Dear Church Family, Samson is one of the most famous of the judges and one of the most disappointing in character. God’s plan was to use Samson to deliver the people from the Philistines. Judges 14 records the first time Samson attacks the Philistines. It starts though, through some very strange circumstances. The chapter begins with Samson asking her parents to get him a Philistine wife. Since this was expressly forbidden by the Law, his parents did what any good parents would do: Judges 14:3 (ESV)
But his father and mother said to him, “Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you must go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
We see his parents’ initial refusal along with Samson’s unwise and ungodly insistence, using his heart, not God’s, as his guide. It seems like a recipe for complete disaster. That makes what comes next even more surprising: Judges 14:4 (ESV)
His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel.
So, was it God’s will for Samson to enter a sinful relationship? Was God contradicting His own Law? Not at all. The passage goes on to describe several foolish and sinful actions as Samson pursues the Philistine woman. In the end, God graciously saves him from the marriage, but also does something amazing in the process. God actually uses Samson’s evil actions and intentions to bring about His good, intended purpose: defeating the Philistines. Because of his reckless vow, Samson goes out and kills 30 Philistine men to fulfill it. This tells us something remarkable about God: He is able to use anything and anyone for His purposes. God promises to do in our lives just as He did through Samson. We can have the same confidence as Joseph in Genesis 50, long after his brothers had sold him into slavery: Genesis 50:20 (ESV)
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Group: Join us for youth group this Sunday, October 8th from 5-7 pm. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our Bible study through the Book of Joshua. 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 or click the link below. The cost is $134 and limited scholarships are available.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1942275 Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, October 22nd. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Elder Training: The next elder training will be October 24th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll pick up at 1 Timothy 2:9-15. New Men’s Life Group: We’re starting a new men’s life group that will meet on Wednesday mornings. We’ll enjoy breakfast together and go back more in depth over the previous sermon, including the “for further study” section in the bulletin. Our first meeting will be October 25th at 7:30 am at Bob’s Restaurant and Lounge. 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:
Finding God in Emptiness – We’re continuing our new series through the Book of Ruth called, “Finding God in Tough Times.” This Sunday we’ll be in Ruth 1:19-22 and see what happens when Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
