Sermon Notes

April 21st

Servant Stewards: Stewarship that extends beyond money.

Philippians 2:1-11

  1. Service is predicated on attitude not aptitude. (v 1-2)
  2. Every believer is called to serve God by serving others. (v 3-4) NO EXCEPTIONS-NO OUT! Your service emphasis may change over time, but you're still called to serve.
  3. Service is not punishment nor penalty.  It is a privilege. (v 8-11)
  4. Service always costs something; however the reward is priceless. (v 8-11)

April 14th

Common Questions about Tithes and Offerings

Malachi 3:6-10

  1. What is a tithe? 10% of income set aside for God.  Genesis 14:20, Genesis 28:22, Numbers 18:21-26 Everyone is supposed to tithe - No exceptions!
  2. Difference between tithes and offerings. Tithe-basic expectation; Offerings-extra, over & above
  3. Isn't tithing Old Testament not New Testament? Yes & No In the NT, God seems to ask for more.  Examples: The rich young ruler; Peter & Andrew; James & John; Matthew.  I may not be asked to give everything, but I need to be ready to make it available.
  4. What does this have to do with my walk with God? Obedience, Priorities, God's blessings on you-Luke 6:38

How can I start tithing?

  1. Affirm that it is God's will.
  2. Commit to be obedient. 
  3. Practice planned growth in giving.
  4. Step out in faith.

April 7th

The Cost of Doing Ministry

Luke 14:28-30


New Bridge Baptist Church is comprised of 3 ministry entities:

  1. The Church
  2. WEE Center (Daycare)
  3. New Bridge Academy (K-12)

The WEE Center and Academy do reimburse the church, but it does not cover all the cost incurred (a reasonable portion of expenses).


Pastor Rob goes over the operating budget of the church for 2024 and then discusses how the membership has been tithing so far this year.  For details, please check out his sermon on the sermon page.


Pastor Rob concludes with this statement: If we can't cut spending, we have to look at our giving.


Depression Series Notes

October 30th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 1


Who gets depressed? Everyone-all ages, races, education and economic status


Do faithful believers gets depressed? YES

Elijah-1 Kings 19:4, 9-10

Jeremiah-Lamentations 3:1-18

Job-Job 10:18-22

David-Psalm 38:6-8

Solomon-Ecclesiastes 1:1-7


Depression-a disturbance of mood that interfers with daily life and normal functioning for a length of time from weeks to years.  Depression is an illness that affects the total person - physically, emotionally & spiritually


Statistics:

  • 1 in 5 Americans live with mental health conditions
  • 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men
  • 50% of all lifetime mental health issues by age 14 & 75% by age 24
  • covid triggered a 25% increase in prevalence of mental health issues

Characteristcs:

  • Melancoly mood or sadness most of the time (for no apparent reason)
  • Felling of guilt or worthlessness
  • Withdraw from people who are close to you
  • Lack of energy; feeling tired all the time
  • Become easily angered, anxious or irritable
  • Significant weight loss or gain
  • Pessimism and indifference
  • Significant change in sleep patterns
  • Unable to concentrate
  • Aches and pains that hove no apparent medical cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

Some Causes of Depression:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Lack of intimacy with God and sin
  • The stresses of life
  • Medical changes
  • Giving birth
  • Seasonal changes
  • Alcohol and drugs

*The biggest issue in dealing with depression is getting people to recognize that you might need help.*


God wants us to be well

and whole!

Jeremiah 33:3

James 5:13-14, 16

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 86:5-7

November 6th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 2

No one is immune from depression!


Physical vs Spiritual

Physical - Depression is treated with medicine

Spiritual -  Depression is a made up condition "All in your head/ need to get right with God."


The following words are not found in Scripture: depressed/ depression, cancer, COPD, diabetes or heart disease

Medicine - 4 times in Scripture

Doctor - 3 times

Physician - 12 times (NT-Jesus)


Depression is a medical condition that affects people physically, emotionally and spiritually.


Where to turn:

  • The Lord (Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Psalm 147:3
  • General Practitioner
  • OB/GYN
  • Counselors
  • Pastor
  • Psychiasrist-Diagnosis/ treatment of mental health disorders & gives out prescriptions/medications

Many of the characteristics of depression can be side effects of the medical issues.


The Road to Healing

  1. Admit your need.      (1 Peter 5:6-7) This is the #1 problem that pastors deal with.  Admitting that you may be depressed is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of being frail and human.
  2. Seek qualified medical assiatance. (Luke 5:31)
  3. Seek the Lord's guidance. (James 4:8, 10)
  4. Seek Godly counsel (Proverbs 19:20-21)

November 13th

A Biblical Look at Depression

Part 3


Help for the Helpers


Learn about Depression -    2 Timothy 2:15

  • Know the signs
  • Realize the different thought patterns of those with depression. *Positive thinking doesn't work because of chemical changes in their brain.

Encourage treatment  Hebrews 10:24-25

  • Talk to the person about what you've seen and why you are concerned.
  • Emphasize the possible underlying medical condition.
  • Express your willingness to help (but only if you are able).

Warning signs of worsening - Philippians 2:4

  •  Important: Everyone is different.
  • Typical signs of depression in your family member/friend
  • Behaviors/language when they are doing well
  • Changing circumstances that could trigger more severe episodes

If you see signs...

-Encourage contact with a doctor/ psychatrist.

-Encourage/implement self-care steps.


Recognize suicide risks 

1 Peter 5:8

  • Talking about suicide/ death/not being here
  • Withdrawal
  • Increased usage of drugs/alcohol
  • Giving away things/ setting affairs in order/ saying "Goodbye"

If you see signs...

-Call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

-Seek help. DO NOT KEEP SILENT! Call the doctor. Call family/friends. Call 911.


Provide support

  • Listen/be available
  • Give positive reinforcement
  • Encourage to stick with treatment
  • Make plans together
  • Help them stay connected with church family

Finally: BE PATIENT

1 Corinthians 13:4

Galatians 5:22