and how are our hopes anchored firm and secure? How does this anchor hold us secure during the storms of our lives? Are you currently facing a storm?

6.       Jesus is a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. What does it mean to you to have a high priest forever? We will learn much more about Melchizedek in chapter 7.

Do you know Him?

God is serious about redemption. He is serious about the Gospel. He is serious about bringing His kingdom. He is serious about loving us to the uttermost. He is serious about salvation. He is serious about accomplishing all things for our good and His glory.

He has shown us extravagant grace, goodness, and perseverance. While we were at our very worst, Christ died for us. God is so good that we cannot even begin to understand the shallowest depths of His goodness.

Upon first glance, Hebrews 6:4-12 may seem severe and perhaps even unloving. But the message of this passage, while serious and urgent, is laden with love. Biblical warnings don’t exist to diminish freedom; they exist to shift our hearts and eyes to the One who brings true freedom. This is love.

This passage is not a caution to those who have experienced genuine repentance and true conversion. No one can pluck you from your Father’s hand. This passage is a caution to those who are pretending.

“One of the ways that Hebrews makes us truly happy is with warnings about false security. There is a kind of happiness that will kill you. And the book of Hebrews is relentlessly loving in exposing this dangerous happiness and warning us to flee from its deceptions and pursue the solid happiness that will never let us down. In other words, Hebrews is written to deepen and strengthen the joy of our assurance in God, and one of the strategies of the book is to expose false assurances and fleeting pleasures.” (John Piper)

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. - Hebrews 4:9-12

Pretending and genuine belief both have eternal consequences. The former leads to death; the latter leads to life. The former may lead to fleeting pleasures, but the latter leads to solid joy that outlives time.

We played a video on Easter called, “That’s My King,” and the question asked over and over again in that video was, “Do you know Him?”

That’s the question of this passage too, and of all of Scripture.

“A little knowledge of God is worth more than a great deal of knowledge about Him.” – J. I. Packer

Father, we desire to know You. You've said that when we seek You, we will find You. So, God, give us hearts that seek You.  Thank you for your seriousness and your joy. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for your relentless pursuit of us. Please make us sincere in our convictions and committed in our hope. And give us Your heart for those around us who don't know You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

See you Sunday!
Erika

Further Reading: John 13:1, Romans 5:8, Jeremiah 29:12-14, John 10:28-30, Ephesians 1:15-23

Discussion Questions: Hebrews 6:4-12

Hebrews 6:4-12
Make Your Hope Sure

1.     Have you ever purchased an imitation of the genuine item? It may have had all the external markings of the original but you knew that it was not genuine. Would you be willing to share your experience with purchasing such an item? Hebrews 6 verses 4-6 describe some characteristics that could be experienced but not reflect genuine faith. What were these?

2.     Can you think of someone who was close to Jesus, who experienced His earthly ministry but did not believe in Jesus? Is it possible today for someone to display the outward signs of a relationship with Christ but not be a genuine believer? What characteristics might this person display?

3.     The writer states that it is impossible for someone who falls away after having experienced such a strong witness (as described in verses 4-6) to be moved again to repentance. How does that statement make you feel? Could it be possible that a person reaches a point in time when their hearts become so hardened that it is no longer possible to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit? How would such a person be crucifying Christ again and subjecting Him to public disgrace?

4.     In verse 7, the writer uses a farming illustration describing two plots of land that receive the same rain and yet one plot produces a useful crop and another produces thorns and thistles. What do you think is the difference between the two plots? Do you recall a time when Jesus used a similar illustration? What were the differences in the plots of land in this story?

5.     In verse 10, the writer describes some characteristics of his listeners. What were these? Continuing with the farming theme, what evidence of true faith should a believer be producing?

6.     In verses 11-13, the writer references three characteristics that should be practiced so that they inherit what has been promised. What are these? Would you consider these a condition of the promise or a reflection of the hope in the promise? Why? What does the phrase, work out your salvation mean to you? Who has God sent to work in us?

7.     Can you think of passages within the Bible that provide assurance of salvation?             

Do you believe?

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. – Mark 16:6

Do you believe Jesus lived a perfect life on earth, died brutally, sacrificially, and lovingly on a cross, and was triumphantly resurrected on the third day?

If so, there is no part of life that the resurrection of Jesus does not touch.

