This Sunday, Robert Lopez, who led this year’s course, gave us a window into HOW the Lord worked through Bridge. His report strengthened our faith and fueled our fire to continue spreading the joy of Jesus in Santa Ana. Here’s what he had to say:
For those of you who don’t know what The Bridge Course is, it’s a 10 week introduction to Christianity which is designed to encourage conversation and interaction in a non-pressured environment. The Bridge Course provides a safe space where you can share what you believe or just sit back and listen. It’s a comfortable environment where you can find answers to some of life’s biggest questions, enjoy community with others, and find meaning in life.
This is done through sharing a meal together, watching Pastor Jim Donohue, a friend of our church, answer the weekly question from a Christian perspective, and finally to have a discussion based on what we just heard from Pastor Jim. These talks are designed to raise important questions and inspire conversation.
The talks are about thirty minutes long and they seek to answer important questions about life and God such as: What will really satisfy? Why does God allow suffering? Is Jesus the only way? Can we trust the Bible? And is Christianity really worth it?
The discussion is probably the most important part of the Bridge Course. It’s a chance to interact with the talk and share your perspective in a safe environment. You can ask whatever question you like or not say a word. That’s the Bridge Course.
Now let me share with you what took place these last ten weeks.
This year we had a loaded class. About 20-25 people each week. A combination of guests that our church members brought and some members coming a second year in a row to tightly grasp what they heard the first time. But during these last ten weeks we saw Gods mighty hand move in a special way. God healed broken hearts from previous hurts. God brought clarity where there was once confusion. God put into the hearts of those who attended a desire to know Him more when there was once no interest.
Guests and members came who heard for the first time that there are historical, scientific, and a list of other evidences to the authenticity of the scriptures. That suffering can actually lead to a longing for a better place. And that Christianity is actually worth it because despite the idols we face that try to outshine Christianity like money, sex, and success Christ is the true treasure of our souls and once we realize that we can respond in joy. These are just a few things that took place and some of the topics we talked about that led to great discussion these last ten weeks. And much more can be said with the conversations that took place with the ladies and the youth.
Another thing so that is great about the Bridge Course is each week our members and their guests heard not only an answer to our weekly questions from a Christian perspective but each week our guests heard the gospel and what that means is they heard the good news that the kingdom of God has come in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ, and that sinners receive forgiveness, eternal life, and citizenship in this kingdom when they trust in Jesus alone for salvation.
Third John verse 4 say, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Church let that be said of us. That we have no greater joy than to hear that our family and friends and neighbors are walking in the truth and the Bridge Course is a fantastic tool to use to invite our family and friends and neighbors to come and to hear the gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.
Church, Romans 10 reminds us “How then will they call on Him whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” (Romans 10:14-16). This passage of scripture is your invitation to get into the game. To join us for our next Bridge Course and the courses that follow. It is God who saves but we are the means and the tools that God uses in order to reach the lost. Those who do NOT YET know Him. God uses saved people to save people and by volunteering to help with the Bridge Course we get to be part of what God is doing in our church and in our city.
I want to give a huge thank you to all of you who served the bridge course this year.
Thank you Severson’s, Early’s, William’s, Marcus’, Schlieder’s, Davis’, Cunningham’s, Erkelens, and Madrigals all who proved our weekly meals. Thank you to those who came early to set up and stayed late to tear down and clean up. Thank you to those who lead our group discussions. Ben, Cordell, Brian, Peter Robles, Jennifer, Marina, Rebecca, and Rocio thank you for the way you loved and cared for our guests and members.
If you would like to volunteer in a future Bridge Course please reach out to Jeff or myself and we’ll get you going and prepared for the next one. Lord willing we can start running a Spring and a Fall Bridge Course starting next year.
And if this is your first time here at Cross of Grace or first time hearing about the Bridge Course and are interested in learning more about it and interested in participating in this course I’d love to talk to you more about it after service.
Church, thank you for your weekly prayers. We couldn’t get through each week without the grace of God and your prayers.
Can’t wait for our next journey on the Bridge!
