Dear Church Family, I came to Isaiah 61 in my quiet times this week. As I started the chapter, I was reminded of Jesus reading these verses in the synagogue in Nazareth in Luke 4. Isaiah 61:1-2a (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
The first thing that struck me was God’s providence. It was no accident or coincidence that Jesus was handed the scroll of Isaiah so that Jesus could read these verses and proclaim them fulfilled in the listeners’ presence. There are no accidents with God. God guides our stories and nothing happens outside of His knowledge or sovereign will. God works, even the bad things in our lives, according to His good purpose and will. Jesus’ death is a perfect example of this: Acts 4:27-28 (ESV)
for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.
Remember, no matter what you face or how things are going, God is at work for good. The second reminder from these verses is that Jesus is the answer. He is good news for the poor and healing for the brokenhearted. He brings liberty to the captives and frees those who are bound. Not only is he the fulfillment of Isaiah 61, but He’s the answer for our greatest needs. He alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Whenever we’re tempted to turn to other things, let us remember the Jesus is the answer. Whenever something or someone else competes for our praise, let us remember that He alone is worthy. All of Scripture and all of history points to Him. 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (ESV)
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one who was proclaimed among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but it has always been “Yes” in him. 20 For every one of God’s promises are “Yes” in him; therefore also through him the “Amen” is spoken, to the glory we give to God.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Summer VBS: We’re planning a Vacation Bible School for this summer at Columbia High School. Save the dates, July 9-13th, and start praying for God to use this event to reach kids with the Gospel. We’ll have more information soon. 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 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:
A Plea for Mercy – Join us this Sunday as we continue our series through The Gospel According to Mark and look at Mark 10:46-52. We see in this passage what happens when Jesus’ kindness meets a beggar’s plea for mercy. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
