Dear Church Family, In Jeremiah 36 King Jehoiakim does the unthinkable, he destroys the Word of God. God had given Jeremiah instructions to write down His Words concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, in hope that the people would turn from their sins and receive God’s forgiveness. Jeremiah calls his scribe Baruch to write down the words Jeremiah receives from God and then deliver them to the people in the house of the Lord, because Jeremiah himself has already been banned from there. As Baruch reads the Words from God, fear comes over the people. They tell Baruch to go hide with Jeremiah and they brought the Words to the king. Jeremiah 36:22-25 (ESV)
It was the ninth month, and the king was sitting in the winter house, and there was a fire burning in the fire pot before him. 23 As Jehudi read three or four columns, the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them into the fire in the fire pot, until the entire scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the fire pot. 24 Yet neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words was afraid, nor did they tear their garments. 25 Even when Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them.
It’s shocking, not only that he would burn God’s Word, symbolically rejecting it, but even more so that he was not afraid. Unsurprisingly, God pronounces threefold judgment upon Jehoiakim, announcing that he will die for his sin, the throne will be taken from his family, and that his offspring will be punished for his iniquity. The thing that really shocked me the most, as I read this chapter, is that someone thought they could deny God’s truth by denying it. Simply throwing the pages in the fire didn’t eliminate their truth. How often do we do the same, though? We read words we don’t like and simply pretend they don’t exist or we refuse to obey them? In the end, God’s Word is true whether we accept it or not. Only when we submit to it can we benefit from it. Fittingly, the chapter ends with God not only replacing the Words Jehoiakim had burned, but adding to them. In the end, Jehoiakim only hurt himself by burning God’s Word. He could not make it not true by denying it. What truth from God’s Word do you need to submit to? What have you been ignoring or denying? You’re only hurting yourself. What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Back to School Bash: We want to celebrate the start of school with a special night this Sunday, August 27th from 5-7 at the Bronleewes’ house. Join us for swimming, games, dinner, worship, and time in God’s Word Communion Sunday: We will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper as part of our Sunday morning service on Sunday, September 3rd. Through the ordinance of communion, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made to save us from our sins. Men’s Breakfast: Men and boys of all ages are invited to the Gerdes’ house for breakfast on Saturday, September 16th at 8 am. You can email Michael at Seedcollector@live.com if you need directions or have any questions. 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 Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. We have several exciting groups for men, women, or both. If you’re looking for a group to join, you can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups This Coming Sunday:
Witnessing the Crucifixion – As Jesus draws near to the cross, we see many witnesses surrounding His death. Everyone must make a decision on who they believe Jesus is. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
