Do you know "why" you do "what" you do? As we round out our series on Reaching For It All, we focus in on what motivates us to live our lives. Are we mere 'fans' of Jesus, or are we devoted followers, imitating His Way of life and living out the good works He has prepared for us? Are you simply getting by day by day? Or are you dangerous for the Kingdom of Heaven?
Part 5: Fix My Vision On The Podium
March 10, 2024 • Ryan Oddo • Philippians 3:1–16
Did you know that there will be a time when all followers of Jesus stand before Him and receive a reward for their stewardship in this life? A large part of the mission of The Bridge Church is preparing followers of Jesus to hear "well done!" at that moment. The scene is called the Bema Seat of Christ in Scripture and it's a day to look forward to with eager anticipation. Pastor Ryan unpacks the attitude that looking forward to that day can provide us as we run our race of life in hopes of that day when we bask in His presence.
Part 4: Start Fresh For The Next Leg
March 3, 2024 • Ryan Oddo • Philippians 3:1–16
When Paul paints the picture of an athlete running a race, he does so knowing that the energy source for our spiritual race is never ending. Our week flesh grows weary with physical exertion, but we get to start each leg of our spiritual race - each new season of our lives with God - empowered by His spirit and refreshed by streams of Living Water. As such, we posture our hearts toward Him and renew our focused pursuit of His Kingdom, walking in the good works He prepared for us from the beginning.
Part 3: Stop Living in the Past
February 25, 2024 • Ryan Oddo • Philippians 3:1–16
Have you ever tried to run a race while facing backwards? As humans, we're not very good at dividing our attention between two things. When we try, we tend to not pay attention to either one. We're called to leave our past in the past; to let go and let God take control. How can we live the life that God has for us if we refuse to let go? How can we run toward Jesus if we refuse to look toward him? Luke writes "whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it." It's time to let go. God only has good for you. Cast your eyes on Him, and let's run this race together.
Part 2: Reaching for the "Why"
February 18, 2024 • Ryan Oddo • Philippians 3:1–16
Why do you run the race of your life? What motivates you? Jesus Christ grabbed a hold of the Apostle Paul while he was on his way to persecute the very Church of Christ and gave him a picture of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Paul then grabbed ahold of this "why" that drove the rest of his life. God is inviting us to do the same - to grab hold of the "why" in our lives and allow His love and grace to drive us to run a race of love, side by side, arm in arm.
Part 1: Camaraderie with Christ
February 11, 2024 • Ryan Oddo • Philippians 3:1–16
What are you putting your confidence in? How do you define success or failure in your life? The Apostle Paul said that he was running a race and that the prize was Jesus Christ! But we also run the race WITH Jesus. We are on a course that was designed for us by God to be run alongside Him. But often we choose to run it alone. We try to have the Kingdom of Heaven without the King of Heaven and we wind up hurt. Will you choose your running mate today and partner with Jesus?
