Talking to God the Father was important to Jesus. He did it often. Jesus believes that this same intimate conversation with God is important for all who want to experience the blessed life He offers. With all of the baggage, insecurity, and awkwardness that accompanies prayer for most people, we need to hear from Jesus how to think about prayer and approach God.

This might be the most counter-intuitive command Jesus gives… to give grace to those who unfairly treat you or demand things from you. Only Jesus knows just how much life can come from undeserved kindness and unconditional love. As we express this kind of grace to others, we must remember we've received it from Jesus!

Sex and marriage are worth protecting in God's eyes. Avoiding adultery or accommodating divorce were once the standard. But Jesus has a better view of life for us that includes purity and fidelity in this most personal part of our life. It may not be the popular view, but Jesus way proves best.

The law of Jesus and life with him goes far beyond the law. Instead of reaching the low bar of avoiding murder, Jesus stretches us to live without (sinful) anger. If we are the offender, we are to make it right through repentance. If we are the offended, we are to make it right through forgiveness. Life is best when we pursue reconciliation!

When we live as Jesus intends, our lives become beautiful and attractive to the world around us. This is part of the reason we should be so serious about living for Jesus. The difference in our lives is not a superficial conformity to a set of rules but an internal transformation from a serious relationship with Jesus.

In His introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the word "happy" 10 times underscoring that life in His kingdom should be enjoyable, beautiful, blessed… even happy! This doesn't mean it's always easy, and may include things like mourning or persecution, but like the sunrise and sunset each day, there's always beauty in the life Jesus leads us to.

Instead of seeing "the golden years" as a time for leisure and indulgence, grandparents (or others in that stage of life) should be even more intentional during this season of life to impart wisdom and influence their kids, grandkids, and younger generations in their church.

Parenting is exhausting, hard, frustrating, and scary. It is also the most we have. The Gospel endures and advances one generation at a time, and parents are on the front lines of making that possible. This message will inspire and equip parents to love their kids like Jesus and lead their kids to Him. It will provide ways that parents can count on the church and the church can support parents.

The value, beauty, and sanctity of marriage has been greatly diminished. God, however, has a holy and high view of the most intimate of human commitments. This message will provide a Biblical view of the covenant of marriage and provide instruction on how to let the Gospel shape your marriage.

Related Resources:
Care Page https://www.bridgepointechristian.com/care
Book: The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller https://timothykeller.com/books/the-meaning-of-marriage

Singleness is often viewed as a curse in our culture, maybe even more so in the church. But Scripture does not agree with this perspective. Instead, singleness is celebrated as a way to be even more single-mindedly focused on God and His mission. This message will provide a Biblical understanding of singleness with practice wisdom for honoring God in it.