NEWSLETTER                                      Monday Edition    

November 19, 2012

 

We experience periods in our life that we might consider difficult. In such painful times we might feel as though God is not blessing us.  But even on those times, we experience many of His amazing gifts, despite the fact that they might be escaping our notice.
 

Here are examples of blessings that can truly bring a transforming impact in the way we perceive the bright or dark days that come to us.

One is the assurance that our God chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). We were predestined to be adopted as His children (v.5). We realize here that we are special because God who is Sovereign in the universe selected us.

Another is that Jesus provided our salvation through His death and resurrection (v.7). He redeemed us and thus ended our separation from God. The result of this is that we received a brand new nature and we are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1).

Next, the Holy Spirit resides within us, so that we are never without counsel and comfort.  He seals us so that our eternal destiny is secure (Ephesians 1:13).

And here's something certain:  our Father prepares an inheritance for us that will never perish (1 Peter 1:4).  Our earthly troubles are momentary but ours is to look forward to living eternally in God's presence where there is no more suffering, but rather joy without end!

Pastor Tony

 

As part of the continuing series on Transforming Impact for this month, Pastor Tony Luciano spoke on why we should be involved with our community in the context of being "my brother's keeper."  At the Good News Hour of our Sunday worship yesterday, he showed us that Jesus' Great Commandment-- to love God above all else and to love one's neighbor-- is a direct command to become "involved with our community."

Pastor Tony cited bible verses in the writings of the apostle Paul that tell us "how to impact a community for Christ," by establishing personal relationships (Ephesians 4:11-12), by being consistent with our commitment (Acts 20:19), by having compassion for others (Acts 20:31), and by being comprehensive with our approach (Acts 20:20).

The spiritual gifts that God gave us (1 Corinthians 12: 7-11), he said, help us to be involved as the body of Christ.  God desires for us to be our brother's keepers, because what we do to others, we do to Him (Matthew 25: 35-40).

  
After taking care of important church business the Core Group stayed to listen to Pastor John give an account of their recent harrowing experience in the Philippines.

We can all truly be thankful because in spite of Pastor Jessie's health setback, she is now almost completely recovered.  She gave her spiritual assessment of what went on, concluding that this was God's way of telling her that she was to soon embark on a new experience.

We can all say that God is good, ALL the time! 
 

 

There is one more chance this month for those who missed having their portraits taken for the Church Directory!

Next Saturday, November 24, LifeTouch will be taking appointments for portrait sittings which will take place at the First Chinese Baptist church located at 1555 Fairway Drive in Walnut.

To avail of this last opportunity, please call Rob Porter at (951) 315-2158 or email him at rporter@lifetouch.com .  He is the one who will make your appointment for you. Please identify yourself as one from Gospel Life Community Church so that proper assignment of your portrait to the GLC Church Directory can be made. 
 

 

 
Sunday, December 2, at 5 p.m. is Gospel Life's turn to feed the homeless of the local community.

Nancy Alano, Maria Avena, and Lelit Luciano who are the "prime movers" of this project would like to see as many volunteers as are able to participate, to help out with the event. 

This will be done again at the St. Christopher's Church in S. Glendora Ave., West Covina. Donations for the project are being solicited and they would like to have these on hand by this coming Sunday, at the latest.  
 

 
City Transformation Begins in Two Places

 

"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there" (Acts 17:16-18).

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In order to transform a city or nation, it must take place in two areas; the marketplace and the local church. Paul was burdened for Athens when he saw all of the idols in his city. So, he began a strategy to win back his city by preaching in both the synagogue to the religious leaders and Jews and also in the marketplace every day.

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The Old Testament records reveal that even at the time of the temple construction it was clear that foundations must be built through the marketplace and the synagogue. "He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz" (Chron 3:15-17). Jakin was a priest of the Lord that represented the spiritual foundation of the Church. Boaz represented the strength of the marketplace and its role to have impact on the society through workplace ministers, or kings.

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God is moving today in cities across the world through collaborative coalitions made up of priests, kings and intercessors. This is a city transformation trinity that the Holy Spirit is forming to rid our cities of idols and to restore the spiritual foundations.

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When we begin to equip and release those in the workplace to fulfill their godly roles in business, government, media, arts/entertainment, and education we will begin to see the idols in our cities removed. Pray that God raises up Godly workplace leaders who will lead with a biblical worldview. 
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(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.)