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This Week
@ The Bridge

Announcements

Baptism Class
Sunday, October 30 @ 11:45am
The Bridge Church Reno – Conference Room
If you are interested in being baptized of just want to know what the scriptures say about baptism, we will be hosting a baptism class on October 30th.  Please sign up using the connection card on The Bridge Church App.
 
Mexico Mission Trip Interest Meeting
Sunday, October 30 @ 11:45am
The Bridge Church Reno – Learning Center
This spring we will be taking a team down to Baja California to serve with our ministry partners Mexican Medical.  The trip will be from March 18th – March24th.  If you have any interest in going please attend this meeting so we can tell you about the trip and answer your questions.
 
Welcome Center Dedication Ceremony
Sunday, November 6th - Between Services
The Bridge Church Reno - Welcome Center
We will be having a dedication ceremony for our new welcome center between services on Sunday November 6th.  Come and celebrate with us this wonderful building that God has provided for us to help in continuing to build bridges to our community.
 
Kids Kingdom Volunteers Open House
Sunday November 6th @ 11:45am
The Bridge Church - Kids Kingdom
We are holding a no-pressure question-and-answer meeting following 2nd service on Sunday, November 6th. We're looking for volunteers for inside the classrooms and check-in area. Join us in the Kids Kingdom large room for appetizers, pie, and answers to your questions about volunteering in the Kingdom!
 
CARS Clinic
Saturday, November 12 @9:00am
The Bridge Church Reno
If you are a single mother or older and in need of regular maintenance or small minor repairs on your vehicle; please sign up for our CARS clinic.  On November 12th at 9am the CARS team will be at the church helping with those things.  Please sign up at thebridgereno.com/cars
 
Blood Drive
Sunday, November 13 @ 9:00am-12:00pm
The Bridge Church Reno
Your blood donation means everything. To the emergency team working around the clock. To the loved ones anxiously waiting for news. To the patient desperate to recover.  Be a hero a donate blood.  To sign up please go to thebridgereno.com/donateblood

Message Notes

Rooted: The Enemy is Real

Pastor Bill West
October 23, 2022

Know the Enemy 
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 
Ephesians 6:10-12

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
1 John 5:19

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4

Put on The Armor 
Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 
Ephesians 6:13 

Belt of Truth
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist… 
Ephesians 6:14

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 

Breastplate of Righteousness
…with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 
Ephesians  6:14b

Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
1 John 3:7

The Gospel of Peace 
…and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  
Ephesians 6:15  

As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Romans 10:15

Shield of Faith 
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16

Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit 
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 
Ephesians 6:17

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1–2

The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8

Rely on His Strength
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 
Ephesians 6:10

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

  1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Satan? Bill said that people seem to go overboard or ignore the issue of Satan.  Which tendency have you seen the most?  What do you think is the right perspective?  

  1. Read Ephesians 6:10.  What are some of the devil’s schemes that the Bible talks about? Why do we need to know about them?

  1. What are some ways that you can arm yourself with the belt of truth? 

  1. How would you define the breastplate of righteousness and how does it help us live a “more righteous life”?

  1. What are the fiery arrows of the enemy? How does faith help is deal with them? 

  1. Read and discuss Ephesians 6:17. Talk about the helmet of salvation and the word of God.  How do those help us deal with our enemy?

  1. What role does pray play in all of this?

  1. Read and discuss James 4:7. Think about it, how did Jesus deal with the Satan’s temptation?  What does it look like to “submit to God and resist the devil?

  1. Share some area of your life where you feel like the enemy is trying to attack or discourage you.  Pray for one another in these areas.  

  1. Pray for God’s protection for our church and each other?

Pray that we would be more effective in sharing the gospel with power and hope for a lost world.
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here