The Brookside Church Podcast

Brookside Church
The Brookside Church Podcast

Welcome to the podcast of Brookside Church. Check each week for the latest message to help you live like Jesus! Brookside Church is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

  1. What Is the True Purpose of Worship?

    SEP 29

    What Is the True Purpose of Worship?

    Have you ever heard someone say "God won't give you more than you can handle"? While well-intentioned, this popular phrase is actually not found in the Bible. In fact, Scripture often shows God allowing His people to face challenges far beyond their own abilities - not to crush them, but to drive them to deeper dependence on Him. In a recent message at Brookside Church, Pastor Eric explored this idea through the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah found themselves vastly outnumbered by enemy armies, facing a threat they had no power to overcome on their own. Rather than putting on a brave face or trying to handle it himself, Jehoshaphat did something remarkable - he admitted his fear and weakness before God and the people. He prayed, "We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." (2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV) This honest prayer of surrender opened the door for God to work in a powerful way. God responded by telling the people, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." (v. 15) Pastor Eric highlighted several key lessons we can learn from Jehoshaphat's example: It's okay to admit when we're overwhelmed. Acknowledging our limitations allows us to look to God for help.Prayer should begin with focusing on who God is and what He has promised, not just presenting our requests.God often allows us to face battles too big for us so that we'll rely fully on Him.Our role is to show up in faith and surrender the battle to God, then watch Him work.We can praise God for the victory even before we see the outcome, because we trust His power and promises. The next time you face a challenge that feels insurmountable, resist the urge to try handling it all on your own. Instead, follow Jehoshaphat's example - honestly admit your need, surrender the situation to God in prayer, and then watch with expectation to see how He will come through. The battle belongs to the Lord!

    38 min
  2. What Is Blasphemy?

    SEP 8

    What Is Blasphemy?

    Scripture Reading Read Matthew 12:31-37 and consider making some observations about the passage. Sermon Recap Review the sermon with your group, highlighting the following: “Words Reflect the Heart”: Our words are an expression of our hearts, so focus your heart on Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 2. “Living with Soft Hearts”: Live open-heartedly towards God rather than adopting the Pharisees' hard-heartedness, which separates us from God. 3. “Victory Through Christ”: 1 Corinthians 15:57 assures us that Jesus gives us victory despite life's challenges—our journey is like a marathon. 4. “Inviting the Holy Spirit”: Invite the Holy Spirit daily to prevent spiritual stagnation, as a tree sheds old fruit to make way for new growth. 5. “Forgiveness and Sin”: Every sin, including severe acts, is forgivable except the complete rejection of God and attributing His actions to Satan (blasphemy). Group Discussion 1. How do our words reflect the state of our hearts according to Matthew 12:33-37, and what can we do to align our hearts more closely with Jesus and the Holy Spirit? 2. Discuss the outcome of living with a 'soft heart' towards God. How can we prevent spiritual hard-heartedness in our daily lives? 3. Considering 1 Corinthians 15:57, how does the belief in victory through Christ give us strength in life's marathon-like journeys? 4. Reflect on the metaphor of shedding old fruit. How does letting go of past hurts and renewing ourselves through the Holy Spirit encourage new spiritual growth and transformation? 5. How does understanding the seriousness of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the importance of forgiveness shape our view of sin and redemption? Digging Deeper Read Ezekiel 36:26 and compare it to the discussion about having a soft heart towards God. What does this passage say about God's role in transforming our hearts, and how does it relate to the theme of taming the tongue within the sermon series on the power of our words? Guided Prayer Heavenly Father, Grant us hearts that are soft, open, and receptive to Your word. Help us to focus our hearts and minds on Jesus and the Holy Spirit so that our words reflect Your love and truth. We invite the Holy Spirit into our lives to lead us in shedding past hurts and to cultivate in us the fruit of the Spirit. May we speak with grace and truth, aligning our hearts with Your will and purpose. Forgive us for our sins and guide us to live by the example of Jesus, embracing the forgiveness and redemption You offer. Give us the courage to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and to rely on Your guidance in all we do. In Jesus's Name Amen.

    39 min
  3. How Dangerous Is the Tongue According to The Bible?

    SEP 1

    How Dangerous Is the Tongue According to The Bible?

    Sermon Discussion Guide Read James 3:1-12 and take a moment to reflect on how it speaks to the power and danger of the tongue. Reflect on Pastor Eric Dubach's sermon by highlighting these key points: “The tongue is small but mighty. Just like a rudder steers a ship, our words shape our lives.”“God used words to bring life; Satan used words to bring destruction. Our speech has the power to reflect either force.”“Jesus’ integrity in the desert showed us the importance of holding to the Father’s language.”“By speaking blessing or curse, we influence the spiritual atmosphere around us.”“Praying over our words aligns our hearts and minds with God's favor, making us conduits of His blessings.”Group Discussion In James 3:1-12, James illustrates the power of the tongue through the analogy of a small spark setting a great forest on fire. What insights do these verses reveal about the potential consequences of our speech?Pastor Eric emphasized Jesus’ temptation in the desert and His commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Father's language. How can we draw strength from Jesus’ example in our conversations?Consider the advice to “speak good or nothing at all.” How can adopting this principle transform our relationships and daily interactions?Pastor Eric shared about the powerful role of prayer in aligning our words with God’s heart. How might consistent prayer change the way we communicate with others?Reflect on the significance of our words reflecting the posture of our hearts. How can we ensure that our speech consistently aligns with the character of Jesus Christ? Digging Deeper Read Proverbs 18:21. Reflect on how this passage and James 3:1-12 both illustrate the impact of our words. How does recognizing the power of the tongue influence our understanding of speaking life or death into situations? Consider moments in your life where words have significantly affected you or someone else. Prayer  Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking Your guidance and wisdom. Help us to recognize the profound power of our words. Grant us discernment to speak life, blessing, and encouragement in every situation. Align our hearts with Yours so that our words reflect the nature of Jesus Christ. May we always be conduits of Your favor and grace, bringing hope and healing through our speech. Empower us to make the most of every opportunity to convey Your love and truth to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

    45 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the podcast of Brookside Church. Check each week for the latest message to help you live like Jesus! Brookside Church is located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada