McNeese presents three key principles from Colossians 3 for genuine transformation:

1. Remember that Christ is in you: He emphasizes the New Testament concept of Christ living within believers, contrasting it with the Old Testament idea of God being "with" people. This indwelling presence of Christ is the foundation for true change.

2. Drive a stake through sin in your life: McNeese stresses the need for ruthlessly eliminating sinful behaviors and desires. He discusses Paul's warnings against sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and greed, highlighting how these can become idols displacing God in our lives. The pastor contrasts Joseph's resistance to temptation with David's surrender to it, illustrating the consequences of each approach.

3. Put on a new set of clothes: This metaphor represents adopting Christ-like attributes. McNeese focuses on three specific virtues: a) Forgiveness: Emphasizing its importance in marriage and all relationships. b) Love: Describing agape love that gives unconditionally. c) Gratitude: Encouraging thankfulness towards God and others, especially within families.

Throughout the sermon, McNeese applies these principles to everyday life, particularly marriage. He explains how forgiveness is crucial in relationships between imperfect people, how agape love perseveres through changes and challenges, and how gratitude can transform family dynamics.

The pastor shares personal anecdotes and illustrations to make his points relatable. He recounts his wife helping him update his wardrobe, symbolizing the need to discard old habits and adopt new ones. He also shares how he and his wife practice gratitude for simple blessings in their lives.

McNeese concludes with a touching story about a teacher's affirming words to a student with a cleft palate, drawing a parallel to God's unconditional love and acceptance of us despite our flaws. He reinforces that true transformation begins with recognizing God's love, His presence within us, and His unwavering care.

This sermon offers practical guidance for Christians seeking personal growth and stronger relationships, grounded in biblical teachings and illustrated with relatable examples. It emphasizes that lasting change comes not just from external actions, but from an internal transformation rooted in Christ's indwelling presence and love.

Date: 7.28.24

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In this powerful sermon, Art McNeese explores key themes from Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on the supremacy and centrality of Christ.

McNeese begins by comparing understanding Christianity to assembling a jigsaw puzzle, where some pieces are missing and others don't belong. He emphasizes that Christ is the key to making sense of reality and human existence.

The sermon highlights two major arguments from Colossians:

1. Christ is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. McNeese contrasts this with humanism and other philosophies that place humans at the center instead of Christ. He argues that without Christ as the foundation, there is no basis for ethics, kindness, or human dignity.

2. Christ brings life. McNeese explains how Christ cancels the record of sins against us and defeats spiritual forces of evil. He uses the Roman practice of shaming conquered enemies to illustrate how Christ paradoxically achieved victory through the cross.

McNeese discusses how baptism represents participation in Christ's death and resurrection, not mere imitation. He emphasizes that this brings new life and freedom from our sinful nature.

The sermon then addresses the danger of legalism and man-made religious rules. McNeese warns that focusing on external practices can lead to pride and a false sense of spirituality. He encourages listeners to examine whether they are truly growing in Christ or just following religious customs.

Throughout, McNeese stresses that Christ is the centerpiece of reality who will ultimately reconcile all things to Himself. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe, the defeater of evil, and the one who brings meaning to human existence.

The sermon concludes by returning to C.S. Lewis' analogy of Christianity being like the sun - we believe in it not only because we see it, but because by it we see everything else. McNeese affirms that Christ is the lens through which all of reality makes sense.

This thought-provoking message challenges listeners to center their lives on Christ rather than human wisdom or religious legalism. It offers hope that despite the brokenness and confusion in the world, Christ is working to bring all things together under His rule.

Date: 7.21.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/

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In this sermon, Ben Dishman continues his series on Colossians, focusing on reconciliation through Christ. He begins by explaining the concept of reconciliation - bringing something back to where it's supposed to be. Dishman uses a childhood anecdote about a lost Pokémon game to illustrate this idea.

The sermon centers on Colossians 1:19-29, exploring how Christ reconciles all things to Himself. Dishman emphasizes that this reconciliation starts with the church but extends to all creation. He discusses how believers were once alienated from God but are now reconciled through Christ's death.

A key point of discussion is the seemingly conditional statement in verse 23: "if indeed you continue in the faith." Dishman addresses different interpretations of this passage, suggesting it may distinguish between genuine and counterfeit faith rather than implying one can lose salvation. He encourages listeners to persevere in faith while acknowledging that ultimate salvation depends on Christ.