The resurrection changes absolutely everything. It renews, restores, recreates, and breathes life into our deadness. It breathes strength into our weakness. It infuses hope into our desperation. It brings beauty from ashes.

“He has risen; He is not here,” is perhaps the most hope-filled, joy-filled, space and time-altering statement in the history of the universe.

The question then, for us, is this: are we living like we believe in the resurrection? Are we living as though the tomb is empty? Are we living with hope?

What we believe about the resurrection changes the way we wake up in the morning.

It changes what we see when we look in the mirror.

It changes how we respond to that Facebook post with which we so vehemently disagree.

It changes how we love the unlovable.

It changes how we go about our work.

It changes how we rest.

It changes how we respond to loss and suffering.

It changes how we value the stuff of this world.

It changes how we interact with the server who brings us our meal.

It changes how we treat our families.

It changes how we gain approval.

The resurrected Jesus changes us.

HE changes EVERYTHING.

Peter had denied Jesus three times, and Mary Magdalene had been possessed by demons...and yet both are radically loved, saved, and freed by Jesus Christ. No one and nothing is beyond the reach of His resurrection.

C.S. Lewis once said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

Father, thank you for raising us with Christ! Please help us to see everything in light of the resurrection of Jesus. Help us to seek the things that are above. Help us to seek You...to set our minds and hearts on You. Please shift our gaze from distractions here on earth. Help us to put to death the idols we raise up and the sins we run back to. Replace our anger and gossip with compassion and praise. Show us how to be Your resurrection-minded sons and daughters. Thank you for making us Yours! For loving us! Please grow our kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We want to be people known by our extravagant forgiveness, love, and peace. We want to know You and Your Word deeply, and we want to live our lives for Your sake. Please give us hearts overflowing with thankfulness as we approach this Sunday and everyday. We love You, we worship You, and we thank You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Can't wait to worship with you this Sunday! 10 AM. What a joy it will be to celebrate and worship our reigning and risen King and Savior together. A taste of heaven. See you there!

References: Mark 16:1-8; Isaiah 61:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 2; Colossians 3

Discussion Questions: Mark 16:1-8

1. In the first century, women had no legal status and their testimony was inadmissible in court due to the “levity – or frivolity – and boldness” of their gender. They were often put in the same category as slaves. This is why Jesus’ positive and inclusive treatment of women was so radical at the time. Why do you think Mark documented two women – Mary Magdalene and Salome, whose testimonies would not have even been admissible in court – as the first ones to arrive at Jesus’ tomb? What is the significance of this?
    
2. What are Mary Magdalene and Salome discussing in verse 3? Based on their actions up to this point, is there any indication they believe Jesus might not be in the tomb? Why or why not?
    
3. Jesus had predicted His own resurrection many times. His followers knew these predictions well. (Matthew 16:21; Matthew 27:62-64) Yet the women were still approaching the tomb as though He would be in it. Are there any promises God has made to you in which you lack confidence or faith? Are there any areas of your life that reflect unbelief in what God has said He will do?
    
4. Even in their unbelief that He would resurrect from the dead, Mary Magdalene and Salome were faithful to love and worship Jesus, bringing spices they had bought to anoint Him, unfazed by the challenges of entering a possibly closed tomb. They were the last at the crucifixion and the first at the tomb. Because they showed up, they discovered He had been telling the truth all along. They became believers in the resurrection when they met the man in white. What does it look like for you to love Jesus and to worship Him in spite of your unbelief, in spite of your uncertainty? What does it look like for you to continue “showing up,” even when you are disappointed that things haven’t turned out the way you hoped?
    
5. Could you describe a moment in your life when God met you in your weakness and unbelief and showed you who He really is? Were you terrified, as the women were? How did you respond?
    
6. What is the first command given to the women upon seeing that Jesus has risen? What might we learn from this command today?
    
7. Why does the man in white refer to, “His disciples and Peter,” rather than simply, “His disciples?”
    
8. “He has risen; He is not here,” is perhaps the most hope-filled, joy-filled, space and time-altering statements in the history of the universe. Why? How has the truth of the resurrection impacted you personally?
    
9. Read Colossians 3:1-4. Meditate on how you have been raised with Christ. Spend some time thanking Him for the truth of the Gospel. Ask Him what earthly things might be pushing out the “things above” we’re called to set our minds upon. Dwell on the things above. He has risen; He is not here.

