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Announcements

Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Sunday May 21st @ 12p to 2p
The Bridge Church Reno
Calling all neighbors! The Bridge Church has been in this neighborhood for over 60 years and continues to bring diverse community leaders together. This year, we’re introducing a difference-making event for everyone in our neighborhood called, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Neighbors Helping Neighbors is bringing together Awaken, Boys & Girls Club, Cookies for Kindness, FARMily & Katie’s Garden, Foster the City, PILSOS, Project 150, Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission, Solace Tree, The Bridge Food Pantry & CARS Ministry & more. These organizations are a vital part of our community. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your family to connect with some of the finest non-profit organizations from the Truckee Meadows, helping people right here in our neighborhood.
 
Worship on the Grounds and Cookout
Sunday, May 28th @ 10a to 1p
The Bridge Church Reno
To honor memorial day we will come together with the Spanish Springs campus and have our worship service outdoors on the patio.  Following the service we will have a delicious barbeque lunch and potluck. Hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks will be provided.   If your last name begins with A-H please bring a salad, if your last name begins with I-Q please bring a side dish, if your last name begins with R-Z please bring a dessert.  This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family and celebrate together.  Don’t come alone.
 
Starting Point Class
Sunday, June 11th @ 11:15a
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.
 
Discovering My Ministry Class
Sunday, June 11th @ 11:15a
The Bridge Church Reno
If you have said yes to Jesus and have started a relationship with Him then you have been given at least one spiritual gift. This class focuses on discovering that gift as well as how you can use your talents, abilities, and past experiences all together to serve God.  In this class we will develop your personal ministry profile and work towards discovering how God has uniquely shaped you to further His Kingdom.  Please sign up using the connection card.

Message Notes

Be Faithful; Regardless of the Response

Pastor Bill West
May 14, 2023

Discouragement Comes to Paul
  • Experiences of His Life: Acts 13:50-52; 14:15; 14:19-22; 16:23; 17:5; 17:13-15.
  • Circumstances He Now Faced: Alone and destitute.
  • The City He Was in: “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” 1 Corinthians 2:3

Dealing with Discouragement
God’s Provision and Personal Relationships
After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.
Acts 18:1–3 

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
Acts 18:4–5

And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way and will continue to do so.
2 Corinthians 11:8–9

Remain Faithful to God’s Call
Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
Acts 18:4

But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the house of Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:6–8

Remember God’s Promises
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.
Acts 18:9–11

…God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5

Trust God’s Protection
Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them, “If you Jews were making a complaint about some misdemeanor or serious crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you. But since it involves questions about words and names and your own law—settle the matter yourselves. I will not be a judge of such things.” So he drove them off.
Acts 18:14–16

Bottom Line:Encouragement Inspires Faithfulness

Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Discussion Questions:
  1. Talk about the three things that Paul dealt with (see above) that caused him to be discouraged.  On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your discouragement level over the past month?
  2. What are some things that cause you to be discouraged? How do you deal with discouragement? What helps you when you face discouragement?
  3. Read Acts 18:1-4. How did God provide for Paul’s needs after he arrived in Corinth?  What relationships gave him support as he was there?  What are some ways God has provided for you in the past when you have face discouragement?
  4. Read Acts 18:4-8. How did Paul remain faithful despite his discouragement and struggles?  What helps you remain faithful when you are discouraged? 
  5. Read Acts 18:9-11. Why do you think God spoke to Paul? How relevant is that same message to you today when you are dealing with tough issues in your life? 
  6. Read Acts 18:12-16. How did God protect Paul in this situation?  What are some ways God has protected you in discouraging situations?
  7. Spend Time praying for each other.


Preparation for next week’s discussion, please do the following:

  1. Read Acts 13:50-52; 14:15; 14:19-22; 16:23; 17:5; 17:13-15.
    • What stands out to you about how Paul was treated in these situations?
    • How would you respond if God allowed you to be treated you in this manner? 
    • Who is someone you can encourage today?

  2. Read these verses about encouragement.  Think about what stands out to you about God in these verses?
    • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
    • Deuteronomy 31:8-9
    • Hebrews13:5
    • Psalm 9:9-10
    • Psalm 145:18-19

  3. Read these verses about encouragement.  Think about how you can encourage someone each day
    • Hebrew 10:24-25
    • Romans 15:2
    • Philippians 1:6
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here