Dishman also touches on Paul's statement about "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions," clarifying that this refers to suffering for the sake of the church, not completing Christ's atoning work. He highlights the mystery revealed to the Gentiles - that Christ's reconciliation is for all people.

Throughout the sermon, Dishman wrestles with the tension between human responsibility and dependence on Christ. He stresses that while believers are called to endure, persevere, and work hard, all of this ultimately depends on Christ's power working within them.

The sermon concludes by reiterating that the Christian life is not about doing things for Jesus, but about letting Jesus work through us. Dishman encourages listeners to rely on Christ rather than themselves, emphasizing that all creation and our new life in Christ depend entirely on Him.

This message offers a deep dive into the theology of reconciliation, balancing the call to faithful living with the assurance of Christ's supreme work in and through believers.

Date: 7.14.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

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Ben Dishman, Student Minister at Bridgeway Church, delves into Colossians 1:15-20, exploring the supremacy of Christ and combating heresies that diminish Jesus' divinity and importance.

Key points:

1. Jesus' Divinity: "He is the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15). Dishman emphasizes, "In Him the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Col 1:19), affirming Jesus' complete deity.

2. Creator of All: "For by him all things were created" (Col 1:16). Christ is the origin, sustainer, and purpose of all creation.

3. Firstborn: Not about chronology, but rank. Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation" (Col 1:15), meaning He has preeminence over everything.

4. Head of the Church: Christ leads the new creation as "the head of the body, the church" (Col 1:18).

5. Reconciler: Through His death, Jesus reconciles "all things to himself" (Col 1:20).

Dishman addresses common heresies:

• Legalism: Salvation through law-keeping

• Aestheticism: Self-punishment for righteousness

• Gnosticism: Salvation through secret knowledge

He quotes C.S. Lewis' famous "trilemma" from Mere Christianity: Jesus is either "a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord." Dishman asserts, "Don't fall for anything that would minimize the greatness of Jesus and his divinity."

The sermon emphasizes our need for awe in worship. Quoting Paul Tripp: "I came to see that I was wired for awe, that awe of something sits at the bottom of everything that I say and do. But I wasn't just wired for awe. I was wired for the awe of God."

Dishman challenges listeners: "You cannot think too big about Jesus." He encourages a maximized view of Christ, stating, "You cannot go too big when talking about Jesus, and any view that would seek to make him just a bit smaller, throw it away."

The message concludes with a call to worship: "Everything that we covered today is meant to inspire awe, worship, and the glory of Christ, to not minimize him in any way, but to remind us that he is the firstborn in all things, and to worship him as if he is."

Keywords: Supremacy of Christ, Colossians 1:15-20, Jesus' divinity, Creator, Firstborn, Head of the Church, Reconciler, heresies, C.S. Lewis trilemma, awe in worship, Paul Tripp, Bridgeway Church, Ben Dishman

This sermon is essential for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christ's nature and role in creation, the church, and personal faith. It challenges believers to elevate their view of Jesus and resist any teaching that diminishes His supremacy.

Date: 7.7.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/

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In this sermon, Kyle Cunningham concludes a series on the book of Philippians, focusing on the theme of peace. He explores what peace means biblically, why we often lack it, and practical ways to experience more of God's peace in our lives.

Cunningham begins by noting that Paul introduces the concepts of grace and peace at the very start of Philippians. He explains that biblical peace (shalom in Hebrew) is much more than just the absence of conflict - it's a state of harmony, integration, and completion. This ideal is exemplified in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world.

The pastor acknowledges that most people struggle to find lasting peace in their lives. He cites a statistic showing 43% of American adults reported feeling more anxious in 2024 than the previous year. Given this widespread lack of peace, Cunningham examines three key issues Paul addresses that rob us of peace, along with biblical solutions:

1. Relational Conflict Paul directly confronts a conflict between two women in the Philippian church. Cunningham notes how publicly addressing this would have been quite awkward, showing the seriousness with which Paul viewed disunity. He outlines three principles for resolving conflict that Paul provides:

• Remember your commonality in Christ

• Employ a mediator when needed

• Maintain an eternal perspective

1. Anxiety and Worry Paul exhorts the Philippians to "rejoice always" and "do not be anxious about anything." Cunningham acknowledges this is easier said than done, but explains that worry ultimately stems from a failure to trust God. He emphasizes that Paul could make such bold statements even while imprisoned and facing possible execution.

