Dear Church Family,

Where would you be today without the Lord? Without God and His mercy, each of our lives would be much different and our eternal destinies would be doomed. I’m still reading through the Psalms in my quiet times and read Psalm 124 today. This Psalm is a powerful reminder of the difference God has made in our lives. David looks back on Israel’s history and declares:

 If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—

let Israel now say—

2    if it had not been the Lord who was on our side

when people rose up against us,

3    then they would have swallowed us up alive,

when their anger was kindled against us;

4    then the flood would have swept us away,

the torrent would have gone over us;

5    then over us would have gone

the raging waters.

David acknowledges that it was only because God was on their side that they were victorious. They would have been hopeless and helpless on their own. It’s important for each of us to take that same look at our lives. Where would we be without God’s grace? What blessings has He poured out on us that we don’t deserve? What evils has He withheld from us, many that we rightly deserved? Each of our lives is a testimony to God’s gracious hand. David concludes at the end of the Psalm, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 124:8 ESV). Let us use our lives as bright shining lights of God’s mercy to point others to Him.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

New Sermon Series: Starting this Sunday, April 7th, we’ll start a new series through 1-2 Thessalonians, titled, Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow. In a world of difficulty, uncertainty, and fear of the future, Paul challenges us to live godly lives today with the hope and assurance of what lies ahead.

Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, April 7th, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our Bible study through the Book of Joshua.

Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, April 14th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.

Women’s Ministry: Introducing John 14:6 Ministries. Ladies, please join us on Saturday, April 20th from 10:00 – Noon for a time of fellowship, refreshment, and time in the Word of God as we discuss certain cultural statements from a Biblical perspective. Jane Jandayan will be hosting this first meeting, and more information is available at the Welcome Table.

Church Potluck: Join us after the morning worship service for a potluck meal on Sunday, April 21st. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group.

Men’s Meating: We’re excited for our first ever Men’s Meating. Yes Meating, where we all get together and share some of our secret BBQ or smoked meats with each other, and we learn more about the gospel. We’ll be meeting at the Gerdes’ house on April 27th from 5-7 pm. Drinks, sides, and dessert will be provided. You just need to bring yourself, a friend, and if you would like, a BBQ or smoked meat for all to share. There will be a signup on Sunday at the Welcome Table which will help us to plan the event.

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

This Coming Sunday:
The Birth of a Church – This Sunday we’re starting our new series through 1-2 Thessalonians, titled Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow. We’ll see exactly how God brought the Gospel to the Thessalonians in Acts 16-17 to birth this new body of believers.