The Bridge Austin

Today, Pastor Jack teaches us that our enemy Satan doesn’t want to kill us, he wants us to not fight against him. With fear and terror, he weakens us, even to the point of not standing together, and not sharing our faith with others.

John Smoltz is a World Series champion, former Cy Young award-winner and hall of fame pitcher. He shares his inspiring story about the twists and turns in his career, finding faith in Christ, and rebuilding his life after experiencing hardship. He reveals how God taught him to surrender control and trust Him, while growing in grace in this one-on-one conversation with Jim Daly.

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Sexual abuse leaves deep scars that affect a teen’s safety, relationships and self-worth. In this episode, Mark Gregston and Wayne Shepherd share both personal and ministry experiences, emphasizing how abuse creates lasting feelings of loss, shame and confusion. Parents are urged to respond without blame or anger, instead creating a safe environment where their child feels valued and heard, while seeking professional help when needed. Ultimately, healing comes through compassion, support and trusting God to create good out of brokenness.

Do you know someone who is great with teens and is looking to make a difference? Heartlight may be the place for them. 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. 

From horoscopes to fortunetellers, people are constantly trying to predict the future. But there’s only one prophet whose words we can trust completely! Dr. Robert Jeffress looks at Jesus Christ’s perfect prophetic record and shares what He said about three future events that will impact every person on Earth.

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Did you know that over the next two decades, trillions of dollars will pass from one generation to the next?

The question is—what kind of legacy will that transfer leave behind? Today, Boyd Bailey joins us to talk about how generosity is about more than dollars—it’s about discipleship, financial literacy, and passing on wisdom along with wealth.

Boyd Bailey is the President of the National Christian Foundation (NCF) in Georgia, an underwriter of Faith and Finance. He is also the author of several books, including his latest, The Power of Generosity: Experiencing God's Amazing Abundance – How to Change the World Through Acts of Kindness.

Founded in 1982 by Larry Burkett, Ron Blue, and Terry Parker, the National Christian Foundation (NCF) has helped mobilize over $21 billion for more than 90,000 charities and ministries worldwide.

From the beginning, NCF has understood that when you carry Christian in your name, you also carry a sacred responsibility. Their mission is to walk alongside believers—to help them make the most of what God has entrusted to them—and they always start with the heart.

Before discussing strategy, NCF encourages donors to discern God’s call on their generosity through prayerful consideration. Only after that heart work do they explore practical tools—how to give wisely, save on taxes, and maximize Kingdom impact.

One of NCF’s most effective tools is the Giving Fund, a type of donor-advised fund that functions like a “charitable checking account.” Even with limited tech experience, you can open a Giving Fund online in less than a minute. It makes giving spontaneous and simple—whether you’re inspired at a church service or a fundraising dinner.

But convenience isn’t the goal—discipleship is. Many families establish Giving Funds for their children, helping them embark on their own journey of generosity. And NCF encourages creative giving, too—through appreciated stock, real estate, or even a business interest—allowing donors to give more while paying less in taxes.

Stewardship and generosity aren’t opposites—they’re two sides of the same coin. Stewardship manages what God provides; generosity releases it for His purposes. Without generosity, stewardship is incomplete.

As Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:17–18, believers are to “put their hope in God, who richly provides,” and to “be rich in good deeds.” Generosity, then, isn’t just about giving—it’s about protecting our hearts from the idols of wealth and security that compete for our devotion.

For those struggling to give during uncertain times, it helps to broaden the definition of generosity. It’s not limited to money—it also includes time, attention, and hospitality.

Still, fear and busyness often prevent families from discussing giving or wealth transfer. The best approach? Plan early. Invite everyone. Don’t go it alone. Bring in a

What it takes to be a full-time missionary, plus creative ways for women to find friendship, and should you be involved in a church plant?   

Featured musical artist:  Aaron Shust

Roundtable: Are Overseas Missions Meant for Me?

All Christians are called to fulfill the Great Commission, but not everyone is meant to be a missionary in a foreign country. How can you find out if you are? This week’s panel features seasoned missionaries, a missions agency leader, and a prospective missionary to share their journeys toward serving overseas, plus the unique temperament and qualification needs of a missionary, and what to expect in the preparation and candidating process. 

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Culture: Finding Great Friendships as a Woman

How do women, and especially single women, find meaningful friendships in church and beyond? Melissa Zaldivar has creative ideas that focus on being intentional, asking questions, meeting needs, and being open to women in other stages of life. She’ll also list some qualities that are necessary for a real friendship to thrive. Men, next week we’ll have ideas for you!

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Get Over Here: A Single’s Guide to Building Meaningful Community   

Inbox: Should I Help Plant a Church?

How do you know if you’re supposed to join a church plant? Pastor Mark Bates weighs in.  

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Have you ever seen a 5-year old drive a car? Well, you say, “Don’t be ridiculous!” Right! They watch you drive for years, before they begin to drive – with you in the car, and finally, they’re able to drive on their own. That’s a word picture for where Chip is headed today. Your children watch you as you live in obedience to the Lord, they practice obedience with you alongside, and finally, they live a life of love and obedience to God all on their own. Exactly how that process unfolds is what Chip explains in this message.

Introduction: God’s Dream for Your Child

1. You must understand your child’s two primary needs are for SIGNIFICANCE and SECURITY.
2. You must recognize your child’s primary responsibility is to learn OBEDIENCE.
3. You must remember, obedience is a DEVELOPMENTAL PROCESS.
4. You must commit to providing the necessary RESOURCES for your child to learn obedience.
5. Obedience is achieved when your child has TRANSFERRED his/her primary love, submission, and dependency from YOU to JESUS CHRIST.

Three characteristics of righteous children

1. They make wise DECISIONS. -Philippians 1:9-11
2. They keep their COMMITMENTS. -Proverbs 20:6
3. They care genuinely for OTHERS. -John 15:13

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Hope in the Night - Forgiveness