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June 7, 2024 | ||
Dear Church Family, Sometimes we need to go back to the beginning. Sometimes we need a reset. One of the first things I do, when I’m having computer trouble, is reboot them. I finished reading through the Gospel of John this week. Every time I read through it, I marvel at John 21. This chapter occurs after the resurrection and Jesus has appeared to the disciples multiple times. For some reason, Peter decides to go back to his old occupation, fishing, and some of the other disciples go with him. Maybe he had bills to pay, was processing everything he had experienced, or didn’t feel like he deserved another chance. We know that each of the disciples had failed Jesus and were in deep need of restoration. As the chapter unfolds, Jesus gives them exactly that and takes them back to the beginning. Peter had been a fisherman when Jesus first called him to follow Him (Mark 1:16-20). Peter had once experienced a miraculous catch of fish at Jesus’ insistence after a night of catching nothing (Luke 5:1-11). So, how fitting is it, after the disciples went back to their old life, that Jesus calls them again. This happens again after another night of catching nothing.
John recognizes that it is Jesus, tells Peter, and Peter jumps into the water and swims straight to shore. He finds that Jesus has prepared breakfast for them. Through this meal shared together, Jesus extends fellowship once again to the disciples. Next, He takes Peter aside and powerfully restores him. His was probably the most pronounced failure, as he had three times denied Jesus. So, three times, Jesus calls him to feed His sheep. Then, in verse 19, Jesus takes Peter all the way back to when he first called him and says, “Follow me.” Maybe you need a reset. Just like the disciples, you’ve failed the Lord and need to be restored. Just as Jesus forgave you when you first met Him, He is ready to forgive you again. Maybe you feel unworthy to follow Him. Just like Jesus called you at the beginning, He is calling you again.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Communion: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service this Sunday, June 9th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Young Adults: All young adults are invited to Idaho Pizza on N Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, after church this Sunday, June 9th. You’re also invited to the Kropfs’ house after lunch for games. Youth Summer Kick-Off: All youth are invited for a fun evening this Sunday, June 9th from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have outdoor games, swimming (please bring a modest one-piece swimsuit), indoor games, a Mario Kart tournament, dinner, and s’mores. Invite some friends! Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, June 11th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll continue our study in 1 Timothy 5. Please contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions or need a copy of the homework. Women’s John 14:6 Ministries: Ladies, please join us for our second get together, where we will again focus on certain cultural statements and what the Bible says about them. We’ll meet on Saturday, June 22nd at 10 am at Teresa Osterhoudt’s home. We’ll have a time of fellowship and learning together and refreshments will be served. Baptism: Are you interested in getting baptized? Baptism is an important step in our Christian life. It’s a special picture of death to life and symbolizes the new life we have in Jesus. We are declaring publicly the decision we have already made to follow Jesus. We’re planning a baptism for June 23rd, so please let Pastor Dave know if you’d like to be part of it or have any questions about baptism. Church Potluck: We’re having our next church potluck on Sunday, June 23rd right after the baptism. Come celebrate with us and bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. New Young Adult Life Group: Kevin & Alice Edgerton are hosting a group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6-7:30 pm. They are studying, “Discoveries of Modern Science & the Case for Intelligent Design.” The group will watch John Ankerberg’s video series on science to understand some of the discoveries of modern science that point to the existence of God. They will also discuss the absolute reliability of the Bible and how to use what they learn to share truth with others. 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: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | ||
Back to the Beginning
