bpchurch Sermons

We're living in a time of radical change. In a multitude of ways, our old normal is gone and the new normal is still uncertain and unknown. We are easily overloaded with pandemic pressures and protest demands. What's the right thing to say, do, or even think?! It is more taxing on our stress levels than most of us realize. Times of change and chaos bring possibilities and uncertainties that make it hard for us to find our balance.

What can we do in a time like this? How do we keep our equilibrium? How can we contribute to this moment? This Sunday, we consider a similar time in the Book of Daniel, which offers insight into these questions. Read Daniel 9 to get a head start on what to do in a time like this. Daniel prays, but take note on how he prays and join us as we talk about it.

There is a lot of public discussion about justice and privilege. It’s something we should talk about. The Bible project has a great short video you can watch on biblical justice. In the present environment, you might be hearing that you have privilege and that your privilege is unjust. What is less clear is what can you do about it.

The reality is the God does give privilege or advantage. The question is not what should we do about privilege but what will we do with our privilege or advantages (Romans 3:1-4, Matthew 25:14-29, and Philippians 2:3-11).

This Sunday, we will gather together again--on campus--for worship services! Our worship times are at 9:30am and 11:00am, and will be split between the Auditorium and Fellowship buildings. (We'll have an outdoor service when the weather is nicer!)

As we celebrate the Lord's Table together on Sunday, we will be considering what brings us together from Ephesians 2:11-22. In all of this division in our community and nation, Jesus has the power to unite all of us through His peace and reconciliation. This is what people long for and what we, as Christians, can share with others.

There’s rebellion in the air—I see it on the news each night played out in cities near us and across the country. I also hear it in my own words, both in my head and in conversations with friends, complaining against the stay-home restrictions and not following them in some ways. I’m not setting fires and vandalizing government buildings, but neither am I willingly submitting to the governing authorities…

Romans 13 speaks to both these circumstances: inner rebellion and open rioting, and it puts our response to the circumstances around us in a new perspective. What it says about submitting to government also works in our submission to one another at home or work and in trying circumstances. We submit, in love, as subjects of a higher kingdom and calling.

I look forward to sharing this things with you this Sunday and seeing you in person at the church on Sunday June 14th!

Pastor Bob

What do you do when someone else does something you believe to be wrong for you to do? Or when they don't join in doing something you believe we should do? The issue has changed from Christians eating meat to Christians gathering to meet, but the answers Romans 14 gives will help us navigate choices many of us have not navigated before.

After two months of the stay-at-home order, it might be starting to get a little crowded at home. Maybe you are bumping into one another or step on other’s toes a little more than usual? This seems like a good time to talk about Love in Close Quarters from Colossians 3:12-17.

Also, it looks like Clark County could move to Phase 2 Reopening soon, which means we can start gathering in small groups. If you want to make sure you are part of a group, send an email to me or Pastor Evan.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Bob

Whenever I talk to people about how they are doing in the midst of the pandemic precautions, I normally find one of two reactions. They either express some level of fear: fear of getting the virus, concern for a vulnerable person they know, fear of job loss, etc. Others express frustration at the economic shutdown and stay-at-home orders: frustrated that it prevents them from working, visiting friends and family, shopping, or even travelling. These are very real and serious concerns. For many of us, we find ourselves in a state of fear or frustration with little common ground in between.

Fortunately for us, Psalm 23 addresses both our fears and frustrations. Even more, it provides a middle ground of lush green pastures, calm waters, and cups overflowing. Let's see how this well known Psalm speaks to us and how it gives us an opportunity to share our faith with others who are in a state of fear or frustration.

This Sunday is Mother's Day. It's a day that can be a mix of joy and sadness, of gratitude and regret. This Sunday, I want to talk about redemption from regret. We will be reading the story of a mother named Naomi. I encourage you to read Ruth from the Old Testament before Sunday.

It has been encouraging to see people pull together and find new ways to connect and care for one another. We have found ways to worship and also see some of our church family week by week. We have several Zoom groups going, and we're calling and connecting with one another. But, as good as that has been, is it enough?

This Sunday in our worship stream, I'll be asking "What are we missing?" when we can't meet together. Just today our Governor stated that we have to continue to isolate for at least a few more weeks before we can move to the next phase. But we cannot isolate indefinitely; we do need to be with one another. Lets talk about the next steps we, as bpChurch, will be taking to gather together.

"See" you Sunday,

Pastor Bob

Isaiah 40:31

Life moves pretty fast, even when you're stuck at home. Something I've noticed is that although most people are staying home with extra time on their hands, they still feel busy, anxious, and overwhelmed. Does that describe you? How has that affected your life with God? Let's talk about that this Sunday.

Pastor Ryan