Unmet Expectations?

Have you ever had expectations of God that you don’t believe He met? Or perhaps He met them differently than you had hoped?

The followers of Jesus who worshipped Him as He rode through town on a colt the week before His death and resurrection would deny and betray Him just days later. Why? They didn’t believe He had met their expectations.

On Palm Sunday, they laid down their cloaks, waved palms, and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

They recognized He was there to save. But they believed He would reign as a politically powerful, earthly king. They believed He would restore Israel to her glory, with wealth, political might, and security. This was their expectation.

A week later, Judas betrayed Him, Peter denied Him, and hope seemed to be lost. After His resurrection, when Jesus came upon Cleopas and his friends on the road to Emmaus, He found them downcast, talking about their dashed hopes regarding the One who had been sentenced to death and crucified. They said they had hoped this man – not realizing they were in the presence of Jesus Himself – would redeem Israel. Had they been fools for believing in this Messiah who had so clearly not met their expectations?

Their chatter would change, of course, moments later when they realized Jesus Himself was sitting in front of them. They realized that He had exceeded their wildest expectations. When they saw Him face to face, their expectations were filled to overflowing.

John Calvin wrote this many years ago: For, this is eternal life; to know one, only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, whom he has established as the beginning, the middle, and the end of our salvation. Jesus Christ is Isaac, the beloved Son of the Father who was offered as a sacrifice, but nevertheless did not succumb to the power of death. He is Jacob the watchful shepherd, who has such great care for the sheep which he guards. He is the good and compassionate brother Joseph, who in his glory was not ashamed to acknowledge his brothers, however lowly and abject their condition. He is the great sacrificer and bishop Melchizedek, who has offered an eternal sacrifice once for all. He is the sovereign lawgiver Moses, writing his law on the tables of our hearts by his Spirit. He is the faithful captain and guide Joshua, to lead us to the Promised Land. He is the victorious and noble king David, bringing by his hand all rebellious power to subjection. He is the magnificent and triumphant king Solomon, governing his kingdom in peace and prosperity. He is the strong and powerful Samson, who by his death has overwhelmed all his enemies.

It follows that every good thing we could think or desire is to be found in this same Jesus Christ alone. For He was sold, to buy us back; captive, to deliver us; condemned, to absolve us; He was made a curse for our blessing, sin offering for our righteousness; marred that we may be made fair; He died for our life; so that by him fury is made gentle, wrath appeased, darkness turned into light, fear reassured, despisal despised, debt canceled, labor lightened, sadness made merry…

Whatever unmet expectations we might have – and if we’re honest, surely we all have some – the Gospel and the resurrection promises us that Jesus does not merely meet our expectations. He fills them to overflowing.

Whatever your sorrow, your suffering, your unmet expectations – a broken marriage, a struggling child, illness, loss, loneliness, betrayal, a thorn in the flesh that will not go away despite prayer after prayer – the same God who raised Jesus from the dead hears your cries. And He is faithful to the end. This resurrection power - this life - is at work in us!

As we enter into Holy Week, may we be people who confess our unmet expectations to our God, so that He can fill them to overflowing. May we be people who refuse to deny Jesus, even in the midst of confusion and despair. May we be people who long to know Jesus, in whom "every good thing we could think or desire is found." May we be people who can truly say from experience, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!”

See you Sunday,
Erika

References: Mark 11:1-11; 2 Corinthians 4:8-18; James 1:17; Luke 24:13-35

The Bridge Directory - Get Connected!

Dear Bridge Family:
 
Our church directory is available to view on your mobile device! Instant Church Directory - the program we use to build our church directory - has a free app for church members to download on their Apple, Android and Kindle Fire devices. 
 
To download the app to your Apple device, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instant-church-directory/id589542221?ls=1&mt=8

To download the app to your Android device, click here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.instantchurchdirectory.members

To download the app to your Kindle Fire, click here:
http://www.amazon.com/Communication-Resources-Inc-Instant-Directory/dp/B00D76604E/ref=sr_1_1?s=mobile-apps&ie=UTF8&qid=1371671565
 
You will be asked to enter your email address as it's listed in our directory. (If your email address isn't listed in the directory, please email erika.paul@bridgetograce.org with the correct email address so it can be added.) Once you enter your email address follow the directions on screen to complete the login process. After you login, the directory will be downloaded to your device. Anytime updates are made, they will update on your device too. In the app you will be able to search for families and members and call, email and text right from the app!

