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This Week
@ The Bridge

Announcements

WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES
Saturday, February 19 from 9:00-11:00a.
Join us in supporting our mission partner, Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission. On Saturday, February 19th, more than 600 people from our community gather early in the morning to make the one-mile walk to Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission on Record Street. We do this to experience the same walk our homeless brothers and sisters make many times a day to receive services at the Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission and the organizations dedicated to serving the homeless and those in need. Get more information at https://subspla.sh/9jhc9s6/

BLOOD DRIVE @ THE BRIDGE
March 20 from 9:00a-12:00p
Our community is currently experiencing a critical shortage of blood. This means we have less than a two days supply of key blood types. The best thing you can do as a donor is to book your appointment early to help with plans to build a steady supply in the weeks ahead. In keeping with updated CDC guidance, masks will be required for all donors, staff, and guests, at all Vitalant blood drives and facilities regardless of vaccination status. Thank you for your understanding. COVID-19 vaccinated? Great! You are ABSOLUTELY allowed to give blood or platelets if you meet all general blood donation eligibility criteria. All donors, regardless of vaccination status, are needed for blood, platelet, and plasma donations. Reserve your donation time now at https://thebridgereno.com/donateblood and help our community rebuild our blood supply.

SMALL GROUPS
We are all truly better together! We are created by God to be connected with others. One way that we do this is through small groups. Small groups are three or more people who meet together regularly to study God’s word and share in the challenges of life. If you would like to learn more go to https://thebridgereno.com/small-groups.

FOSTER THE CITY
The Bridge has chosen to partner with Foster the City is a coalition of churches providing support and loving homes for children in foster care. Since 2015, Foster the City has grown to more than 200 churches and mobilized more than a thousand households – as Foster Parents, Support Friends, and Advocates. Watch as Pastor Grant and his wife, Lindsey introduce us to Foster the City.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION
You can support our mission using the Give Button in our App or online at https://thebridgereno.com/giving

Message Notes

This Is Us: Authentic Living

Pastor Bill West
February 6, 2022

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12–17

Remember Your Past.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
1 Timothy 1:15–16

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
Ephesians 2:11–12

Reflect His Grace.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12–14

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8

Committed to His Glory.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15–17 

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Jeremiah 29:7

Bottom Line: Live for an Audience of One.
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

  1. Have you ever been around a group/church that you felt demonstrated an authentic life?  What made you believe they were authentic and real?

  2. Have you ever been around a group/church that you felt was not authentic?  What was different about them?

  3. Read and discuss Colossians 3:12 & 1 Timothy 1:15-17: Discuss what does it mean that God chose us? How does remembering our past, before Christ, help us to live an authentic life today? Why do you think Christians sometimes have a hard time being honest about that?

  4. Read Colossians 3:12-14:  Talk through the qualities Paul lists here-which ones does the church struggle with?  Which ones are easier or more challenging to you? Why do you think Paul hits the issue of forgiveness in his writings?

  5. Read and discuss Philippians 3:15-17:  does it mean to let “Peace rule in your hearts”? Why is thankfulness and gratitude so important?  How do we grow this part of our lives?

  6. What “good works” do you think our city needs?  How do you think “good works” glorify God? On a scale of 1-10 how do you think the Bridge is doing with good works here in Reno/Sparks?

  7. Read Jeremiah 29:7:  What do you think it means to seek the peace and prosperity of the city where we live?  How do we prosper when it does?

  8. Pray for specific needs you see in our city and areas where you need to grow in living an authentic life?
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here