August 16, 2026

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

John 10:10 (NIV)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

The Devil:

1. Steals your identity
2. Kills your hope
3. Destroys your future

[Video Clip 1: Rapunzel's Tower]

John 8:44b (NIV)

When he [the devil] lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

When you believe a lie
you empower the liar!

John 8:32 (NIV)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

[Video Clip 2: I see the light]

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 John 1:5-7 (NIV)

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

[Video Clip 3: Restored Truth]

Romans 8:14-16 (NIV)

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Ephesians 4:23-24 (NIV)

to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

[Video Clip 4: Reunited]

August 9, 2026

https://Marcus and Maximus Talk Rome and Home

https://My Name is Maximus

https://Now We Are Free

What's Done in Time Echoes in Eternity

Drawing from the film Gladiator, Pastor Archie Callahan challenges believers to shift their focus from present-day living to an eternal perspective. Using the character of Maximus as a parallel, the sermon explores three interconnected themes: the importance of allegiance to God as King, the necessity of understanding one's true identity in Christ, and the call to live with eternity in view. Pastor Archie argues that most people live as though this present life is all that matters, yet followers of Christ are called to a higher purpose -- to serve God's design in their generation, just as King David did, so that their lives create an echo that reverberates into eternity. The sermon closes with an invitation to receive the forgiveness of sins and commit to maximizing one's life for the glory of God.

Key Points:
- Every believer must determine where their allegiance lies, because the king you choose determines your identity
- David serves as a biblical model of someone who fulfilled the purpose of God in his generation by keeping his allegiance fully devoted to God
- True identity in Christ cannot be defined by past failures, labels from others, or present circumstances -- believers are chosen, royal, and beloved
- God has placed eternity in the hearts of all people, and nothing but God can satisfy that eternal thirst
- The decisions believers make about purity, forgiveness, courage, and sacrifice carry eternal weight
- Living for self-gratification and present comfort diminishes the eternal impact of one's life
- Receiving the free gift of salvation through Christ is the foundation for both eternal readiness and a maximized present life

Scripture Reference:
- Acts 13:36 -- describes how David fulfilled the purpose of God in his own generation before he died
- Acts 5 -- the apostles are arrested for preaching in Jesus' name and declare that they must obey God rather than human authority
- 1 Peter 2:9 -- describes believers as a royal priesthood and God's special possession, called out of darkness into light
- Ephesians 1 -- speaks of believers being chosen, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 -- describes anyone in Christ as a new creation, with the old having passed away
- Revelation 21 -- describes the coming renewal of all things, where God wipes away every tear and removes death, mourning, and pain
- Hebrews 11 -- highlights the faith of those who longed for a heavenly home and a better country
- Ecclesiastes -- Solomon reflects on God placing eternity in the human heart
- Hebrews 11:6 -- affirms that God rewards those who diligently seek him
- John 3:16 -- summarizes the gospel: God gave his Son so that all who believe will not perish but have eternal life
- 1 John 1 -- referenced during worship, noting that the blood of Jesus purifies believers from all sin

- The character of Maximus from the film Gladiator, who moves from soldier to slave to gladiator to hero, and who lives not for the present but for a hope beyond the arena -- used throughout the sermon as a parallel to the Christian life of identity, allegiance, and eternal perspective

#LiveForEternity #BridgeChurch #KnowYourIdentity #Acts1336 #WhatsDoneInTimeEchoesInEternity #LivingForEternity #WhatsDoneInTime #GloryToGod

August 2, 2026
How Serving Serves You
Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Serving helps me find my people. (Connection)

Ephesians 4:16a (NIV)

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament

Mark 3:31-32 (NIV)

Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."

Mark 3:33 (NIV)

"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.

Mark 3:34-35 (NIV)

Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Serving helps me find my purpose. (Calling)

Ephesians 4:16b (NIV)

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

Serving helps me make a difference. (Contribution)

Ephesians 4:16c (NIV)

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Mark 10:43-45 (NIV)

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

July 26, 2026
Advance Through Prayer
Ephesians 6:18-20 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Prayer does not prepare us for greater works; it is the greater work.
- E.M. Bounds

Prayer of Petition

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Prayer of Intercession

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people-- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Prayer of Intercession

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)

Prayer of Faith

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
James 5:13-14 (NKJV)

Prayer of Faith

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:15 (NKJV)

Prayer of Agreement (Corporate Prayer)

"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

Jude 1:20 (NIV)

But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

July 19, 2026
FULLY ARMED
Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14 (NIV)

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Ephesians 6:15 (NIV)

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

James 1:14-15 (NIV)

but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Romans 13:14 (NIV)

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

July 12, 2026

STAND FIRM

Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14-15 (NIV)

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

To 'stand firm' is not an option but a command for the Christ follower.

How do I stand firm?

Put on: The Belt of Truth

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

How do I stand firm?

Put on: The Breastplate
of Righteousness

Isaiah 59:17a (NIV)

He put on righteousness as his breastplate,..

How do I stand firm?

Put on: The Shoes of Peace

Ephesians 2:14a (NIV)

For he himself is our peace...

1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Today, stand firm in the faith through truth, righteousness, and peace.

July 5, 2026
BE STRONG
Ephesians 1:17-18 (NIV)

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Access God's Power

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Acknowledge the Battle

Ephesians 6:11-12 (NIV)

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Corinthians 2:11 (NIV)

in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Satan wants to DISTRACT you
Satan wants to DISCOURAGE you
Satan wants you to be DISCONTENT
Satan wants you DIVIDED
Satan wants to you to DOUBT
Satan wants to DECEIVE you

Advance with Assurance

Ephesians 6:13-14a (NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then,

Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Romans 8:37-39 (NIV)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 1:3-10 (NIV)

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

June 28, 2026

An interruption is an invitation

James 1:2 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

Invitation to turn to Jesus

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 10:23 (NIV)

Lord, I know that people's lives are not their own;
it is not for them to direct their steps.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

John 14:27 (NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Invitation to talk to Jesus

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

John 16:33 (NIV)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

John 15:18-19 (NIV)

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

John 15:2 (NIV)

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Invitation to trust Jesus

Psalms 20:7 (NIV)

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.