Where your big questions get real answers
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Ask A Question:
thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
Intro and a coffee and condescension emergency (00:00-20:00)
I feel like I get in a pattern where I expect the worst of a person or situation and then the situation spins into the worst. How do I get out of that pattern? (20:05-30:32)
What does 1 Thessalonians 3:3 mean when it says we are “destined for trials”? (30:37-42:44)
Two pieces of advice I get from people are “be patient” and “be bold” can I do both of those at the same time? (42:48-55:31)
Closing Song: Romans 12:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
Intro and a Big League Emergency (00:00-19:00)
How do I deal with my family when they are driving me crazy? I want to maintain relationships, but I feel like drama is taking up too much of my time right now. (19:14-33:41)
I am getting discouraged about prayer. I don’t feel like anything is happening. And I don’t really feel anything. What can I do? (33:44-47:54)
When someone is spouting nonsense in real life or online in the name of Christianity, is there any responsibility to point out that they are wrong? I know it won’t change their mind, but what about people who are hearing them? (47:57-1:00:25)
Closing Song: You Tell Me (Front Toward Enemy)
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
Tuesday Oct 03, 2023
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When I have two options before me, I often think of it in terms of picking the “right” one. Is there a right decision? If God is looking out for me, what would making the “wrong” decision even mean? (17:41-28:41)
There are a lot of examples of churches and leaders doing a really bad job with scandals. How should a church or organization deal with a failing? What would a good response be? (28:43-41:31)
What does Jesus mean in Matthew 7 when he talks about the wide and narrow gates? I feel like those verses get used to talk about hard work or not being “worldly”. (41:35-54:51)
Closing Song: You've Made Up Your Mind (Jed Brewer)
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
I started thinking about it when I saw this on my Facebook and I started feeling confused.
“Imagine what would happen if the single pursuit of Christians is not the lights, smoke machines, LED panels, charismatic preachers and thumping music but the presence of God during services.”
What are your thoughts about this idea of God's presence? (13:35-29:44)
How can I ask God to help me be a more optimistic person? Is that even something I should want? (29:50-45:01)
Is it good to take time away from things to “focus on God”? It sounds good, but shouldn’t we be focusing on God as part of our lives? (45:07-1:00:04)
Closing Song: His Beloved (Lee Younger)
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
Wednesday Sep 20, 2023
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Have I not really forgiven someone if I still feel angry about the situation? (14:21-28:16)
A lot of the Bible, especially the OT talks about the strength of the Lord and calling on his mighty name, etc. it seems like most of the people I see claiming to do that are on something weird. What does it mean to do that in a real way? (28:20-40:41)
I get very frustrated sometimes and I feel like it really costs me a lot of happiness. How does God want me to deal with this? (40:48-52:55)
Closing Song: The Same As Me (Jed Brewer)
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
I feel like I hear a lot of married people talk about how marriage is “so hard” in a way that is almost cliche. How do I know if a relationship is hard because relationships are hard, or because it is a bad fit? (18:21-34:07)
How do I strike a balance of showing someone respect while being clear I am not following their advice? (34:11-48:11)
So in Luke 14 - the parable of the banquet - I feel like I mostly hear people talk about the end where the poor get invited which is great obviously. But who are the friends who make the excuses? What is up with that part of the story? (48:15-58:48)
Closing Song: Come You Who Are Thirsty (Southern Harmonic)
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
It's an all-emergency episode including:
An app that lets you chat with Jesus, an archbishop who will personally keep the poor out of heaven, a lesson in prayer - Texas style, and of course...church crimes!
Closing Song:
1 Peter 3:15 (The Poolhouse Guru)
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
I think I have depression, but I am also pregnant. I’m so sad and tired all the time. I know that these things don’t last forever, so do you have any words of wisdom or encouragement for this season? Thank you. (15:48-30:11)
What’s the difference between being “the servant of all” and being a people pleaser with no boundaries? (30:14-49:04)
The Bible says “do not fear” a lot. Which is great. But, how? How do I actually have less fear? (49:08-1:01:49)
Closing Song: I Know I've Been Changed (Deacons Division ft. Jeff Bryant)
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
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thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
Someone recently suggested I set an alarm on my phone to remind myself to pray several times a day. That seems like it could become a superstition really quick. “Oh no, I missed the 2:00 prayer, God is gonna get me!” Is this something that can be good? (17:53-33:08)
What is the loving way to act toward my friends who are “deconstructing” or questioning their faith. I really don’t think they would appreciate me trying to convince them Christianity is actually fine. (33:15-46:24)
I don’t feel like I know if I am doing well spiritually or not. There’s not like a way to measure it, so how do I know? (46:37-59:24)
Closing Song: As I Am (Lee Younger)
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Ask A Question:
thebridgechicago.tumblr.com/ask (Anonymous)
I have heard people talk about “praying for protection.” What does that mean? It seems a little “claim your blessing” to me. (16:55-30:35)
How do you be an encouragement to someone who doesn’t seem to want to be encouraged. Like, they are in the wallowing phase, but I still want to be supportive. (30:38-44:39)
I know we are not supposed to judge. But does that just mean big stuff, or am I not allowed to get annoyed at people being rude in public or disagree with their taste in movies and stuff like that? (44:43-1:00:16)
Closing Song: Cast My Cares (Jed Brewer)