Christ. Catechesis. Community.
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The Mission of Bridge Ministries
We assist the church in making disciples and equipping the people of God for the work of ministry by providing Bibles, gospel-centered books and biblical instruction to South Texas, Mexico and Latin America. We accomplish this by:
- Providing affordable Bibles and gospel-centered Christian books and study resources.
- In depth Bible studies and classes that provide opportunities to study Scripture and theology intensively for the purpose of applying that knowledge in daily life.
- Podcasts and articles that teach theology from a Reformed perspective and expose people to books that will spur them to maturity in faith.
- Conferences with knowledgeable Christian scholars and pastors.
- Partnering with like-minded pastors, scholars, church leaders and organizations for the building up of the Kingdom of God and equipping new leaders.
- Christ: Bridge Ministries exists to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ—salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone (Eph. 2:6-9). In Christ we have been made complete, He is the head of all rule and authority (Col. 2:10).
- Catechesis: We provide biblically faithful teaching according to the whole counsel of God’s Word through written resources, Bible studies, podcasts and conferences (Eph. 4:13-15). We want Christians to have direct access to trustworthy instruction in English and Spanish so that they know what is true, why it is true and then how to faithfully share it with others.
- Community: Doing theology within the fellowship of believers. We encourage people to grow together and live out their faith within Christian community—especially emphasizing the importance of local church membership (Heb. 10:24-25). Theological head knowledge is not an end in itself, our goal in learning is to apply God’s Word to all of life so that it impacts head, heart and hands.
Introduction
At Bridge Ministries, we confess our faith in the truth and authority of Scripture and affirm the doctrines that have historically united the Christian church. We hold to these truths not only as a doctrinal framework but as a guide to how we live out our Christian faith in the world.
The Triune God
We believe in the one true God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is central to our faith, as Scripture reveals the unity and distinction of the three persons. God is not a solitary, impersonal being; rather, He is relational by nature. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect unity, working together in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
We believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each fully and equally God, sharing the same divine essence, yet each person of the Trinity is distinct in their roles. The Father is the creator, the Son is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier. All three persons are coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial.
- Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
- Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
- John 16:7: “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.”
These passages affirm the oneness of God while highlighting the distinct persons within the Godhead. Our worship, prayers, and every aspect of our faith are shaped by this Triune God, who is both transcendent and personal.
These passages also testify to the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the economy of salvation. We glorify God for His triune nature, knowing that salvation is the work of all three persons of the Godhead.
The Written Word of God
We affirm that the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is sufficient for faith and life, revealing all that is necessary for salvation and the glory of God. The Bible is not a human product; rather, it is divinely inspired, written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”
- 2 Peter 1:20-21;”…knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Because of this divine inspiration, God’s Word is completely trustworthy and authoritative. Scripture alone is the final rule for all Christian belief and practice. At Bridge Ministries, we commit to teaching and upholding the Bible in its entirety, recognizing its power to transform lives and lead people to salvation in Jesus Christ.
The Canonical Scriptures
We accept the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments as the complete and authoritative canon of Scripture. These books, inspired by the Holy Spirit, form the basis for our doctrine and
practice. The church has recognized these books as the inspired Word of God, and we reject any additions or subtractions to the canon.
- Revelation 22:18-19: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.”
- Deuteronomy 4:2: “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.”
- Galatians 1:8: “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
These warnings reinforce the importance of guarding the canon and adhering only to the Scripture that God has given us. We reject any extra-biblical writings or doctrines that are not consistent with the Holy Scriptures.
The Authority and Sufficiency of Scripture
We believe that the authority of Scripture comes from its divine origin. While Scripture is written through human authors, it is ultimately the Word of God. It is without error in its original manuscripts and carries the authority of the One who inspired it. The church is not the source of Scripture’s authority, but rather, Scripture holds authority over the church. We believe that the Bible is fully sufficient to equip the believer for every good work. It is not lacking in any area necessary for salvation and godliness. No additional revelation is required, and no human authority, tradition, or teaching can add to the sufficiency of Scripture.
- Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- John 20:31: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
- 2 Peter 1:19: “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…”
As a ministry, we recognize the Bible as our guide for faith and practice. It shapes our teaching, and daily lives, serving as the final and unalterable standard for all doctrinal matters. The Scriptures contain all that is necessary for salvation and for living a life pleasing to God. At Bridge Ministries, we teach that Scripture provides everything necessary for believers to grow in their faith and to serve God in every aspect of life.
The Scriptural View of Man
We affirm that God created humanity in His image, and humanity’s purpose is to reflect God’s glory. However, due to the fall of Adam, all men and women are born with a sin nature and are in need of salvation. We believe that through Christ, the image of God in humanity can be restored.
- Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
- Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
The fall resulted in the corruption of human nature, leading to a separation from God. It is only through the work of Christ that this separation can be overcome and the image of God in us renewed.
The Person of Christ
We believe that Jesus Christ is both truly God and truly man—one person with two natures. He is the eternal Son of God, and in His incarnation, He assumed human nature without relinquishing His divine nature. Christ is the Savior of the world, and His deity is evident in His words, actions, and ultimate work of salvation.
- Colossians 2:9: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.”
- Hebrews 1:1-3: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”
As Christians, we confess that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and it is through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection that we are saved.
The Work of Christ
We affirm that Jesus Christ, through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, accomplished our redemption. He is the only mediator between God and man, and salvation is found in Him alone.
- 1 Timothy 2:5: “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
Through His work, we have forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the hope of eternal life. We trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross as the only basis for our salvation.
The Doctrine of Original Sin
We affirm that all human beings inherit a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam. This original sin is transmitted to all descendants of Adam, and as a result, all are guilty before God and in need of His saving grace.
- Psalm 51:5: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
- Jeremiah 17:9: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”
The doctrine of original sin helps us understand the depth of our need for redemption. It is only through God’s grace, offered freely through Christ, that we can be saved from our sinful condition.
Justification by Faith
We believe that we are justified before God by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. Justification is the act of God declaring sinners righteous on the basis of Christ’s righteousness, which is credited to them through faith.
- Romans 5:1: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Justification is not based on any works we have done, but solely on the merits of Christ’s life and death. We are declared righteous by faith, and this is the foundation of our salvation.
The Doctrine of the Sacraments
We affirm that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are sacraments instituted by Christ. They are outward signs of inward grace, meant to strengthen and confirm our faith in Christ.
- Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- 1 Peter 3:21: “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…”
- 1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?”
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
These sacraments are a means of grace, binding us to Christ and to one another in the community of faith. Through them, we remember the work of Christ and are strengthened in our walk with Him.
The Doctrine of the Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, composed of all true believers. The church is called to worship God, proclaim the gospel, and make disciples of all nations. The church is not a building but the community of believers, united by faith in Christ.
- Ephesians 1:22-23: “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”
The local church is a vital part of God’s plan for the world, and at Bridge Ministries, we are committed to building up and promoting membership in the local church.
The Catholic (Universal) Christian Faith
We affirm the unity of the universal church. While there are many local congregations, the church is one in faith, one in doctrine, and one in mission.
- Ephesians 4:4-6: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
This unity is grounded in our common faith in Christ and our shared calling to spread the gospel to all nations.
The Last Judgment
We affirm that Jesus Christ will return to judge the living and the dead. All people will stand before Him, and each will receive their eternal reward based on their relationship to Christ.
- Acts 10:42: “And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.”
We eagerly await Christ’s return, when He will make all things new and bring perfect justice to the world.
- Want to know how you can be involved in the mission of Bridge Ministries? Here are a few suggestions:
- Financial support
- Prayer—please see our newsletter for specific requests.
- Donating books. We especially appreciate books from these publishers: Crossway Books, P&R Publishing, Reformation Heritage Books, Banner of Truth, Ligonier Ministries and The Good Book Company. If you are in W. Michigan, let us know so we can give you a book drop-off location.