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This Week
@ The Bridge

Announcements

Baptisms this Sunday
Sunday, April 7th @ 10:00a
The Bridge Church Reno
This Sunday we will have several people baptized.  Come and celebrate their new life in Christ with us.

Prayer Meeting
Thursday, April 11th @ 5:00p
The Bridge Church Reno
The needs of our church, our families, our community, and our world are many right now.  Let us turn to our merciful God and cry out to Him for help.  Please come and spend some time in prayer with us on Thursday April 11th at 5:00pm
 
Woman’s Bible Study
April 15th at 5:00pm
Our “First Place for Health” woman’s bible study group will be starting a new book study on April 15th. They will be going through the book “Praying Personalities” written by our own Janet McHenry. This wonderful book helps you discover your natural prayer style.  The group meets Monday evenings at 5pm virtually online via Zoom.  Please contact Maggie Folkers at mafolkers@gmail.com if you are interested in joining.
 
Retirement Party for Bill and Kim
Saturday, April 20th @ 1:00-4:00p
The Bridge Church
We will be having a retirement party for Pastor Bill and Kim.  We would love to make this a special event by having all of us participate.  Please join us on Saturday April 20th at 1pm so that we can celebrate 16 amazing years of a great leadership from Pastor Bill West.  If you would like to participate in giving a financial gift you can go to https://thebridgereno.com/give and under “giving type” choose “Bill West Retirement Gift.”

Kids Kingdom News
What an exciting weekend we had.  Good Friday, we had a great time learning, making a craft, and fellowshipping with each other.  Then on Easter Sunday to see everyone with their families for a glorious service.  We are now getting ready for our Mad Hatter's Tea Party, which will be on April 28th, from 10-2.  We will have brunch cooked for us by Cowboy Tom, crafts and games.  We want everyone to be able to come, so be sure to mark your calendar for it.  We are still in need of volunteers for this event.  If you are interested see me in Kids Kingdom or email me at kidskingdom@thebridgereno.com .  Parents can eat with us, I just need to know who is coming to be sure enough food is prepared.  This is an annual event, and every year I try to make it a special occasion, so let's make this the best one yet. Hope to see all of our smiling faces on Sunday.

Message Notes

Stay on Mission

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20

Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16–17

The Mission is Clear: Make Disciples (Jesus Followers)
The Authority.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Matthew 28:18

Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

The Priority.
Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 
Matthew 28:19–20a

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Romans 1:16–17

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 
1 Peter 3:15

The Promise.
…surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age. 
Matthew 28:20b
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the latest Message Summary:

Discussion Questions
  1. If someone were to ask you, why are you alive?  What would you say?

  2. Read Matthew 28:18. What does Jesus make clear in this statement? When you think of the authority of Jesus, what comes to your mind?
    Read Acts 1:8 and John 20:21. How do these verses relate to Matthew 28:18?

  3. Read Matthew 28:19-20. Why do we call this the Great Commission? When you think of the Great Commission, what images come to your mind? What is your role in fulfilling the Great Commission?

  4. Read Romans 1:16-17. In what ways are we often ashamed of the gospel in our world today? Do you think it has become easier or more difficult to talk about Jesus? Explain your answer.
     
  5. The Mission of the Bridge Church:  We exist for people to come to Jesus and grow in His Grace.   Do you think this fits with the mission Jesus gave to the church?
     
  6. What are some ways that the church and us as individuals can get sidetracked when it comes to the mission of the church?
     
  7. Whom are you praying for and reaching out to in your Oikos?  What can you do this week to make certain you are focusing on the mission God has given us?
Previous Messages Can Be Found Here