Key PointsFaith begins when God speaks and we choose to trust what He says even when we cannot see what He is doing.Mary models true surrender by receiving an impossible assignment and responding with humility and obedience.Faith rejects fear and stands on the promises of God rather than emotions or circumstances.Faith is the means by which God empowers us to do what is humanly impossible through the Holy Spirit.Faith pleases God because it draws us near to Him and aligns our lives with His Word.Faith must be exercised in real areas of life such as forgiveness, reconciliation, obedience, and spiritual growth.Faith believes that God is present, active, and faithful even when our feelings, history, or habits say otherwise.Faith says yes to God without knowing the outcome and trusts Him with the results.Faith grows as we hear the Word of God, seek Him diligently, and rely on the Holy Spirit.Faith transforms us and the world around us when we submit to God with a servant’s heart. DiscussionWhat part of Mary’s response challenges you the most and why?Where do you feel God is asking you to walk by faith instead of relying on your own understanding?Which promise of God is hardest for you to believe right now and what makes it difficult?How do you usually respond when God asks you to do something that feels impossible?What habits, fears, or assumptions create barriers to exercising real faith in your daily life?When have you seen God meet you with strength or grace the moment you finally said yes?How would your relationships change if you applied faith to forgiveness, reconciliation, or love for difficult people?What is one step of faith you can take this week that aligns with God’s Word rather than your comfort?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Key Points&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith begins when God speaks and we choose to trust what He says even when we cannot see what He is doing.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mary models true surrender by receiving an impossible assignment and responding with humility and obedience.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith rejects fear and stands on the promises of God rather than emotions or circumstances.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith is the means by which God empowers us to do what is humanly impossible through the Holy Spirit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith pleases God because it draws us near to Him and aligns our lives with His Word.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith must be exercised in real areas of life such as forgiveness, reconciliation, obedience, and spiritual growth.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith believes that God is present, active, and faithful even when our feelings, history, or habits say otherwise.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith says yes to God without knowing the outcome and trusts Him with the results.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith grows as we hear the Word of God, seek Him diligently, and rely on the Holy Spirit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Faith transforms us and the world around us when we submit to God with a servant’s heart.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discussion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What part of Mary’s response challenges you the most and why?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where do you feel God is asking you to walk by faith instead of relying on your own understanding?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Which promise of God is hardest for you to believe right now and what makes it difficult?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do you usually respond when God asks you to do something that feels impossible?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What habits, fears, or assumptions create barriers to exercising real faith in your daily life?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When have you seen God meet you with strength or grace the moment you finally said yes?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How would your relationships change if you applied faith to forgiveness, reconciliation, or love for difficult people?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What is one step of faith you can take this week that aligns with God’s Word rather than your comfort?&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Week 1

Key PointsFaith begins when God speaks and we choose to trust what He says even when we cannot see what He is doing.Mary models true surrender by receiving an impossible assignment and responding with humility and obedience.Faith rejects fear and stands on the promises of God rather than emotions or circumstances.Faith is the means by which God empowers us to do what is humanly impossible through the Holy Spirit.Faith pleases God because it draws us near to Him and aligns our lives with His Word.Faith must be exercised in real areas of life such as forgiveness, reconciliation, obedience, and spiritual growth.Faith believes that God is present, active, and faithful even when our feelings, history, or habits say otherwise.Faith says yes to God without knowing the outcome and trusts Him with the results.Faith grows as we hear the Word of God, seek Him diligently, and rely on the Holy Spirit.Faith transforms us and the world around us when we submit to God with a servant’s heart. DiscussionWhat part of Mary’s response challenges you the most and why?Where do you feel God is asking you to walk by faith instead of relying on your own understanding?Which promise of God is hardest for you to believe right now and what makes it difficult?How do you usually respond when God asks you to do something that feels impossible?What habits, fears, or assumptions create barriers to exercising real faith in your daily life?When have you seen God meet you with strength or grace the moment you finally said yes?How would your relationships change if you applied faith to forgiveness, reconciliation, or love for difficult people?What is one step of faith you can take this week that aligns with God’s Word rather than your comfort?

