[Paul exhorted] them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." Acts 14:22

The context of this verse is about Paul reminding the churches he planted to “continue in the faith,” especially in light of the fact that following Christ is certainly not always easy. Applying this verse to we at GBC, here and now, may I exhort all of us (and I include myself) to “continue in the faith” even in these trying times. Circumstances beyond our control have disrupted “church as usual” by the virus—since March! We continue to experience anything but reassuring news about the politics and morality of our declining society.

Hey! Jesus is Lord! If we are “in Him,” our sins (every last one of them) are forgiven (completely and forever)!

May we all maintain our focus on these gospel truths in spite of the fact that, as Paul put it, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."

May I fine tune the focus even more as we enter the Advent Season, the four weeks leading up to our celebration of Christmas? Sure, there are disruptions to our usual ways of celebrating Christmas. But nevertheless, our Savior was born in Bethlehem, so that He could live, die and rise to “save His people from our sins!” So let’s all do whatever we can to celebrate Christmas with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength this year. May I suggest that we all double down to have Advent devotions as many days as we possibly can, beginning Sunday 11/29 through Christmas Morning 12/25? (If you do not have an Advent book, Click Here to read/download the one we’re using in our home.)

And as a church family, worship the Lord and enjoy fellowship with the body of Christ as often as, and in whatever ways, you are able. In addition to the Sunday morning worship services, we plan to hold our traditional “Christmas Eve Service” on Sunday Evening, December 20 at 5:00 PM. I hope you will schedule the time to participate in whatever way you are able.

Let us enjoy a Merry Christmas and a HOLY Holiday this year!