Dear Church Family, Have you ever asked the question, “How did I get here?” It’s important to do this when we find ourselves in bewildering circumstances. I’ve started going through the Book of Judges in my quiet times and this period of Israel’s history is truly bewildering. This time, marked by the cyclical sin of the people, can be summarized in this verse, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6 ESV). So, how did the people get to this place? Judges 2:6-10 (ESV)
When Joshua dismissed the people, the people of Israel went each to his inheritance to take possession of the land. 7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years. 9 And they buried him within the boundaries of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, north of the mountain of Gaash. 10 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.
It’s amazing how quickly the trajectory of the nation changed in so short a period of time. These verses reminded me of the importance of passing down our faith. Our children and their children need to know the truth of God’s Word, the hope of the Gospel, and the importance of a relationship with Him. We need to share memories of God’s faithfulness in our lives and challenge them to make their own memories of God’s faithfulness in their lives. The people failed to do this after Joshua’s death and bore that sad fruit. Interestingly, when they first came into the land, God specifically gave them this command and opportunity. Joshua 4:21-24 (ESV)
And he said to the people of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in times to come, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, ‘Israel passed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which he dried up for us until we passed over, 24 so that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”
How can you pass on your faith? What stories of God’s faithfulness in your life can you share? How can you remind the next generation of the importance of following Him? What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Group Concert: We won’t be having regular youth group this Sunday, but will be going to the Rend Collective concert instead. We’ll meet at the Brandt Center (707 Fern St, Nampa, ID 83686) at 5:45 pm. Contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions. Elder Training: Elder Training has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, September 26th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll be studying through 1 Timothy 2. If you need a copy of the homework from last month, contact Pastor Dave. Ladies Fall Retreat: The Ladies Fall Retreat will be October 13th-15th at Camp Pinewood in McCall. The theme is “Prepared Not Scared” from 1 Peter 3:15-16. You can find out more details and register at the Welcome Table on Sunday or click the link below. The cost is $134 and limited scholarships are available.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1942275 Life Groups: If you would like to grow in your relationship with the Lord and other believers, please consider joining a Life Group. We have groups for men, women, and youth. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups?enrollment=open_signup%2Crequest_to_join&filter=enrollment 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 This Coming Sunday:
From Bad to Worse – We’re starting a new series through the Book of Ruth called, “Finding God in Tough Times.” In Ruth 1:1-5 we’ll meet a family that experiences great tragedy. God is with us, even in the difficulties of life. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
