“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.” -Ps 25:1
Act 2:1
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.
Act 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles'; teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the
prayers.
Act 3:1
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
I see something in common among all these verses. Each of them is a picture of faithful, Jesus-loving, Jesus- following believers positioning themselves so the Spirit of God can work in them and on them so that he can work through them to build his kingdom. Acts 2:1 is all about obedience to go where Jesus instructed them to go! Acts 2:42 is all about the believers learning and praying and fellowshipping and worshipping in a way that puts them in a place for the Spirit of God to work! Acts 3:1 finds Peter and John headed to the place of prayer. Are we placing ourselves in a position where the Spirit of God can work in us and on us so that he can work through us to build his kingdom? What are some ways in which we can do that?
Obviously, corporate worship is the beginning. It is imperative that we gather, in person, on a regular basis, for worship. It is the place where we hear from God corporately, the place where we are encouraged, the place where we receive our marching orders. It is imperative that we worship together regularly.
Small groups are especially important; not perfect, but important. It is a place where learning, care, and encouragement happen in such a unique way. There is the risk of being vulnerable in a small group, but there is also the risk of being encouraged to grow beyond where you are at this stage of the journey. Consider being a mentor or being mentored. Consider a one-on-one relationship with another. You will grow exponentially in a mentoring relationship. Look for someone you can ask to mentor you. Look for someone you can mentor. Either way, you will grow. I would love to help you with that. Come see me.
Pray regularly. Read the Bible regularly. Keep a journal. Put yourself in a place for the Spirit to work in you and on you so that he can work through you to build his kingdom. You will be in awe of what he will do!
Building and Grounds Team:
Spring Clean-Up Day was a rousing success! Many hands made the workload lighter and much-needed yard work was accomplished. Some men from our sister church, the Hispanic Ministry @ GBC, joined in and provided some additional muscle power as dirt was moved, digging and planting took place, and general landscape work completed. Later in the week one of our members planted the new shrubbery in front of the building. Thank you to all who participated, from food preparation, kitchen clean- up, window washing, power washing, and general building cleaning as well as all the hard labor on the grounds beautification.
Sunday Morning Kid’s Worship:
Bring your children to church; we know it is hard and early. Make God the priority. As we train the next generation let them see you worship with the body of Christ.
The world will teach them church is not a priority. The world will teach them it is okay to lay out, not to pick up their Bibles. The world will steer them so far off-course, confuse them, and tell them that just being “good” is enough. The world will not teach them about Jesus; that is our job as parents, family and the church.
Bring your children to church.
Matthew 18:5-6 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Teaching kids is a huge responsibility. We must do it with passion and take it seriously. Speak truth, prepare, and remember they are God’s kids first.
Small Groups:
Our small groups continue to meet regularly and mine the depths of God’s Word. If you are looking for a place to plug-in at GBC, visit one or more of these groups and find a place to become a part of growing in your faith walk.
Sparta Sunday Afternoon Group:
We are currently working through the Book of Acts as Pastor Jef preaches this New Testament book. All are welcome to join this small group on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-6:00 p.m. The journey through each book this group studies is an adventure you do not want to miss! Come join us for great discussion, challenging word meanings, in-depth research into God’s Word and a time of sweet fellowship as we grow together. Study books are available for anyone wishing to participate in this small group.
Sparta Thursday Morning Group:
Meets weekly at 10:00 A.M. in the SS room at GBC. This group is working its way through the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Books are available from Pastor Jef. Join us and discover the roots of our faith and grow with us as we are challenged and stretched in our understanding of what it means to be a true follower of Christ. All questions are welcome and there is very lively discussion as the group tackles tough ideas.
West Salem Thursday Evening Group
Meets each Thursday evening at 6 P.M. at the Vandeleest home in West Salem. The group is currently studying Ephesians. Come join this fun group of folks and receive a blessing and grow in understanding God’s Word.
GBC Youth Group: Big Truths for Little Hearts:
The kids will meet the first three Sundays and have off the last Sunday in June. A “water night” is planned for July 2 nd ! Bring your kids prepared to get wet by having them bring a change of clothes, towel, and shoes they do not mind getting wet (or water shoes/flip flops).
Coming Events:
June 4 – Lord’s Supper during Morning Worship Service
June 4 – Pastor & Paula’s Anniversary
June 18 – Father’s Day
June 18 – Mission Team Quarterly Mtg after Morning Worship
June 19 – Launch School Supply Drive for 2023-24 School Year
June 25 – Mission Dignity Sunday
