The Bridge Austin

Today, Pastor Jack continues teaching that end times doctrine is vital to our faith. We live in amazing times, and we can count on what Jesus spoke of in this parable. When we recognize the hour in which we live, we can trust that God will keep His promises and His Word.

If you spend a significant amount of time living in a different culture, you will start to lose some elements of the culture you grew up with. Just ask any foreign missionary, or anyone who emigrated from a different culture! Your new culture becomes a blend of where you are and where you came from. But Pastor Chris reminds us that spending time in the presence of God is something that transcends cultural barriers. The style of worship may differ, but it is the same God that our hearts crave.

Whatever happened with those New Year’s resolutions? Still working out? Still on that diet program? Well, getting started is one thing, but soon the real question is: “How do you keep it going?” Join Chip and find out how to keep first things first.

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

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that end times doctrine is vital to our faith. We live in amazing times, and we can count on what Jesus spoke of in this parable. When we recognize the hour in which we live, we can trust that God will keep His promises and His Word.

What kind of price tag can you put on salvation? How much money does it cost to erase the debt of a lifetime of sin? The fact is that not even the combined riches of the entire human race could buy one person’s freedom from the penalty of sin. But Pastor Chris reminds you today that God sent His Son, Jesus, to give Himself on the cross. His gift of salvation is free to all those who humble themselves and call on His name. When you call to Him, He answers your prayer and comes to your rescue.

There are three words that can liberate you from the tyranny of the urgent. Three words that can help you regain control of your life. Three words that will reduce your stress and increase your joy. Join Chip to find out what those three words are.

Three reasons why most of us live with two sets of priorities:

1. We are DECEIVED. We honestly don't see the discrepancy between what we think and say, and how we actually live.
2. We are AFRAID. Though we long to put "first things first," we simply do not believe that God will supply our needs if we give Him the first portion of our time, our lives, and our money.
3. We have FAILED repeatedly. Our sincere and honest efforts to put "first things first" in the past lasted only a short time and ended with frustration and disillusionment with ourselves.

So, what’s the “Missing Ingredient” to living out our priorities?

• It's a RARELY USED word.
• It's a FRUIT of the Spirit.
• It comes to us by GRACE.
• We ADMIRE it in others.
• It's ESSENTIAL for putting "first things first."

The Word = DISCIPLINE / SELF CONTROL

Definition: Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

The Dynamics of Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 2 Words:

• DELAYED GRATIFICATION - Hebrews 12:11

The Method of Developing Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words:

• ADVANCED DECISION-MAKING - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How Does It Work?

1. Advanced Decision Making begins with CLEAR–CUT OBJECTIVES.
2. Advanced Decision Making is reinforced by REWARDING ALONG the WAY.
3. Advanced Decision Making becomes a personal conviction when you PONDER the CONSEQUENCES.

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

The best things in life take time! In today’s world, people want things to be quick and easy, and so they’ll take shortcuts to get that instant gratification. But when we try to apply that mentality to Scripture, we tend to let the meaning of the words wash over us, just to check off a spiritual box for the day. Pastor Chris reminds us today to spend real time in God’s Word, not to just consume it like a quick meal, but to savor and enjoy the time we spend in His presence! We shouldn’t take His Word for granted.

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that we need to be careful of our own apathy in relation to Christ’s return. Our faith should become even stronger, knowing that His return for us is ever closer.

Is your “to-do” list too long? Do you have too many people wanting your attention? If you’re struggling to keep all the balls in the air, join Chip as he shares how you can put first things first.

Three reasons why most of us live with two sets of priorities:

1. We are DECEIVED. We honestly don't see the discrepancy between what we think and say, and how we actually live.
2. We are AFRAID. Though we long to put "first things first," we simply do not believe that God will supply our needs if we give Him the first portion of our time, our lives, and our money.
3. We have FAILED repeatedly. Our sincere and honest efforts to put "first things first" in the past lasted only a short time and ended with frustration and disillusionment with ourselves.

So, what’s the “Missing Ingredient” to living out our priorities?

• It's a RARELY USED word.
• It's a FRUIT of the Spirit.
• It comes to us by GRACE.
• We ADMIRE it in others.
• It's ESSENTIAL for putting "first things first."

The Word = DISCIPLINE / SELF CONTROL

Definition: Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.

The Dynamics of Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 2 Words:

• DELAYED GRATIFICATION - Hebrews 12:11

The Method of Developing Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words:

• ADVANCED DECISION-MAKING - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

How Does It Work?

1. Advanced Decision Making begins with CLEAR–CUT OBJECTIVES.
2. Advanced Decision Making is reinforced by REWARDING ALONG the WAY.
3. Advanced Decision Making becomes a personal conviction when you PONDER the CONSEQUENCES.

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