Dear Church Family, If you’ve ever been on a mountain, you know how enormous they are! They can look so tiny way off in the distance, but the closer you get, their enormous scale comes into focus. If you actually try to hike on one, each step higher makes you appreciate how great and immovable they seem. I was thinking about this as I was reading Isaiah 54 this morning and came to verse 10. In this chapter God speaks of the salvation that He will bring to Israel and of His eternal, covenant love for them. In verse 10 he compares it to a mountain and a hill: Isaiah 54:10 (ESV)
For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Mountains seem so permanent and unchanging. It’s hard to imagine a scenario that would make a mountain depart or cause a hill to be removed. We just take for granted that they’re there and that their position is, seemingly, permanent. God compares His love for His people as even more steadfast and permanent than mountains and hills. We definitely see that steadfast love in Israel’s history. They failed God time and time again. Even so, God remains faithful to His people. Even today in the church age, God has not forgotten His promise to Israel. In Romans 11:1 Paul explains, “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin.” He goes on to tell how the Gentiles have been grafted into God’s family, but God still has a plan for them. Romans 11:25-29 (ESV)
Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”; 27 “and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” 28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
God’s steadfast love for Israel reminds us of his steadfast love to us, as well, as His children. It doesn’t change no matter what. It’s not dependent upon your feelings or actions. It’s not dependent on your performance or mood. The next time you see a mountain or go hiking, remember how permanent and unchanging God’s love is for His people. Remember this promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b) What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Church Potluck: Don’t forget that we have a potluck this Sunday, April 16th after the morning worship service. We will be celebrating our one year anniversary as a church. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Communion: We will next be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together as part of our Sunday morning service this Sunday, April 16th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember Jesus’ body that was broken and His blood that was shed for us. Elder Training: Our next training will this coming Tuesday, April 18th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house in Nampa. 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. We’re starting the book of 1 Timothy. If you need a copy of the homework from last month, contact Pastor Dave. Ladies Spring Tea: Join us on April 29, from 10am-2pm for our first GLBC Ladies Spring Tea! We will be sampling different teas, indulging in tea time food, and encouraging one another to Start Fresh. Fun is also part of the plan, so be sure to sign up early! Nampa Farmers Market Outreach Possibility: We are gathering interest for who would be willing to help with a new possible outreach. The Nampa Farmer’s Market meets April-November every Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm and we could host a booth offering prayer to those that attend. We are hoping to have enough people sign up that you could serve one Saturday every other month. If you are interested in helping, you can sign up below:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/532322 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:
The Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom of God – Join us this Sunday as we return to our series through The Gospel According to Mark. Jesus’ encounter a rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-31 causes His disciples to exclaim, “Who then can be saved?” Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
