Church family,

I wanted to share a selection of a sermon I read today based on the scripture located in one of my favorite minor prophets, Habakkuk. In chapter 2 verse 4 the prophet Habakkuk says that "the righteous man shall live by his faith." Of course, this is picked up by the NT author James for an encouragement to us to press on in active joy-filled faith. The Puritan minister Samuel Ward (1577-1640) also preached a sermon on this passage and connects for us the reality that when faith is apprehended, it will bring forth great joy and will supply all things pertaining to life and godliness.

"Man had a happy life in the garden of Eden, living in the image and favour of his Creator, but after the fall, What vain pursuits he craves to restore his happiness! He is like the sodomites groping at Lot's door, or the blind leading the blind in a maze of error. The covetous, when he is blessed with goods, applauds his soul as if he had received what is truly good. The sensual, when he is satisfied with the husk of pleasure, cries out that he is living a royal and happy life. The ambitious, when he has climbed the steep and slippery hill of honour, thinks he is in the highest sphere of happiness. Alas! Do not all of these know they are in the chambers of death? They are dead while they are alive. They are walking ghosts in the form of living men. There is only one true way to happiness. Look at the true happiness in the life of Paul. Did he not display a constant attitude of joy and happiness? Certainly his happiness in the flesh was realized because he lived by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20).

Come each of you therefore, who desire to see good days, and lay hold of the ways of life by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. By faith we have a life of joy and comfort cheering the soul in the midst of all trials and tribulations. Job in the valley of death exulted and trusted in his living Redeemer. Paul in the midst of calamities was more than a conqueror (Rom. 8:37). Faith supplies abundantly all things pertaining to life and godliness, O faith! When I meditate on you, when I feel any part of your virtue, I find you to be a wonder-worker. Among all the gifts of God there is nothing more useful than faith. It is profitable for this life and the life to come. It is profitable for all parts and purposes in our lives. The use of it will be manifold and rich in every manner."

Let us continually make use of this most-useful gift from the Lord and be kept away from the chambers of death that Ward has warned us about. I pray that we at GCC will live by faith, with this true joy and happiness that is rooted in the person and work of Christ Jesus!

In Christ,
Pastor David

New Song This Sunday

We are introducing a new song this Sunday and look forward to learning and singing it together! You can click the image above to watch the lyric video and read the lyrics in advance. May we all set our hope on Jesus!

Men's Breakfast - This Saturday

Men, join us this Saturday February 15th at 8:30AM for a time of fellowship and breakfast with other men in our community. We will be discussing part 2 of our book "Disciplines of a Godly Man" chapters 2-5. Invite a friend or co-worker and we look forward to seeing you there!

Member Meeting and Meal - February 23rd

Join us Sunday February 23rd at 5PM, for a member meeting and potluck dinner February ! Bring your favorite dish as we fellowship, welcome new members, pray together, hear missionary updates, and share about ongoing evangelism efforts.

RENEW - March 21

In Romans 12:2, Paul warns against conforming to the world and instead calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is the aim of our Spring 2025 RENEW night as we dig deep into the book of Isaiah.

We will see how the Lord Saves through judgment and restoration as we journey through the entire book of Isaiah, looking closely at key messianic prophesies revealed in the New Testament and fulfilled in Jesus.

Join us on March 21st from 6-9pm by registering at Geist.org/renew.

This Week's Prayer Points

Praying For Our Members

Scriptures - Eph 4:7-16; 5:22-33; Rom 12:3-13; 1 Cor 12:4-20; Phil 2:3-11; Heb 13:7

Prayer Prompts:

1. Pray God would use each person in our church and their particular giftings to mature us in our knowledge & likeness to Christ.

2. Pray that the Lord will show you new ways to outdo others in showing honor and being hospitable.

3. Pray that each member would love and prioritize their family well and that they would disciple their children faithfully.

4. Thank God for each elder and how they bless our church and pray for their faithfulness in their lives and doctrine.

5. Pray that a hunger for studying the gospel would form among members so that we can guide and guard one another.

VBS Meeting - March 30

We would love to host a Vacation Bible School this year, but we need YOUR help and involvement to serve in many different ways from decorating, to teaching, to crafts and more! We especially need to know if we have enough teachers and room leaders able and willing to serve.

If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity for VBS this year, please fill out the form at the link below.

And mark your calendars for our first VBS meeting on Sunday, March 30th after the AM Service.

How can we serve you this week? If you have a need, a prayer request, or if there is any other way we can serve you this week, please send an email to any of our elders: David, Dustin, or Matt, and we will be happy to minister to you.