FaithBridge Church Podcast

FaithBridge Church

Welcome to the weekly podcast of FaithBridge Church in Manchester, NH. FaithBridge exists to help people discover how to love Jesus, love others, and serve both. Discover more about us at https://FaithBridgeNH.org

  1. Jun 14

    Christ's Unfailing Love | The Gospel of John

    Where do you turn when life gets uncertain and you just don't know what to do next? When you’re dealing with that internal angst, trying everything you know how to do, and coming up completely empty? That's exactly where we find the disciples in John chapter 21. They fished all night and caught absolutely nothing. But as we close this beautiful Gospel, John leaves us with a breathtaking picture of the majesty of God, a charcoal fire, and the hope of a brand-new beginning. Have you ever wondered if you've gone too far for God to forgive you? Maybe you’ve strayed from the Lord. Maybe you’ve wondered from His plan, denied Him with your mouth, or wrecked your life in rebellion. You look at your past and think, "God could never use someone like me again." If that’s you, you need to look closely at this shoreline breakfast. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times around a charcoal fire, Jesus builds another fire to look him in the eye and restore him. He gets right to the heart of the matter. He doesn't leave Peter wallowing in his grief, and He doesn't want you wallowing in yours. If you have breath today, you have hope. What is the "these" in your life? Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" What is the "these" for you today? Is it your career? Your comfort? Your family? Your past failures? Through this message, we challenge ourselves with the ultimate questions of the faith: • The Depth of Love: Are we truly devoted to Jesus above everything else? • The Danger of Comparison: How often do we look at someone else and ask, "Well, what about them?" instead of listening to Jesus say, "You follow Me"? • A Life with Purpose: How God can take your brokenness, bring deep healing through godly sorrow, and call you back into Kingdom work. We are all terminal. It’s just a matter of timing. So why waste your life just trying to stay alive and miss out on all the life Christ has for you? If you are listening to this podcast, watching online or sitting in the pews today, and you need the hope of God's forgiveness, His reconciliation, and His giving of purpose—this sermon is for you. Stop worrying about the future. Today, listen to the voice of your Savior. Follow Him. Are you ready to stop running, drop your nets, and respond to Jesus' invitation to come to the shore?

    40 min
  2. Jun 7

    Jesus is Alive | The Gospel of John

    What if the entire foundation of your life was based on a lie? What if everything you’ve invested—your time, your energy, your heart, your money—was poured into a broken promise? The Apostle Paul said it straight: if Jesus hasn't been raised from the grave, we are of all people most to be pitied. If the resurrection isn't real, we made the worst investment of our lives. We might as well just eat, drink, and live it up today, because tomorrow we die and that’s it. But what if He DID rise? In this sermon, we dive straight into John chapter 20 to look at the undeniable reality of the empty tomb. From Mary Magdalene’s grief-stricken morning to Peter and John’s frantic footrace (and yes, John makes sure we know for all of eternity that he won that race!), we see a story that is completely upside down and ripe for a conspiracy. These weren't religious kooks looking to start a movement; they were terrified, skeptical, and hiding behind locked doors. Key Highlights From the Message: The Messy Grave Robbery Theory: If you're rushing to steal a body under the noses of Roman soldiers, are you really going to take the time to unwrap a bloodied corpse and fold the face cloth up nice and neat? God is a God of order. This was no chaotic heist; it was a supernatural resurrection. Belonging Before Believing: Look at Thomas. He doubted. He wanted to see the nails and touch the side. But notice where he was a week later—he was still hanging out with the disciples. Sometimes, people need to belong with God's people before they fully believe. The Blessing on YOU: Jesus looked at Thomas and said, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." None of us were there 2,000 years ago. But if you trust Him today, you are receiving a blessing that even the eyewitnesses didn't get. John wrote his entire Gospel for one specific reason: "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:31) There is no mountain with many paths. There is no being "good enough." There is no relying on good vibes or church attendance. The only way to have your sins forgiven and your eternity secure is through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The most important question you will ever answer is this: "Do you believe that Jesus is Alive? Have you trusted Him for your salvation?" If you have, then you’ve been given a mission: Go and tell. We need to preach the gospel to ourselves daily, encourage one another, and share this hope with a world that desperately needs it. If heaven and hell are real, and Jesus is the only Savior, sharing His name should be the natural overflow of our lives. Watch the full sermon to discover the peace that surpasses all understanding and the power of our risen King! If this message challenged or encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear the good news today.

