The Bridge Austin

We live in an extremely consumeristic society. On average, Americans spend an estimated $1500 every month on non-essential items and services. Things we don’t need, just because they’re convenient or we just want them. As Pastor Chris will point out in today’s message, this consumerism has bled over into the Church. There’s a common, unhealthy tendency in many Christians to pick a church based on what it does for them, instead of focusing on how they can serve the Church.

Did you chose God or did He choose you? Are you secure in God's love for you? In today's episode, learn how to become overwhelmingly assured in the love of God.

**** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner 

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we often see ourselves as small and insignificant when facing our giants. Life can be a painful struggle, both physically and spiritually. But, like David, we need to have a heart that will fight back against the enemy who God says has already been defeated.

Today, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd discuss how respect is foundational to a peaceful, healthy home, and it must be intentionally taught and modeled by parents. Mark explains that many teens struggle with respect because they don’t feel respected themselves, making it essential for parents to examine their words, reactions and expectations. Even in disagreement, families can maintain unity by committing to mutual respect, clear boundaries and consistent consequences. When parents lead by example, they create an environment where relationships can thrive rather than descend into chaos.

Heartlight is hiring! Visit heartlightministries.org/careers to learn more!

Parenting Today's Teens is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be, visit parentingtodayteens.org.

Questions in this episode:

Text LIVE to 90398 to be notified when Pastor Mike broadcasts live on the radio answering your call in questions.

Text ASK to 90398 to submit a Bible question to Pastor Mike.

Using nerd culture to share Christ, plus Scripture’s solution to addiction and strongholds, and what to do about Bible study cliques.  

Featured musical artist:  Tauren Wells

Roundtable: Bringing Jesus Into Your Nerdy Hobbies

Fantasy novels. Video games. Cosplay. There is a growing fascination among young adults for what we call nerd culture. If you’re nerdy and proud, what does that mean for you as a Christian? Are there any concerns with content in this genre? And is there a way to bring Jesus into it? Three of our nerdiest friends are ready to dish and defend all things nerd and talk about creative and practical ways to have fun in this world while inviting God into it. 

The Theology of… Pokémon  

The Theology of… Halo 

The Theology of… The Lord of the Rings 

The Theology of… Final Destination 

Send Us Your Show Ideas

Leave Us a Voicemail

Watch This Segment on YouTube

Culture: Strongholds and Scripture

Have you ever done a Bible study on the topic of addiction and bad habits? Well, now you can. Dr. Karl Benzio and Rose Ann Forte have written one, and are here to talk about it as well as why God’s Word is the answer to the strongholds, false beliefs and besetting behaviors that hold us prisoner. Whether alcohol or drugs, sex, bitterness and anger or something else, finding hope in Scripture, journaling gratitude, rewiring your thought patterns and practicing new rhythms will get you unstuck. Here’s to real and radical change in 2026!

 Transformed by His Promises: A 12-Week Devotional for Freedom from the Psychological Slavery of Life-Interfering Behaviors            

Link to Counseling Services 

Find More About Rose Ann Forte 

Learn About the Honey Lake Clinic 

More on Karl’s Work 

Inbox: Bible Study Cliques

Does your small group or Bible study feel like junior high? Lisa Anderson gives advice for navigating the scene when it starts feeling cliquish. 

Find us on YouTube 

Long-term care has quickly become one of the greatest financial and emotional pressures facing American families. Rising costs, longer life expectancy, and limited insurance coverage have created a situation few retirees are prepared for. On today’s episode of Faith and Finance, Harlan Accola joins us to explore this issue. He leads the reverse mortgage team at Movement Mortgage and works closely with families navigating long-term care decisions.

Accola describes long-term care as “the elephant in the room.” As Baby Boomers age and care needs rise, families are trying to balance support for aging parents with raising children and managing their own financial responsibilities. Many households avoid discussing care needs until a crisis forces difficult decisions.

The numbers reveal why planning is essential. Studies estimate that between 50% and 70% of retirees will require some level of long-term care during their lives. Yet more than 90% of those individuals have not purchased long-term care insurance—and many assume Medicare will cover the cost of nursing or assisted living facilities. In reality, Medicare provides limited short-term rehabilitation benefits, while long-term care typically falls under Medicaid, which only applies once a person has depleted most of their financial assets.

Costs vary widely by region, but nursing facilities can range from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, and in-home care providers may charge $30–$40 per hour. Just one or two years of intensive care can rapidly deplete savings intended to last decades in retirement.

One of the most overlooked financial risks is the well-being of the surviving spouse. Accola notes that husbands often require extensive care first, and the assets used to pay for their care can leave their wives financially vulnerable after their passing. Without adequate planning, the surviving spouse may face an underfunded retirement and fewer choices for her own care needs.

To address this gap, families are encouraged to expand their planning tools. One strategy Accola highlights is to tap housing wealth through reverse mortgages. Because many retirees have significant equity tied up in their homes, a reverse mortgage can unlock funds without requiring monthly payments. These tax-free dollars can be used to pay for in-home care, cover long-term care insurance premiums, or bridge the gap between retirement income and care costs. It also allows individuals to remain at home longer—often delaying or avoiding the need for costly facility care—and preserves retirement accounts for the surviving spouse.

Accola emphasizes that reverse mortgages are not a universal solution, but they should be included in the suite of planning options that families evaluate, alongside insurance, savings strategies, and Medicaid planning. Far too many households ignore the issue entirely or assume Medicare will handle it.

As long-term care needs continue to rise, proactive planning is no longer optional. Exploring the full range of financial tools available can reduce stress, protect surviving spouses, and provide dignity and stability during the later stages of life.

• I’m 66 and plan to retire at 70. I can take full Social Security at 66 and 10 months. Should I start benefits now while continuing to work full-time, or wait? If I take it now, should I place the funds in an IUL, an IBC strategy, or invest through my Edward Jones account?
• I’ve borrowed from my 401(k) several times over the past decade and paid myself interest. Since I hate paying interest on loans like auto loans, is borrowing from my 401(k) a better option than t