March 10, 2023

Dear Church Family,

We tend to trust in things we can see and rely on things that seem like a sure bet. Ironically, those things can quickly evaporate right in front of our faces. Faith tells us to trust in a God that we cannot see, but One Who has proved Himself faithful time and time again in our lives. Isaiah writes to the people of Judah as they face an Assyrian invasion. He urges them to trust in the Lord, but some of them would rather trust in something they could see. The Lord has this woe against them:

Isaiah 31:1 (ESV)
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the Lord!

How ironic that they would turn to Egypt, the nation that had once enslaved them. The allure of horses that might give them a strategic advantage proved to be a real temptation. God, however, had specifically told them never to return and never to trust in that nation again.

Deuteronomy 17:16 (ESV)
Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’

Those who trusted in the horses of Egypt, which seemed like a sure bet, would be lost, but those who trusted in a God they could not see would see His deliverance. God would save Jerusalem from the Assyrian invasion in dramatic fashion.

Isaiah 37:36-38 (ESV)
And the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 37 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home and lived at Nineveh. 38 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword. And after they escaped into the land of Ararat, Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.

Where is your trust today? What difficulties are you facing? Our temptation is to trust and rely on things and people rather than God. God might even use chariots and horses in your deliverance, but your trust must be in Him alone.

Proverbs 21:31 (ESV)
The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Daylight Saving: Don’t forget that we spring forward one hour this Sunday. We’ll see you at 9:30 am for coffee and treats and 10 am for the morning worship service.

Elder Training: Our next training will be this Tuesday, March 14th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. Whether you’re interested in training towards Eldership or simply want to grow in your relationship with Christ, we would love to see you there. If you need a copy of the homework from last month, contact Pastor Dave.

Outreach Meeting:  Let’s be praying about how God would have us reach the community around us with the Gospel. The meeting is now scheduled for Tuesday, March 28th at 7 pm. Please bring any ideas God gives you to the meeting at the Bronleewes’ house.

Prayer Night: Our next prayer night will be Sunday, April 2nd at 6 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We have the privilege of bringing our needs before the Lord and praising Him for Who He is and what he has done for us. The address is: 17354 N Wingtip Way Nampa, ID 83687.

Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. We have several exciting groups for men, women, or both. You can hear about some of these groups here:  https://youtu.be/4GEoz7aeYTE?t=873
If you’re looking for a group to join, you can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups

This Coming Sunday:
Redefining Greatness – Join us on Sunday in our series through the Gospel According to Mark. We’ll be looking at Mark 9:30-37. As Jesus reminds His disciples again of His upcoming death and resurrection, He also reminds them of the greatness found in serving.

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

Gospel Life Bible Church • 208-505-8974 • daveb@gospellifebc.com • 1123 12th Ave Rd. No. 286 Nampa, Idaho 83686