November 22, 2024

Dear Church Family,

Sometimes life just doesn’t make sense. Have you ever had situations or circumstances that went the opposite of the way you’d hoped, and you’re left scratching your head, wondering why God would allow things to go that way? It’s even worse when either you or those you love suffer, as a result. I was reminded of this as I was reading through Acts 8 this morning. Up to this point the church has experienced remarkable growth, while persecution had been minimal. At the end of chapter seven, though, Stephen, an amazing follower of Christ, becomes the first martyr recorded in Acts. Then chapter eight starts with this:

Acts 8:1-3 (ESV)
And Saul approved of his execution.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.

Not only was Stephen killed, but the church is scattered through persecution and Saul becomes a leading face of this persecution. It would be easy for those believers to wonder why God would allow this, after they had given their lives to Him. Had he abandoned them? We, of course, know the rest of the book. What could have been the snuffing out of the church becomes a great catalyst for its spread. As I read these verses, two names stuck out to me: Judea and Samaria. Jesus had spoken those two names in His last words on earth.

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This is just another example of the wise words of Joseph, “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” (Genesis 50:20 ESV). It’s important that we remember God’s good hand on our lives, working things for good, even the things that are difficult and don’t make sense. What looked like the end of the church in Acts 8 becomes God’s tool to bring about His promise in Acts 1:8. Right after the description of Saul ravaging the church in Acts 8:3, the very next verse explains, “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (Acts 8:4 ESV).
Not only does God use this scattering of the church to spread the church, but God goes on to use its greatest persecutor to become its greatest proponent. Think about your life. I’m sure there are things that are hard to understand. Remember that the same God is working in your life for good and can use all things, even the worst of things, to accomplish just that.

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

–Pastor Dave

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Men’s Breakfast: Men and boys are invited to join us at Warehouse Cafe (8600 Birch Ln #300 Nampa, Idaho 83687) on Saturday, December 7th from 8-10 am. Please bring a pastry or simple breakfast item to share. Coffee and beverages will be available for purchase at the cafe.
Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (Nov. 24th & Dec. 1st), Communion (Dec. 15th), Youth Christmas Party (Dec. 15th)

Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several to choose from. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups

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