Encouragement

Who among us can't use some encouragement from time to time?  Encouragement can keep us going when the going gets tough.  Encouragement can make the difference between finishing strong and giving up.

Not surprisingly, God is the greatest of all encouragers.

Join us tomorrow for an encouraging message on encouragement.

Operation Bunk Beds

To date we have received almost $3,000 toward materials for the construction of bunk beds in Grenada.  Last week we received almost the entire amount needed to cover the living expenses for the team that will be doing the work ($630).

Tomorrow we hope to offset at least a portion of the travel expenses for this project.  Airfare is about $800 per person for a total of $2,400.  Please come prepared tomorrow to do what you can to help with this project that will make it possible for future teams to minister in Grenada.

Spring Forward!

It's that time again. Don't forget to set you clocks ahead one hour before going to bed tonight.

Blessings!

Bo

The Most Controversial Gift of All

Nothing stirs controversy more than the gift that was first manifested on the day the Holy Spirit was poured some 2000 years ago.  We read of this is Acts chapter two.

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and onesat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.  - Acts 2:1-4

As long as this "speaking with other tongues" was confined to this and a few other passages in the New Testament, most Christians had no problem with this peculiar manifestation.  But when people living in modern times began manifesting this gift it became the source of endless controversy and conflict.

If we are going to be faithful to God's Word we must be willing to examine even this - the most controversial gift of all.  This we will do Sunday at The Bridge as we seek answers to the questions:

• What is speaking in tongues?
• Is it for today?
• Must a person speak in tongues in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
• Why would God elect to create such a strange gift -- when He knew it would cause such controversy and even division?

Please say a prayer for me as I dive into this interesting topic!

Operation Bunk Beds

A small team of Bridge members have agreed to travel to Grenada (yes, that warm, tropical island in the Caribbean) for the purpose of constructing bunk beds for the base being established at the home of Justin and Erica Zauflik.

Over the next few weeks we hope to raise the entire cost of materials, which is $4,600. Please consider what you can do to help with this project that will make it possible for future teams to minister in Grenada.

Anything raised over the $4,600 will be applied to the cost of airfare ($1,500 per ticket) for the individuals who are going at their own expense.

Blessings!

Bo

Does God speak through people today?

Two weeks ago we asked the question; does God speak to people today?

Tomorrow at The Bridge we will address the even more controversial question; does God speak through people today -- by means of the gift of prophecy?

Don't let the weather keep you from hearing a very important message!

Besides, unlike last week's Superbowl where 60,000 people sat outside in 49 degree weather for three plus hours to watch a very one-sided football game -- it will be a balmy 70 degrees at The Bridge! Unfortunately we won't be selling nachos and hotdogs.

Connect Group Sign-up

More than 200 people have already signed-up for a Connect Group.  If you haven't done so, please go to our website and check-out all the groups being offered this semester.  You can either sign-up online or tomorrow at church.

Go to www.thebridgenky.com to find the group that fits your schedule and area of interest.

See you tomorrow!

Bo

Are Miracles for Today?

As we continue our series on The Spirit-filled Life --this Sunday at The Bridge we will be exploring the topic of miracles.

Among the questions we will seek to answer are:

• Are miracles even possible?
• Does God perform miracles through people today?
• What role does faith play in miracles?
• Why don't we see more miracles?
• What purpose do miracles serve?
• Can Satan work counterfeit miracles?

Join us for a fresh look at a very interesting and yes, controversial topic.

A Big Thanks to the Building Your Home Conference Team!

Thank you Whitney and Ali Clayton, Grant and Alecia Dawson and to the entire team of more than sixty volunteers who helped with our first Building Your Home Family Conference.

We had great attendance -- despite the weather and every speaker provided practical and insightful tips for how to create God-honoring homes where young lives can be formed for Christ.

We especially want to thank Jeremy and Amy Tye, Kim Styles, Elissa White and all those who took on the monumental task of providing child-care and a night of fun for our kids.

It was a great event! I'm already looking forward to next year!

Connect Group Fair is On!

Be sure to sign-up for one of our more than 30 Connect Groups being offered this semester! Connect Group leaders will be in the lobby between services to answer questions and help you find the group that right for you.

See you Sunday!

Bo

Does God speak to people today, and if so, how can I hear His voice?

We know God has spoken through His Word, the Bible -- but does God speak to people in a personal way apart from the Scriptures today?  Even a casual reading of the Bible reveals that all the way back to Adam and on up to the New Testament people have heard the voice of God instructing them to do things. But it is commonly taught that once the Scriptures were completed that God only speaks to people today through His Word.

Is it Scriptural to teach God speaks to people apart from the Bible today?

This is a topic that stirs a lot of controversy in some Christian circles -- but one that needs to be explored. Be sure to join us Sunday for what I believe will be a very informative look at a very important topic.

Family Conference -- Saturday, January 25, 6-9 pm

If you haven't yet, be sure to register for our Family Life Conference that will be taking place in one week at The Bridge.  In addition to receiving some encouraging and insightful teaching on the family -- kids 0-12 will have a blast over at The Town and Country Sports Complex right across the street.

The cost for the entire event is a very family-friendly $25 per family.

See you Sunday!

Bo

Spirit-filled People Produce Good and Lasting Fruit

When conflict threatened the unity of church in Jerusalem, the Apostles called for the people to select from among their numbers seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to provide oversight to the ministry of food distribution to the widows in the church (Acts 6:1-1-3).

Note that the criterion for leadership was not a matter of gifting, but of character, wisdom and of Holy Spirit fullness.

From the beginning, God's plan for His church is that ministry be carried out by people filled with, empowered by and under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  When this pattern is followed - good and lasting fruit is the result.

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit and how does a person come into and remain in this state? These are questions we're addressing in The Spirit-filled Life series we kicked-off on January 5, 2014 and will continue this Sunday at The Bridge.  Don't miss this important series.

Family Conference -- January 25, 6-9 pm

If you have not yet signed-up for our upcoming Family Conference, be sure to do so this Sunday.  The conference runs from 6-9 pm on January 25 and the cost is a very family-friendly $25.

The takeaways for this conference will include:

• Specific tools to shape your family for Christ

• Encouragement and hope for whatever situation you might be facing

• Resources that will serve to strengthen your family for generations to come

This will be a great investment in the most important people in your life!

Blessings,

 

Bo

The Spirit-filled Life

This Sunday at The Bridge we began a new series I'm calling The Spirit-filled Life.  In this study we will explore what it means to be indwelt by and empowered by the Spirit of God.  Life in the Spirit is what the cross of Calvary made available and what makes victorious life in Christ possible.

I can't think of a better way to start the year than to come into a greater understanding and experience of the Spirit of God.  Be sure to join us for this important new series!

Family Conference -- Saturday, January 25, 6:00 -- 9:00 PM

The Family Conference will be an evening of encouragement and equipping for the all-important mission of building a strong family.  Topics will include:

  1.  Foundational Elements for Building a Home

  2.  Treating Children how God treats us

  3.  Parenting Prodigals

  4.  Becoming an Influential Christian in Every
       Relationship

  5.  Keeping Unity in Marriage while Parenting

  6.  How to talk about God in ways your kids will
       enjoy

Non-stop activities and games for children up to age 12 will be provided at Town & Country Sports Complex.

This cost for this life-changing event is just $25 per family.  Be sure to register this Sunday!

God bless!