GoodNews from GPC
07.29.2010
Building relationships - Growing in faith - Experiencing Christ’s grace and power
TO OUR GOOD FRIENDS:
 I haven't mentioned it for a while and I don't want you to think that I take you for granted; I really appreciate your prayers.  I know that there are a bunch of you praying for Vicki and for me on a regular basis and that's what keeps us goin'.  Prayer is the oil that lubricates the gears of ministry. 

CHURCH STUFF:
  • Sermon Series - I will conclude the series RESTORING THE GOPSEL this Sunday morning with a message entitled "The Answer."   If you want to study ahead, the text is Psalm 115:1.  See you Sunday morning!
  • Breakfast - This Sunday is the first of the month, so we will be having breakfast, prayer, and fellowship before Sunday School.  The group gathers in the kitchen at 8:30 and YOU are invited. 
  • LBOS - Just reminding y'all that the Last Blast of Summer is August 7, 10am - 1 pm at the fairgrounds.  LBOS is an outreach event that provides free school supplies to kids in the community in a fun and friendly environment.  We are hoping to get free school supplies into the hands of at least 300 youngsters.  Of course, the event also gives the members of GPC the opportunity to interact with lots of new families.  By the way, I know I don't get around much, but I haven't seen a single LBOS poster anywhere!!  Click HERE to download the file.  You can print and post as many as you want.  Hey, let's not make this a "best kept secret!"
Reminder:  We are also having our annual YARD SALE that day , so start gathering up your good but unneeded "stuff" and start pre-pricing it for the yardsale.  Check with Liz about arranging pick-up and other yard sale info.  And FYI - any and all preceeds from the yard sale and the food booth go to the GPC Scholarship Fund.
  • Transformation - The Transformation Bible studies for men and women will resume on August 18th at 6:30 pm.  Praise Team's rehearsal time will change to 7:30 pm. 
IGNITE! YOUTH:
  • Meeting - Ignite! Youth meets every Sunday from 5-7pm at the church.  We eat, play games, talk about Christ, and build relationships. All  students from Walton and surrounding counties are invited.  Ignite your faith, Ignite your life!
  • Beach Trip - There is an and of the summer beach trip scheduled for Saturday, August 14.  Check with Justin for further information.   
REMEMBER OUR SOLDIERS:

Adam Bedingfield (in Iraq)

Brandon Coleman (injured)

Elijah Glover (in Kuwait)

Joseph Glover (in Afghanistan)

Micaiah Glover (in Kuwait)

Kevin Hicks (in Afghanistan)

Luke Hopper (in Kuwait)

Jessica Luhrs (in Iraq)

Efrem Paul (in Afghanistan)

Wesley Powell (in Iraq)

Toby Lee Slay (in Iraq)

Thomas Stamp (in Germany)


THOUGHTS FROM GOD'S WORD
All Hail King Jesus!
Ps. 145:3
"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."

I was looking at a website the other day that listed historically significant people who had "great" affixed to their name.  I was shocked and amazed that neither myself nor anybody I know was on the list!!  \0/  It was all people like Darius the Great, Alexander the Great, and Herod the Great.  So what is greatness any?  Is it power that makes one great?  Are all people who wield great power great people?  I don't think so; in fact, I would say rarely so.  Most of the individuals who made the list were, in my humble opinion, people of rather low moral character.  I think of most of them as being ruthless and amoral. 

The real shocker is that the one person who should have been on the list was conspicusouly absent.  Of course, I am thinking of Jesus.  Why not "Jesus the Great."  It is interesting that both Darius and Alexander took the title "king of kings."  And Herod had been elected "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate.  But clearly these men could hardly be compared to the true King of the Jews who is the King of kings. 

Of course we have to remember that human history looks different through the eyes of flesh.  That is why the Psalm says: ". . . his greatness no one can fathom."  To the eye of flesh Jesus is a carpenter turned preacher who ran afoul of the religious culture and the Roman government.  He conquerored no lands.  He subjugated no peoples.  He established no kingdoms.  He was tried, convicted, and crucified just for being a nuisance.  Ah, but through spiritual eyes the view is quite different.  Jesus didn't need to conquer lands because they were already His.  Instead He conquered death and subjugated the grave.  He has established a kingdom that has no end and it is to Him that every knee will bow ... yours, mine, Darius', Alexander's, and Herod's. 

Great, great is the lord!

BUMPER STICKER THEOLOGY:
Some things have to be believed to be seen. - Ralph Hodgson

Have a great week!
Grace and peace,
Keith and Vicki