The antidote Paul gives for worry is prayer with thanksgiving. Cunningham clarifies this doesn't mean simplistically asking God to change our circumstances. Rather, it's about cultivating a deep trust in God's goodness and sovereignty regardless of outcomes. He illustrates this by asking listeners to imagine how they'd feel if God personally told them "I've got this" about their worries.

1. Failure to Apply Theology Finally, Paul instructs the Philippians to focus their minds on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Cunningham suggests Paul is referring to sound doctrine and theology here. However, he notes the danger of having good theology without applying it.

Paul exhorts them to "keep putting into practice" what they've learned. Cunningham shares a powerful quote: "We are educated far beyond our level of obedience." He challenges listeners to not just know biblical truths, but to actively live them out.

The promise Paul gives is that when we do these things - resolve conflicts biblically, pray instead of worry, and apply theological truth - the God of peace will be with us. Cunningham connects this to Jesus' parable about building on rock versus sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.

Throughout the sermon, Cunningham weaves in practical applications and relatable examples. He acknowledges the very real challenges of experiencing peace in a broken world, while still holding out the hope of God's peace that "surpasses all understanding."

He concludes by summarizing Paul's teachings: Instead of being overwhelmed by circumstances, we should pray thankfully to our sovereign Father. We should love others practically and resolve conflicts biblically. Most importantly, we need to not just know the right things, but do them.

Date: 6.23.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

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In this sermon, Kyle Cunningham discusses the dangers of legalism and how it robs us of true joy. He begins by sharing an interesting fact about carnivorous plants like the Attenborough's pitcher plant, which lures insects with the scent of nectar but then traps and digests them. Cunningham draws a parallel between these deadly plants and legalism, which he describes as a counterfeit form of spirituality that is just as dangerous for Christians.

Legalism, as explained by Cunningham, is the attitude of adding rules and regulations to faith in Christ, particularly as promoted by the Judaizers mentioned in Philippians 3. These were Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and obey the 613 commandments of the Jewish law to be true followers of Jesus. While their reasoning seemed logical – since Jesus was Jewish and followed the law – Paul strongly warns against this kind of thinking.

Cunningham points out that legalism can often be sincere and well-reasoned, and legalists may appear to be the most moral, religious people. However, the fundamental flaw in legalism is the belief that obeying the law can justify us before God, when in reality, justification comes only through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Legalism turns virtue into vice by minimizing Jesus' sacrifice and promoting self-righteousness.

Shockingly, Paul admits to his own past legalism, listing his impressive religious credentials as a circumcised Jew, a Pharisee, and one who persecuted the church out of zeal for the law. Yet he considered all those accomplishments as "garbage" compared to knowing Christ. Paul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus revealed how spiritually blind he had been, valuing his own efforts over God's grace.

The key to rejecting legalism, according to Paul, is fixing our eyes on Jesus and valuing the power of his resurrection over our own righteousness. While good works are important, they should flow from a heart transformed by the gospel, not as a means to earn God's favor. Pursuing holiness becomes a joyful response to Christ's love rather than a burdensome checklist.

Cunningham challenges listeners to conduct a "legalism audit" by examining traits like judgmentalism, comparisons to others, loophole-finding, and theological pride – signs that we may be struggling with self-righteousness. He encourages confession of these tendencies and a renewed focus on the beauty and sufficiency of Christ's work.

Ultimately, Cunningham argues, true joy is found not in our own religious efforts but in resting in God's unmerited favor through faith in Jesus. While Christians may be uniquely susceptible to legalism due to a desire to please God, the gospel frees us from striving and allows virtue to flow naturally from a heart captivated by Christ's majesty and grace.

Date: 6.16.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/

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This sermon by Kyle Cunningham focuses on how the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2:19-30 illustrate the path to true joy. Kyle begins by explaining how Paul paints a picture of joy for the Philippians by first describing his thankfulness for them, discussing his imprisonment, and then pointing to the attitude of Christ.

