June 12, 2026

Dear Church Family,

When you’re reading a map, it’s important to understand its scale. Does an inch represent a mile or a foot? If you read the scale wrong, nothing on the map will make sense. This is crucial when we think of our own righteousness and our need for a Savior. If we judge ourselves based on the wrong scale, we will completely judge ourselves wrong and miss out on God’s amazing grace. In Luke 18, Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector. He taught this parable as a warning against trusting in ourselves that we are righteous.

Luke 18:9-14 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The tax collector compared himself to God. He understood God’s righteousness, which revealed to him his own unrighteousness. This realization was so acute that he stood far off and wouldn’t even look up to heaven. Because of this, he cried out to God for mercy. The Pharisee is quite the opposite. He fixed his eyes on others and compared himself to them. Because of this, he didn’t see a need for God’s grace. Instead, his prayer was filled with bragging about his own goodness.

Which man in this parable do you relate to? As believers, we know that our righteousness comes from Christ alone. All our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but God graciously forgives our sins and bestows Christ’s righteousness to us when we trust in Him for salvation. The problem is, over time, we can forget that and start fixing our eyes upon others instead of on Christ. We can start comparing ourselves to others, rather than humbling ourselves before God.

Where are your eyes fixed today? Do you find your right place based on looking to God or by comparing yourself with others. By looking to God’s perfect holiness, we rightly understand just how much we need God’s grace. Let us never forget just how amazing it is that God would forgive us all our sins and bestow upon us Christ’s righteousness. May we look around, not to feel superior to others, but in hopes of sharing with them the amazing gift we have already received.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

       –Pastor Dave
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What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Youth Summer Kick-Off: Come join us this Sunday, June 14th, from 5-7 at West Park (27 N Park Dr, Nampa, ID 83651). We’ll have hamburgers and hot dogs, and enjoy time together playing games and looking into God’s Word.

MAF “Runway to the Nations” Concert: Mission Aviation Fellowship is hosting a concert on Friday, June 19th at 6:30 pm at their hanger (107 N. Pilatus Lane, Nampa, ID 83687). It is free to the public and you can find out more information here:
https://maf.org/concert

They are also looking for volunteers to help with the concert. If you would like to volunteer, you can find out more information. here:
https://crossconnect.formstack.com/forms/maf_summer_concert_2026_volunteer_form

Communion: We will celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, June 28th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.

Upcoming Date: Next Youth Group Summer Event (July 12th)

Opportunities to Serve: If you are interested in serving in any of the ministries of the church, we would love to hear from you. There is a section on the connection card for you to fill out and turn in to the giving box. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Dave.

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

This Coming Sunday:
A Good Marriage – Join us this Sunday as we continue to our series, “Walking in Wisdom: A Study Through Proverbs.” God has a lot to say about relationships. We’ve looked at God’s wisdom for friendships and neighbors, now we will look to Him for wisdom in marriage.

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