Bridgetown Church Podcast

In this message, Pastor Casey Kendall invites the church into a kind of discipleship that many believers never receive: how to handle conflict in a way that honors Jesus—in marriages, friendships, workplaces, and even church life. Using 2 Samuel 2 as the backdrop, he contrasts the leadership of David (marked by prayer, restraint, and kindness) with the reactive, pride-fueled conflict of Abner and Joab, which escalates until nearly 400 people die.Through vivid storytelling—including the boxing scandal of Louis Resto and Billy Collins Jr.—Pastor Casey warns that fighting “dirty” can permanently blur someone else’s vision, leaving lasting damage in families and relationships. But there’s a better way: release control, pick your battles, slow down, return kindness for hate, pray for your aggressor, set wise boundaries, and surrender pride to God.The message ends with a call to repentance and healing: don’t keep “steam” bottled up. The breakthrough comes when we stop fighting, yield control back to Jesus, and pursue the mission of the King—grace.

In this message, Pastor Casey Kendall opens 2 Samuel 2:1–7 and highlights David’s first steps after the death of Saul and Jonathan. Instead of rushing into power, David inquires of the Lord, demonstrating that spiritual maturity shows up in seasons of transition—especially when the “throne feels empty” and the next step is unclear.Using David’s example, the message centers on the spiritual challenge of waiting. Waiting isn’t passive—it’s often where God does His deepest work in us. Pastor Casey frames the teaching around a “formula for failure” in 2026, calling listeners to trust God’s timing, keep their posture before the Lord, and prioritize character over reputation while God is still working in the delay.We’d love to see you in person—join us this Sunday at 10:30am.

Passage: 2 Samuel 1 (key verse: 2 Sam. 1:27)Theme: “Let It Go” — starting 2026 by releasing what you’ve been carryingPastor Casey returns to the story of David in 2 Samuel 1 and offers three powerful words for the new year: Let it go.Using the imagery of “boarding flight 2026,” he calls the church to leave behind the baggage of 2025—hurt, bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, and unmet expectations—so we can move forward in freedom.This message walks through three practical steps:Grieve what is gone — don’t numb, deny, or bury pain; bring it honestly to God.Deal with what’s destroying you — address the “Amalekite” (the flesh) and pursue holiness over happiness.Worship in the war — like David, learn to sing even in the middle of battle.A timely encouragement for anyone carrying loss, disappointment, or weight into a new season.Key Scriptures Mentioned: Matthew 11:28, Hebrews 12:1, 1 Peter 5:7, Galatians 2:20

Speaker: Christ OchoaScripture: 3 John 1:1–8 (with connections to Hebrews 10)In this message, Christ Ochoa builds on last week’s theme of Simple Assurance (Hebrews 10) with a companion call: Simple Obedience (Missions). Teaching from 3 John, Christ invites Bridgetown into a bigger vision for 2026—one rooted in truth and love, expressed through hospitality, generosity, holiness, and mission.Through John’s personal letter to Gaius, we get a picture of what faithfulness looked like in the early church: holding firmly to the truth of the gospel, walking in love, and supporting the work of ministry—especially through practical obedience like welcoming and sending out traveling missionaries. Christ reminds us that Sundays are not just for learning something new, but for being re-centered on what’s true, renewed in hope, and commissioned back into the world.A major thread in the message is the biblical meaning of “the Name”—how God’s Name represents His presence, character, and ownership, and how Jesus ultimately places that Name upon His people. The takeaway is both sobering and empowering: how we live matters, because we bear His Name wherever we go.See you Sunday at 10:30am! American Legion, 159 N. Cullen Ave., Glendora, California 91741Learn More Here

Guest Speaker: Kevin GilsonIn this message from Hebrews 10, we are reminded that as followers of Jesus, we stand on a simple but unshakable foundation: Christ Himself. As the church moves into a new year, this teaching calls us to anchor our future not in effort, performance, or fear, but in the finished work of Jesus.Through the lens of Hebrews, we are invited to rediscover the beauty of the gospel, step out of old patterns of striving, and live with full assurance of faith—a confidence rooted in who Christ is and what He has already accomplished.

Acts 3:1–10 (primary), with supporting passages (Isaiah 6; Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1; Ephesians 2:10)Pastor Casey closes out 2025 and calls the church into 2026 with a simple posture: “Let’s go.” Teaching from Acts 3, he highlights how God uses unlikely people (Peter and John) in ordinary faithfulness (walking to prayer at 3pm) to bring extraordinary transformation (a lame man walking, leaping, and praising God). The invitation for the new year is clear: don’t settle for being informed, but step into a life of obedience, discipline, and Spirit-led action.

Following last week’s message on God of the Unconventional, Pastor Casey Kendall turns to God of the Impossible—showing how the Christmas story is marked by God doing what humans cannot. Teaching through Luke 1, Casey highlights Mary’s fear, questions, and surrender, and reminds us that God’s grace meets us in our limitations. The impossible begins to happen when we release control and trust the Lord—because nothing is impossible with God.

