MESSAGE NOTES, 6/22/25
Following Jesus isn’t just about Sunday mornings or spiritual moments—it’s about surrendering your whole life to Him.
This series explores how every area of our ordinary lives—resources, relationships, health, and careers—is meant to be lived fully with and for God’s glory.
This week, we focus on how to partner with God to care for the people in our local community.
CONNECT
- In your local community, what places do you engage with the most unchurched people? What do you notice about yourself when you do? What is enjoyable and easy about it? What is challenging about it?
REFLECTION
- Read John 20. Which person in John 20 do you most identify with—Mary, John, Peter, Thomas? Why do you relate to them in this season of your faith?
- How would you describe Thomas? see also (John 14:5 & John 11:16)? Who is a “Thomas” in your life when it comes to faith? What makes them come to mind?
- What is difficult about having a Thomas in your life? What is God’s role and your role in befriending a Thomas? How do John 6:44, Jude 1:22, Colossians 4:5-6, and 1 Peter 3:15 inform this understanding?
- In what ways could you be a “bridge person” this week—showing Christ’s love without an agenda or answers, just by being present, curious, and kind? Are there spaces or relationships where you’ve relied more on invitation (“come to church”) than incarnation (“go and be with”)? How might you shift toward presence?
- If Whole Life living is allowing God into every area of our lives (see image below), how might you become more dependent on God to help you with your relationships with the Thomases and others in your local community?
TAKE ACTION
- What next step is God calling you to take?
- How could the Bridge Builder prayer benefit you (see below)?
A Prayer for Living as a Bridge Builder
Lord Jesus,
You are the Word made flesh—
You came near, walked among us, and loved us without conditions.
Thank You for calling me not just to believe in You,
but to join You in what You are doing in the world.
Today, I offer You the Whole Life you have given me,
especially when it comes to relationships in my local community.
Help me live with open eyes and an open heart.
Show me the “Thomases” in my life—
those who long to belong, who wrestle with doubt,
who need to see the gospel lived before they can believe it.
Make me a bridge builder, Lord.
Give me the humility to listen well,
the courage to love without an agenda,
and the patience to wait as You work in the hearts of others.
Where there are walls, help me offer welcome.
Where there is skepticism, help me live out truth with gentleness.
Where there is loneliness, help me be present.
Remind me that I don’t need to have all the answers—
just a willingness to show up with You.
Let the fruit of Your Spirit shape me so deeply
that those around me experience Your love through my life.
May my ordinary actions become sacred signs of Your presence.
And may I trust that You are already at work in every heart—
even when I can’t see it.
I pray all this in the name of Jesus,
the Bridge between heaven and earth.
Amen.