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Announcements

Starting Point Class
Sunday, June 11th @ 11:15a
The Bridge Church Reno - Learning Center
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 - Learning Center
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.

Kids Kingdom Water Park Day
Saturday, June 17th @ 1:00p-3:00p
Lazy 5 Water Park, Sparks NV
Families and children: we will be having a water park day to kick off the summer season.  Come and have some water play fun with us at Lazy 5 park in Sparks.  Please bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.  We will have a small snack and water bottles available.

CARS Clinic
Saturday, March 24th @ 9:00a
The Bridge Church Reno
If you are a single mother or older person and in need of regular maintenance or small minor repairs on your vehicle; please sign up for our CARS clinic.  On June 24th at 9am the CARS team will be at the church helping with those things.  Please sign up at thebridgereno.com/cars

Message Notes

Faithful When Tested

Pastor Bill West
June 11, 2023

Confident in God’s Control.
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
Acts 23:11

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20

Committed to God’s Truth.
You can easily verify that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.
Acts 24:11–13

After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. I was ceremonially clean when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.
Acts 24:17–18

However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Acts 24:14–16

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

Certain of His Future. 
I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.
Acts 24:15

Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.
Acts 24:20–21

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
2 Corinthians 6:4–10

Bottom Line: Never Let Your Problems, Overshadow God’s Promises!
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Discussion Questions:
  1. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem and in trouble with the religious leaders.  Read Acts 23:12-25.  What did they want to do with Paul? How did the authorities find out about it? What was their response?
  2. Read Acts 23:11. What did God tell Paul?  If you were Paul, how would you respond to this word from God? 
  3. Read Acts 24:1-9. Talk about these events.  What were the charges brought against Paul? 
  4. Read Acts 24:11-13 and 24:17-18. How did Paul respond to the charges?  
  5. Read Romans 8:28-30 and Genesis 50: 19-20. How do these verses relate to the problem Paul was facing?  How do these verses relate to the problems you may be facing? 
  6. Read Acts 24:14-16. What did Paul admit to as he stood before Felix?  Where did Paul find help to face these hard circumstances? 
  7. Read Acts 24:15 and 20-21. How did the resurrection provide hope for Paul?  Does the resurrection provide hope for you today? 
  8. Read Acts 24:24-27. Paul remained in prison for two more years.  What are your thoughts about this?  How would you have responded? Paul shared his faith while here but we have no record that anyone came to faith while he was there.  How do you feel about this?
  9. Read 2 Corinthians 6:4-10. What stands out to you in these verses that apply to facing hard times? Is it possible to be sorrowful and yet rejoice?  Is it possible to be poor and yet make many people rich?  How can you have nothing and yet possess anything? 
  10. Spend Time praying for each other.
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here