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April 4, 2025 | ||
Dear Church Family, I don’t know about you, but I’m excited to start gardening soon. I’m starting to think about what to plant in the garden, looking forward to the harvest that will come from it. Some of my favorite two things to grow are tomatoes and cucumbers. Wouldn’t it be strange to plant a bunch of cucumber seeds, only to have a bunch of okra grow up in their place? It only makes sense to expect the harvest to match what was planted. Today I was reading the end of James 3, and James gives us this parallel.
When we sow in peace and choose to make peace, we should expect a harvest of righteousness. The harvest of good righteousness matches the good peace that was sown. It really comes down to what we choose to sow. This encouraging verse is actually surrounded by very negative verses. Right before this verse, James contrasts worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Look what worldly wisdom looks like and produces.
Just like the verses that proceed, the verses that follow verse 18 also talk about bad sowing and bad fruit.
When we sow bad seeds, we should expect to reap bad fruit. What have you been sowing at home, at work, with your friends, and in other areas of your life? Have you been sowing peace or have you been sowing jealousy and selfishness? Have you been the peacemaker or the troublemaker? Sadly, most choose to live out James 3:14-16 and 4:1-3, rather than 3:18. In the middle of this, though, we who choose to sow in peace have an amazing opportunity to see God bring about good and righteous fruit. Today, choose to be a peacemaker.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life: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 personally made to follow Jesus. We are planning an upcoming baptism, so please let Pastor Dave know if you’d like to be part of it or if you have any questions about baptism. Giving Update: Thank you for your continued faithful financial support of the church. To keep everyone better informed, we plan on giving quarterly updates. Here are the numbers for the first three months of this year: Q1-2025 (Jan – Mar): Budgeted Giving: $32,041 Actual Giving: $35,811.64 Good Friday: As we remember Jesus’ amazing sacrifice for us, everyone is invited to the Bronleewes’ house to watch “The Passion of the Christ.” This is a very moving portrayal of crucifixion and the hours leading up to it. Note that it is rated R, so parents are encouraged to consider the content and determine if it is suitable for your younger ones. Easter Sunday: Join us Sunday, April 20th, as we celebrate the hope we have because Jesus was really raised from the dead. Be in prayer about someone God might have you invite to hear the Good News of the Gospel. We will have cards available on Sunday that you can use to invite 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: Previous Worship Services: | ||
Sow in Peace