You may also access the directory from any web browser. To view the directory online, simply go to members.InstantChurchDirectory.com and follow the directions to create an account. Again, if it does not recognize your email address, it means we do not have it in our database. Please email  the correct email to erika.paul@bridgetograce.org.

If you have any problems at all, have no fear! We will have a computer set up at The Bridge this Sunday in the lobby to help you troubleshoot. In addition, just bring your phone to us, and we'll help get you logged in. You may also ask questions by commenting below.

Thank you for your help in creating a tool that will empower us to love and serve one another more effectively!

Joyfully,
Erika Paul
Director of Missional Living
erika.paul@bridgetorgrace.org

Discussion Questions: Mark 11:1-11

1. Has anyone ever asked you to do something that didn’t make sense? What was it? Did you do it? If you did, how’d it go?

2. What do you think these two disciples would have thought when Jesus asked this question?

3. What do you think the owner of the colt would have felt?

4. How do you view your personal belongings? Are they at the Lord’s disposal?

5. Why did Jesus want a colt? (See Zechariah 9:9)

6. Put yourself in the “time machine.” What feelings does the crowd have? What words to you hear?

7. “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” What’s this mean?

8. We know from other accounts of Palm Sunday (Luke 19:41-44) that many people missed the real day and the real visitation of Jesus. How might we miss it today?

9. How can we make sure we “don’t miss it” as Easter approaches?

Happy Five Year Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!!!

I wrote the below email a few years ago and my feelings haven't changed.  Thank you for all you do and for your partnership in the Gospel!!!

Five years ago today on March 17, 2013 28 people gathered at Gent Funeral Home with a vision and dream that God had put in our hearts.  A feeling that God was going to birth a new church in our community.  A dream that it would be a church that unites people by making much of Jesus.  

In the last five years we have witnessed God work through The Bridge by continually connecting us to His indelible grace.  We have witnessed baby dedications and baptisms.  We have been privileged to send people out on the mission field.  We have seen marriages and families restored.  We have watched God grow and develop leaders that "gossip the Gospel" - good news of great joy for all people.

When I think back over the last four years tears flood my eyes because of gratitude.  Gratitude to God and gratitude to all of you who heard and answered God's call to be a part of something so special.  I count it a privilege and honor to know each one of you and you all have made an indelible mark on my life.  Your friendship and partnership in the Gospel means so much.

And...greater things are still to come!

With love and thanksgiving to God for all of you,
Steven
John 3:30

Are you blind?

"I am blind...
I am a beggar...
I am a blind beggar."

This was the identity of Bartimaeus...for days, weeks, months, years, perhaps decades.

What is your identity?  Have you ever seen yourself as blind?  As a beggar?

There is wisdom and freedom in identifying ourselves this way.  It protects us against self-delusion and self-sufficiency.  It sobers us up to our true state apart from the healing touch of Jesus.  We no longer have to be the "hero" of our story.  We are free to look to the True Hero.

Financial poverty and desperation helped this blind beggar see something many people never see.  When Bartimaeus hears Jesus walking by he CRIES OUT.  He gets loud.  Very loud.  He needs rescue and he knows it.

But the crowd isn't comfortable with this noise.  Perhaps they believe Jesus has more important people to deal with.  Maybe they're embarrassed with this blind beggar's outburst.  They want to "hold him at bay."  Keep the "crazies" quiet.  So the crowd rebukes Bartimaeus.

Have you ever been rebuked when you're calling out for help?  How'd the rebuke feel?  Did it stop you?  Paralyze you?  Make it feel inferior?  Did it shut you up?  Are you willing to face rebuke to get to Jesus?

"But he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me."  I love this part!  The rebuke didn't stop Bartimaeus.  Blind Bartimaeus saw something in Jesus the others didn't see.  "And Jesus stopped."  Jesus is not too busy or too embarrassed or too inconvenienced to help blind beggars.

Friend, you may be a blind beggar, but you don't have to stay that way.  Cry out to Jesus.  He hears.  He stops.  He will call you.  And when He calls you He will restore your sight and you will follow Him along the Way.

May we be a people who see our spiritual blindness and poverty.  May we be a people who CRY OUT to the only One who can help.  May we be a people who follow Jesus along the Way.

