The Bridge RSM

Matthew 10:7-8

Are you a fan of Jesus? That's great! But Jesus didn't call us to be fans. He called us to be followers and he called us to Bring The Kingdom to the world. He called us to proclaim the Good News, demonstrate it, and freely give it away. Pastor Grace Kladnik takes us through what it means to be active participants in the work of declaring the Kingdom of God is at hand to all people, all around the world.

Matthew 4:17–22

Who are you following and where are they leading you? Do you find your life characterized by peace and joy or anxiety and anger? The Bible tells the story of the King over all of Creation. And the best part? His Kingdom is one of peaceful flourishing for humanity and He is always beckoning us to come and follow; to be Followers of the King and live as bringers of light and life, participating in His Epic Story.

Luke 4:1–41

Three of the gospel accounts begin Jesus' ministry with a call to "repent for the Kingdom of God has arrived". Pastor Cami takes us through the dynamic fourth chapter of Luke as Jesus' ministry launches into His earthly ministry having been tested in the wilderness and then proclaiming what the Kingdom is like and demonstrating it's power. He shows a Kingdom that is compassionate and concerned with those that would otherwise be cast aside. He shows a Kingdom that heals the sick, cares for the poor, and restores the oppressed without restraint. But in that simple humility He also shows a Kingdom with unmatched power to conquer the forces of evil, greed, pain, and suffering that plague our world. He shows a Kingdom that will one day make all things new as those who choose Him will enjoy His glorious presence forevermore.

Luke 3:1–20

What has the whole Epic Story of Scripture been leading us to? It starts here, with the story of John, an Israelite prophet in the wilderness preparing the people to Receive the King that the Old Testament was pointing to all along. Jesus was coming and while John was baptizing people with water in the Jordan, He would come baptizing with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John led us to repentance, that we might Receive the King, Bear Fruit, and Receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Mark 5:1–20

God's Royal Story isn't like other stories. There are no castle walls keeping out the rabble. There is only a benevolent King who goes into broken places, brings real change to hearts and circumstances, and calls us into ambassadorship right where we

Malachi 4

There are two ways of living: living in darkness or in daytime. God promises to restore us to life in Him again, and as we wait for that time, how do we chose to use it? Do you live in the darkness of the world, with anticipation of morning coming? Or do you live in the expectation of the dawn, in constant preparation for the wonders that He has in store? What time of day are you living in?

Zechariah 4

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by how broken down the world around us seems to be? We can't fix these things on our own, but with God all things are possible. God is looking for people to partner with Him in bringing restoration to the broken areas of life. So how are you partnering with God today to bring restoration in your family, workplace, or community?

1 Peter 2:9–12, Jeremiah 29:1–14

Living in a world filled with sin isn't just a time of condemnation. It's an opportunity to be a blessing and to share hope with a world that is so desperate for a savior. Today, Pastor Ryan opens with our third volume in our year long Epic Story series, titled Restore. Living as exiles, we are given an opportunity to press into God's will for His people, as builders to make the world better, blessings for those who need it, and as intercessors for each other in every walk of life. Living in the hope of God, and the future that He has promised, leads to good, only, always. How badly do you need to live in the hope of God today?

2 Kings 25, 2 Peter 3:1–13

Would you say you have an 'eternal perspective'? When you think about Jesus, does the fact that He is coming back to rule and reign on this earth come to mind. Pastor Ryan closes out Volume 2 of our look at the Epic Story of Scripture with a look at the idea of the Day of the Lord. In the Old Testament, we see God outline the consequences of Israel choosing their own way over divine wisdom and then ultimately the fulfillment of that consequence. What can we learn from this? It is a signpost for us that God will likewise grant us the result of our choices. But Peter encourages us in his second letter that, while it's been a long time, God has a different perspective on time, He wants to see all come to repentance, and The Day Will Come.

2 Chronicles 16:1–12

What is it that derails our destiny? So often, and for so many, it's pride. Pride makes us self reliant, defensive, and stubborn. It insists that we know what's best for our own lives and that we do what seems right to us. But the way of Jesus is different. It seeks the wisdom of God, always! King Asa is an example of how pride can lead us astray. Asa had an opportunity to repent too. He had a golden moment to turn back to trust. And we have a tool to help us to do just that. When you're being derailed by pride, the antidote is to simply turn back to God in praise. To remind yourself that He alone is God and the creator of all and to lift high the name of Jesus.