Bridgewater Hallstead’s Podcast

Ruth: It Just So Happened...

“It just so happened” that Ruth worked in the field that belonged to Boaz. “It just so happened” that Boaz noticed Ruth. “It just so happened” that Boaz was a close relative of Naomi, a family redeemer-type relative. God works through natural circumstances to bring about His will. Ruth’s role was to work hard, wait on God, and serve Naomi.

Ruth 2

Speaker: Kevin Stiles 

Ruth: It’s Time to Walk Away

We often define our lives by the big moments. But most of our lives consist of ordinary chapters. They may not feel significant but ultimately end up changing everything. In our new series, The Book of Ruth, we'll discover the hidden beauty of how God is involved in the day-to-day joys and hardships of our lives.

The story of Ruth opens with heartbreak and the pain of loss, just as there's heartbreak and pain in our lives and in the lives of so many people that know and love. What do you do when times get tough? Will you obey and trust God as the leader of your life or choose to do what is right in your own eyes? One decision can change the trajectory of your life.

Passage: Ruth 1

Speaker: Kevin Stiles

2025 Goals

2024: From 115 people trusting Jesus to the launch of our Conklin and Vestal campuses out to be a brand new multisite church, it's been a year of growth and transformation. But as we look ahead, we’re focusing on one powerful word: Invest.

Inspired by Paul’s mission in Acts 20:24, we challenge each everyone following Jesus to consider their life as an eternal investment. We’ll also share specific goals for 2025, from seeing more people come to faith to expanding our ministry and outreach.

Join us as we talk about how we can make this year count by investing in lives, growing in generosity, and expecting big things from God. You won’t want to miss the exciting opportunities ahead at Bridgewater!

Speaker: Kevin Stiles

Pre-Decide: Finisher

If you’re not dead, you’re not done—God has more for you. You can overcome challenges, pursue your goals, and live a remarkable life that honors God. You’ve just got to keep moving forward, one step at a time. When you feel tired or discouraged, you need to remember Who you’re running for and take the next step. You don’t have to finish the race all at once; you only need to take the next step. Our ultimate example and source of motivation to keep going is Jesus, who fixed His eyes on us. Now, we fix our eyes on Him.

Passage: Hebrews 12:1-3; John 19:28-30

Speaker: Josh Jones

Pre-Decide: Ready

The Bible makes it clear that Satan is a spiritual enemy intent on destroying us. His methods often involve disguising harmful temptations as things that feel appealing or right. Relying solely on willpower to resist temptation can only take you so far. However, God offers a more effective approach: pre-deciding. Instead of struggling to resist temptation when it arises, you can take steps today to eliminate its power over you. Learn how God equips us to say no to sin in advance, trusting that His way is not only right but also the most fulfilling path for our lives.

Passage: Genesis 39:1-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15-16

Speaker: David Wyman

Pre-Decide: Consistent

Consistency is the key to lasting change and spiritual growth. While many struggle with inconsistency in various aspects of life, the writers of Scripture highlight examples like Daniel, whose unwavering devotion to God demonstrated the power of steady habits. By starting with a compelling “why,” planning for imperfection, embracing the process, and leaning on God and a supportive community, we can develop the consistency needed to honor God and experience transformation in our lives.

Passage: Romans 7:15; Daniel 6:1-4, 10, 23

Speaker: Kevin Stiles

Pre-decide: Devoted

What happens between our good intentions and our choices at the moment? If only we could make decisions ahead of time rather than when we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or swayed by fear or emotion. This teaching series teaches us how to do just that and live the life God wants for us. The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our decisions, which can be weakened by decision fatigue and emotional impulses. So we’re going to explore the concept of “pre-deciding,” a proactive approach rooted in Jesus’ teaching to prioritize God above all else. By establishing intentional practices and strategies, we can remain devoted to Him, reduce distractions, and align our lives with our faith and values.

Matthew 6:33

Speaker: Kevin Stiles

The Same God: The God of Mary

Over the past weeks, we’ve explored stories about God’s power and asked if He still works in the same way today. The Christmas story, especially the miraculous conception of Jesus, shows that God is still in the business of doing the impossible and keeping His promises. Just as God chose Mary, an ordinary young woman, to bring His Son into the world, He continues to pay attention to those others overlook and offers grace, mercy, and help when we believe, even in situations that seem impossible.

Luke 1

Speaker: Kevin Stiles

The Same God: The God of David

In this message, we explore how David, despite being wronged by King Saul, chooses integrity over vengeance when given the chance to kill Saul in a vulnerable moment. Instead of seizing power by taking matters into his own hands, David trusts God's plan and refrains from harming Saul, even though it seems like a perfect opportunity. The message emphasizes that in life's random or challenging moments, choosing integrity and trusting God's plan shapes the story of our lives in ways that honor Him and lead to growth.

Passage: 1 Samuel 24

Speaker: David Wyman

The Same God: The God of Moses

In Exodus 14, the Israelites find themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh's advancing army, leading to fear and panic. Moses reassures them that God will fight for and deliver them, instructing them to "be still" and trust in God's plan. Despite their doubts, God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape, and then destroys Pharaoh's army, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to deliver His people in times of chaos.

Speaker: Kevin Stiles