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CARING CHRISTMAS TREE
Now through December 12
Sign out an ornament from the Caring Christmas Tree in the lobby. Then, bring your gifts back, wrapped with the ornament tied securely to the package by Sunday, Dec. 12th. Presents will be picked up beginning Monday, Dec. 13th. Thank you for making a difference in someone’s life this Christmas! If you have any questions, please contact Barb Siemann at 775-530-1517. You can choose an ornament online at https://thebridgereno.com/signup

CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT
Sunday, December 12 @ 9:00a, 10:30a & 4:00p
Please join our Christmas Choir as we celebrate the Christmas season through music. The concert will be at 9:00a, 10:30a & 4:00p in the Worship Center.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES
Friday, December 24 @ 3:00p & 4:30p
You're invited to the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Services at The Bridge Church. There will be Christmas music, an inspiring message, and the lighting of hundreds of candles. Join us for family services as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. Service times 3:00p & 4:30p, both in-person & online.

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Message Notes

Joy in Chains: Joy In All Circumstances

Pastor Bill West
November 21, 2021
 
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:10–19

The Secret of Contentment

Practice Generosity
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 
Philippians 4:10–11

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
Philippians 4:14–17

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
2 Corinthians 8:1–5

Learn to Be Content
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 
Philippians 4:11–13

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6–8

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  
2 Corinthians 4:18

Trust God
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:2-4

Our Joy Comes as Our Contentment Grows
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the Message Summary:

  1. Would you consider yourself content or not? What are the things that can distract you from being content? Why is it so hard for us to be content?
  2. Read Philippians 4:10-19:  What are the things that stand out to you? Anything in there that you struggle with?
  3.  The First Key: "Practice Generosity ":  Have you ever been encouraged by someone's giving? How was Paul encouraged by the gift from the Philippian Church?
  4. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:  What stands out here about the issue of giving?  How does giving bless both the giver and the receiver?
  5. The Second Key: "Learn Contentment": Read Philippians 4:11-13:  Why do we need to “learn contentment”? How do we “learn contentment”? 
  6. Has there been a time when you've had to adjust to having more or less in your life? What have you learned about contentment and material things? What role does gratitude play in learning contentment” What are you most grateful for today
  7. Read Philippians 4:12 and 4:19:  How is our contentment and generosity tied to the truth of this verse? 
  8. What needs do you have this week that you can trust God to meet?

Bottom Line: Our Joy Comes as Our Contentment Grows