To the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel -- 7 not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel1 from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel contrary to what we proclaimed to you, let that one be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! 10 Am I now seeking human approval, or God's approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant1 of Christ. Galatians 1:3-10
In our struggle with time, you as a people of God can become distracted easily by things outside of our calling to be a church and a servant of Christ Jesus. Paul warns the people of Galatia that he continues to preach and teach the true Gospel for their sake. He is worried that the people have been drawn away from a life in the church and in Christ. You can see that he comes right out and says, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you into the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel”.
Here’s my point in this letter and my thoughts on where we have opportunities. GSLC has a lot to be thankful for. Our focus and vision is being a welcoming congregation for all people of faith. You’ve made commitments to help with growth both spiritual and financial. The attendance on Sunday is a respectable 49.5% of our total membership which is above the average for our county.
The statement Paul makes in verse 6 still hits me in the gut when I think of GSLC. Can being comfortable with the way things are at GSLC be deserting our service to Christ? Although 49.5% is better than most congregations, can we really be comfortable with such a low percentage? What’s wrong with worshiping 100% every week? Is the church just a place for special events in your life or is it a place of value for your life? I encourage you to come and celebrate. Become a greater part of God’s call in your discipleship. I look forward to seeing “Everyone”!
Like Paul, I know that sometimes I can be pretty direct in my letters. My faith and my love for God’s church, compel me to speak with you about my concerns. I always stated to the people of God here at GSLC, “I love you enough to be honest with you”. Sometimes that means being direct. But as Paul writes in Vv. 10 in our reading, if I didn’t “I would not be a servant of Christ”.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Eph. 2:8-9)
Upcoming Events
Other Information
Did you notice the Prayer Request Box in the gathering space? This box is for notes about your prayer requests, surgeries, procedures or other concerns you would like Pastor Gore to be aware of. Note paper and pen are provided beside the box for your convenience.
Charts for Altar Flowers and Bulletins are on the bulletin board across from the church office. Envelopes are available near the charts for you to use. They may be placed in the church offering. Altar Flowers will cost $35.00 per week.
Donations for bulletins are $20.00 for each Sunday.
Memorial Candles may be sponsored by the month and are $5.00 per Sunday.