Dear Church Family, Is it shocking to you when you look out at the state of the world? Both the people of the world and world itself seem to be dire need to redemption! It can leave you feeling depressed or even hopeless. As I was reading through the second half of Romans eight, I was reminded that these cries from creation are actually reminders that God is working out His redemptive plan and it’s coming to fruition. Paul compares these cries to childbirth. The cries of death and of childbirth seem similar in the moment, but the results cannot be further apart. One results in new life, while the other in death. What seems horrible now is a reminder that new birth is coming. Listen to his words: Romans 8:19-22 (ESV)
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
We know what’s coming next, that we ourselves will be redeemed and that God will redeem His creation. Just as God kept His word at Jesus’ first advent, He will keep His word again and Jesus’ second advent. That gives us hope and should produce in us, patience. Romans 8:24-25 (ESV)
For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
What does patience look like for you today? I think patient waiting is confident waiting. You can wait patiently in confidence, knowing that God will keep His word no matter what. As crazy as things seem, these are only birth pangs as creation waits for redemption. I think patient waiting is also intentional waiting. Instead of being busy with things that have nothing to do with Christ’s return, you can await His return by investing in eternal things. 2 Peter 3:11-13 (ESV)
Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
What’s Happening at Gospel Life:Advent: Join us on Christmas Eve for our final celebration of advent as we remember the true gift of Christmas: Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve Service: We will have our special Christmas Eve Service this Saturday, the 24th at 5 pm. We will remember the true gift of Christmas, Jesus Himself. We will have food, drinks, and fellowship afterwards. Please bring either a sweet or a savory snack to share. We will also send you home with a Christmas devotion for you to do as a family on Christmas morning (we will not have our normal church service on December 25th). Life Groups: Life Groups are an important way to connect and grow at Gospel Life. If you’re looking for a group to join, we have several different options to choose from, with more coming soon. You can sign up below or stop by the Welcome Table on Sunday.
https://gospellifebiblechurch.churchcenter.com/groups/small-groups This Coming Saturday:
An Unexpected Savior – Join us on Christmas Eve as we conclude our series Finding Christ in Christmas. We will look at John 1:1-18 and see how amazing God’s gift of Jesus truly is. Watch Previous Worship Services
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW5IMNeRoI99I-QNoGMnuWDy6Y5svTt_c | 
