Dear Church Family, I love that God is our Redeemer. This word reminds me of the kinsman redeemer of the Old Testament, who stands in the place of a relative to pay the price to “redeem” property that would be lost due to financial hardship. After we finish our series in Mark on Sunday we’ll start the Book of Ruth, in which the words “redeem” and “redeemer” are used nineteen times in the ESV. As I was finishing up the book of Jeremiah in my quiet times, I came across the word Redeemer. God has pronounced judgment, not only upon Judah, but upon many nations, including Egypt and Babylon itself. It’s a strong reminder that we all deserve God’s judgment and that none of us are righteous. Judah was clearly in need of judgment, but even the nation God uses to judge them, deserves His judgment. In chapter 50 of Jeremiah God speaks judgment upon Babylon. In the middle of the chapter, we’re reminded of God’s love for His people: Jeremiah 50:33-34 (ESV)
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: The people of Israel are oppressed, and the people of Judah with them. All who took them captive have held them fast; they refuse to let them go. 34 Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name. He will surely plead their cause, that he may give rest to the earth, but unrest to the inhabitants of Babylon.
Israel didn’t deserve redemption. They had clearly and continuously sinned against Him. Even so, they had a strong Redeemer. It was only because of His love, and faithfulness, grace and mercy that they would be delivered. Just like them, we don’t deserve a Redeemer. Israel needed a Redeemer. They physically found themselves enslaved and deported. Their land was in ruin. We are desperately in need of redemption, as well. Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
The good news is that Judah had a Redeemer and so do we. We’re reminded: Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, September 17th from 5-7 at the Bronleewes’ house as we continue our series through the Book of Joshua. We’ll have games, dinner, worship, and time in God’s Word. Elder Training: Our next elder training is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 19th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house: 173534 N Wingtip Way, Nampa, ID 83687. We’ll be studying through 1 Timothy 2. If you need a copy of the homework from last month, contact Pastor Dave. Ladies Fall Retreat: The Ladies Fall Retreat will be October 13th-15th at Camp Pinewood in McCall. The theme is “Prepared Not Scared” from 1 Peter 3:15-16. You can find out more details and register at the Welcome Table on Sunday. The cost is $134 and limited scholarships are available. Life Groups: If you would like to grow in your relationship with the Lord and other believers, please consider joining a Life Group. We have groups for men, women, and youth. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups?enrollment=open_signup%2Crequest_to_join&filter=enrollment 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 This Coming Sunday:
The End of the Gospel? – We’ll finish up The Gospel According to Mark this Sunday. As we reach the end of the Gospel, we’re reminded that we’re called to bring this “Good News” to a world that needs the hope of Jesus Christ. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
