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July 5, 2024 | ||
Dear Church Family, It’s important to be able to summarize what you’ve read or learned. Have you ever made it to the end of a chapter in a book and forgotten what you just read? All of that reading didn’t do much good if you struggle to remember and summarize the contents. Today I finished reading through the Book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon details his search for meaning in life as he pursued fulfillment in all of life’s different facets. Fortunately for us, at the end of the book he summarizes his conclusion.
Solomon reiterates the wisdom of Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7 ESV). A proper fear of God is foundational for wise and godly living. Do you have a proper fear of God? This isn’t a fear that drives us away from Him, but one that allows His holy character to shape everything about us. Truly, the thing we fear most controls us. Does God have that control over your life? Is there any area of your life that God doesn’t have full control of? Solomon connects fearing God with keeping His commandments and calls them together the “whole duty of man.” If we truly fear God, we will keep his commandments. If we really apply these two principles, we’ll do well in living the lives God has for us. How are you doing at keeping God’s commandments? Each time we come to God’s Word, we have the opportunity to align ourselves to His truth. His commandments aren’t to harm us or keep us from something good, but are actually what is best for us. How are you doing at keeping God’s commandments? Are you in His Word so that you can know them and obey them? Does your obedience flow from love for God (John 14:15)?
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, July 7th, from 5-7 pm. We’re back at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our study, “Who am I in Christ?” Ladies PJ’s and Pancakes: Attention all women of all ages! On July 13th at 6 pm we’ll be meeting at the Borrors’ house for pancakes, fellowship, and a fun movie together. Come wearing your PJ’s. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Annie Borror. Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, July 16th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll continue our study in 1 Timothy 5. Please contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions or need a copy of the homework. Interested in Serving? We have opportunities in the welcome ministry to help create a loving and welcoming environment on Sunday mornings. There are several ways you can participate, from serving as a greeter, to providing treats, to setting up and serving at the welcome table. If you’re interested, please contact Pastor Dave. Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several going through the summer. 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: https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/368653This Coming Sunday: Wrapping Things Up: Part 1 – We’re going through a series in 1-2 Thessalonians, Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow. This Sunday we’ll be in 1 Thess. 5:12-22. As Paul begins to wrap up his first letter to the Thessalonians, he lays out important instructions in how we can live lives that please the Lord.https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | ||
A proper fear of God is foundational for wise and godly living.
