September 27, 2024

Dear Church Family,

We all need glimmers of hope. Sometimes we’re faced with difficulties and bad news all around us and those glimmers of hope come just when we need them. I’m in the middle of the book of Habakkuk right now and it contains difficult news for Judah: God would soon use a wicked nation, Babylon, to come and judge His people. Right in the middle of this difficult news, God offers two incredible glimmers of hope.

Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)
And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. 3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

Now, obviously, the vision God had for Judah was bad news. But there’s a powerful principle in these verses: God always keeps His Word. Even when it seems slow or we can’t see its fulfillment, if we’re patient, it will be accomplished at its appointed time. So, in the middle of the waiting, Habakkuk next tells us how we should respond. “Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4). God wants us to live righteous lives of faith, trusting that in due time the Lord will accomplish His purposes and promises. Keep trusting in the Word of the Lord.
The second glimmer of hope comes in the middle of the chapter of woes against the wicked Chaldeans, who would be God’s instrument of judgment upon the wickedness of Judah. Sometimes it seems like wickedness keeps spreading. In the middle of the seemingly unstoppable spread of evil, God reminds us of this powerful truth:

Habakkuk 2:14 (ESV)
For the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

The knowledge of God’s glory will one day cover the whole earth. In fact, God compares its spread to the way that water covers the sea. In other words, the spread will be wholly complete. Instead of simply waiting for that day, though, we have the opportunity and responsibility to spread that knowledge right now. We can spread it both near and far, to our own families and to people groups who have never heard, in our own city and to the ends of the earth. Keep spreading the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.
–Pastor Dave
 
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What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Church Potluck: We’re having our next church potluck this Sunday, September 29th, right after the morning worship service. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group.

Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, September 29th, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our new study, “Treasure Hunt.”

Prayer & Praise Night: We have the amazing opportunity of coming together as a church body in worship and prayer at 6 pm on Sunday, October 6th at the Bronleewes’ house .

Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, October 8th at 7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house. We’ll continue our study in 1 Timothy 6. Please contact Pastor Dave if you have any questions or need a copy of the homework.

Life Groups: If you’re interested in joining a life group, we have several to choose from. You can check them out here:
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups

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

Upcoming Dates: No Youth Group (October 6th), Men’s Hike (October 19th)

This Coming Sunday:
A Letter from a Father to His Son – Join us on Sunday as we begin our new study through 1 Timothy titled, “Foundations for the Household of God.” In this letter, Paul gives his spiritual son foundational instructions for God’s household, the church.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c