Faith

Key PointsGod is the Author of the Greater Story and the Bible reveals His plan from beginning to end.Humanity fell into sin, but God promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.Jesus fulfills every major foreshadow in Scripture and is the central point of the story.The atbash pattern in the Bible shows how God brings the story full circle from Genesis to Revelation.Believers are part of the story as sons and daughters of God.We are called to share the message of Jesus and shine His light in the world.God will restore all things and dwell with His people forever. DiscussionHow does understanding the whole Bible as one story help you follow Jesus more clearly?Which foreshadow or Old Testament connection to Jesus stood out to you?The sermon explained the atbash pattern that shows Scripture coming full circle. What part of that pattern made the biggest impact on you?Where do you see yourself in God’s story right now and why?How do you feel called to share God’s light with someone in your life this week?How does knowing the end of the story in Revelation give you confidence today?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Key Points&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;God is the Author of the Greater Story and the Bible reveals His plan from beginning to end.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Humanity fell into sin, but God promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jesus fulfills every major foreshadow in Scripture and is the central point of the story.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The atbash pattern in the Bible shows how God brings the story full circle from Genesis to Revelation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Believers are part of the story as sons and daughters of God.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are called to share the message of Jesus and shine His light in the world.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;God will restore all things and dwell with His people forever.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discussion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How does understanding the whole Bible as one story help you follow Jesus more clearly?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Which foreshadow or Old Testament connection to Jesus stood out to you?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sermon explained the atbash pattern that shows Scripture coming full circle. What part of that pattern made the biggest impact on you?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where do you see yourself in God’s story right now and why?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How do you feel called to share God’s light with someone in your life this week?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How does knowing the end of the story in Revelation give you confidence today?&lt;/p&gt;</description>

November 30, 2025

Key PointsGod is the Author of the Greater Story and the Bible reveals His plan from beginning to end.Humanity fell into sin, but God promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.Jesus fulfills every major foreshadow in Scripture and is the central point of the story.The atbash pattern in the Bible shows how God brings the story full circle from Genesis to Revelation.Believers are part of the story as sons and daughters of God.We are called to share the message of Jesus and shine His light in the world.God will restore all things and dwell with His people forever. DiscussionHow does understanding the whole Bible as one story help you follow Jesus more clearly?Which foreshadow or Old Testament connection to Jesus stood out to you?The sermon explained the atbash pattern that shows Scripture coming full circle. What part of that pattern made the biggest impact on you?Where do you see yourself in God’s story right now and why?How do you feel called to share God’s light with someone in your life this week?How does knowing the end of the story in Revelation give you confidence today?

The Greater Story

Key PointsWe are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared beforehand.Five essential actions for mission: Go and pray, Go and forgive, Go and love, Go where you are, Go and make disciples.Prayer should begin early in the morning and continue without ceasing throughout the day.Forgiveness is essential before effective ministry. We cannot carry bitterness and minister mercy.Love must be demonstrated in deed and truth, not just words.The mission field is not somewhere distant but right where you already are.God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. He goes ahead of us.Making disciples begins with becoming a disciple yourself.We never go alone. God promises to be with us always. DiscussionWhat does your current prayer life look like? What obstacles keep you from prioritizing prayer?The message emphasizes praying 'without ceasing' as a mindset throughout the day. How would your daily routine and interactions change if you maintained constant awareness of God's presence and leading?How does unforgiveness hinder our ability to serve others effectively?Is there someone you need to forgive? What's holding you back? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week?How can we become more aware of the pain and needs around us? What distracts us from noticing?Where do you spend most of your time? How might God be calling you to be "on mission" in those everyday places?What does being a disciple look like in practical terms? How are you growing as a disciple right now?How does witnessing someone's decision to follow Christ impact your own commitment to share the gospel with those in your sphere of influence?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Key Points&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared beforehand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Five essential actions for mission: Go and pray, Go and forgive, Go and love, Go where you are, Go and make disciples.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Prayer should begin early in the morning and continue without ceasing throughout the day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Forgiveness is essential before effective ministry. We cannot carry bitterness and minister mercy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Love must be demonstrated in deed and truth, not just words.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The mission field is not somewhere distant but right where you already are.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. He goes ahead of us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Making disciples begins with becoming a disciple yourself.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We never go alone. God promises to be with us always.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discussion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What does your current prayer life look like? What obstacles keep you from prioritizing prayer?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The message emphasizes praying 'without ceasing' as a mindset throughout the day. How would your daily routine and interactions change if you maintained constant awareness of God's presence and leading?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How does unforgiveness hinder our ability to serve others effectively?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Is there someone you need to forgive? What's holding you back? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How can we become more aware of the pain and needs around us? What distracts us from noticing?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where do you spend most of your time? How might God be calling you to be "on mission" in those everyday places?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What does being a disciple look like in practical terms? How are you growing as a disciple right now?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How does witnessing someone's decision to follow Christ impact your own commitment to share the gospel with those in your sphere of influence?&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Week 4

