October 11, 2024

Dear Church Family,

No one ever wants to find themselves in court on trial and being accused of a serious crime. It’s even worse if you know you’re guilty of that crime. I was thinking of a courtroom when I read Zechariah 3 this week. Zechariah is given a vision of Joshua the High Priest before the Angel of the Lord. Joshua was the High Priest that came back from Babylon with Zerubbabel.

Zechariah 3:1 (ESV)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him.

Satan’s name means, “the accuser,” so it makes sense that he would be accusing Joshua before the Lord. In fact, in Revelation 12:10 Satan is called, “the accuser of our brothers.” On his own, Joshua stood guilty and unclean. “Now Joshua was standing before the angel, clothed with filthy garments” (Zechariah 3:3 ESV). The good news is that he had an advocate.

Zechariah 3:2 (ESV)
And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?”

Zechariah 3:4-5 (ESV)
And the angel said to those who were standing before him, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with pure vestments.” 5 And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord was standing by.

Just like Joshua and the people of Israel, we have an advocate with the Father. While Satan declares our guilt because of our sin, Jesus intercedes on our behalf and declares us justified because of His righteousness. Satan often reminds us of our unworthiness of God’s love. He reminds us that we’re guilty and don’t deserve grace. Remember, Jesus is right now interceding on your behalf. Also, remember that there will be a day when Satan is thrown down and never again allowed to accuse.

Romans 8:34 (ESV)
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

–Pastor Dave

What’s Happening at Gospel Life:

Youth, join us this Sunday, October 13th, from 5-7 pm at the Bronleewes’ house  in north Nampa. We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and continue our new study, “Treasure Hunt.”

Men’s Hike: Guys, you’re invited to a hike on Saturday, October 19th, from 10 am – 1 pm.  We’ll meet at the main parking lot at Celebration Park (5000 Victory Ln. Melba, ID 83641) and hike from there to Halverson Lake and back. It is a relatively flat hike and around four miles total. Bring water and a sack lunch.

Upcoming Date: Edgerton Ministry Presentation (Friday, November 8th)

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

This Coming Sunday:
The Goodness of the Law – Join us on Sunday as we continue our new study through 1 Timothy titled, “Foundations for the Household of God.” We’ll be in 1 Tim. 1:8-11 and see how Paul addresses the goodness of the Law and our need for something more than the Law.

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