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PODCAST · religion

BridgeChurch Messages

Each week on the Messages podcast, you’ll hear teaching from Lead Pastor Andrew Smith or a BridgeChurch Pastor. Get practical, relevant, biblical perspectives on topics that matter to you. Visit us at BridgeChurchFresno.com or download the Bridge Church Fresno app.

  1. 247

    The Truth and How To Speak It To Others

    In this week during our series in Acts called "Now What?" Jeff Loven teaches on truth and now to to communicate the truth to those don't know it or have a different version of "their" truth.

  2. 246
  3. 245

    When God Feels Silent, Don’t Lose Faith

    What if Jesus wasn’t really talking about bread?In this message from our Kingdom Come series, we explore Matthew 16 and uncover the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ warning about the “leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Through the stories of the Exodus, the feeding of the 5,000, and the faith of a Gentile woman, we discover a powerful truth: the Kingdom of God is experienced in atmospheres of faith.Even in dry seasons.Even in uncertainty.Even when conditions don’t look promising.This message is an encouragement to stop fixing your eyes on fear, quick fixes, and circumstances — and instead remember the faithfulness of God.📖 Scripture References:• Matthew 16• Exodus 12–13• Matthew 14–15• Ephesians 2:8–10If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today.#BridgeChurch #Faith #KingdomCome #Jesus #ChristianSermon #Matthew16 #BibleTeaching

  4. 244

    Grow Wheat: How Jesus Brings Heaven Into Our Everyday Lives

    n Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds — a story about judgment, mercy, evil, and the Kingdom of Heaven breaking into the world right now.In this Mother’s Day message, Jen Drake reminds us that our job is not to decide who is “wheat” and who is “weed.” Our calling is to sow the seeds of the Kingdom: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and faithfulness.Jesus came to conquer evil at the root — not so we could point out the hell in others, but so He could remove it from our own hearts and teach us how to bring more heaven into the world around us.

  5. 243

    Why Your Life Feels Off — You’ve Forgotten Your Mission

    What if your purpose isn’t something you have to find… but something you’ve already been given?In this message from our Kingdom Come series, we unpack a powerful truth: you are an ambassador for Christ. God isn’t just working in you, He’s working through you.Too often, we reduce faith to something personal and private. But Scripture makes it clear—your life is meant to be lived on mission. Not as an obligation, but as a response to who God is and what He’s done.In this teaching, you’ll discover:Why mission isn’t just part of your life—it IS your lifeHow your understanding of God shapes everything you doThe powerful truth that God is making His appeal through YOUWhy purpose feels empty when disconnected from callingHow God has always been pursuing people—and inviting you into that missionThis message will challenge how you see your Monday morning, your relationships, and your everyday life.👉 If this ministry has impacted you, consider partnering with us to continue reaching people with the message of Jesus.

  6. 242

    Your Faith Isn’t About Why… It’s About Who

    Why do we gather?Why does the Church even exist?The early Church had something powerful—something pure.And it wasn’t programs, personalities, or preferences.It was Jesus.In this message, we walk through Acts 2 and the birth of the Church to uncover a truth most people miss:Our why… is actually a who.– Why everything in faith points to Jesus– What made the early Church so alive– And what happens when the message moves from your head… to your heartBecause at some point, it’s not just about understanding what Jesus did—it’s about being pierced to the heart by it.And when that happens… everything changes.—🙏 Bridge Church FresnoHelping people discover and follow Jesus

  7. 241

    You Don’t Struggle to Love People… You Struggle to Believe You’re Loved

    What if the reason it’s hard to love others… is because you’re not convinced you’re fully loved?The Bible says God is love—not just that He shows it. But for many of us, our experience with love has been conditional, inconsistent, or even painful.So what happens when we project that onto God?In this message, we unpack: – What it really means that God is love – Why your identity and value come from that truth – The real reason loving others feels so difficult – And how everything changes when you actually receive God’s loveThis isn’t just theology. This is personal.—🙏 Bridge Church Fresno Helping people discover and follow Jesus—#Faith #Love #Jesus #Church #SpiritualGrowth #Identity

