The Bridge RSM

How does the world receive the mercy of Jesus? It doesn't start with the best doctrine or pointed out sin. It starts when we walk humbly with our God. It plays out in forgiving others, having grace and mercy on those who wrong us. But the list of those in need of mercy extends beyond that. Who do you need to show mercy to today?

Why doesn't God hear my prayers? The answer to why you feel this pain could begin in how you think and talk about others. Do you treat them with honor? Do you respect those around you? Pastor Ryan looks at the levels of countercultural honor we're called to as followers of Jesus and how it impacts our prayer lives as we continue to cultivate A Heart God Hears.

Do you ever have a subtle feeling that you're not quite right before a holy God? Without coming honestly to God it's impossible to experience intimacy with God, but when we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us and bring us in to a deep relationship with our magnificent and loving Father.

Sometimes, we think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. Sometimes, we're harder on ourselves than we ought to be. Either way the answer is to approach God in humility. Humility allows God to speak true identity and worth into our lives and invites us to partner with the Holy Spirit in honest dependence on Him. This is the way to heart God hears and a heart that hears God.

Women have always been pillars in the Jesus Community. Amy Hilliker explores what it means to be a pillar, someone that props up the House of God and declares "Jesus Christ is Lord." What does it look for us to grow in our discipleship to Jesus together and lead others to do the same? What kind of generational and eternal impact might we have? This is the blessing of pillars, and especially mothers in the faith who hold up the whole Church.

One of the most important skills we can develop in our Christian journey is our ability to hear God's voice. The blessing of community is the freedom to learn this skill together and from others. We learn to discern God's voice with clarity as we practice in prayer and filter through the Scriptures and in community with trusted mentors and fellows in the faith.

What posture do you bring to prayer? What about to praise? Do you come expectant for God to show up and speak? Pastor Ryan looks at the story of the prophet Samuel first hearing the voice of God. The voice of God was rare in those days because God was not honored by the people at the time, but God came personally to speak to Samuel and Samuel found that his expectation to hear God's voice changed everything for Him. Will you tune into the voice of God today, expecting to hear His voice?

How do I know what I'm hearing is God? There are countless voices competing for our attention and devotion. But only one voice wants to lead us into good only, always. Other voices will insist, like the serpent in the Garden, that God doesn't actually want what's best for us. Other things will look good in our eyes, but they don't lead to life in the fullest. Only the voice of God sounds like that, and leads us there. As we spend time in His presence, growing in intimacy with Him, we learn His voice and are able to follow Him.

Have you ever felt desperate to hear from God? Maybe you called it "The Universe" or you were looking for "a sign". As Pastor Ryan begins a new series on Learning to Listen to God, he examines the story of Elijah discovering God's voice, not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the silence. Circumstances and signs draw us into listening, but they're no substitute for the still small voice of God. Do you want to learn to listen to Him today? He delights to speak to you.

What is hope? What difference does it make if we have it? How do I get it? The Bridge English and Spanish congregations partner with Oakhouse church to preach the Gospel in the heart of our city that Jesus Christ, risen and reigning is the source of true hope, regardless of circumstance. If we look to Him He will provide a firm footing for us to stand and thrive in the midst of life.