Northbridge Conklin Podcast

You may have noticed that at Bridgewater Church we value community. We live in a culture that is very individualistic, yet in Scripture, we are encouraged to be connected so that we can contend for one another, be united in love, and increase in our understanding of God. All of this is so that we may share our faith and continually be built up and strengthened in our faith. This can produce a heart of thankfulness, but it does not happen by simply showing up; it requires connection.

Colossians 2:1-7

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

If you’ve been a part of Bridgewater for very long, you realize that we place a significant emphasis on reaching out to people far from God. Why? The actions of Jesus show us that He values people and has an urgency in having spiritual conversations. If you’ve been found by Jesus, it’s time to help find others.

John 4:1-42

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

As a church, we want to be known for serving others. This is us; this is who we are. Jesus was an example for all of us to follow, and if we want to follow Him, we need to live as Jesus lived and live our lives in a way that looks like Jesus.

John 13:1-17

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Like people, no two churches are exactly alike. Though there are many churches known by the same name, there is only one of us. As a church, we exist to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ. But we have a unique personality and contribution to make in God’s work. At Bridgewater, we are motivated by our mission and driven by our core values. These core values are the why behind the what and the how. Join us in this series, as we focus on Bridgewater's Core Values. This is us.

We, as a church, value radical generosity. But why? Why choose to give in a world consumed with getting? We value generosity because God has been so generous to us. In giving us His Son Jesus, God has given us the ultimate gift and has set the standard for sacrificial giving. So it is both our joy and responsibility to follow His example. We give because He gave.

1 John 3:16-18

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Why do we meet on Sunday mornings? What is the point of church? It’s hard to be 100% onboard with something if you don’t know why you are supposed to do it.

Romans 5:6-11

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

Following Jesus requires me to obey God, not just listen and talk. Next Sunday is an opportunity to put our faith into practice and BE the church!

Matthew 28:18-20

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

What changes hearts? The only thing that radically changes my heart and the hearts of our enemies is love! Rules don’t change anyone’s hearts. Grace does! Love does!

Hosea 1:1-10; 3:1-3

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

What should you do if you’re constantly being hurt, offended, or angered? Maybe the problem isn't an outward one but an inward one—a problem with ego. When you’re humble, you’re not constantly thinking, "How do I look?" Or "Am I a success?" Or "What do they think of me?". God delights in making marvelous things happen using the humble and yet we think far too much of ourselves. So in reality, the question is: what’s really been wounded? You? Or your ego?

Philippians 2:1-8

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

All of us have experienced offense and been offended. We’ve all felt the pull to respond in kind. How should the gospel shape the way we respond to being offended? Is it possible that we settle for a cheap knock off way of handling problems when God offers the best response possible? Proximity breeds empathy.

1 Samuel 25

Speaker: Tim Sullivan

So many relationships struggle and end because of one simple thing: offense. He offended me. She hurt me. They offended me. All of these are statements that most of us are used to hearing and maybe even saying. What if there was a better way? What if we could approach struggles, conflicts and problems with a different outlook? The way of Jesus teaches us something foundational about conflict - it teaches that offenses will occur - but we don’t have to be offended. You see: offense is an event, offended is a choice. So, what choices can we make to live in the way of Jesus even in the midst of conflict?

Jesus says: Drop the offense with forgiveness, because if we change our approach to offense, maybe we’ll stop being offended!

Matthew 5:21-26

Speaker: Tim Sullivan