Dear Church Family, As we come up to New Year’s Day, I’ve been thinking about my challenge to the church for 2023: That each of us would dig deeper into God’s Word. My hope wasn’t just that we would know more about the Bible, but that we would grow in our relationship with the Lord. Spending more time in God’s Word can be one of the greatest tools in us growing closer to God. The sad reality, though, is that simply reading the Bible doesn’t guarantee us a deeper walk with the Lord. In fact, even during Jesus’ time on earth, some of those with the most knowledge of Scripture were the furthest away from God. Though there are several reasons why this happens, Jesus actually talks about one of the most common reasons in the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
What is the one key difference between these two people? Notice that they both hear God’s Word. It isn’t that one has the truth and the other doesn’t. The one key is that the wise man “does them,” while the foolish man “does not do them.” It all comes down to applying God’s truth to our lives. It’s so easy to read the Bible and then put it down unchanged. The simplest, yet hardest thing to do is stop, and ask God, “How do You want me to change based on what I just read?” When we hear (or read) and do not apply them, we’re just like that foolish man who built his house on the sand. Each and every time we read the Bible, there is something for us to apply and some way we need to be changed. I’m reminded of James’ words: James 1:22-25 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
This year, continue to dig deeper into God’s Word. Just make sure to stop and look in the mirror. What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Bible Challenge for the Year: We will have a special celebration dinner for anyone who reads through the whole Bible. If you anticipate completing this challenge, please contact Pastor Dave by the 31st so we can plan a date for the dinner. Bible Reading Plan: If you’re interested in reading through the Bible in 2024, there are many different reading plans available. I will have copies of a simple reading plan for you at the Welcome Table on Sunday. Here is a link to a very customizable option:
https://biblereadingplangenerator.com/ New Women’s Life Group: Tina Martin is starting a new Bible study through the Book of Acts called “Being a Witness for Christ.” It will be an eight week study meeting on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 at her house (1225 Willow Creek Dr. Nampa, ID 83686). The first meeting will be January 10th. Here is a link to sign up:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups/women-s-life-group-tina-martin Men’s Breakfast: Men and boys of all ages are invited to our next Men’s Breakfast on Saturday,January 13th from 8-10 am at The Greens Clubhouse (6745 E. Greens Dr. Nampa, ID 83687). Our theme will be “How Has the Spirit Gifted Me?” You can sign up at the Welcome Table on Sunday to both attend and bring something to share. 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 Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (Dec. 31st), Youth Group Starts Back (Jan. 7th), New Women’s Life Group (Jan. 10th), Men’s Breakfast (Jan. 13th), Communion (Jan. 14th), Elder Training (Jan. 23rd) This Coming Sunday:
Sharing the Light – This Sunday, we will complete our advent series, “Jesus, the Light of the World,” as we look at various passages and see the importance of, not only receiving the light, but sharing it with those still in darkness. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