    38 min
  3. May 31

    The Greatest Sacrifice | The Gospel of John

    What do you do when it looks like darkness has won? In this sermon on John 19:25-42, we are standing right at the foot of the cross at Golgotha—the place of the skull. We see the horrific physical reality of the crucifixion. We see the sham trials before Pilate and the religious leaders. But beneath the cruelty of the Roman soldiers and the mockery of the crowds, we discover an earth-shattering truth: Jesus was in control of it all. Even as He hung between two thieves, gasping for air, Jesus was acting in perfect love. He cared for His mother. He fulfilled ancient prophecies written hundreds of years before His birth. And with His final breath, He cried out: "It is finished." What Does "It Is Finished" Mean For You? In the ancient world, those words were stamped on a debt or a bill to mean one thing: PAID IN FULL. Jesus didn’t die by accident. He died as our ultimate Passover Lamb. He became our "scapegoat," carrying every single one of our sins out into the wilderness of death so that we would never have to face destruction. Here is the best news you will ever hear: You don’t have to work your way to heaven. There is no good deed you can offer, no amount of money you can give, and no amount of church services you can attend to add to your salvation. Jesus paid the entire debt at the cross. It is over. It is complete. Are You a "Secret Disciple"? We also look closely at Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. For a season, they hid their faith out of fear. But when the moment of truth came, they stepped out of the shadows, risked their reputations, and made a bold stand for Christ. Are you wrapped up in the outward appearance of religion, or does your heart belong to the Savior? There is no sin you have committed that can surpass His grace. Where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more! The most important question in all of eternity is this: Will you believe in Jesus Christ today? Will you place your faith in the One who died for your sins and rose again? Scriptures in this video: John 19:25-42, Leviticus 16, Psalm 34, Zechariah 12, and Romans 6. 01:01 - Introduction and the Sham Trials 04:30 – Sacrificial Compassion: Jesus Cares for His Mother 07:00 – "I Am Thirsty": The Physical Agony of the Cross 09:10 – Paid in Full: What "It Is Finished" Really Means 11:15 – The Scapegoat: Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement 15:40 – Sovereign Over Death: Jesus Gives Up His Spirit 18:15 – Broken Legs and Pierced Sides: Prophecy Fulfilled 21:30 – Stepping Out of the Shadows: Joseph & Nicodemus 25:00 – The Borrowed Tomb: God is in the Details of Your Story 26:30 – The Ultimate Question: Will You Believe? We want to hear from you! Have you placed your trust in the finished work of Jesus? If you are making a decision to follow Christ today, or if you need prayer, let us know in the comments below! #JesusChrist #John19 #TheGreatestSacrifice #ItIsFinished #Gospel #Sermon #ChristianFaith #Salvation #Calvary

    40 min
  4. May 24

    Unrighteous Judgement for the Righteous Judge, Pt 2 | The Gospel of John

    If you were standing in that ancient courtyard on Friday morning, where would you have been? Would you have stood up for justice for your Savior, or would you have been right there with the crowd, shouting "Crucify Him!"? As we look at John 19:1-24, we see the unrighteous judgment of the Righteous Judge. Jesus is the King of kings, sovereign over all, who will one day judge the living and the dead. Yet here, as the all-sufficient suffering servant, He is handed over to sinful men in an absolute mockery of a trial. Our initial thought is always, "I would never do that. I would never reject King Jesus." But my encouragement to you is this: I think you think too highly of yourself. When we look at the depravity and the sinfulness in our own hearts, we have to ask the hard question: "Are we still headlong in our sin, rejecting His claims, His person, and His majesty today?" What We Cover Today The Sadistic Mockery & The Flogging: We look at the brutal severity of the beating Jesus suffered. We see the cruel humor of the Roman soldiers shoving a crown of thorns into His skull and wrapping Him in a rag of royal purple, completely unaware of before whom they stood. The Greater Sin of Knowing the Truth: Jesus told Pilate that the ones who handed Him over had the greater sin. The principle is clear: To whom much is given, much is required. What does it mean for us if we know the most about Christianity, but stay the furthest from it? Are we in the greatest danger? "We Have No King But Caesar": We look at the chilling pinnacle of Jewish rebellion. These leaders hated Rome, yet to get rid of Jesus, they traded God the Father for a pagan emperor. Who is the real king ruling your heart when no one is looking? Sovereignly in Control: Even when the world looks completely out of hand, God is in control. From the Roman soldiers playing dice and casting lots for His seamless tunic, every single detail was prophesied hundreds of years prior in Psalm 22. None of this caught God by surprise. 04:39 – The Severe Flogging & Sadistic Mockery of the Soldiers 09:00 – Pilate's Failed Attempt to Meet in the Middle 11:51 – A Rattled Governor 15:10 – God's Sovereignty Over Wicked Governments 18:54 – Examining Our Danger 23:00 – The History of Israel's Disastrous Rebellion 26:30 – Golgotha & The Prophecy of the Seamless Tunic 28:15 – Reaching Out to God While He is Near Where Are You Hiding Your Rebellion? Are you like the chief priests, hiding your rebellion in religious hypocrisy? You wear the right clothes, you say the right words, you pray the right prayers, and you give the right amount of money—but it's just religious attire covering up a heart that rejects His authority. Are you like Pilate, just wanting to do whatever makes your life the easiest? Do God's standards and God's rules get in the way of your fun, your desires, and your plans? Are you pursuing your own comfort above the truth? Are you like the Roman soldiers, with an obvious, hardened heart, finding joy in rebelling against the Lord? Hear this warning: Walking in rebellion against God is like walking toward the edge of a cliff with a blindfold on. You know the cliff is out there somewhere, but when you finally find it, it's too late. God is gracious, and His grace is extended to you moment after moment, step after step. But there is a point of no return. Why keep testing the limits of God's patience? Why keep walking blindly toward the edge? Reach out to God while He is near. Call out to Him today while you still have breath in your lungs. He is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and He gave His life so that your rebellion could be forgiven. Turn to King Jesus today. Connect With Us If you want to walk with us verse-by-verse through the Word of God, please Like, Share, and Subscribe. Our Website: FaithBridgeNH.org Support the Ministry: FaithBridgeNH.org/give Join Us This Sunday: 10:30am • 301 S Main St, Manchester, NH #GospelOfJohn #VerseByVerse #Sermon #ExpositoryPreaching #KingJesus #SovereigntyOfGod #Evangelism #Repentance

