Weekly Update

GCN Family,

On Sunday we looked at that moment on the cross when Jesus looked at the people who were crucifying and He prayed this prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

The Spirit of Jesus = The Spirit of Forgiveness.
 
This means 3 things:

1. We cannot become more like Jesus while also holding a grudge. We must forgive.
2. We cannot embody the good news of JESUS to our neighborhood if we do not look and live and love like Jesus. Translation: This church must be a family of people where forgiveness and mercy and removing-bitterness is embedded into our DNA. Why? Because that’s what Jesus looks like.
3. Full forgiveness is only possible with the Holy Spirit inside of us. You might be able to forgive people who are easy to forgive. But the harder stuff? We need the Holy Spirit for this.
   
   

Our tendency is to look at Jesus’ words on the cross in Luke 23:34 and think, “well, that’s Jesus! Surely we aren’t expected to forgive like that!”. Fast-forward to Acts 7:60 and we come to the story of the first Christian martyr. Stephen is being stoned to death for his faith. This is post-Pentecost, so Stephen has been filled with the Holy Spirit (aka The Spirit of Jesus). And filled with that Spirit, with stones hurled at him, his final words are: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”

So, I’ll ask it again: Who do you need to forgive, and what are you waiting for?

Much Love,
Pastor Brian

A few other things (scroll down for more details about each):

1. GCN Membership Lunch this Sunday, October 19th.
2. Serving @ Stewartown After-School Program.
3. Faith Promise Sunday. November 2nd. 

GCN Membership Lunch is this Sunday! 12:00-3:00. This is for anyone who is interested in learning more about GCN, our mission, our beliefs, and our history. You can email Pastor Kevin (pastorkevin@gburgnaz.org) if you are interested in being a part of this. Please let us know by this Friday, October 17th.

 Serving @ Stewartown After-School Program. An opportunity to serve! Every Tuesday from 4:00-5:30pm at Stewartown Resource Center. Would you like to serve in this ministry? We’d love for you to! CLICK HERE and select “Stewartown After-School Club”. Or, let one of our pastors know you’re interested.

Faith Promise Sunday. November 2nd. This Sunday is all about God’s Mission to the world! Prayerfully consider how God is leading you to support God’s mission all around the world. Your faith promise giving supports local ministry and ministry all around the world. This is giving beyond our tithes and offerings. Special guest, Daniel Herrera, will be joining us that day. He is a director of Jesus Films Harvest Partners Ministry. You won’t want to miss it!