On Sunday, I will be preaching on the teaching ministry of Jesus. We have many lessons to learn from this Master Teacher. Come and join us as we study how Jesus communicated truth with authority.
As this is being typed, I am in my home office surrounded by mission memorabilia and right under the banner the Tisdale family gave me from Thailand. Dan and Na and their son Daniel are on furlough and will be sharing this Sunday about their ministry in Thailand. Throughout the year, we are planning many mission moments so that all of us can be inspired by what God is doing, not only in Southern California, but also around the globe. We hope to see you at 8:30 or 10:15. If you come at 8:30, you will be able to hear me singing in the choir! Consider joining the choir for our Easter Resurrection Celebration. Click here for more information: http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/ministries/music1/
In Christ,
Pastor Mark
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( 2.9 / 57 )Today is Ash Wednesday today. On the Christian calendar this officially begins the Season of Lent. Tuesday, the Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations were everywhere, especially in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro, the last splurge of debauchery before a season of purity. What a ridiculous concept. God always wants us to be pure and focused on the things that bring eternal value. As my daughter-in-law scampered off to her church's Ash Wednesday service, she wondered what she would be giving up for Lent. I suggested she add something positive instead. Don’t just subtract things from your life like TV or Talk radio, sugar or meat, though you may choose to do those things. I would suggest adding intense Bible reading, Spiritual devotionals, Christian service or prayer. My hope is that you will go on this journey with us through the Gospel of Mark and fall deeper in love with Jesus. See you this Sunday!
In Christ, Pastor Mark
In addition to Headlines From the Life of Christ, there are also three major activities we would like you to be aware of.
#1 Pastor Sam Williams has begun teaching the Master Class: Improving Your Serve: the Leadership Principles of Jesus. Sundays at 9:00 am. http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/ministries/Classes/ FUEL Middle School room.
#2 An important marriage simulcast from Focus on the Family, Saturday, February 27th 8:30am – 3:00pm @ Gateway for all married couples or anyone considering marriage. For more details go here: http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/stories/fom/
#3 Also, our Women of Gateway are gathering this Saturday in the Bistro for a time of fellowship. Here is what you need to know about Mugs and Muffins: http://www.gatewaychurchonline.com/eventcalendar/1484/
We hope to see you at Gateway Church!
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( 3 / 57 )“Teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NASB
Janet and I are celebrating 10,000 days of marriage. She was not aware of this until I told her, but we both agree every day is precious. To save you on the calculations, that’s just over 27 years, and it has been wonderful. This date is also a unique one on the calendar, 2-10 of 2010, so have a great day. Do something significant, in fact, do that with every day. As we live our lives, and time goes by, we come to realize how fleeting the moments are. So let’s make them all count for God, family, friends and community.
This Sunday, I will be starting a new series of messages called “Good News,” hoping that all of us will grow closer to Jesus as together we read and study the book of Mark. I can hardly wait to be preaching again. I am absolutely thrilled to be sharing this responsibility with the good Dr. Sam Williams. It is our hope together that the additional time in preparation and promotion will make each series as biblical and dynamic as God has gifted us. So come and bring a friend for the start of something great: the Gospel, the good news of Jesus.
Hoping for another 10,000,
Pastor Mark
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( 3 / 60 )“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2
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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