    40 min
  5. May 17

    Unrighteous Judgement for the Righteous Judge | The Gospel of John

    Have you ever looked at the church and thought, "It’s just full of hypocrites"? Maybe you’ve used that exact excuse to stay away from God. But what if the greatest act of hypocrisy in human history didn't happen in a modern church building, but on a Friday morning outside a Roman governor's headquarters? In this message, we dive into John 18:28-40 to witness the ultimate mockery of justice: the trial of Jesus Christ before Pontius Pilate. Here, the religious leaders were so worried about keeping up outward appearances—making sure they didn't step inside a Gentile house lest they be "defiled"—while they were literally handing over the perfect Passover Lamb to be murdered. We see ourselves in this story more than we’d care to admit. We see the waffling, political expediency of Pilate, who took the easy way out just to get to lunch quicker. And we see the crowd choosing Barabbas—a murderer and a rebel—over the King of Kings. Here is the scandalous truth of the Gospel: In many ways, we are Barabbas. We are the rebels. We are the ones who choose things that bring death and destruction over the things that bring life. But thank God that He died for rebellious people just like us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t stand a chance. “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight, so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’” (John 18:36)  Are you justifying your rebellion with religious activity? Are you counting your "dill seeds" while missing the weightier matters of the law, like loving your neighbor and walking in humility? Are you standing for truth, or just doing what is politically expedient? When faced with Christ, are you taking the easy way out like Pilate, or are you listening to His voice? What are you choosing today—life or death? Are you holding onto earthly things, bad relationships, or addictions that bring destruction, while shouting down the only One who can give you eternal life? "You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul—we can't take this stuff with us. The things that matter are the things that last for eternity: loving your neighbor well, caring for the hurting, and laying down your life by His grace." #Christianity #GospelOfJohn #ExpositoryPreaching #JesusTrial #PontiusPilate #GraceAndMercy #Faith Alone