  8. 240

    You Don’t Understand Faith Like You Think You Do

    What if the way you understand faith… is incomplete?Most people think faith is just believing in Jesus. But the Bible paints a much bigger, more complex, and more powerful picture.Faith isn’t just something you had once. It’s something you live in, walk with, and extend to others every single day.In this message, we unpack the full picture of biblical faith: – Faith in Jesus – Faith with action – Faith for others – And what it really means to live it outIf your faith has ever felt stuck, stagnant, or one-dimensional… this will challenge everything you thought you knew.—🙏 Join us at Bridge Church Fresno 📍 In person + onlineDon’t just believe. Live it.—#Faith #ChristianLiving #Church #Jesus #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching

  9. 239

    The Substance of Hope | Easter Message 2026

    What are you really putting your hope in?This Easter message dives into the truth we all wrestle with—misplaced hope. Whether it’s in careers, relationships, ourselves, or circumstances, eventually everything gets tested.But what if there was a hope that doesn’t break?In this powerful message, we explore 1 Peter 1:3–4 and discover the difference between fragile hope and a living hope—one that doesn’t depend on us holding on, but on Jesus holding us.Using the powerful analogy of a climbing rope, this message reminds us:Not all “hope” is strong enough to hold youMisplaced hope leads to disappointment and exhaustionTrue hope has a substance—and that substance is JesusBecause of the resurrection, we don’t just have wishful thinking—we have a living, reliable, unbreakable hope.🙏 Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re just exploring faith, this message is a reminder (or invitation) to anchor your life in something that won’t fail.Scripture References:1 Peter 1:3–41 Corinthians 13:13Proverbs 13:12Ephesians 1:17–19

  10. 238

    Toolbox Jesus vs. True Authority

    What if the way you’ve been seeing Jesus… is completely wrong?In this Palm Sunday message, we walk through Matthew 9 and uncover a truth many people miss: Jesus didn’t come just to fix your problems—He came to deal with your sin.Too often, we treat Jesus like a toolbox, someone we go to when things break. But what if He’s not just a solution to your symptoms… but the authority over your entire life?👉 In this message, you’ll discover:Why “practical Jesus” is a dangerous mindsetThe real meaning behind Jesus forgiving the paralyticHow your view of Jesus shapes your prayersThe difference between symptoms vs. sinWhat true Kingdom authority actually looks likeThis message will challenge how you see Jesus—and invite you into something deeper.📖 Scripture: Matthew 8–9

  11. 237

    Why You Keep Failing (Even When You Try Harder)

    Why do we keep failing—even when we genuinely want to change?The Bible says the problem isn’t just what we do… it’s what’s happening inside of us. Our hearts are sick—and no amount of rules, discipline, or effort can fully fix that.In this message, we break down:Why the law couldn’t save usThe 3 types of “heart conditions” we all fall intoWhy trying harder actually leads to more frustrationAnd how Jesus doesn’t just manage sin… He heals the root of itIf you’ve ever felt like:“I want to do better, but I can’t”“Why do I keep going back to the same things?”“Is something wrong with me?”You’re not alone—and you’re not without hope.Jesus didn’t come to make you try harder.He came to do what you couldn’t do.No condemnation. Real freedom starts here.

  12. 236

    The Real Meaning of Repentance | Aligning Your Life With God

    Repentance is one of the most misunderstood words in Christianity.For many people, it sounds harsh, judgmental, or condemning. But in reality, repentance is one of the greatest gifts God gives us.In this message from the Gospel of Matthew, we explore what repentance really means and why both John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministry with the same message:“Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”Repentance isn’t just saying sorry.It’s about realigning our lives with God’s design.In this message you’ll discover:• What repentance actually means in the Bible• Why repentance brings freedom, not shame• How repentance realigns our lives with God• Why repentance is the doorway into God’s kingdom• How repentance protects us from spiritual hypocrisyGod doesn’t call us to repentance to shame us.He calls us to repentance because He wants us to experience the life we were created for.

  13. 235

    3 Ways People Respond to Jesus | Resist, Twist, or Worship

    Every person responds to Jesus in one of three ways.We either resist Him, twist His authority, or worship Him.In this message from the Gospel of Matthew, we look at two powerful examples: King Herod and the wise men. Herod resisted Jesus because he refused to surrender control. The wise men responded by worshiping Him as the true King.The question isn’t whether Jesus is King.The question is how we respond to Him.In this message you'll discover:• Why people resist Jesus• How religion can twist God's authority• What true worship actually looks like• Why Jesus came as the promised KingMatthew reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises—and the King whose kingdom is coming.So the real question becomes:Will we resist Him, twist Him… or worship Him?

