August 8, 2025

Dear Church Family,

Are you more of a follower or a leader? Do you remember the saying, “If everyone jumped off a bridge, would you too?” I would like to say, “no,” but I realize that there are areas for each of us where we’re more tempted to follow the crowd. In Jeremiah 10, the Lord warns His people about following the ways of the people around them.

Jeremiah 10:1-2 (ESV)
Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says the Lord:
“Learn not the way of the nations,
nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens
because the nations are dismayed at them,

He goes on to describe the foolishness of worshipping idols.

Jeremiah 10:3-6 (ESV)
for the customs of the peoples are vanity.
A tree from the forest is cut down
and worked with an axe by the hands of a craftsman.
4 They decorate it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so that it cannot move.
5 Their idols are like scarecrows in a cucumber field,
and they cannot speak;
they have to be carried,
for they cannot walk.
Do not be afraid of them,
for they cannot do evil,
neither is it in them to do good.”

God rightly points out how laughable it is to imagine that something you cut down, trimmed, and decorated, could really do anything for you. Yet all the nations around Israel did this, and repeatedly the people of Israel followed the crowd.
What cues have you taken from the culture around you? What idols of the culture have you made into your own idols? It would be naïve to think that we are completely immune to the pull of the world. The world worships idols of power, money, fame, pleasure, etc. Idols are created things that we worship and expect to provide for us what only God can. Would you take a minute today to pray and ask God to identify any idols that you have picked up from the world around you? I love the wisdom of the final verse of 1 John, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Worship at the Park: Everyone is invited to join us outside at Orah Brandt Park (7999 Cherry Ln, Nampa, ID 83687) for a worship night this Sunday, August 10th at 6 pm. This will be a special time of worship in song and we will also have food and drinks to share with the community. Please consider inviting a friend. If you would like to help, please talk to Brooke Kropf. We are looking for help with food/drinks, setup/takedown, and prayer.

Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, August 12th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’re starting the book of 2 Timothy, so please read through it before our meeting. Please contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions or need a copy of the homework.

Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, August 17th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.

Youth Group: We’re excited to be starting back on August 17th at 5 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Date: Church Potluck (September 7th)

Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several to choose from. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups

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

Previous Worship Services:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c