Dear Progressive Family,
We have an exciting week ahead at Progressive, and we want to keep you informed about everything happening. Please take a moment to read through these updates and join us in worship, study, and community engagement.
Upcoming Events
Women’s Bible Study (Virtual) – Tonight at 6:00 PM (Zoom). Join us for a time of study and fellowship as we explore Luke 10. Zoom Link: (Link)
Midweek Message – Wednesday at 12:00 PM
• Tune in to our YouTube Channel for our Midweek Message at noon.
• Be sure to subscribe so you never miss new content! YouTube Channel Link: (Youtube)
Third Wednesday in Lent – Pastor Lanier Preaching at Tabernacle. Come out and support as Pastor brings the word and fellowship with 6 others churches during this special Lenten service at 7:00 pm
Sunday Recap: “Live Fully & Die Ready”
This past Sunday, we explored what it means to live life to the fullest and to be spiritually prepared when our time comes. The sermon reflected on embracing purpose, serving others, and walking in faith with readiness and boldness. See the sermon summary below.
Thank You for Community Resource Sunday!
A huge thank you to the 20 members who stayed after service and participated in our first Community Resource Sunday! Your presence and input made a difference. We will be sending out a survey soon to gather feedback on what additional resources you’d like to see at Progressive.
Friends & Family Sunday – March 23
• Invite your loved ones to worship with us this Sunday!
• Wear your Progressive Baptist Church T-shirt to show unity and pride.
• Special Prize: The member who brings the most friends and family will receive a gift from Pastor!
Sermon Summary
Living Fully, Dying Ready
Matthew 16:13-21
Summary: The Reality of Death & The Call to Purpose
• We often avoid talking about death, yet it is one of the most certain parts of life.
• In this season of Lent, we reflect on the journey of Jesus—who walked toward His death with purpose.
• These three lives—Junior Bridgeman, LaVonya Profit, and Young Man with Alcohol Problem—offer us lessons about how we live, how we wrestle, and how we prepare for the inevitable.
Other Key Scripture References
• James 4:13-15 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
• Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 – “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.”
• Luke 9:51 – “As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”
• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”
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Introduction: The Fragility & Purpose of Life
• This season of Lent calls us to reflection.
• We are walking with Jesus toward Jerusalem, where He will meet His destiny.
• We are also walking in a world where death is ever-present.
• Three recent deaths—three very different lives—have made me think deeply.
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Three Stories, Three Lessons
1. Junior Bridgeman – Living to the Fullest
• He was an athlete, but his success extended far beyond the court.
• He walked in his gifts and left a legacy of business, community engagement, and excellence.
• He had just crossed the threshold of becoming a billionaire, but even that could not delay God’s timing.
• Lesson: Success is not about reaching a financial or professional milestone but about fully using the gifts God gives us.
• Scripture: John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.”
Reflection: Are we walking in our purpose? Are we using our gifts to their fullest, knowing that time is not promised?
Reflection Question: What is the true measure of our success? If God called us home today, what would remain?
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2. LaVonya Profit– The Weight of Suffering & Finding Peace
• She pressed on through immense suffering—one amputation, then another, then declining health.
• Eventually, she grew tired and made peace with death.
• This is a hard truth to sit with—what do we say when someone fights, and yet the struggle becomes too much?
• Lesson: We must acknowledge suffering and support one another, knowing that sometimes peace comes in surrender.
• Scripture: Isaiah 40:29-31 – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak… but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
Reflection: How do we care for those who are suffering? How do we hold space for those who are weary?
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3. Young Man with Alcoholism – Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
• He publicly acknowledged his struggle with addiction just days before he passed.
• His words were filled with lament, regret, and realization—a recognition of lost time.
• He was making a commitment to change, but death came first.
• Lesson: If there is something God is calling us to change, we must do it now. We cannot wait until the last moment.
• Scripture: James 4:13-14 – “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
Reflection: What have we been putting off? What warning signs are we ignoring? Where do we need to act today?
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Connecting to Jesus on the Road to Jerusalem
• Jesus was clear about His purpose. He did not delay, He did not hesitate—He walked toward His destiny.
• He calls us to live with urgency, intention, and faith.
• These three stories show us the importance of how we spend our time, steward our suffering, and respond to God’s call before it’s too late.
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Closing Appeal: What Will You Do With the Time You Have?
• Will you spend your life only chasing achievements, or will you seek deeper purpose?
• Will you endure suffering alone, or will you allow God and community to walk with you?
• Will you wait too long to make the change you know you need to make?
Jesus walked toward His purpose. Will we?
Progressive Baptist Church - Milwaukee 