Dear Church Family, Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of the first century church? It’s tempting to think that every was perfect, but as I started reading through Paul’s first letter to Corinth, I was reminded that the first century church had many struggles just as we do today. As long as there are sinful people making up the body of Christ there will be problems. One of the big problems Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 3 is the divisions in the church, with different people following (and elevating) different leaders. Paul writes, “For when one says, ‘I follow Paul,’ and another, ‘I follow Apollos,’ are you not being merely human?” (1 Corinthians 3:4 ESV) Paul next gives some great reminders for all of us as we serve the Lord: 1 Corinthians 3:5-8 (ESV)
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
Paul reminds us to be completely dependent upon God as we serve Him. He uses the picture of a plant growing to show how God works in human lives. Both Paul and Apollos had different parts to play, but it clear that, without God, there would be no growth. We must be completely dependent upon Him for fruit in our ministries. This must keep us in humble reliance upon His power to change lives. We don’t make it happen and we surely don’t get the praise for what God alone does! Paul also reminds us to be faithful to our calling. If God has called you to plant, be faithful to Him in your planting. If God has called you to water, be faithful in your watering. Remember, we’re all working together. God rewards us for our work (faithfulness), not the results of our work. God has good works in store for you (Ephesians 2:10). Remember to depend upon God as you serve Him. Remember to faithfully serve alongside others, giving all the credit and all the glory to God alone! 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. Elder Training: The next elder training is scheduled for May 23rd 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. Communion: We will next be celebrating the Lord’s Supper together as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, May 28th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember Jesus’ body that was broken and His blood that was shed for us. Church Potluck: Join us for our next potluck lunch after the morning worship service on June 4th. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Prayer Night: Our next prayer night will be June 11th 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. 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/368653Life 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 | 
