Search Results
200 results found with an empty search
- I AM | Bridgeway
< Back I AM Pastor Nate Brosher Apr 20, 2025 Exodus 3:11-15 NLT - 11 But Moses protested to God, "Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?" 12 God answered, "I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain." 13 But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they will ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?" 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you." 15 God also said to Moses, "Say this to the people of Israel: Yahweh, the God of your ancestors--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob--has sent me to you. This is my eternal name, my name to remember for all generations. 1. He is the beginning. Yahweh – I am/I will be Jehovah – “The existing one” self-existent or eternal – The proper name of the one true God. God is referenced as Elohim which interprets supreme ruler or supreme God. 2. The Great I Am! Isaiah 7:14 NLT - 14 All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). Matthew 1:23 NLT - 23 "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" Immanuel – God is with us! (Theos – The supreme Deity is with us!) Micah 5:2 ESV - 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. I AM – The Bread of Life John 6:35 NLT - 35 Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. ■ I am – eimi – to be, to exist (I was, I have been.) I AM – The Light of the World John 8:12 NLT - 12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." Psalm 119:105 NKJV - 105 Your word [is] a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I AM - The Door John 10:9 ESV - 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. I AM - The Good Shepherd John 10:11 ESV - 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I AM - The Resurrection and Life John 11:25-26 NKJV - 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 "And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" I AM - The Way, the Truth and the Life John 14:6 NLT - 6 Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. I AM - The Vine John 15:5 NLT - 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Previous Next
- Encounters Series Pt. 1: We Must Go! | Bridgeway
< Back Encounters Series Pt. 1: We Must Go! Pastor Nate Brosher Aug 4, 2024 Exodus 3:1-3 NLT - 1 One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn't burn up. 3 "This is amazing," Moses said to himself. "Why isn't that bush burning up? I must go see it." 1. Have we become spectators? Spectator - a close observer; someone who looks at something. (Synonyms: looker, viewer, watcher, witness.) Exodus 3:4-5 NLT - 4 When the LORD saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, "Moses! Moses!" "Here I am!" Moses replied. 5 "Do not come any closer," the LORD warned. "Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. 2. Preparation Removing his sandals demonstrates Moses’ reverent obedience to God’s call, even in his “unprepared” station and in his advanced age. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT - 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Don’t take your eyes off the champion who will perfect your faith. Exodus 3:6-10 NLT - 6 I am the God of your father--the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God. 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." 3. Purpose Driven When you encounter his presence, he gives direction and purpose. Previous Next
- Inner Circle Pt. 3: Accountability | Bridgeway
< Back Inner Circle Pt. 3: Accountability Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 13, 2024 ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Previous Next
- Community Outreach: Sharing the Gospel | Bridgeway
< Back Community Outreach: Sharing the Gospel Chase Radford Oct 19, 2024 The Romans Road Romans 3:23: “...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...." Everybody is a sinner. Being a sinner separates us from having a relationship with a holy God who created all things. A relationship which in we find our true purpose in life — to glorify God and enjoy Him in all things. We need a solution. Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." We were unlovable, but He loved us. We were hopeless, but He gives hope. We couldn't save ourselves, but Christ could. Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." The earned payment for sin — all sin, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to us — is death. Christ died in the sinner's place and paid the penalty for sin so you wouldn't have to. He gave His life so you could live. Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ...." You don't need to walk around feeling guilty or shameful over your sin once you've believed in Christ because your sin is washed away. Guilt still has its purpose in our lives through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, but because Christ Jesus pleads His blood on our behalf, those who have received Him are not guilty. Romans 10:9: “...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, & believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved...” Through faith in Jesus Christ, God's power can change you. Jesus can set you free. Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith . And this is not your own doing ; it is the gift of God , not a result of works , so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works , which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” "How Can We Pray For You?" This simple question can open up so many doors to not only pray with people, but to share the hope of the Gospel with them. Romans 8:28 (ESV): 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. The Columbo Tactic It's common for people to oppose the Gospel based on faulty presuppositions. "I'm not religious" is a frequent objection. Yet everyone has a worldview, which is essentially what a religion is — a worldview. When you find yourself in these kinds of situations, you can diplomatically engage with them, learn more about their worldview and introduce the Gospel by using a series of simple questions (Socratic Method). The following are base questions. You can adjust as needed to suit your personality and the needs of the conversation. Question 1 : What do you mean by that? Question 2 : How did you come to that conclusion? Question 3 : Have you ever considered [insert fact / apologetic statement here]? Evidence for the Bible Reason #1 : Prophecy There are over 300 prophecies about Christ alone that were fulfilled in the Bible apart from hundreds of others. For example, Isaiah 53 (a prophecy of Jesus) was written 700 years before Jesus. More here: https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/fulfilled-prophecy-evidence-for-the-reliability-of-the-bible Reason #2 : Unity of Scripture 40 authors (most of whom did not know each other or even live at the same time) over a 1600 year period and yet it all tells one unified story that leads to Jesus. Bible Project - The Story of the Bible: https://youtu.be/7_CGP-12AE0?si=PQkZWO76VD0RRlv2 Reason #3 : Archeological evidence There are many archaeological discoveries that support the reliability of the Bible. A few examples: The Dead Sea Scrolls Tel Dan