May 17th

Serve Sunday

John 13:12-17


At New Bridge, we want every person to:

LOVE GOD

LEARN TOGETHER and

SERVE OTHERS


  • A servant must never forget who is his master. (v 13)
  • A servant is bond to carry out his master's will. (v 14)
  • A servant can know the will of the master by following the master's example. (v 15)
  • A servant honors the master the most by fully submitting to the master's will. (v 16)

Service Opportunities

  • Welcome & Hospitality
  • First Impressions
  • Prayer
  • Care
  • Worship & Creative Arts
  • Small Groups
  • Men's & Women's Ministries
  • Missions
  • Preschool & Nursery
  • Children
  • Youth
  • Senior Adults

May 10th

Mother's Day

6 Things Every Woman & Mother Needs to Hear

  1. Mothering is not ancillary, it is primary. Isaiah 66:13 God is going to be like a mother to us. 2 Timothy 1:5 Godly moms are the glue that holds families together.
  2. Aim for faithfulness, not perfection. 1 Corinthians 4:2
  3. Give what you can. Trust God to make up the difference. John 6:8-9
  4. Persistence pays off. Proverbs 22:6
  5. Small things matter. Psalm 139:1-3
  6. Stop comparing. Just. . . stop. Galatians 6:4 You don't have to live up to someone else.

May 3rd

1 & 2 Samuel: A Study in Godly Leadership


Prelude to Disaster

1 Samuel 28:3-25


Deuteronomy 18:10-12


Did the witch of En dor call up a demon?

No! Why?

  • The woman and Saul recognized his as Samuel.
  • Samuel reffered to specific conversations with Saul.
  • Scripture says it was Samuel
  • If it was a demon, it would have lied or said something pleasing for Saul.
  1. A leader allows fear to be his motivation. (v5)
  2. A leader does not search for the reason behind God's silence. (v6) May be unconfessed sin or God's wants us to lean in closer to hear Him.
  3. A leader replaces the silence of God with the abomination of the ungodly. (v 7-15)
  4. A leader fails to heed the final warnings of God. (v 16-18)
  5. A leader does not allow for the continuance of those who follow him. (v 19) They are collateral damage.

How do we avoid disaster?

  • Fear God
  • Listen for God's voice
  • Practice repentance for your sake and those around you.

Depression 

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

Series

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 one 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)

Notes

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