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Starting Point Class
Rescheduled for Sunday, February 19th @ 11:45a
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.
 
Student Ministries Lock-In
Friday February 24th @ 7:00p
If you are a student between 6th and 12th grades come be a part of a fun and exciting night.  We will have an all-nighter full of fun, games, and food.  Please sign up at https://thebridgereno.com/lockin2023
 
Moving to one service
Starting Sunday March 5th
We have made the decision to move to one Sunday worship service.  Starting Sunday March 5th we will be moving to one worship service at 10am.

Message Notes

Unstoppable: Hypocrisy ExposedA Unified Community

Pastor Bill West
February 12, 2023

Authentic Faith
Unified Community
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. 

Humble Generosity
And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales, and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:32–37

Hypocrisy Revealed
Deliberate Deception
With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?”
Acts 5:2–3

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.  
Acts 5:7-9

Prideful Motives
Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.  
Acts 5:4-6

 “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.” Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”
Acts 5:10–11

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 6:1–2

Their Real Sin:  Spiritual Pride

Your Secrets Are Not Secret
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 
1 Peter 4:17

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 
1 John 1:9

Lessons to Learn
  1. Take Sin Seriously, God Does.
  2. Honestly Repent
  3. Become Accountable to Someone
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Discussion Questions
  1.  Talk about some of the things that stand out to you so far in the Book of Acts.

  2. Bill talked about two threats to the Church in the book of Acts: Internal and External.  What are examples of each that exist today for the church? Which do you think has the potential for the greatest impact?

  3. Read and discuss Acts 4:32-37.  What can you learn from these verses? Is this the same as communism? What do you want to see more of in our church today?

  4. Read and discuss Acts 5:1-11. What emotions do you have as you hear these verses? What are the real issues that Ananias and Sapphira have?  Why do you think God did this?  What would you have thought if you had been there that day?  

  5. How would you define Hypocrisy?  What are some examples you have seen?  Is it the same as personal struggle with sin? How is it different?

  6. If you are willing, share personal examples of hypocrisy that you have faced or need to face now?  

  7. What is the solution for hypocrisy?  Read 1 John 1:9 and James 5:16. What can the church do to address hypocrisy today?

  8. Spend time praying for us to have Real Power-not Fake both individually and as a Church. 


Dig Deeper:  preparation for next week’s discussion, please do the following:

Monday:  Read Acts 5:12-42
  • What stands out to you in verse 12-16?
  • How did the religious leaders respond to the Apostles and the growth of the Church? How did the Apostles respond?  What did God do?
  • What do you learn from Acts 5:27-32? How does this apply to us today?
  • How did God use Gamaliel’s speech in verse 33-40?  What was the response of the apostles? How does this apply to us?
  • Acts 5:42: What’s your thoughts about how the apostle’s responded to their arrest?

Wednesday: Read Romans 8:18-39
  • What do these verse teach us about dealing with tough circumstances, even persecutions, in our lives?  
  • What are we assured of? 
  • Where in your life can you apply this today?

Thursday: Read Matthew 26:36-46
  • What did Jesus do when he was faced with suffering for His actions and words?  
  • Why did He reach out to his disciples for help?  
  • Where did he get his ultimate help? 
  • Where do you need help this week?

Friday: Reread Acts 5:12-42
  • What new thoughts, ideas, or questions do you now have?  
  • How would you describe the way the Apostles responded to their arrest?  What gave them the ability to do this? 
  • What would you say to someone who talks about Christians now being persecuted in America for their faith?
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here