CityBridge Community Church

CityBridge Community Church

Messages from CityBridge Community Church. read less
Religion & SpiritualityReligion & Spirituality
151 // Castaway // Jonah
30-10-2023
151 // Castaway // Jonah
Teacher: David Leventhal. In our last week of studying the book of Jonah, we see God's pursuit of the unlovable. David Leventhal highlights how Jonah's anger at God's mercy toward the Ninevites reflects our own struggles with forgiveness and judgment. The message also underscores the importance of seeing people as God sees them and challenges the audience to repent of any attitudes that hinder them from extending grace and mercy to others. Overall, we have room to grow in self-reflection, humility, and a deeper understanding of God's love and compassion. 1️⃣Jonah Saw the Lord's Character & Mercy in Action, and He Hated It. (Jonah 4:1–4) Jonah's anger over God's mercy and God's pursuit of the unlovable are central themes.Jonah's self-righteousness and hatred for the Assyrians become evident.Jonah acknowledges God's graciousness, but his anger questions God's mercy for the Assyrians. 2️⃣The Lord Saw Jonah's Elitism & Hatred, and He Loved Him Anyway. (Jonah 4:5–8) Jonah's object lesson illustrates God's pursuit of his hard-hearted prophet.The text uses details and nuances to emphasize God's appointments and the scorching east wind as a symbol of judgment.The change in titles for God, from "LORD" to "God," highlights the lesson's impact on Jonah. 3️⃣The Lord Saw the Ninevite Repentance, and He Showed Pity Because He Loved Them. (Jonah 4:9–11) Jonah's inability to see the lesson from the plant's demise reveals his hardness of heart.The Lord uses the plant to show Jonah how his anger over its loss contrasts with God's desire to show mercy to Nineveh.      Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org. Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.
149 // Stowaway // Jonah
16-10-2023
149 // Stowaway // Jonah
Teacher: Daniel Smith. We’re in week two of our Jonah series, and we explore the theme of repentance and restoration through the story of Jonah 2. Jonah's journey from running away to a desperate prayer in the belly of the fish reveals important lessons: 🙏 Point 1: God Listens to Desperate Prayers Jonah 2:3-6Whether it's our own doing or circumstances beyond our control, God hears and responds to the cries of desperate people. 🤲 Point 2: God Saves Those Who Call on Him Jonah 2:2,7-9; Jonah 1:5; Psalm 34:6; Romans 10:13We often turn to various sources for salvation, but Jonah's story shows the futility of relying on idols. 🔄 Point 3: Turning to God Means Turning from Sin Jonah 2:9Repentance involves leaving our own ways and following God's path, even if we find ourselves in dire situations. 🔄 Point 4: Our God Offers Second Chances Jonah 2:10, 3:1-3Just like Jonah's second chance, God's faithfulness remains unwavering, and He can use us for His purpose. Watch this video to dive deeper into the remarkable lessons from Jonah's journey, reminding us of the power of desperate prayer and God's unchanging character. 🐋🙌 #Repentance #Restoration #Prayer #SecondChances Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org. Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.
145 // Our Ride or Dies: Community // On Brand
17-09-2023
145 // Our Ride or Dies: Community // On Brand
Teacher: Rob Barry. Welcome to week 3 of our 'On Brand' series, where we explore the timeless characteristics that define the church. ⛪ The key message here is that success as a Christ Follower is closely tied to being part of a spiritual training team – what we call community groups. We are created for community Our very nature reflects God's design for deep personal relationships.From the Garden of Eden to the present, community has been integral to our well-being.Benefits of community: Support, warmth, strength in unity (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We are called to community It's not optional; we're commanded to be in intentional relationships that motivate us to live for Jesus.Jesus modeled this during his ministry, and it's a team sport.God's Word, Spirit, and community are intertwined for growth. You are Changed by community Sanctification, the process of becoming more like Jesus, happens through your Christian community.It's like a marriage – you'll face challenges but grow through them.Community helps you distinguish between preferences and core doctrines. Application For non-members: Life change happens in circles, so get involved in a community.For members: Stay engaged, even when it gets tough. Bear with one another, forgive, and pray for each other.Seek guidance if needed; community is essential. Closing Thoughts We're not in this alone; God desires us to live in community.Your future success depends on who's with you – choose your community wisely. Remember, community is "on brand" for followers of Jesus, and it's a vital part of your journey towards spiritual growth and success.    All of us need encouragement to step into the light and embrace authenticity, and there is support for those struggling with secrets and sins. Come and find fellowship to overcome darkness and experience God's healing and mercy!       Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.   Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org.   Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.
142 // The Church On Brand // On Brand
27-08-2023
142 // The Church On Brand // On Brand
Teacher: David Marvin. Welcome to On Brand! We're kicking off the series by delving into the notion of embodying the "On Brand" identity as followers of Christ, in line with the church's vision and values. The aim of the series is to explore the application of these principles and objectives in believers' everyday lives. The term "On Brand" emphasizes five core values for the church: authenticity, Bible-based, community, discipleship, and engagement. Central to the church's mission is the call to guide all individuals toward becoming committed disciples of Christ. The five core "On Brand" values encompass living authentically and transparently, placing faith in the authority of God's Word, fostering genuine community bonds, fostering disciple-making, and actively participating in the world as Christ's representatives. The series is designed to offer practical insights and real-world instances of how believers can embrace these values in their daily existence, fostering enduring and significant transformation in their communities. Being "On Brand" as Christ's followers entails embodying authenticity, rootedness in Scripture, active community involvement, dedicated disciple-making, and impactful worldly engagement for the sake of Christ's message.      Enjoyed the message? Rate us ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Want more information about CityBridge Community Church? DM us @citybridgecc or email us at info@citybridgechurch.org. Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear next week's message by subscribing to your favorite podcast app.