  14. 234

    Why Suffering Exists & How God Leads Us Through It

    Why does suffering exist?Why does life sometimes feel so broken?In the final message of our Bear Hunt series, we confront one of the deepest fears every human faces: suffering and hardship.From the very beginning in Genesis 3, the Bible shows us where pain entered the world and why we feel deep inside that life wasn't supposed to be this way.But Scripture also gives us hope.In this message you'll discover:• Why suffering exists in the world• Why we struggle emotionally with hardship• The truth Jesus gives us about pain• How God grows us through trials• Why suffering does not mean God is punishing youJesus said in John 16:33:“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart—I have overcome the world.”If you're facing fear, uncertainty, loss, or hardship right now, this message will remind you that God doesn’t promise we’ll avoid suffering—but He promises to walk us through it.Step by step.

  15. 233

    Fear of the Unknown: How to Trust God When You Don’t Know What’s Next

    What do you do when the future feels uncertain? When you don’t know what’s next, and fear starts to creep in? In this message from our “Bear Hunt” series, we talk about one of the most common fears we all face: the fear of the unknown.Just like the childhood game where you can’t go over it, under it, or around it — you have to go through it — many of life’s challenges can’t be avoided. Whether it’s a new season, a relationship, a diagnosis, a job change, or a step of faith, uncertainty can paralyze us.In this teaching, we look at how God meets us in the unknown and why we can trust Him when we don’t know what’s coming next. You’ll be encouraged by:Why “familiar pain” often feels safer than “unfamiliar freedom”How God’s presence means you’re never stepping into the unknown aloneThe attributes, promises, and faithfulness of God when life feels uncertainWhat Scripture says about trusting God in seasons of fearIf you’re feeling anxious about the future or overwhelmed by what you can’t control, this message will help you take your next step of faith with confidence.👉 If this encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who’s facing an uncertain season right now.

  16. 232

    Fear of Provision — Can I Trust God to Provide?

    What do you do when you’re afraid God won’t come through? In Part 2 of our Bear Hunt series on fear, we tackle one of the most common and personal fears we face: the fear of provision.From the story of manna in the wilderness to Jesus’ words about daily bread, this message reminds us that God is faithful to provide—often one day at a time. If you’re walking through a season of uncertainty, loss, or financial stress, this message will encourage you to trust God in the wilderness and believe that He sees your needs.Join us as we learn why you can’t go around fear—you have to go through it—with faith.📍 Bridge Church Fresno 🙏 New here? We’d love to meet you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly messages and encouragement.

  17. 231

    Facing Your Fears with Faith

    Fear is part of the human experience—but it doesn’t have to define us. In this sermon series, Bear Hunt, we explore some of the most common fears we all face: fear of being alone, fear of the unknown, fear of provision, and fear of suffering. Drawing from Scripture and real-life stories, this series reminds us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s choosing to walk through fear with faith.Just like the children in the story who couldn’t go over it, under it, or around it, we learn that the way forward is through—and God meets us in the middle of what we’re facing. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure about what’s next, this series will encourage you to trust God’s presence, listen for His still small voice, and take your next step with confidence.📍 Bridge Church Fresno📖 New message every week🙏 Helping people discover and follow Jesus

  18. 230

    The Path to Greatness

    What does it really mean to live a great life?Our culture tells us greatness looks like visibility, power, wealth, and recognition—but Jesus tells a very different story. In Matthew 20:24–28, Jesus radically redefines greatness, turning the world’s values upside down and calling His followers to a life of service, humility, and purpose.In this message, we explore:Why our desire for greatness isn’t wrong—just often misdirectedHow Jesus dismantles the idea that greatness equals powerWhat it truly means to serve in the Kingdom of GodWhy service is not weakness, but the pathway to a meaningful, impactful lifeHow our everyday actions can act as a “go-between” for others and the gospelIf you’ve ever wondered whether your life really matters, or how to live with purpose without chasing status or recognition, this message is for you.📖 Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:24–28🙏 Series: Dust – Following Jesus CloselySubscribe for weekly messages and teachings.Share this with someone who needs encouragement today.