In this Christmas message, Pastor Casey Kendall reminds us to rejoice in the Lord always—because God is the God of the unconventional. Teaching from Philippians 4:4 and Luke 2, Casey walks through the angelic announcement to the shepherds, showing how God meets people in unexpected places and invites them to come to Jesus just as they are. True joy isn’t something others hold up for us; it’s found in the person of Jesus Christ. Even when our circumstances don’t change, encountering Jesus transforms our perspective and leads us back into the world rejoicing.

In this powerful conclusion to our series on the heart, Pastor Casey Kendall brings us to 1 Samuel 30–31 and reminds us of a profound truth:What feels like the end of your story may actually be the bend of your story.Walking through some of the darkest moments in Scripture — the death of Saul, the grief of David at Ziklag, and the crushing sense that everything is lost — Pastor Casey shows us how God meets His people at their lowest point, their turning point, and even at what looks like the ending point.Through vivid examples from David’s journey, biblical history, and the ultimate hope found in the King who comes from the line of Judah, this message presses into the tension many of us feel:When the marriage feels dead and buriedWhen relationships fractureWhen work drains youWhen disappointment becomes the loudest voiceWhen grief convinces you the story is overBut Scripture insists: God is not done.What looks like a final chapter is often only the turn of a page.In this episode, we explore:This message is an invitation to breathe, to reframe your pain, and to remember:Your story isn't over. God is not finished with you.What feels like the end may simply be the bend.

What do you do when life does not go the way you planned? In this message, Pastor Casey Kendall teaches from the life of David in 1 Samuel 29–30, showing how God often leads us through unexpected detours that feel confusing, painful, or even like punishment—but are actually His protection, correction, and preparation.Using a story about ignoring the Waze app and getting stuck on the 405, Pastor Casey draws a parallel to how we often ignore God’s prompts because His way looks inconvenient or slower. Through David’s detour to Ziklag, we see that God is not just ordering our steps, He’s also ordering our stops.David faces deep loss, grief, and even the threat of being stoned by his own men—yet Scripture says, “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” From there, God leads David through a process of review, return, refuge, and recovery, culminating in David recovering all that had been taken.And ultimately, this message points us to Someone greater than David—Jesus—who stepped into our brokenness, fought our greatest enemies (sin, death, and the grave), and recovered all that we could never restore on our own.

In this message, Pastor Casey Kendall teaches from 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul finds himself terrified, desperate, and unable to hear from God. Instead of waiting on the Lord, Saul turns to a forbidden source—a medium at Endor—seeking quick answers and control.Pastor Casey unpacks the progression of Saul’s downfall:silence → settling → seeking → losing strength.When heaven felt silent, Saul settled for shortcuts, sought answers in the wrong places, and ended up sitting at the enemy’s table—physically weak, spiritually empty, and deeply afraid.This sermon challenges us to examine where we turn when we feel desperate or impatient. Are we calling on the wrong things while waiting for God’s timing? Are we settling for what’s familiar instead of what’s freeing? Pastor Casey reminds us that God’s silence is not His absence, and that waiting on God is active trust—believing His love wants what’s best, His wisdom knows what’s best, and His power accomplishes what’s best.Instead of rushing toward false comfort or quick solutions, we’re invited to return to God, trust Him in the mystery, and find real peace in His presence while we wait.

Message Summary — “It’s an Inside Job” (1 Samuel 27)In this message, Pastor Casey Kendall teaches from 1 Samuel 27, exploring David’s lowest recorded moment—a season marked by discouragement, disappointment, and despair. Instead of seeking the Lord, David “said in his heart,” allowing internal fear to guide him into compromise and the land of the Philistines.Pastor Casey unpacks how discouragement can cloud conviction, lead to unhealthy decisions, and slowly pull us away from God through subtle internal shifts. Yet the message doesn’t end in defeat. Just as David’s story didn’t stop in chapter 27, our story doesn’t end in moments of discouragement or compromise. God redeems, restores, and writes new chapters beyond our darkest days.This sermon calls us to examine the inside job—the thoughts, fears, and disappointments shaping our decisions—and invites us to return to truth, pray honestly, resist fear, and trust that God finishes what He starts.

n this message, Pastor Casey Kendall continues the Heart series through the book of 1 Samuel, focusing on chapter 25 — the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail. The sermon draws parallels between Abigail’s wisdom and how we, as believers, can respond to anger and conflict with godly discernment.The title “Dear Abby” is inspired both by the biblical Abigail and by advice columnist Abigail Van Buren, reminding us that the real answers for life come not from culture, but from God’s Word.Join us this Sunday at 10:30am | American Legion, 159 N. Cullen Ave., Glendora, California 91741

In this deeply personal and pastoral message, Pastor Casey Kendall shares a heartfelt sermon titled “Good Grief” from 1 Samuel 25:1. Through his own story of loss and healing, he explores how followers of Jesus can learn to grieve well — not as those without hope, but as people who find God even in the “then” moments of life.Join us this Sunday at 10:30am | American Legion, 159 N. Cullen Ave., Glendora, California 91741

