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February 14, 2025 | ||
Dear Church Family, Have you ever been locked out of the house? It’s frustrating to be on the outside looking in. You have only a door separating you from all the comforts of home. You just need the right key to unlock the door and have complete access. When it comes to our salvation, what is the key? We often think of grace. Grace is actually what is inside waiting for us. How do we get access to that grace, though? Today, as I read through Romans 5, I saw a great description of that access.
Paul mentions twice that it is “by faith.” We are justified “by faith” and we have access into grace “by faith.” Faith is a combination of belief and trust. We believe that Jesus died for our sins, so we choose to trust in Him alone to save us from our sins. This faith unlocks the door and opens wide our access to the grace of God. Have you placed your faith in Jesus? What do you really trust to give you access to God? Today, would you ask God to forgive you from all the wrong things you’ve done, to come into your life and make you new again? It’s all because Jesus, God’s only Son, came and died on the cross for your sins. With this key, we have access, not only to the grace of God, but also God’s incredible love. Paul goes on to tell us, “and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5 ESV). It is God’s own love that shows us how to love. “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 ESV). Today, remember the incredible access you have to God’s grace and love through faith. Let that grace and love shape how you treat others and point them to Him.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Church Potluck: We’re having our next church potluck this Sunday, February 16th, after the morning worship service. Please bring one of your favorite dishes to share with the group. Youth Group: Join us this Sunday, from 5-7 pm, at Columbia High School (301 S Happy Valley Rd. Nampa, ID 83687). We’ll have dinner, games, worship, and start a new study, “Tackling Tough Questions.”Women’s Life Group starting again: Jane Jandayan has resumed her Bible study through the book of Revelation and they are currently in chapter 20. You can join them at the Nampa Public Library (215 12th Ave S, Nampa, ID 83651) every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 pm. The Bible Study materials are available to you at no cost. If you have any questions, please contact Jane.Men’s Game Night: Guys, join us for a fun time of games and fellowship on Saturday, February 22nd from 4-8 pm at the Hayeks’ House. Bring a game and a snack to share! Elder Training: Our next Elder Training is Tuesday, February 25th 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. Upcoming Dates: Communion (March 9th), Outreach Prayer & Planning Meeting (March 23rd) 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: This Coming Sunday: Called to Serve – This Sunday we’ll continue our series through the book of 1 Timothy, titled “Foundations for the Household of God.” We’ll be in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 and look at another important position in the church, the role of deacon. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | ||
Faith is the Key
