Dear Church Family, As we come to Good Friday we remember that it is only good because of what was accomplished by Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. I encourage you to spend some time with the Lord today to reflect upon what Jesus did for you on the cross. Isaiah 52:13-53:12 contains incredible prophecy about how Jesus would suffer for our sins. He prophesies over 700 years before Jesus death in amazing detail. I encourage you to read this passage today and spend time in prayer thanking God and reflecting your thoughts back to Him. Here are a few things that stood out to me as I read through the passage. Isaiah 52:15 (ESV)
so shall he sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths because of him, for that which has not been told them they see, and that which they have not heard they understand.
It’s good news for us as Gentiles that Jesus would sprinkle many nations. When Jesus died on the cross He opened the door for everyone, not just the Jews, to be saved! The idea of sprinkling is associated with the priest sprinkling blood upon objects to cleanse them. Jesus’ own blood would cleanse many nations, grafting us into the family of God. Isaiah 53:6 (ESV)
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Every single one of us needed Jesus to die because every single one of us has gone astray and turned to our own way. Even though we turned away, Jesus turned towards the cross. Even though we rejected Him, He still paid the price for our sins. We are each one of those sheep that went astray. Jesus died for me. Jesus died for you. Isaiah 53:10 (ESV)
Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.
It was God’s will that caused Jesus to die. It wasn’t the will of the people or the scheme of Satan that brought Jesus to the cross, but God’s own will. It was the Father that “crushed him” and “put him to grief.” Jesus was willing to take our place and took God’s full wrath, undiluted, as God crushed Him on the cross. Even in such a difficult verse, we see the hope of the resurrection. Even though Jesus would die (see v. 12), He would also “see his offspring.” Which verses mean the most to you? Why? What amazing prophesies do you see fulfilled in Jesus? Take time to thank God for His incredible love for you. It is on Good Friday that we see the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us. Romans 5:6-8 (ESV)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life: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/532322Church Potluck: Our next potluck will be 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 on 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 be 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. 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 Resurrection Changes Everything – Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection. Because He was raised from the dead, our past, present, and future are changed forever. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
