BridgePoint Church Podcast

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?

In the launch of the Made New series, Tyler begins by reminding us of how the Holy Spirit has been moving, working, and changing lives in the early chapters of Acts. In light of the Resurrection of Jesus and the Spirit's movement, we pick up this new series with Saul, a sworn enemy of the church, who was "ravaging" it. How often are we quick to identify people as being beyond God's saving grace, thinking they are "too far gone"? That was Saul, but then he encountered Jesus and was made new. Everything changed. The challenge and reminder for each of us is that God still draws near and speaks to us. The question is whether we will respond to His always-on-call, ready-to-reach-out-and-save-anyone, anywhere, anytime love.

Questions for Reflection:

• Is there someone or a group of people that you regularly decide are "too far gone" for God to save? How can you change your perspective to see them as God sees them?

• Are you still listening for the God, who is near, to speak to you? Are there habits or patterns that need to change to better and more regularly encounter Him?