In this powerful message, Pastor Casey Kendall teaches from 1 Samuel 24 — the story of David sparing King Saul in the cave of En Gedi. Through David’s example, Pastor Casey challenges listeners to “stop cutting corners” in every area of life. Whether in relationships, integrity, or spiritual growth, the sermon calls believers to respect God’s process rather than rush for results.From marathon runners who cheated their way to third place, to everyday shortcuts like avoiding responsibility, Pastor Casey uses vivid stories, humor, and Scripture to remind us that faithfulness beats speed — and that God honors posture, principle, and patience over performance.Join us at church this Sunday at 10:30am |American Legion, 159 N. Cullen Ave., Glendora, California 91741

Pastor Casey calls us to a long-obedience life: holiness over hurry, discipline over dopamine, and faith over instant gratification. From David’s cave to Jesus’ wilderness and Gethsemane, shortcuts promise relief but rob character. Odds stacked against you? In God’s economy, odds become opportunities. Conviction, not comments, must lead our decisions.Plan a visit / prayer request: wearebridgetown.com

SummaryWhen life gets loud, God often speaks in a whisper. Working through 1 Samuel 23, Pastor Casey contrasts Saul—who chased public opinion—with David—who inquired of the Lord. In desert places like En-gedi, God’s word becomes our “inside voice”: it quiets fear, protects life, and ultimately saves. The message culminates at “The Rock of Escaping,” pointing us to Jesus as our true refuge.Primary Text1 Samuel 23:1–29 (see also 1 Kings 19:11–13; Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16; Deuteronomy 6:6)Key TakeawaysUse your inside voice: Let God’s Word be the loudest voice in your life (Ps. 119:11; Col. 3:16).David inquired; Saul polled: Seek the Lord’s direction over people’s opinions and your own feelings.Faith in the midst of fear: God may not remove fear, but His voice quiets it and leads to victory.Scripture over screens: Attention shapes ambition—let the Bible form your inner life.Jesus is the Rock of escaping: In every wilderness, refuge is a Person, not a distraction.Discussion Questions (Groups & Families)Where are you tempted to let loud opinions outrun God’s whisper?How can you practically “inquire of the Lord” this week?What would it look like to let Scripture—not feelings—be your “inside voice”?Where do you need to stand on “the Rock of Escaping” (Jesus) right now?Visit & ConnectJoin us Sundays at 10:30 AM. Learn more at wearebridgetown.com.Share the episode and tag a friend who needs this reminder: God often speaks in a whisper.

Message: Unshakable: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?Speaker: Pastor Casey KendallPrimary Text: Matthew 16:13–18In a shaken world, Jesus remains the unshakable cornerstone. Everything turns on our answer to His question: “Who do you say that I am?” The church Jesus builds will stand—“the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”Pastor Casey responds to a heavy week of grief and national turmoil by taking us straight to Matthew 16. He calls us to a fresh revelation of Jesus, a bold confession like Peter’s—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”—and a life of courage and perseverance. Even when we fail (like Peter), Jesus restores and recommissions us. Listeners are invited to respond: salvation, restoration, and renewed calling, followed by communion.We’d love to meet you! Sunday 10:30am in Glendora. Details and directions: wearebridgetown.com.

Faithful Still: 9 Years of God’s GoodnessIn this anniversary message, Pastor Casey Kendall reflects on nine years of God’s faithfulness at Bridgetown Church. From healings and restored marriages to prodigals returning home, Casey shares how God has been at work in Glendora and beyond.Drawing from Matthew 14, he challenges us with a question: Will you be a fan of Jesus, or a faithful follower? Through storms, doubts, and seasons of testing, we are called to step out of the boat, fix our eyes on Christ, and trust that He is faithful still.Key Themes:God’s faithfulness over nine years of ministryWill you be faithful still in every season?Lessons from Matthew 14: Jesus calms storms and calls us to step out in faithThe difference between being a fan vs. a follower of ChristJoin us Sundays at 10:30 AM at Bridgetown Church.

God wastes nothing. Cave seasons become places where He prepares, provides, and transforms.David flees to the cave of Adullam and gathers the distressed, indebted, and discontented—about 400 men—whom God forms under David’s leadership. Pastor Casey shows that God meets us in dark places, uses people and truth to provide, and turns broken pieces into purpose. The refrain: not a thing is wasted.Prepare: The cave is a wrestling place where God enlarges vision and deepens dependence.Provide: God sends family and community; He “performs all things” for us (Psalm 57:2).Transform: The broken become mighty—God forms David’s men and David himself.Nothing Wasted: John 6:12—Jesus says, “Let nothing be wasted.”Scriptures1 Samuel 22:1–5; Psalm 57; John 6:12; Romans 8:28.ReflectionWhere do you sense a “cave” right now?How is God preparing or providing through people and truth?What broken pieces might God be using for others’ good?Visit: wearebridgetown.com | Gather: Sundays, 10:30 AM.