Key PointsWe are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared beforehand.Five essential actions for mission: Go and pray, Go and forgive, Go and love, Go where you are, Go and make disciples.Prayer should begin early in the morning and continue without ceasing throughout the day.Forgiveness is essential before effective ministry. We cannot carry bitterness and minister mercy.Love must be demonstrated in deed and truth, not just words.The mission field is not somewhere distant but right where you already are.God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. He goes ahead of us.Making disciples begins with becoming a disciple yourself.We never go alone. God promises to be with us always. DiscussionWhat does your current prayer life look like? What obstacles keep you from prioritizing prayer?The message emphasizes praying 'without ceasing' as a mindset throughout the day. How would your daily routine and interactions change if you maintained constant awareness of God's presence and leading?How does unforgiveness hinder our ability to serve others effectively?Is there someone you need to forgive? What's holding you back? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week?How can we become more aware of the pain and needs around us? What distracts us from noticing?Where do you spend most of your time? How might God be calling you to be "on mission" in those everyday places?What does being a disciple look like in practical terms? How are you growing as a disciple right now?How does witnessing someone's decision to follow Christ impact your own commitment to share the gospel with those in your sphere of influence?

Let's Go!

Key PointsWe are chosen and seen by God. Before we were born, God chose us and predestined us for adoption.We have been made holy and blameless through Christ's sacrifice, not our own efforts. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works, so no one can boast.Our salvation is secure. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit and have a guaranteed eternal inheritance.We are not defined by our past. We are forgiven, redeemed, and made new in Christ.We are God's "workmanship" (ποίημα/poiéma/masterpiece), created for good works that He prepared beforehand.Understanding our secure position in Christ gives us confidence to serve without fear of rejection or inadequacy.Grace precedes mission. We must understand who we are in Christ before we can effectively serve Him.We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, fully accepted and beloved.The forgiveness we receive should free us from shame and empower us for mission. DiscussionPastor Bob outlined 12 things we have in Christ. Which is hardest to believe about yourself and why?Chosen before the foundation of the worldCalled to live holy and blamelessAdopted into God's familyAccepted and beloved in ChristRedeemed by His bloodForgiven of all trespassesLavishly covered by grace and wisdomGiven revelation of God's willMade heirs with ChristPredestined according to His purposeSealed with the Holy SpiritGuaranteed an eternal inheritanceWhat trials in your life have unexpectedly deepened your understanding of God's love or revealed new dimensions of faith?Do you struggle to truly believe you are forgiven and redeemed? What do you think is holding you in the 'swamp of shame' and keeping you from living in your new identity?The sermon contrasts being 'dead in trespasses' with being 'seated with Christ in heavenly places' - how should this radical transformation affect the way we treat others who are still walking in spiritual death?Why do you think that is important to know your position in Christ before being commissioned?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Key Points&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are chosen and seen by God. Before we were born, God chose us and predestined us for adoption.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We have been made holy and blameless through Christ's sacrifice, not our own efforts. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works, so no one can boast.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Our salvation is secure. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit and have a guaranteed eternal inheritance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are not defined by our past. We are forgiven, redeemed, and made new in Christ.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are God's "workmanship" (ποίημα/poiéma/masterpiece), created for good works that He prepared beforehand.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Understanding our secure position in Christ gives us confidence to serve without fear of rejection or inadequacy.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Grace precedes mission. We must understand who we are in Christ before we can effectively serve Him.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, fully accepted and beloved.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The forgiveness we receive should free us from shame and empower us for mission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discussion&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Pastor Bob outlined 12 things we have in Christ. Which is hardest to believe about yourself and why?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Chosen before the foundation of the world&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Called to live holy and blameless&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Adopted into God's family&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Accepted and beloved in Christ&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Redeemed by His blood&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Forgiven of all trespasses&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Lavishly covered by grace and wisdom&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Given revelation of God's will&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Made heirs with Christ&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Predestined according to His purpose&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Sealed with the Holy Spirit&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Guaranteed an eternal inheritance&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What trials in your life have unexpectedly deepened your understanding of God's love or revealed new dimensions of faith?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Do you struggle to truly believe you are forgiven and redeemed? What do you think is holding you in the 'swamp of shame' and keeping you from living in your new identity?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The sermon contrasts being 'dead in trespasses' with being 'seated with Christ in heavenly places' - how should this radical transformation affect the way we treat others who are still walking in spiritual death?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why do you think that is important to know your position in Christ before being commissioned?&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Week 3

