|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter Monday Edition
|
|
Greetings!
How often do we tend to barter, plead or try hard to earn God's favor? Haven't we learned yet that His love is unconditional? Remember the story of the prodigal son? This parable that Jesus related was all about a Father who doesn't give people what they deserve, but rather gives them much, much more than they would ever expect.
Love based on conduct would keep us guessing, Did I do enough? God loves us simply because we are who we are and He expects nothing in return. We only have to believe that His Son Jesus died for ALL our sins, and accept this deep within our hearts. God sees us as His cherished children and heirs to His Kingdom.
The Church Staff |
|
|
|
PRAYER WARRIORS
Yesterday we were challenged in church by Tessa Charles to exercise our faith as prayer warriors. A request was received from Pastors Prom and Norma Amoguis who coordinate the work among the fifteen Gospel Life churches and affiliates in the Philippines. The names of the pastors and leaders in these fifteen churches were presented to the congregation, to be picked and chosen by individual members and congregants for their special prayers.
Several people pulled two, three or more names out of a bag that contained slips of paper in which the names were printed. Others took copies of the whole list to pray over.
We send our love and assurance to these dear folk that we are all praying for the pastors and leaders over there, bringing their needs, their struggles and challenges to the One who brings the answers individually to them.
Another report from the Global Outreach of Gospel Life will soon be published. |
 | |
Pastor Tony |
CHANGE AGENT
The subject "Sharing in the Marketplace" was effectively brought to our attention as Pastor Tony Luciano spoke to us during the Good News Hour at yesterday's service.
In terms of the Great Commission that gives Jesus' followers the authority "to make disciples of all nations" he emphasized that we, as Christians, are to become instruments of change in the "seven mountains of culture," namely, family, arts and entertainment, media, education, government, business and the church.
Our view of our jobs and businesses must be in the context of the biblical instruction that in whatever we do, we must do so as an offering (an act of worship) to God, Pastor Tony said, and in doing this we can bring about change in our places of work or business.
|
EASTER
Invitations by first class mail are going out to all the friends and supporters of Gospel Life Community so they can join us for praise, worship and adoration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, come Easter Sunday!
Let's all remember to do our share of inviting our own family members, friends and neighbors who would otherwise be staying home if they do not honor your request to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with you. Tell them if there is one Sunday they go to church in any year, this should be the one that deserves their attention.
There will also be a general rehearsal for ALL participants in the Easter Program this coming Sunday after the fellowship lunch and the Core Group Meeting. This includes the Worship Team. |
MARKETPLACE MINISTRY Higher Education
"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit" (1 Cor 12:8). I walked out of the church parking lot after participating in a training class on hearing the voice of God. As I was talking to a friend I looked over at a woman who was talking to her friend. The words "higher education" popped into my mind. We had just learned that whenever something pops into our minds that seem foreign to our normal thinking, it is often the Holy Spirit speaking to us. We must connect the thought to an action the Holy Spirit may be desiring us to take. I decided to be bold and walked over to the woman. "Pardon me, can I ask you if you have, by chance, had a good bit of education in your life?" "The woman responded immediately, "Why, yes. I have two MBAs." I was encouraged to proceed. "I believe the Lord wants to encourage you that He has directed you in your education and although you cannot see the results of that investment in time and money, He is going to use it for His purposes. He wants you to be encouraged to know this." The woman was very encouraged by the words I spoke to her. I walked away feeling good about being obedient to His prompting.
Every believer has been wired to hear the Holy Spirit's promptings in our lives. One of the primary ways He encourages believers is through other believers. However, many of us have been duped into thinking we cannot hear God's voice. Today, be especially sensitive to that still small voice inside of you. Whenever a thought pops into your mind that seems out of character for you, consider that it might be the Holy Spirit speaking to you.
(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders) |
FIRST SUNDAY
The program format on First Sunday is on again April 1st. No, this isn't an April Fool's Day stunt either.
Please make your intent known to Pastor Hansel if you'd like to participate actively out in front of the congregation. Sing a song, relate a spiritual experience, give testimony, do a worship dance or any other act of praise or worship.
We will celebrate our monthly communion service, too. |
MAKE A CHOICE
There are several small group fellowships or bible study groups that meet on different days and times during the week. Each one should strive to be in one of these groups at least once a week, and more times when possible.
Check the times and places where these groups are meeting, and please join one.
If you are inclined to start a group of your own or would like to host one, please let us know so we can help you out in setting one up for you.
Small groups are easy, non-threatening ways of bringing in your friends and neighbors for fellowship and bible study with the least bit of confrontation. It is a good way to learn together.
Please check out the existing study groups printed in your church bulletin. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MAILING ADDRESS: 436 Crestwood Lane, Walnut, CA 91789 |
|
|
|
Dear Lord, thank You for helping me to focus on what is important in life. I want to know You better. I long to know the power of Your Resurrection. Please, just "give me Jesus," so that my life would be a shining light and a testimony to You before others. Bless you, Lord. In your name I pray. Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
