MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:

1. Have you ever prayed about a specific request (college, career, relationship, etc.) and God opened that door for you? Describe the experience.
2. Have you ever prayed about a specific request (college, career, relationship, etc.) and God did not open that door for you? Describe the experience.
3. Why are God’s plans better than our plans?
4. Read Acts 16:1-2. Find an ancient map and locate where Paul and Silas are now. What do we learn about Timothy in this passage?
5. Describe what you might have thought if you were in Timothy’s shoes when Paul shows up on his doorstep. What doubts might he have had?
6. Read Acts 16:3. Why was Timothy being circumcised a strategic move from Paul? Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-20 to help inform your answer.
7. How is this strategic move different from what we discussed last week regarding the discussion about circumcision not being needed for salvation?
8. Read Acts 16:4-5. What did they do on their travels? What was the result of their travels?
9. Read Acts 16:6-8. Find an ancient map and locate where they are now. What might have been a part of their discussions upon understanding that they were “forbidden” and “not allowed.” Who forbid them? Does the passage say why they were not allowed?
10. How does this passage indicate that the gospel is supposed to be shared everywhere, but in God’s specific timing. How do we know that God wants the gospel shared everywhere?
11. What are the possible responses a person might have when being forbidden to do something? Describe the outcomes to those responses.
12. Why is disobedience initially appealing at times? What is the ultimate result of disobedience?
13. Why does God close some doors and open others for us? What does He want to produce in us? What kind of relationship does He want to have with us? Why is that challenging for us at times?
14. Read Acts 16:9-10. Locate Macedonia on an ancient map. Where is it in relation to where they had been and where they thought they needed to go?
15. What was Paul’s response to the dream? How quickly did he respond?
16. Read Acts 16:11-12. Why is there a shift in the point of view now? Who is believed to have joined them?
17. Find an ancient map and locate where they are now. What observations can you make from all their travels?
18. Read Acts 16:13-15. Describe the order of events that take place in this passage.
19. What was the result in of Lydia and her family receiving Jesus as their Savior? What was this event the beginning of?
20. Discuss what happens in and through the Church in Phillippi after these events took place.

Live It Out:

Trust in God’s character more than your circumstances. God is the God of open doors, but He is also the God of closed ones. In your divine detours, trust His character more than your circumstances. Don’t disengage from your relationship with God and with others in biblical community. Following God’s plan will lead you to God’s best path. But you will never get there if you tap out. God’s plans are better than our plans.

Look up characteristics, or attributes, of God. Write them down. Find scriptures that confirm these characteristics. Then, spend intentional and honest time with God daily throughout the week. Thank Him for His steadfastness, including his unwavering attributes. Whether you are in a season where He is opening doors or closing them, engage with Him. Share it all with Him – your gratitude, your frustration, your joy, and your doubts and fears. Lean into His loving embrace, and trust Him, regardless of your circumstances, knowing that He not only knows what is best, but He wants you to experience it.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Acts 16:1-3
Tuesday: 1 Corinthians 9:19-20
Wednesday: Acts 16:4-8
Thursday: Acts 16:9-12
Friday: Acts 16:13-15
Saturday: Philippians 4:15-20