  19. 229

    Hope, Exile, and God’s Good Plans

    What does “For I know the plans I have for you” really mean?Jeremiah 29:11 is one of the most quoted verses in Scripture—but it’s often misunderstood. In this message from Bridge Church Fresno, we explore the full context behind the promise, discovering that God’s good plans don’t always mean immediate comfort or escape from hardship.Through the stories of Israel’s exile in Babylon and Peter’s reminder that we are “elect exiles” today, we learn that God’s faithfulness remains steady—even when life feels uncertain. Sometimes God changes our circumstances. Other times, He grows us within them.This message invites us to:Trust God’s character when life doesn’t go as plannedUnderstand hope beyond material blessing or easeLive faithfully as temporary residents in a broken worldPray for and influence the place God has planted usIf you’re walking through a difficult season or wrestling with unmet expectations, this message will help reframe what biblical hope really looks like.📖 Key Scriptures: Jeremiah 29, 1 Peter 1 📍 Bridge Church Fresno 🙏 Subscribe for weekly messages and teaching

  20. 228

    “The Cost of Following Jesus (What Discipleship Really Requires)”

    This message explores the often-overlooked truth that following Jesus comes with a cost—just like anything meaningful in life.Walking through Matthew 8, we see Jesus display His authority in widening circles:Authority over the physical (healing the centurion’s servant)Authority over the elements (calming the storm)Authority over the supernatural (casting out demons)Authority over the eternal (forgiving sins)These moments reveal a powerful reality: Jesus has authority over every area of life, including the very things we want most—safety, security, and stability.But discipleship isn’t passive. Just as getting healthy, growing, or pursuing meaningful goals requires sacrifice and re-prioritization, following Jesus requires surrender. It demands trust, obedience, and a willingness to let go of comfort and control.This message challenges us to ask an honest question:What are we really willing to pay to follow Jesus—and is He worth it?

  21. 227

    How To Be A Disciple

    In this week's message, Pastor Andrew teaches about what it means to actually follow Jesus and what we need to sacrifice to do so... our own ambitions and fears.

  22. 226

    What are you following?

    In our first message series titled: Dust, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what we are following into the new year and how Jesus is the only thing that can bring fulfillment in your life.

  23. 225

    The King Has Come

    In this Christmas message, we’re reminded that Jesus didn’t arrive the way the world expected. He came humbly, quietly, and personally—bringing hope, peace, and salvation to a broken world. This message invites us to slow down, make room for Christ, and reflect on what it truly means to follow a King who came not to be served, but to serve.

  24. 224

    Obedience over Fear

    In this week's message in the series titled "Casting Christmas," Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how we must overcome our fears to be obedient to trusting God and His calling for our lives, just like Joseph and Mary with the birth of Jesus.

  25. 223

    A Beacon Of Light

    In this weeks message in our new Christmas series title Casting Christmas, Pastor Andrew talks about how throughout history and even today, we are all searching for something to save us.

  26. 222

    The Payment for Sin

    In this final week in the Book of Mark, Pastor Jacob Lozano teaches on how the wages of sin are death, and unique action that God chose to take in order to pay our debt from sin.

  27. 221

    Who Do You Say I Am?

    In this final message on the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on the meaning of Jesus being the true and only God, and reveals that all the other "gods" and idols we worship are false and hollow.

  28. 220

    Everyonebody Wants To Rule The World

    In this week's message in Mark, Jen Drake teaches on our desires to become great and to be powerful, and the realities of how Jesus actually teaches us how to achieve greatness and true power.

  29. 219

    Whats the difference between Doctrine and Tradition?

    TBDIn this week's message from the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on how to navigate tradition without compromising the doctrine given in the Bible. Jesus taught much about this separation and how each is to be used and valued.

  30. 218

    How To Handle Difficult Times

    In this week's message, Pastor Andrew teaches about how God interacts with us during the storms and challenges of our lives and how we're called to trust God during these periods.

  31. 217

    The Limits of God

    In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches from Mark 5 on what are God's limits and what are our own human limits in this world.

  32. 216

    Fear and God

    We continue back in the Book of Mark in this series. Pastor Andrew teaches on fear and weathering the storms of life. In this message, we learn that God is still sovereign in ever situation and how fear in our faith is a matter of unbelief and mistrust.

  33. 215

    Fertile Soil

    We continue back in the Book of Mark in this series. Pastor Andrew teaches on the kinds of soil that we plant our faith in and what happens when we plant in each one.