    40 min
  6. May 10

    Betrayal & Denial | The Gospel of John

    Have you ever made a bold promise to God, only to fall short the very next day? Have you ever promised, "Lord, I’ll go anywhere for you," until things got uncomfortable? In this message, we step into John chapter 18, leaving the Last Supper behind to find ourselves in the darkness of the Garden of Gethsemane and the courtyard of the high priest. As the camera pans back and forth between a mock trial and a charcoal fire, we witness two heartbreaking responses to Jesus: the calculated betrayal of Judas and the fearful denial of Peter. But even in the midst of human failure, rebellion, and deep darkness, one beautiful truth rings out: God is sovereignly in control. Nothing catches our Savior by surprise. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve failed God too many times to be used by Him, this sermon is for you. If Peter’s story proves anything, it's that as long as you still have breath, you have hope. • Who are you seeking today? Are you looking for the real Jesus of Nazareth, or are you just trying to protect your own earthly comfort? • Where is your charcoal fire? Are you standing on the sidelines trying to keep warm with the world, or are you willing to stand with the King of Kings even when it costs you something? • Do you know the Savior who holds your tomorrow? Just as Jesus knew every pain He would face in the garden, He knows every diagnosis, every broken heart, and every trial in your life today. Can you trust Him in your darkest moments? Scripture References: John 18:1-27 Matthew 26 Mark 14 Luke 22 Highlights: 01:15 – The Foreboding Reality of the Kidron Valley 02:45 – Betrayed with a Kiss: The Treachery of Judas 04:10 – "I AM He" – The Power of Jesus' Word 06:30 – Peter's Bad Aim: Taking Matters into Our Own Hands 09:15 – The First Denial at the Door 11:00 – Roasting Marshmallows: The Contrast of Comfort vs. Christ 13:45 – The Rooster Crows: Failing People, Unfailing Grace  We’d love to hear from you! How has God shown His unfailing power in your moments of weakness? Let us know in the comments below. Subscribe for more weekly expository preaching through the Word of God. Connect with us: Website: FaithBridgeNH.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaithBridgeNH #John18 #ExpositoryPreaching #GospelOfJohn #Sermon #ChristianFaith #PeterAndJudas #GodsSovereignty

    42 min
  7. May 3

    Protected By God | The Gospel of John

    Are you fighting a war you can’t see?  As Jesus closes His high priestly prayer in John 17:9-26, He isn't just preparing the eleven disciples for the darkest night of their lives—He’s preparing us for eternity. Think about this: 2,000 years ago, the King of Kings had you in mind. He was interceding for you then, and the amazing thing is, He’s still at the right hand of the Father interceding for you right now. In this message, we tackle hard questions about spiritual survival: What are you actually being protected from? We often blame Satan for a dead car battery or a printer that won’t work (though let’s be honest, the printer never works). But is that really the "evil one" Jesus is talking about? Are you living in a "spiritual cave"? It’s tempting to want to hide from the world—no internet, no news, no neighbors—to stay holy. But Jesus didn't pray to take you out of the world. He sent you into it. Is your religion just "lukewarm"? C.S. Lewis once wrote that a "moderated religion" is as good for the enemy as no religion at all. Are you just doing enough to appease your conscience, or is your faith impacting your lifestyle? Why are "people" the greatest test of your faith? It’s easy to walk with Jesus until you have to deal with the person texting at the stop sign or the neighbor who drives you crazy. But did you know that community—the very thing that frustrates us—is what God uses to sanctify us? "If God has given us breath, He has given us a purpose." If you still have breath in your lungs today, you have a reason to serve Him. Join us as we look at what it means to be protected by the name of the Holy Father and how walking in His truth leads us to a joy that is truly complete. Scripture Reference: John 17:9-26 Theme: Protection, Oneness, and Purpose. Connect With Us: FaithBridgeNH.org/discover If this message spoke to you, let us know. How are you serving God’s purpose in your "grocery store and grass-cutting" everyday life? #John17 #HighPriestlyPrayer #ProtectedByGod #ChristianLiving #GospelOfJohn

    38 min
  8. Apr 26

    The Glory of God | The Gospel of John

    You can tell a lot about a person by listening to them pray. You find out what they believe about God, what they believe about people, and what’s actually important to them. In this text, we see exactly what is on the mind of Jesus as He prepares to head to the cross. Key Moments from the Message: The Posture of Prayer: We tell our kids to bow their heads and close their eyes (mostly so they stop smacking each other!), but the Jewish custom was to look up. Jesus looks toward heaven, looking His Father in the face, because that’s who He’s talking to. Is Jesus God? Jesus asks the Father to glorify Him. Now, that’s a bold move because God doesn’t share His glory with anyone. If Jesus isn't God, this is the grossest act of idolatry in history. But because He is the second member of the Trinity—existing from eternity past—He is simply reclaiming the glory He’s always had. The "Math" of God: You don't have to understand calculus to know that 2+2=4. In the same way, we can't fit all of an infinite God into the space between our two ears, but we can know Him truly through His Son. What is Eternal Life? We often think of heaven as a destination with gold streets and no more hip pain. And that’s not wrong; it’s just not "all the way right." The best part of heaven is that Jesus is there. The Vacation Principle: Eternal life starts the moment you trust Christ. It’s like a vacation—it starts the moment you leave the house and hit the road, but you don't fully experience the destination until you get there. We are on the journey now, and the joy starts today. "He has authority over all." Whether we recognize it or not, Jesus is the King of kings. We can willingly and joyfully submit to that authority now, or we can rebel—but His authority doesn't change based on our opinion. He is the just and righteous judge who will one day make all things new. "This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent, Jesus Christ." — John 17:3 Think about it too long, your head will explode. Don’t think about it enough, you’ll spend eternity separated from Him. Let’s look at the Word together. If this message encouraged you, feel free to share it. We’re glad you’re here as we study the Gospel of John. #GospelOfJohn #HighPriestlyPrayer #TheGloryOfGod #BibleStudy #JesusIsGod

