Dear Church Family, Filters can be very helpful. Our houses have air filters that take dust and other contaminants out of the air. We have a water filter that takes the impurities out of our drinking water. There are oil filters for our cars and internet search filters for our computers. Each of these filters allow good things to come through while keeping out those that are bad and damaging. Do you have a filter for your words? In Ephesians 4 Paul paints a beautiful picture of the body of Christ building itself up in love, centered on Christ as its foundation. He then lists several things that could interrupt this unity. One of those obvious things is our speech: Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
This is a great filter for our speech. He tells us what we need to keep out and what we need to let through. Corrupting talk refers to, in a physical sense, something that is spoiled or rotten. In a moral sense, it is anything unwholesome, evil, or harmful. When you get ready to speak, as yourself, “Is what I’m about to say rotten? Is it evil or unwholesome?” If it is, don’t say it. Don’t let it pass the filter and come out of your mouth. Paul also tells us exactly what to let pass the filter of our mouths. Specifically, things that build up, fit the occasion, and give grace to those who hear. When we speak, we must ask, “Is this going to build that person up? Does it fit this occasion? Is it going to give grace to others?” This doesn’t mean we can’t say hard things. Early in the chapter, Paul gives us this instruction: Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
We need to speak the truth, but we need to speak it in love. Before you speak, remember to put your words through the filter of God’s Word. Commit to speak what is good and hold back what is corrupt. Speak the truth in love. What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Christmas Party: All youth are invited to join us for a special Christmas Party this Sunday, December 17th, from 5-7 pm, at Columbia High School (301 S Happy Valley Rd, Nampa, ID 83687). Who can you invite to celebrate with us God’s great gift of His Son? New Women’s Life Group: Tina Martin is starting a new Bible study through the Book of Acts called “Being a Witness for Christ.” It will be an eight week study meeting on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at her house in Nampa. The first meeting will be January 10th. Here is a link to sign up:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups/women-s-life-group-tina-martin Bible Challenge for the Year: Our challenge this year is to grow deeper in God’s Word. We will have a special celebration dinner for anyone who reads through the whole Bible. The point is to grow in your relationship with God, so whether you read through the whole Bible or just a portion, seek to know Him more! Life Groups: If you would like to grow in your relationship with the Lord and other believers, please consider joining a Life Group. We have groups for men, women, and youth. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups?enrollment=open_signup%2Crequest_to_join&filter=enrollment Request Prayer: It’s important for us to be praying for each other as a church! If you ever need prayer, we would love to come alongside you. You can always turn in a prayer request on Sundays using the Connection Card, but you can also submit a prayer request online at any time:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/368653 Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (Dec. 24th & 31st), Youth Group (Jan. 7th), New Women’s Life Group (Jan. 10th), Men’s Breakfast (Jan. 13th) This Coming Sunday:
The Light Has Come to Us – This Sunday, we will continue our advent series, “Jesus, the Light of the World.” In John 1 we’ll see how God brings His light to a dark and sinful world. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