  34. 214

    Student Takeover Weekend

    This week, our students have taken over the gathering, including the message. Sharing their thoughts on how the parable of the Prodigal Son has impacted their lives.

  35. 213

    Foundations Of Christianity: Invite and Invest

    In this week's message on the foundations of Christianity, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about our call to invite and invest in the lives of others, just as the apostles were called to do.

  36. 212

    Foundations of Christianity: Serving

    In this week's message in our series titled: Concrete, Pastor Jacob teaches on the fundamentals of serving and how the God of the Universe came to serve and not be served, despite His right to do so, and what we can learn from that as disciples of Jesus.

  37. 211

    Foundations of Christianity: Gather

    In this week's series titled Concrete, Pastor Andrew teaches on the concrete foundation of Christianity and what we need to do keep a strong, healthy faith as taught by Jesus and the Bible.

  38. 210

    Vision Sunday

    In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith celebrates what God has faithfully done at Bridge Church and announces where God is leading us in the next year!

  39. 209

    The Will Of God

    In this week's message in the book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches about what God's will is for our lives and how "religious" leaders have often opposed God's will in the past.

  40. 208

    Liberation and Healing

    In this week's message, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches how Jesus is the true healer of our sins and problems and that we must allow Him to fix what is broken inside us all. But first, we must be honest and vulnerable about what our brokenness is.

  41. 207

    Authority

    In this week's message on the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on the authority of Jesus in our lives, how we forget that Jesus is sovereign over all our problems, and how the anxiety we feel is not acknowledging God's authority over everything, including our lives.

  42. 206

    Set Apart

    In this week's message from the Book of Mark, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what Holy means and how we are called to be set apart from the rest of the world.

  43. 205

    Restoration

    In this week's message, Paul Mavrogeorge teaches on how to address people who are struggling with sin or need help with restoration. Not only how to approach these difficult conversations, but more importantly, how we need to prepare ourselves primarily.

  44. 204

    What is Heaven like?

    In this message on Heaven, Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what Heaven WAS like, what Heaven IS like, and what Heaven WILL BE like in the future.

  45. 203

    At The Feat of Jesus

    In this week's message in our series "Picture This", Jen Drake teaches about what it means to learn from Jesus and his teachings.

  46. 202

    Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen To Us?

    In these message in our series "Picture This", guest speaker Steve Kern answers the question why do bad things happen to us and what can we expect from God during these moments.

  47. 201

    Disapointment With God

    In this week’s message from our series "Picture This," Pastor Jacob Lozano dives into the deep and often unspoken experience of disappointment with God. Looking at the life of Mary and others in Scripture, he shows how they brought their pain and questions to Jesus and how Jesus met them in the middle of it. If you've ever wrestled with unmet expectations or wondered where God is in your struggle, this message is for you.

  48. 200

    What Is God Asking You To Do?

    In this first week's message in our series "Picture This", Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on listening to God, allowing Him to push you beyond your boundaries, relying on Him to open new doors in your life.

  49. 199

    Father's Day 2025

    In this week's message Pastor Andrew Smith teaches on what it means to draw closer to the light in our lives as Fathers and how we can use that to be the best Dad we can be.

  50. 198

    Unfinished

    In this weeks message on Identity, Pastor Andrew teaches on "What God starts He will finish" and how we are all unfinished and in need of forgiveness.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Each week on the Messages podcast, you’ll hear teaching from Lead Pastor Andrew Smith or a BridgeChurch Pastor. Get practical, relevant, biblical perspectives on topics that matter to you. Visit us at BridgeChurchFresno.com or download the Bridge Church Fresno app.

HOSTED BY

BridgeChurch Fresno

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does BridgeChurch Messages have?

BridgeChurch Messages currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is BridgeChurch Messages about?

Each week on the Messages podcast, you’ll hear teaching from Lead Pastor Andrew Smith or a BridgeChurch Pastor. Get practical, relevant, biblical perspectives on topics that matter to you. Visit us at BridgeChurchFresno.com or download the Bridge Church Fresno app.

How often does BridgeChurch Messages release new episodes?

BridgeChurch Messages has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to BridgeChurch Messages?

You can listen to BridgeChurch Messages on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts BridgeChurch Messages?

BridgeChurch Messages is created and hosted by BridgeChurch Fresno.
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