    43 min
  9. Apr 19

    Be Courageous: Jesus Conquered the World | The Gospel of John

    John 16:16–33 Ever read the Bible and thought, "I have no idea what Jesus is talking about"? If so, you’re in good company. In John 16, the disciples are sitting right there at the table, whispering in the corner like, "Hey Bartholomew, what’s He saying?" In this message, we’re finishing up the Last Supper—and let’s be honest, if this were a Chinese buffet, we would’ve been kicked out weeks ago with how long we’ve spent here! But Jesus stays in the room with them (and us) to cut through the confusion. He’s preparing them for the reality of a broken world, but He’s also giving them a joy that no one—not your neighbor, not your boss, and not your circumstances—can ever snatch away. Today Pastor Rich will discuss: The "Labor Pains" of Life: Let’s face it, life is tough. Jesus compares our hardship to labor—it’s painful, it’s messy, and it’s exhausting. But just like a mother looking at her newborn, the joy of what’s coming makes the suffering seem like a distant memory. Who Stole Your Joy? We like to say, "Oh, they made me so mad!" but the truth is, if your joy is gone, it’s probably because you gave it away. Discover how to claim the triumphant promise that God-given joy is permanent. Praying for More than Comfort: Is your prayer list just a list of "Aunt Louise’s infected toenail," or are you praying for the mission? There’s no greater party in heaven than when a lost soul comes home—we ought to be partying about that, too! The "Chaotic Perfectionist" Struggle: If you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, here’s some freeing news: Jesus doesn’t need you. He’s the King of Kings, the earth is His footstool, and you can finally stop trying to hold it all together and just rest in His grace. A Few Questions to Kick Around: Are you a "perfectionist" when things are good, but a "chaotic mess" when they aren't? How does knowing Jesus has the world under control change your Monday morning? Are you trying to skip through life thinking Christianity is just "happy all day long"? Or are you ready to be courageous in the middle of the suffering? What would happen if you started praying "Your Kingdom Come" as much as you pray for your own comfort? "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." — John 16:33 Join us as we look at why we can be strong and courageous. Not because we have enough faith—even faith is a gift!—but because the battle is already won. Don't forget to Subscribe! If you can get excited about sports or work, surely we can get excited about Jesus. Share this with someone who needs to hear that they aren't alone in the scatter. #BeCourageous #JesusConquered #John16 #ChooseJoy #Sermon #TheLastSupper #FaithAndHardship #GospelMission

    43 min
  10. Apr 12

    Suffering: Strengthened by the Spirit | The Gospel of John

    "If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you." These words from John 15 are some of the most challenging in scripture. Today, we explore the theme of suffering and the divine strength provided to every believer through the Holy Spirit. Questions to Ponder while you listen: If your life looked exactly like the world around you, would anyone know you belong to Christ? Are we holding onto our "right to comfort" more tightly than our "call to witness"? When the Spirit convicts you of sin, do you see it as a burden or as a gracious gift of protection? Key Highlights: The Camaraderie of the World: Understanding why people "bond" over sin and why being "peculiar" is a mark of faithfulness. The Best Counselor: Why there is no waiting list for the Holy Spirit and how He corrects our "broken ways of thinking." Accountability & Freedom: A look at how much is required from those of us living in prosperity and peace. Progressive Sanctification: The grace of God in renewing our minds step-by-step, from our views on life to our daily actions. Scripture Reference: John 15:18–16:15 "If all your ideas were good and right and proper, you probably wouldn't need a Counselor. A good Counselor challenges those faulty ways of thinking and leads you out of the miry pit." Connect with Us: Did this message speak to you? Leave a comment or visit us at FaithBridgeNH.org/discover. If you are seeking truth and want to know more about what it means to follow Jesus, reach out—we would love to walk with you. #John15 #HolySpirit #ChristianPersecution #GospelOfJohn #Sermon #FaithUnderFire #ChristianLiving

    43 min

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About

Welcome to the weekly podcast of FaithBridge Church in Manchester, NH. FaithBridge exists to help people discover how to love Jesus, love others, and serve both. Discover more about us at https://FaithBridgeNH.org