See you Sunday,
Steven

Discussion Questions: Mark 10:46-52

1. What do you love most about the gift of sight?
2. What do you like about not “being bankrupt?”
3. What does being a blind beggar do to a person?
4. When did you first hear about Jesus?  What feelings, emotions, questions did Jesus stir in your mind and heart?
5. What does Bartimaeus do when he hears Jesus of Nazareth is coming?
6. Have you ever cried out loudly for Jesus to have mercy on you?
7. If you have, what led you to the “loud cry?”
8. If you haven’t...why not?
9. When Bartimaeus gets loud the crowd rebukes him.  Have you ever been rebuked before?  How’s it feel?
10. What does rebuke cause you to do usually?  Shut up? Give up?  Apologize?  Or cry out even louder?
11. What does Bartimaeus risk by getting even louder?
12. What might the Lord be leading you to do but it might be difficult because of people rebuking you?
13. (Depending on what ppl say here provide time for prayer support)
14. When Bartimaeus continues to cry out Jesus stops and calls him.  What do you think Bartimaeus thinks and feels as he hears that Jesus is calling him?
15. Bart “throws off his cloak.” He leaves his “place and position” of former life.  He no longer trusts in the cloak he sits on to beg.  He’s now trusting Jesus.  What things and people are you sometimes tempted to trust instead of Jesus?  What makes us slow to “throw off our cloaks.”
16. Jesus asks Bartimaeus...”what do you want me to do for you?” Wow! What a question! What if Jesus asked you this today? How would you answer it?
17. Bartimaeus asks for a “big” supernatural thing. Not five dollars. He wants his sight!  How might this instruct us on what we ask Jesus?
18. Jesus invites Bart to “go his way” but after this transformational encounter with Jesus his way becomes Jesus’ way.  This is indelible grace.  How has “going your way” transformed into going Jesus’ way?

Spring Forward!

This is just a friendly reminder to set your clocks forward one hour tonight.

See you at 10:00 AM tomorrow morning!

For Our Good & His Glory

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
- Romans 8:28-29a

Do you believe this?

Do you believe, even in your most challenging of times – the deepest of valleys – the most uncertain of moments, He works all things together for good?

He has a plan in all of it. He wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son.” God wants us to become more like Jesus. This is His heart and plan for us on this planet – to be transformed into His likeness – and to grow closer and closer to Him.

Why?

“For God so loved the world.”

He loves us. And He knows we are at our best when our hearts and minds love Him. He is good to us, and He is good for us. We were made for Him. And we were made to be like Him.

When we consistently follow the desires of our flesh – when we place ourselves on the throne of our hearts – when we believe that we can work things together for our good better than our Creator can – we become “dull of hearing.”

The original readers of Hebrews had become “dull of hearing.” Just after telling them about Jesus’ role as High Priest, the author of Hebrews wants to dive deeper in spiritual teaching that would make them more like Christ – for their good and for His glory. But he has to pause and lament their need for spiritual milk, rather than meat. He can’t take them where he wants to take them, because they have chosen other things over Jesus.

Where does God want to take you? What’s in the way?

If you identify with those still sipping on the bottle, rather than feasting at the table, there is encouragement to come! Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” The good news is this: your growth is not dependent on you alone! He is faithful. But He’s inviting you to put down the bottle. He can’t do what He desires to do in your life while you’re still prioritizing other things over Him. Open His Word. Sit with Him. Pray to Him. Enter into community with His people. Serve Him and others. Know Him. Know His goodness! Be quick to hearing. He is faithful. It won't always be easy, but it will be good, and you’ll be feasting at the table before you know it!

If you identify with those eating hearty steak and mashed potatoes, with whom are you sharing your meal? You’ve tasted and seen that God is good; don’t be gluttons with the good news. Ask God what He doing around you, and enter into it! Share your meal! Make space at the table! No matter your season of life, God is not finished with you yet. We’re all on this side of eternity, and there are hearts to reclaim and a kingdom to build. Find someone today who may be cautiously sipping on a bottle, and faithfully walk with them until they can feast at the table beside you. There is much to be learned along the way.

He loves us, and He wants more of us, for our good and His glory. Will you let him reclaim territory that's rightfully His in your heart? May this be our prayer heading into this weekend: Father, please take what's yours. We trust You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday!
Erika

CG Questions: Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Here are two sets of questions that will help facilitate and guide your discussions this week.  Praying for you!

