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Caring Christmas Tree
From now until December 18th
The Bridge Church Reno
Help us provide for those in need in our community this Christmas.  Take an ornament off the tree in the welcome center or sign up for one online at TheBridgeReno.com/CaringChristmas . Please return the gift by December 18th.
 
Mexico Mission Trip Commitment Meeting
Sunday December 4th
The Bridge Church Reno
If you are planning to come on our spring mission trip to Mexico you much attend this meeting.  At the meeting will get the official count of how many are committed to raising the funds and going on the trip.  You will need to bring your completed paperwork and a $50 (cash or check) non-refundable retainer.  If you need more information before the meeting please email phil@thebridgereno.com
 
Starting Point Class
Sunday December 11th
The Bridge Church Reno
If you are new to The Bridge Church this is a great place to learn all about our mission and vision and why we believe God has placed us here in this neighborhood.  You will learn all about how we are reaching our community and world, you will also have the opportunity to become a member. Please use the connection card on the website or app to sign up and let us know you will be joining us.
 
Christmas Choir Performance
Sunday December 11th
The Bridge Church Reno
Our choir has been hard at work practicing for a special Christmas performance.  Come hear their beautiful voices sing and tell the story of the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  This will be a great Sunday to invite friends, neighbors, and co-workers to this special presentation.  This will be happening at both services so don’t come alone.

Message Notes

Rooted: The Church Matters

Pastor Phil Burdoin
November 27, 2022

As followers of Christ it's easy to feel like we don't belong. And to some degree, it is true. We do not belong to this world. But we do belong to something. Something that deeply matters. You are not an outsider, you are not a foreigner, you are not a stranger. You belong.

You belong to God’s church.  Jesus called it His ekklesia.  Which means called out from.  Jesus has called us out of the world to be a part of something different.  Not a building or an institution or a club, but a group of people who come together with a purpose. And you are a part of that group. you belong to it, you are part of it, and it functions better because of you. You belong to something that matters.

Paul is writing this letter to the early church in Ephesus and the entire theme of this letter is about a mystery. Not a mystery that cannot be explained but rather a wonderful truth never revealed before but now is being made known. This great mystery is the fact that believing Jews and believing gentiles are now one in Jesus Christ.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. 
Ephesians 2:19

You belong.
This verse tells us that we belong. We are not strangers, foreigners, or outsiders.  We are members of God’s household.  And this is not an exclusive club that we are trying to protect of keep people out of.

“Master,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we tried to stop him, because he is not one of us.” “Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “for whoever is not against you is for you.” 
Luke 9: 49-50  

You belong to something that matters.
Lots of people have lost all respect for the church, especially here in America and they have good reasons. We've seen how the church can be a source of pain and suffering to those who are in need the most. But the real issue is not with the church, the issue is with those in leadership who have abused their power for selfish gain and brought shame to the name of Christ.

Jesus intended the church to be something much different than that. Remember Jesus called people out of the world to belong to something, and belong to something that mattered.

When we function all together as a whole we can to amazing things to show the world the love of Jesus.  Think about how much good the church has done in the world.  Stop and consider for a minute all the institutions, collages, orphanages, shelters, soup kitchens, libraries, clinics, museums and hospitals that have been built all around the world because of the church.  

You belong to something that is permanent.
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 
Matthew 16: 13-19

This is the first time Jesus says ekklesia.  I will build “MY” church, my ekklesia.  I will call you out of the world for myself and hell itself won’t stop me and won’t stop it.

If you belong to Jesus, then you belong to His Church.
How do we live as “His Church” in order to fulfill the mission of making disciples of all nations?  Listen to these amazing instructions from Paul on how we should be functioning as a church

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.  
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Rooted: The Church Matters  Discussion Questions
  1. Have you every known someone who just didn’t seem to fit in?  Or have you ever felt like you were the one who didn’t fit it?  Share that story.

  2. What do you think of when you hear the word “church?” What do you think non-Christians think of when they hear the word “church?"

3. Read Ephesians 2:19. What does it mean to be a citizen.  Describe what it looks like to be a “member of God’s household.”

4. What other scripture can you find that supports the fact that Jesus’ church is NOT exclusive to one people group?

5. In what ways has the church had a positive global impact since the first century?

6. Do you know of anyone who is distrustful towards the church because of past failures or a persona experience?  Share their story.

7. Read and discuss 1 Corinthians 12:12-20. What is Paul describing here?  Why is it so important that ALL of the  members of the church work together according to these verses.

8. In what ways are you connected to the church using your gifts so that we are all working together? How do we encourage others that are not connected and using their gifts?

9. Read and discuss Ephesians 5:25-27.  How is Paul describing the church here. What analogy is he using?

10. What would you tell someone who says “I am a Christian but do not feel the need to be a part of a church.”
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here