Well the rain has just been pouring down, and it is exactly what we need here in drought stricken San Diego County. At the same time, we have been learning about “grace” and God’s abundant favor showered upon us. At Gateway, our hope is that you feel drenched in His grace, and flooded like a river overflowing it’s banks, knowing that you cannot contain all of God’s love he has given to you. Make an effort this week to invite someone to The Grace Project Sunday at 8:30 or 10:15.
On Sunday night, from 4-6:30 in the Gateway Bistro, I will be teaching our new members class, Membership 101, and I would love to see you there if your desire is to get more deeply connected with our church. Also, I encourage you to read the following updates from our Gateway Women’s ministry. http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/stories/gwr2010/
Pastor Mark
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( 2.9 / 53 )By now, many of you have unwrapped the present that you received at Gateway Church during the first Sunday of The Grace Project. Our challenge this week is to “gear up to be gracious.” I hope you are seeking as many opportunities as possible to see, embrace and accept the grace of God given to you and then be a channel of grace to others.
Certainly you have seen the incredible devastation in the country of Haiti. We need to pray for the many victims and those assisting them by lending a hand and sharing resources to help. Many will see the earthquake in Haiti as an “act of God,” but as Pastor Sam pointed out on Sunday, God is a God of grace and “grace happens.” I would like to make you aware that relief efforts will be provided by the International Mission Board, and you can contribute to the disaster response effort at http://www.baptistglobalresponse.com/new/giving.php. If you are not able to donate online, you can give directly to Baptist Global Response, 402 BNA Drive, Suite 411, Nashville, TN 37217.
As you pray, I encourage you to meditate on the verse from Romans 5:1,2: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” God bless you as you pray and give as you are able.
In Christ,
Janet Jappe
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( 3 / 44 )We have seen the fireworks go off over Sydney Australia Opera House, many watching TV heard the chiming of 12 midnight by Big Ben in London, and most of us saw the ball drop in Times Square, NY: all signifying to the world a new year has begun. For us at Gateway Church, 2010 is going to be filled with many new things. Sam Williams, our new Teaching Pastor, will be starting The Grace Project this coming Sunday, hoping to communicate to all of us that it is by grace that we have everything in the Christian experience. There are also new times and schedules for Bible teaching and new opportunities to serve. Make this New Year your new fresh start for Jesus at Gateway.
Visit our website about the new sermon series: http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/stories/grace10/
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( 3 / 42 )Today we will be reading 2 Chronicles 7, and just as God told Solomon, sometimes life will not always be easy, but there is a plan and a pattern for getting right. The problems our country faces are great; the issues go far beyond money, and the solutions seem very illusive. There are many things hanging in the balance right now for our nation and we need to pray for wisdom for our congress. They are debating on whether there will be public funding to pay for abortions and how those who do not have access to our health care can receive it and how to pay for it all. Our cities, counties and states are balancing the needs of public service with the scant resources from this downturn. For the Christian, we are told exactly the four things we need to do. Humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways. In these last 20 days, we have focused on our church fellowship, but we must also go beyond that. Strong, godly churches are the salt and light to a community and country, so let’s do all we can as citizens and Christians in 2010 and beyond. In Christ, Pastor Mark
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Prayer: “Dear God, may You not only heal our church, but heal our land.”
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( 3.1 / 42 )Tonight is the first of our two Christmas Feasts when we will be sharing the excitement of what the next decade at Gateway Church will be about. Many of you have already signed up and have planned to come. Church is a participatory event, and you will not just be asked to watch, but to play a part through your service and giving these next ten years. So, as Paul challenges the church at Corinth in chapter 8, be ready and prepared in your heart and life to give an offering, and to seek a place of service these coming years. We must remember what we have before us is not automatic, it’s an opportunity. Come dressed up, prayed up and hungry! And we will see you at 6pm. In Christ, Pastor Mark – If you have been receiving these 20/20 devotionals and would like to comment, please reply to this email so that we know who is really connecting with this method. PTL!
“Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.”
2 Corinthians 8:10,11 (NLT)
Prayer: “Dear God, help me to have the courage to give according to what You have given to me.”
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