The Bridge Austin

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that the common belief is that if a person is rich, they are highly favored by God, and the poor, who must have done something wrong to be poor, are despised. But, rich or poor, Jesus is saying that only God’s goodness leads us to repentance, and ultimately, eternal life.

In our walk with God, we can let our expectations get in the way of bigger things. We say, “I’ll pray about it,” yet when God opens a door, we hesitate because the opportunity isn’t exactly what we pictured. This mindset was evident among the people of Israel when Jesus entered Jerusalem; they had expectations of what He would do instead of recognizing His true purpose. Today, Pastor Chris encourages you to seize the opportunities God gives you and align your expectations with His promises.

You’re doing all the right things - reading your Bible, going to church, being generous with your finances - but you feel spiritually dead inside. What’s wrong? Chip shares how to break the spiritual activity trap and begin experiencing the peace and power you’re longing for.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that there’s a blessing in ultimate obedience. God has given us the power to choose, and we may not choose wisely at first. But, when we repent and come back into God’s will, we are at peace with ourselves, and with the Lord.

There are some people who love to give functional gifts. They’ll see a need in their friend’s life, and hand-pick something that will help them overcome that need. Well, Pastor Chris teaches you today that Jesus is the ultimate functional gift-giver, because He has given you the Holy Spirit! In this time you have on Earth, while you’re not face-to-face with Him, you have the Holy Spirit in your heart to help guide you through life’s difficult times. He is there to lead you along until you’re in God’s presence in Heaven.

In this message, Chip reveals the danger of becoming too disciplined in both your personal and spiritual life. He shares how to recognize the warning signs of an out-of-balance spiritual life.

To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas? (1=none; 2=little; 3=started & doing okay; 4=making good progress; 5=vigorously pursuing)

• Objectives: Moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.
• Priorities: Ordering my life in such a way that the important and eternal are not forfeited by the "pressing" and the "urgent."
• Schedule: Determining specifically how and when I will place the important and eternal in my daily life.
• Discipline: Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.
• Accountability: Enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Jesus' Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the danger of DISTORTION.

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

• Murder –5:21-26
• Adultery –5:27-30
• Divorce –5:31-32
• Oaths –5:33-37
• Retribution –5:38-41
• Enemies –5:43-48

Jesus' Warning #2: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the danger of DECEPTION. -Matthew 6:1-18

• Giving: Key Issue = MOTIVE -Matthew 6:1-4
• Prayer: Key Issue = DISCERNMENT -Matthew 6:5-8
• Fasting: Key Issue = PERSPECTIVE -Matthew 6:16-18

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that knowing God’s will isn’t the same as doing God’s will. So, we need to know which son we are. As the saying goes, action speaks louder than words.

As human beings, you and I are unable to resist the temptation of sin in this life. There are so many obstacles that the enemy has put in our way that we will inevitably mess up at some point or another. But Pastor Chris reminds us that we have hope in the Holy Spirit! While we are on this Earth, we will still have to deal with the presence of sinful behavior all around us, but the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to resist and even overcome the evil temptations. We have all we need in the Holy Spirit.

Setting priorities, putting first things first is important. The question is how do you keep those priorities in place? Chip explores the essential elements that must be in place in order for you to be able to keep your priorities in line over the long haul.

The Problem: Many start well, but few finish well.

The Answer: Biblical Accountability

• Definition: Biblical Accountability is enlisting the support of those who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.
• Its Power: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The Need: Why accountability is essential for spiritual success

Five Reasons:

1. Because we never outgrow the need for PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY. -1 Corinthians 9:34-27
2. Because past successes are no guarantee of FUTURE FAITHFULNESS. -1 Corinthians 10:1-5
3. Because we constantly underestimate the power of our own SINFUL PASSIONS. -1 Corinthians 10:6-11
4. Because we constantly overestimate our ability to handle TEMPTATION. -1 Corinthians 10:12
5. Because we naively believe our struggles and temptations are UNIQUE. -1 Corinthians 10:13

Summary: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from IDOLATRY!” -1 Corinthians 10:14

The Means: “How to” develop accountability in relationships:

• It begins at HOME.
• In an atmosphere of LOVE.
• It must be voluntary and by PERMISSION.
• It must be SPECIFIC, not generic.
• It must be REGULAR, not sporadic.
• No more than 4 PEOPLE.

Broadcast Resource

• 'Balancing Life's Demands' Resources
• Message Notes

Additional Resource Mentions

• Small Group Resources

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003