The Bridge Church - Glen Carbon

This powerful exploration of Mark 5 takes us into a dramatic encounter between Jesus and a demon-possessed man living among the tombs in the region of the Gerasenes. We're confronted with the raw reality of demonic power and its consuming nature - a man so tormented that chains couldn't hold him, living in isolation, cutting himself with stones, crying out day and night. Yet within this darkness,...

This sermon on John 20:1–18 shows that the first Easter began, not with celebration, but with darkness, grief, and confusion. Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb heartbroken, the disciples run there bewildered, and no one is expecting resurrection. As we see Mary and the disciples' interaction with this world shifting event, the heart of the message comes into focus: Easter is not just that Jesus ros...

Jordan Bird from The Restore Network shares about their mission and work, and how The Bridge can be a part of helping to change the culture of foster care in Illinois.

In this powerful exploration of true immortality, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of eternal life. The message draws a stark contrast between worldly notions of immortality - like fame or achievements - and the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. Using Romans 6 as a foundation, we're reminded that our new life in Christ isn't just about living forever, but about living dif...

In Matthew's account of Jesus healing two blind men, we're reminded that God's agenda often differs from our own. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem amidst great excitement, He pauses to address the needs of those society overlooks. This narrative challenges us to reconsider our priorities and recognize that true transformation occurs not in sweeping societal changes, but in individual hearts. We're en...

We desperately need to reconsider our understanding of peace and the true nature of Christ's mission. Jesus declares He's come to bring fire and division, not the superficial peace our world often seeks. This passage urges us to wake up to the reality of our broken world and the transformative power of making real choices. We're reminded that following Christ isn't about comfort or safety, but abo...

The parable Jesus shares in response to Peter's question isn't just a story—it's a wake-up call for all of us. We're reminded that God's grace isn't a free pass to relax, but a call to action. The master in the parable rewards the faithful servant, showing us that consistency in our faith journey matters deeply to God. This message pushes us to examine our own lives: Are we using the blessings and...

In Luke 12:35-40, it's all about the inevitability of Christ in our lives. This passage challenges us to shift our focus from the uncertainties of the world to the certainty of Jesus' presence. We often find ourselves preparing for crises or clinging to material possessions, believing they'll provide security. However, the scripture reminds us that these things are temporary and unreliable. Instea...

In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus challenges us to reconsider our approach to worry and anxiety. He reminds us that God cares for even the smallest creatures like ravens and wildflowers, so how much more will He care for us? This passage isn't about shaming those with anxiety disorders, but rather inviting us to shift our priorities. We're encouraged to seek God's kingdom first, trusting that He will provid...

In Luke 12:13-21, we're confronted with the pervasive nature of greed and its devastating effects on our spiritual lives. Jesus' parable of the rich fool serves as a stark reminder that our worth isn't measured by our possessions, but by our relationship with God. We're challenged to examine our hearts and recognize how greed can isolate us, damage our relationships, and ultimately lead to spiritu...

In Luke 12:1-12, we encounter a pivotal lesson about the true context of our lives as believers. Jesus warns us against the temptation of seeking popularity and pleasing crowds, which can lead to hypocrisy. Instead, He reminds us that our ultimate context is God's constant presence and care. This passage challenges us to examine where we might be compromising our faith to fit in or gain approval....

In this powerful exploration of Luke 11:27-36, we're challenged to reconsider our understanding of truth and blessing in a post-truth world. The central message revolves around Jesus' response to those seeking signs and His teachings on true blessedness. We're reminded that in a society where truth is often disregarded, we remain responsible for our choices and their consequences. The story of Jon...

This week we delve into Luke 11:24-26, where Jesus tells a peculiar story about an unclean spirit returning to its former dwelling. This parable isn't just about demon possession; it's a profound metaphor for our spiritual lives. The key lesson here is that simply 'cleaning up' our lives isn't enough - we must fill ourselves with God's presence and purpose. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, our soul...

In this study of Luke 11:14-23, we're challenged to confront the simplicity of faith in a world that often prefers complexity. The passage recounts Jesus casting out a demon, but the focus isn't on the miracle itself. Instead, it's on the divided response of the crowd. This narrative invites us to examine our own hearts: do we, like some in the crowd, try to complicate the straightforward evidence...

In this discussion on prayer, we delve into Luke 11 and Jesus' teachings on communicating with God. The central message challenges our understanding of prayer, reminding us that God's responses often surpass our requests in unexpected ways. We learn that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate answer to our prayers, transforming our identity as children and heirs of God. This perspective shift invites us...

In this powerful exploration of Luke 10:38-42, we delve into the familiar story of Martha and Mary, uncovering deeper truths about our relationship with Jesus. At first glance, it's easy to judge Martha for her busyness and praise Mary for her devotion. However, we're challenged to look beyond the surface and recognize the complexity of Martha's situation. Her desire to serve Jesus was admirable,...

We tend to see our relationships as secondary issues compared to self-care and emotional health. Jesus sees it differently. Luke shares an interaction with an expert of the scriptures where Jesus explains that it is actually our relationships with God and other people that are the foundation of our reality.

Is one word enough to make a difference for a whole year? It is when it comes from God's Word. Suzanne Davis shares from Philippians about how God can change our life with a single word when we give Him the space to.

The book of Revelation isn't a typical place you find the Christmas Story. But, when read in light of what we know about the birth of Jesus, it shows us that on that all important night there was a battle raging in order that we would not have to fight the battles we so often find ourselves overwhelmed by.

What could be more important than salvation? How about the new life and possibilities salvation opens up to you. That's exactly what this first century letter to a young pastor points us towards. Christmas is not just about salvation, it's about a whole new life!

There are remarkable people up and down the Christmas Story. But, what is incredible about Christmas isn't what they did, but what God has done.

We need direction and certainty in our life, and our desire for them will lead us to some pretty crazy things. This week we talk about how Christmas is God's answer to our needs.