1.       Have you ever struggled to master a subject or concept in school? Did you need to have someone explain a topic more thoroughly to you? How did you feel when the light finally turned on and you grasped the concept? Were you able to master the material? 

2.       The writer of Hebrews encourages us to study the word of God diligently so we can begin to understand the deeper truths of our relationship with God. Is there a concept of the word of God with which you struggle? Would you be willing to share it? God sent His Spirit to us to lead us into all truth. He also gives us each other to learn together as we review His word.

3.       What does it mean to be dull of hearing? Have you ever found yourself in conversation with someone but not really listening? Have you ever been found out?  Ouch! The writer shares our dullness of hearing is often the reason we don’t understand. How can we better tune our ears so we are able to listen closely to God and His Spirit as He seeks to teach us?

4.       In chapter 6 verses 1-3, the writer lists the basics or the ABCs that his listeners should have mastered by now. What are they? What are the basics of the faith that you rely upon and that give you the most comfort? Is there the need to continually revisit these truths? How have you built upon these truths?

5.       The writer encourages his listeners to move on from the basics (milk) to solid food (more in-depth truths of God’s word and our relationship with His Son). How are you doing in applying yourself to diligent study? How might you improve your efforts to learn from His Spirit and from one another?

6.       What is the outcome that the writer is seeking for his listeners as it relates to their powers of discernment? Can you think of a time that you sought the truth of God’s word and the Spirit’s guidance as it relates to a situation you have faced recently? Would you be willing to share it?

7.       The writer has an expectation that we grow so that we will be able to explain the truths to others. Is there someone you know with whom you are sharing or want to share the good news of the gospel? How can we pray for you as you seek to share?

And here is the second set:

Icebreaker
Has this study in Hebrews had any positive effects on your life? Please explain.

1. What is the writer referring to in verse 11 when he says “About this, we have much to say”

2. How has the audience demonstrated dullness of hearing?

3. What does the writer mean when he says “the basic principles of the oracles of God” and “the word of righteousness“?

4. What is the milk that the writer is referring to?  Solid food?

5. Why do you think the writer refers to his audience as unskilled and as a child in reference to the word of righteousness?  How does the writer expect them to be?

6. Is the writer addressing a case of childlike faith or defiance?

7. How do you see your current need?  Seeking milk or solid food? Why?

8. Reflect: Do you find yourself more inclined to seek teaching or give it in regard to the gospel of Jesus?

9. Share some ways that you’ve seen the power of discernment help you along in your faith journey?  Ways Gods used it in you to help others?

10. What are ways we can practice distinguishing good from evil?

11. How vital is growth as a follower of Jesus? What signs of growth do you see in your life as a follower of Christ?

12. How vital is your growth to helping others mature in Christ? What is God’s part to play in our growth & maturity in Christ?

He gets it.

“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people…In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” - Hebrews 5:1-3;7-10

Jesus lives to intercede for us. Right now, He is sitting at the right hand of the Father, and if we know Him and call Him Savior, He is also our high priest, praying on our behalf.

Let’s pause and reflect on this for a moment.

Jesus is lovingly, willingly, and passionately standing in the gap between our broken humanity and God's perfect holiness.

Wherever you are right now – whatever you are walking through – whatever challenge you are facing – Jesus understands. He willingly endured the depths of the worst this world has to offer. He isn’t some polished, cherubic, far-off, impersonal deity. Jesus experienced temptation, betrayal, rejection, and horrific pain, even to death on a cross. He is a battle-tested Savior. If anyone gets your struggle, Jesus does. He gets it. He lived it.

And now He – this sympathetic King of Kings whose favorite name for Himself was Son of Man – lives as the source of life and eternal salvation for all who obey Him. He has our backs. He is doing the heavy lifting. Friend, He has you. Even now, He is praying for all we carry to Him. Rely on Him. Rest in Him. Rejoice in Him!

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for giving us a King and a Savior who miraculously gets us. Please make us more like Him, whatever it takes. We know this isn’t a light prayer, but we want to know you more. Please give us His willingness to enter into hard places and discomfort in order to bring life and light. We want to humbly and gracefully bring Your kingdom to this earth. We want to glorify you, and we want our friends, families, and strangers to know You. Give us Your heart for this world, God. We love you and ask this in the Name of our magnificent High Priest, Amen.