Bedrock Church Sarasota

Rooted Part 2 | Pastor Chris Dowd

In this powerful exploration of Psalm 1, we're challenged to examine where we're truly rooted - in the world or in God's Word. The passage paints a vivid picture of two contrasting paths: one that leads us away from God through worldly influences, and another that anchors us firmly in His truth. We're reminded of the slippery slope that begins with simply listening to the wrong voices, progresses to learning from poor examples, and ultimately leads to promoting harmful ideologies. However, there's hope! By cultivating a love for God's Word, meditating on it day and night, and living out its truths, we can become like trees planted by streams of water - fruitful, resilient, and prosperous in all we do. This message urges us to critically evaluate the voices we allow to shape our thinking and to actively choose to delight in God's law, recognizing that our spiritual nourishment and growth depend on it.

Rooted | Pastor Chris Dowd

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine where we place our trust. The central passage, Jeremiah 17:5-8, presents a stark contrast between those who trust in man and those who trust in the Lord. We're reminded that relying on our own strength or the approval of others often leads to spiritual drought and isolation. However, when we fully trust in God, we become like trees planted by streams, flourishing even in difficult times. This imagery beautifully illustrates the peace and fruitfulness that come from a life rooted in faith. The message encourages us to reflect on areas where we might be turning away from God and instead invites us to lean completely on His wisdom and strength. It's a call to surrender our self-reliance and embrace the blessings that come from trusting God with every aspect of our lives.

Dangerous Distractions | Dr. Kevin King

In this powerful message, we're challenged to maintain a kingdom perspective that keeps us on mission, even in the face of adversity. The Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians serves as our guide, reminding us that difficult circumstances, challenging people, and conflicting emotions should not deter us from our divine purpose. Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, even while under house arrest, demonstrates how we can turn obstacles into opportunities for God's glory. We're encouraged to see beyond our immediate struggles and focus on the bigger picture of God's kingdom work. This perspective shift can transform our approach to life's challenges, helping us to rejoice in all situations, knowing that Christ is being preached. As we reflect on this, we're invited to examine our own lives and ask: Are we allowing temporary setbacks to distract us from our eternal mission?

Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Dr. Kevin Richard

In the face of life's most challenging moments, we're confronted with the age-old question: Why does a good God allow suffering? This powerful message delves into the heart of this dilemma, reminding us that while we may not have all the answers, we can develop a framework for enduring evil and suffering while remaining grounded in faith. At the core of this framework is the profound truth that 'God is love' - a statement that gives us a glimpse into the very nature of the divine. As beings created in God's image, we too are designed for love, but our freedom allows for the possibility of choosing against God. This choice has brought death and decay into the world, setting the stage for the ultimate redemption story. The gospel, as Jesus himself proclaimed, is not just about personal salvation, but about the coming of God's kingdom - a restoration and renewal of all creation. We're called to live in this 'already but not yet' reality, where suffering still exists, but where we can also witness and participate in God's ongoing work of redemption. This message challenges us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and to trust in the ultimate goodness of a God who stepped down to sacrifice Himself for us.

Give Peace a Chance | John Cartwright

In our exploration of Philippians 4, we discover a profound truth: God offers us His peace, but we must first empty our hands to receive it. This peace surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. It's not the absence of challenges, but rather a sustaining force that carries us through life's storms. We're encouraged to find our joy in the Lord, not in our circumstances, and to practice graciousness in our relationships. By letting go of our burdens - difficult days, dysfunctional dynamics, and deep distresses - we create space for God's peace to fill us. This message challenges us to shift our focus from earthly troubles to the unchanging nature of God, reminding us that our ultimate security lies in His love and provision.

A Second Rescue | Pastor Ryan McDermott

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine our spiritual lives through the lens of Lazarus' resurrection. The story in John 11 isn't just about physical resurrection, but spiritual rebirth and freedom. We're asked to consider: are we truly living in the fullness of our faith, or are we still bound by our 'grave clothes'? These grave clothes represent sins we can't leave behind, hurts we've received, or lies we've believed. The message reminds us that Jesus not only brings us to life spiritually but desires to set us free from these lingering bondages. We're encouraged to identify our own grave clothes and seek God's help in removing them, emphasizing that true freedom comes not just from being saved, but from fully embracing the new life Christ offers.

Are You All In? | Kyle Mason

In this powerful exploration of 1 Kings 18, we're confronted with a timeless question: How long will we waver between two opinions? The story of Elijah challenging the prophets of Baal serves as a stark reminder of our tendency to divide our loyalties between God and worldly idols. Just as the Israelites struggled to fully commit to God, we often find ourselves caught between faith and doubt, obedience and compromise. The dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel isn't just ancient history—it's a mirror reflecting our own spiritual battles. Are we, like the people of Israel, waiting for a spectacular display before we'll commit? Or can we recognize the 'still, small voice' of God in our daily lives? This message challenges us to examine the areas where we're 'limping between two opinions' and calls us to make a decisive choice for God, letting His consuming fire purify every aspect of our lives.

Tired of Waiting | Pastor Blake Harcup

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront our impatience and its potentially devastating consequences. The story of the Israelites creating a golden calf while waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai serves as a stark reminder of how easily we can stray when we rush ahead of God's timing. We're encouraged to reflect on areas in our lives where impatience might be leading us astray - whether in relationships, finances, or spiritual growth. The sermon draws fascinating parallels between the Israelites' actions and our modern tendencies to create 'easy-bake gods' that suit our immediate desires. This thought-provoking analogy urges us to examine our own lives for false idols we may have erected. Ultimately, we're reminded of God's patient love for us, even as He remains intolerant of sin. The message challenges us to trust in God's process, understanding that His timing, though sometimes frustratingly slow to us, is always perfect and aimed at our ultimate good.

Go With GOD | Pastor Blake Harcup

Are we truly walking with God, or just going through the motions? This powerful message challenges us to examine the depth of our relationship with the Divine. Drawing from the book of Exodus, we're reminded that God desires more than our physical presence - He wants our hearts fully engaged. Just as Israel was called to be a 'kingdom of priests and a holy nation,' we too are invited to live set apart lives that reflect God's character to the world. The message emphasizes that holiness isn't about behavior modification, but life transformation. It's a call to be different, to prioritize our time with God, and to treat others with justice and compassion. As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember: God wants to go with us, but we must choose to go with Him. This isn't just about proximity, but about aligning our will with His purpose for our lives.

A Biblical Model for Church Growth | Pastor Blake Harcup

In this powerful message, we're invited to reflect on the birth of the early church as described in Acts 2. The story of Pentecost reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of responding to God's call. We see how Peter's bold proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Messiah led to the conversion of thousands. This challenges us to consider: Who is Jesus to us? Are we willing to repent, believe, and be baptized? The early believers' devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer serves as a model for us today. Their Spirit-filled living attracted others to the faith, showing us that our lives can be a powerful testimony. As we contemplate making more room in our hearts and communities for God's work, let's be inspired by the early church's example of radical generosity, community, and commitment to the Gospel.