However, Paul goes a step further by highlighting the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus to practically demonstrate how to have the attitude of Christ and experience joy. He commends Timothy's proven character, integrity, selflessness, and shared spirit with Paul himself.

Kyle unpacks that developing godly character is key to partnering with the Holy Spirit's work in producing the fruit of joy. Just as harmonies complement a melody, cultivating Christlike character harmonizes with the Spirit giving us joy. This involves consistently making right choices in the small, private areas of life over time to build integrity.

He explains that Timothy models how selflessness leads to joy, in contrast to our culture's self-centered path. The most joyful people look to serve others and devote themselves to a greater cause. Timothy invested in the Philippians' well-being over his own interests.

Kyle also highlights that joy is a spiritual gift to be shared with others, and paradoxically, sharing this gift increases it in our own lives as well. This is exemplified through Epaphroditus who Paul calls a "true brother," "coworker," "fellow soldier," and minister to the Philippians. Epaphroditus risked his life for the gospel out of his devoted faith.

Kyle then outlines three practical applications from this passage:

Honor those with a Timothy like or Epaphroditus Like example in your life by explicitly expressing gratitude to them. Kyle commits to writing letters to thank several key individuals who have spiritually invested in him.

Emulate the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus by developing godly character, selfless service, and devotion to the gospel cause like they did. Follow in their footsteps on the path to joy.

Share the spiritual gift of joy with others through your committed faith and gospel efforts, recognizing this paradoxically increases your own experience of joy.

In summary, this sermon explores how Paul uses the illustrations of Timothy and Epaphroditus to give the Philippians a clear picture of the crucial elements that lead to true, lasting joy - godly character formed through consistent integrity in private life, selfless focus on serving others, devoted faith expressing itself in gospel-centered living, and sharing the spiritual gift of joy itself with others. Their examples show the Philippians practical ways to incarnate the attitude of Christ which leads to joy.

Date: 6.9.24

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The sermon focuses on the obstacle of pride preventing us from experiencing true joy, and how embracing humility like Jesus did is the path to finding joy. Ben starts by asking the congregation what they think is a chief obstacle to joy, with people suggesting things like anger, complaining, fear, sin, and finally pride.

He agrees that pride, both in terms of arrogance and self-deprecation, is the key obstacle discussed in Philippians 2. The passage calls believers to have unity through humility - not being selfish or trying to impress others, but humbly considering others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4).

Ben acknowledges that we struggle with this because we worry that serving others, especially those we disagree with, gives them a "pass" for their behavior or sins. However, he argues that if we all had a mindset of serving each other, our own needs would more likely be met as well.

The passage then presents Jesus as the ultimate example of humility. Though being God himself, he chose not to cling to that status. Instead, he took on human form as a servant, humbled himself to die a criminal's death on a cross, so that after that he could be exalted above all names (Philippians 2:5-11).

Ben illustrates this humbling process through a visual of descending steps - from being God, to becoming human, to being a lowly servant, to an excruciating death. Yet this was not the end, as God exalted Jesus for his obedience.

A prime example is Jesus washing his disciples' feet in John 13, including Judas who would soon betray him. If God himself could humbly serve someone about to betray him, how much more should we be able to serve those we merely disagree with?

The joy comes not from the world's idea of prospering, but from this humble obedience of self-emptying service, as Paul says he will "rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like an offering" (Philippians 2:17). By not being consumed with ego and image, true humility brings a relaxing sense of joy.

As Hebrews 12 says, Jesus endured the cross because of the "joy awaiting him." So joy paradoxically comes through embracing suffering and humbly serving others, just as Jesus modeled. This seems contradictory to the world's idea of joy through self-exaltation.

Ben concludes by encouraging the church to set reminders to follow Christ's example of humility, pray about whose "feet" they are reluctant to wash, and ask God to work a servant attitude in their hearts today. Stickers saying "Jesus washed Judas' feet" are available to visually remind them of this call.

The sermon compellingly presents humility through Christ-like service, even toward adversaries, as the surprising yet true path to deep, lasting joy. This upends our normal pride-driven approach and recalibrates our understanding of joy around emptying ourselves for others as Jesus did.

Date: 6.2.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWChurch

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Want to reach out? You can email us at hello@bwchurch.org