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April 11, 2025 | ||
Dear Church Family, Back when I was in school, I was always nervous when getting back a test. How many problems would I get right and which ones would I get wrong? I was always hoping for 100 percent right and could usually tell how well I did based on how much red ink was on the test. It’s hard enough to get a perfect grade on a test in school, but it’s impossible in life. As I’ve been reading through James, two verses remind me of that. James stresses that there is only one passing grade in God’s book: perfection. If we’re trying to pass the test on our own righteousness, we have to be perfect. If we even get one thing wrong, we fail.
We often think of sin as doing wrong things and it is. All those thoughts, actions, and words that fall short of God’s glory are sin. But, comparing it to one of those tests from school, it’s not just the problems we get wrong (and there are plenty of those). It’s also the ones that we fail to answer right. Imagine taking a test and not even filling in an answer to one of the problems? Of course you would get that problem wrong! James reminds us of this:
Think of those good things that you know you should do. When you fail to do those, those are sins, as well. Of course, left to our own righteousness, none of us measure up. That’s why we all need Jesus!
This week, try to think of those good things God has called you to do, and choose to do them, not to try to earn a passing grade, but because of Him who already passed the test for you. God has given you His Word and His Spirit as a guide, so listen to His voice and do the right thing that you know to do. –Pastor Dave What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Men’s Breakfast: Guys, don’t forget, our next Men’s Breakfast is this Saturday, from 8-10 am at Warehouse Cafe (8600 Birch Ln, Nampa, ID 83687). Please bring a pastry or simple breakfast item to share. Since we will be at a cafe, we won’t have the resources to cook or warm things up. Let’s just keep it simple this time and focus on our relationship with Jesus and our prayer and accountability team which we set up at the previous breakfast. Coffee’s and beverages will be available for purchase at this establishment. Bring your Bibles, a friend, and an open heart. Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, from 5-7 pm, at the Bronleewes’ house We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our study, “Tackling Tough Questions.” 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. We’ll start the movie at 6:30 pm. 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. We’ll have breakfast at 9:30 am and service will begin at 10 am.Hands of Hope Ministry: We are starting a new ministry to help those in need in our church family. If you would like to help in this ministry or receive help, please sign up at the Welcome Table on Sunday. Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (4/20) Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several to choose from. You can check them out here: 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: | ||
What good thing has God called you to do?