Key PointsWe are chosen and seen by God. Before we were born, God chose us and predestined us for adoption.We have been made holy and blameless through Christ's sacrifice, not our own efforts. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works, so no one can boast.Our salvation is secure. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit and have a guaranteed eternal inheritance.We are not defined by our past. We are forgiven, redeemed, and made new in Christ.We are God's "workmanship" (ποίημα/poiéma/masterpiece), created for good works that He prepared beforehand.Understanding our secure position in Christ gives us confidence to serve without fear of rejection or inadequacy.Grace precedes mission. We must understand who we are in Christ before we can effectively serve Him.We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, fully accepted and beloved.The forgiveness we receive should free us from shame and empower us for mission. DiscussionPastor Bob outlined 12 things we have in Christ. Which is hardest to believe about yourself and why?Chosen before the foundation of the worldCalled to live holy and blamelessAdopted into God's familyAccepted and beloved in ChristRedeemed by His bloodForgiven of all trespassesLavishly covered by grace and wisdomGiven revelation of God's willMade heirs with ChristPredestined according to His purposeSealed with the Holy SpiritGuaranteed an eternal inheritanceWhat trials in your life have unexpectedly deepened your understanding of God's love or revealed new dimensions of faith?Do you struggle to truly believe you are forgiven and redeemed? What do you think is holding you in the 'swamp of shame' and keeping you from living in your new identity?The sermon contrasts being 'dead in trespasses' with being 'seated with Christ in heavenly places' - how should this radical transformation affect the way we treat others who are still walking in spiritual death?Why do you think that is important to know your position in Christ before being commissioned?

You Gotta Know Before You Go

Key PointsCleansing Comes Before Commission. God always purifies us before He sends us. Isaiah's lips were cleansed with a burning coal before he received his mission.God Won't Fill What Isn't Empty. As Spurgeon said: "God will never fill you with himself until he has emptied you of your own self."Mission Starts at Home. Before we can care for God's church or community, we must learn to manage and love our own households well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).Consecration Precedes Breakthrough. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you." Discussion QuestionsShare about a time when you felt completely unprepared for something God called you to do. How did that experience change you?How have you experienced God's cleansing and forgiveness in your life? Share a specific example.What fears hold you back from serving God more fully?Why do you think God prioritizes how we care for our own households before sending us to serve elsewhere?Without sharing details that would dishonor anyone, where do you see opportunities for greater service and sacrifice within your own home or immediate family?Jesus says if someone has something against you (whether you intended harm or not), go make it right before offering your gift. Why is this so countercultural and difficult?What "dishonorable" things might God be asking you to cleanse yourself from?Paul says to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace." What's one thing you need to flee and one thing you need to pursue this week?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Key Points&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Cleansing Comes Before Commission. God always purifies us before He sends us. Isaiah's lips were cleansed with a burning coal before he received his mission.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;God Won't Fill What Isn't Empty. As Spurgeon said: "God will never fill you with himself until he has emptied you of your own self."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Mission Starts at Home. Before we can care for God's church or community, we must learn to manage and love our own households well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Consecration Precedes Breakthrough. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you."&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Discussion Questions&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Share about a time when you felt completely unprepared for something God called you to do. How did that experience change you?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;How have you experienced God's cleansing and forgiveness in your life? Share a specific example.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What fears hold you back from serving God more fully?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Why do you think God prioritizes how we care for our own households before sending us to serve elsewhere?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Without sharing details that would dishonor anyone, where do you see opportunities for greater service and sacrifice within your own home or immediate family?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Jesus says if someone has something against you (whether you intended harm or not), go make it right before offering your gift. Why is this so countercultural and difficult?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;What "dishonorable" things might God be asking you to cleanse yourself from?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Paul says to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace." What's one thing you need to flee and one thing you need to pursue this week?&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Week 2

Key PointsCleansing Comes Before Commission. God always purifies us before He sends us. Isaiah's lips were cleansed with a burning coal before he received his mission.God Won't Fill What Isn't Empty. As Spurgeon said: "God will never fill you with himself until he has emptied you of your own self."Mission Starts at Home. Before we can care for God's church or community, we must learn to manage and love our own households well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).Consecration Precedes Breakthrough. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you." Discussion QuestionsShare about a time when you felt completely unprepared for something God called you to do. How did that experience change you?How have you experienced God's cleansing and forgiveness in your life? Share a specific example.What fears hold you back from serving God more fully?Why do you think God prioritizes how we care for our own households before sending us to serve elsewhere?Without sharing details that would dishonor anyone, where do you see opportunities for greater service and sacrifice within your own home or immediate family?Jesus says if someone has something against you (whether you intended harm or not), go make it right before offering your gift. Why is this so countercultural and difficult?What "dishonorable" things might God be asking you to cleanse yourself from?Paul says to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace." What's one thing you need to flee and one thing you need to pursue this week?

Holy, Holy, Holy

Welcome to the weekly audio podcast for The Bride Church in Yuba City, CA. We love God and we love people, and our hope is that this podcast will encourage you and help you grow closer to Jesus Christ. Visit us at thebridechurch.org. 

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