Inscription The Muratorian Fragment The Shroud of Turin Artifacts of a heel bone of a crucified man have been found, proving that crucifixion was a way that criminals were executed. More here: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-crucial-archaeological-discoveries-related-to-the-bible/ https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/a-brief-sample-of-archaeology-corroborating-the-claims-of-the-new-testament/ https://www.premierchristianity.com/home/9-archaeology-finds-that-confirm-the-new-testament/2366.article Reason #4 : Eyewitness Accounts If the Gospels were wrong then other eyewitnesses at the time would’ve come against them to debunk them. But there’s no evidence showing these types of claims. In fact, the opposite. Many people don’t realize there are dozens of writings that survived outside of the Bible in the records of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans that verify the historical accuracy of the Bible’s records of different persons, places, and events. Flavius Josephus, first century Jewish historian (AD 37/38–97) Eusebius, early church historian (c. 260–340 AD) Roman Historian, Cornelius Tacitus (c. AD 55–120) Gaius Suetonius (AD 69–died after 122) the chief secretary of the Roman Emperor Hadrian (who reigned AD 117–138) Pliny the Younger (AD 61/62–c. 113) a Roman author and administrator Papias was a Greek Apostolic Father, Bishop of Hierapolis, and author who lived c. 60–163 AD Previous Next
- Letters from Paul Series Pt. 8: What’s Your Motive | Bridgeway
< Back Letters from Paul Series Pt. 8: What’s Your Motive Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 18, 2024 Philippians 1:12-19 NLT - 12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God's message without fear. 15 It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn't matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. 1. Perspective Verse 12; And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. How many of us have cursed our storm or our valley? We must evaluate our attitude or point of view. Philippians 1:20-24 NLT - 20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So, I really don't know which is better. 23 I'm torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24 But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. 2. Two Desires. Paul said, “I’m torn between two desires.” Colossians 3:2 ESV - “Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth”. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. a physician and writer made this statement; “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” Philippians 1:27-30 NLT - 27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. 28 Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. 3. Suffering is temporary. “Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies.” What is our response to adversity or opposition? Run from it or try to avoid it. Embrace it and fight through it. Give up and throw in the towel. Verse 29; For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Suffer – paschō - In a good sense, to be well off, in good case. In a bad sense, to suffer sadly, be in a bad plight. Previous Next
- Summer Bods Series Pt. 3: Heart of Worship | Bridgeway
< Back Summer Bods Series Pt. 3: Heart of Worship Pastor Nate Brosher Jun 23, 2024 1 Chronicles 16:23-34 ESV 23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; 30 tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" 32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! 33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 1. A Healthy Heart lēḇāḇ – Soul, mind, conscience, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory as seat of emotions. ■ What habits have we developed? Psalm 86:11-13 NLT Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you. 12 With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, 13 for your love for me is very great. You have rescued me from the depths of death. ■ Our heart needs to be evaluated. Isaiah 29:13 NLT And so the Lord says, "These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. A sign of a healthy heart is defined by how we worship. Is our heart of worship designed by man or by God? Proskyneō – Complete submission, obedience and reverence. 2. Pledging our Allegiance to the Lamb and not the World. Hebrews 13:15 NLT Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. John 4:23-24 NLT But the time is coming--indeed it's here now--when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. 24 For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." ■ It’s time that we come back to a heart of Worship. Previous Next
- Guardrails Pt. 2: Strategies | Bridgeway
< Back Guardrails Pt. 2: Strategies Pastor Nate Brosher Mar 9, 2025 Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT - 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 1. Strategies of the devil. ■ Strategies/Schemes – (Methodeia) - cunning arts, deceit, craft, trickery. "methodical" describes a well-organized process while "methodeia" describes a calculated, deceptive plan. “Satan” translates to “adversary” in Hebrew. “Devil” – Diabolos – a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer. Calumniator - a person who makes false accusations or spreads lies about someone, damaging their reputation. The word comes from the verb "calumniate", which means to slander. Ephesians 4:11-15 NLT - 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Luke 22:31-34 ESV - 31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." 33 Peter said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death." 34 Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." Ephesians 6:13-17 NLT - 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ■ We must resist temptation. Temptation – is simply the trial of man’s integrity, constancy, virtue. James 4:7 ESV - 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 1Peter 5:8-9 NLT - 8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. ■ Who are we turning to? James 4:8 NLT - 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. We must recognize the tactic of division. Previous Next
- Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ | Bridgeway
