February 28, 2025

Dear Church Family,

How often do you think of heaven? Do you long for the perfection, beauty, rest, wonder, joy, peace, and the glory of being forever with the Lord? While it’s true that it’s possible to be too heavenly minded to be any earthly good, our problem isn’t usually thinking too much of heaven, but too little. We often don’t long for it the way we should because we struggle to believe that it’s really that much better than what we have here and now. I love the reminder in Romans 8 of the future glory that awaits us.

Romans 8:18-19 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.

Paul knew about suffering and hardship, to a level most of us will never experience. Even so, he states that it isn’t even worth trying to compare the glory to come with the present suffering. In fact, in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, he reminds us, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”

One way to keep that future in focus is in how you view the world around you. We all know that everything is not right in the world. We see the painful spread of sin and death in the world around us. It’s like creation itself is screaming for redemption. Paul reminds us that those outward screams are actually the pains of childbirth. There is something better coming!

Romans 8:20-25 (ESV)
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

So, when you hear the pains of childbirth, remember the future weight of glory! Don’t set your hopes on what is seen, but what is unseen. Wait for it with patience, and invest your time, energy, and resources in what will matter in eternity.

–Pastor Dave

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

No Youth Group: We’re going to take a break this Sunday, but will be back on Sunday March 9th, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house.

Communion:We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, March 9th. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins.Outreach Prayer & Planning Meeting:

Please pray for God to give us open doors of outreach into our community. We’ll come together on March 23rd at 6 pm at the Bronleewes’ house to seek God, as we plan and pray. Upcoming Dates:

Men’s Breakfast (March 22nd)

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-groupsRequest 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:
A Mission for the Family – This Sunday we’ll continue our series through the book of 1 Timothy, titled “Foundations for the Household of God.” We’ll study 1 Timothy 3:14-16 and look at our mission as the family of God.