< Back Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Pastor Nate Brosher Dec 21, 2023 Spiritual Maturity Pt. 3: Gifts of Christ Ephesians 4:4-16 NLT 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. 7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, "When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people ." 9 Notice that it says, "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever, they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. 1. Christ “gave” to the Church. a. Didomi – To give, granted, furnished, endued, appointed, commissioned, returned. Apostle - Prophet - Evangelist - Pastor - Teacher Apostle – (Apostolos) a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. Ephesians 4:13 – This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 NLT - 10 Because of God's grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have--Jesus Christ. Prophet – (Prophetes) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation. 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 NLT - 2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won't be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. 3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. 4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church. Evangelist – (euangelistēs) a preacher of the gospel. This name is given in the N.T. to those heralds of salvation through Christ who are not apostles: 2 Timothy 4:5 NKJV – 1 I charge [you] therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season [and] out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, [because] they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn [their] ears away from the truth and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Mark 16:15 NLT - 15 And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Romans 10:13-15 NLT - 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved." 14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, "How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!" Pastor – (poimēn) a shepherd. Outline of Biblical usage: A shepherd in the Near East was responsible for watching out for enemies trying to attack the sheep, defending the sheep from attackers, healing the wounded and sick sheep, finding, and saving lost or trapped sheep, loving them, and sharing their lives and to earn their trust. Teacher – (didaskalos) an instructor. In the N.T. one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man: Ephesians 4:13 NLT - 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. The Purpose of the gifts are to equip the Saints. Previous Next
- New Testament Church Series Pt. 5: Obedience and Submission | Bridgeway
< Back New Testament Church Series Pt. 5: Obedience and Submission Pastor Nate Brosher May 12, 2024 1 Kings 17:9-16 ESV 9 "Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you." 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." 11 And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." 12 And she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." 13 And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'" 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah. 1. We must trust in God! Have you ever been in a place where you were on the brink of giving up? 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT 22 But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 2. Obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience - compliance with an order, request, or law or submission to another's authority. Submission - the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person. Are we only serving God with our lips and not our heart? Matthew 15:8-9 NLT 8 'These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 9 Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.'" Matthew 7:22-23, 26-27 NLT 22 On judgment day many will say to me, 'Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.' 23 But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God's laws.' ... 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash." James 4:7-8 NKJV 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [you] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [you] double-minded. Previous Next
- Encounters Series Pt. 5: At His Feet | Bridgeway
< Back Encounters Series Pt. 5: At His Feet Pastor Nate Brosher Sep 8, 2024 Luke 7:37-39 ESV - 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." 1. What defines you? How does your story begin? Which story are you believing? John 12:5 NLT - 5 "That perfume was worth a year's wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor." Are you giving all of yourself to him? Luke 7:40-50 ESV - 40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher." 41 "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" 50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." 2. Revelation of Jesus at His feet Mark 14: 8-9 NLT - 8 She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time. 9 I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman's deed will be remembered and discussed." 3. Intimate with Jesus Matthew 22:36-38 NKJV - 36 "Teacher, which [is] the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 "This is [the] first and great commandment. In Christian theology, the (trichotomy) holds that humankind is a composite of three distinct components: body, spirit, and soul. Are you committed? John 19:25 NKJV - Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the [wife] of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Previous Next
- Sacrificial Living Pt. 4: The Space Between | Bridgeway
< Back Sacrificial Living Pt. 4: The Space Between Pastor Nate Brosher Feb 2, 2025 Exodus 3:7-10 NLT - 7 Then the LORD told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey--the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live. 9 Look! The cry of the people of Israel has reached me, and I have seen how harshly the Egyptians abuse them. 10 Now go, for I am sending you to Pharaoh. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt." 1. The Promise is revealed. What has God promised you? Matthew 20:28 NLT - 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:45 NLT - 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:27 ESV - 27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. John 15:13 ESV - 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Sacrificial living starts with giving of ourselves for the greater good. Christians are called to have a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and to serve others . John 13:14-15 NLT - 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. 2. What do we do when we are in between? Exodus 13:17 NLT - 17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." 1Corinthians 10:13 NLT - 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. Exodus 14:31 NLT - 31 When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. ■ Don’t forget what God has spoken. Previous Next
- Inner Circle Pt. 4: The Next Chapter | Bridgeway
< Back Inner Circle Pt. 4: The Next Chapter Pastor Nate Brosher Oct 20, 2024 Act 9:3-9 NLT - 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" 5 "Who are you, lord?" Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. So, his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 1. Chapter 1 ■ “Your beginning doesn’t describe your story.” - How does our chapter begin? 2. Chapter 2 Act 13:9-11 NLT - 9 Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he looked the sorcerer in the eye. 10 Then he said, "You son of the devil, full of every sort of deceit and fraud, and enemy of all that is good! Will you never stop perverting the true ways of the Lord? 11 Watch now, for the Lord has laid his hand of punishment upon you, and you will be struck blind. You will not see the sunlight for some time." Instantly mist and darkness came over the man's eyes, and he began groping around begging for someone to take his hand and lead him. Matthew 20:28 ESV - 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Luke 22:42 ESV - 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." - Jesus set a precedent in His life here on earth for us to follow. - We must turn the chapter of our lives over to Christ and let Him write our story! Previous Next