GBC Community Update: growing fruit takes time

​Snow? Really?!? Yikes!  Glad it didn’t last! Good morning, welcome to November.  The elders and I were praying this morning and we prayed through 1 Peter 1:3. I was reminded that we are born again to a LIVING hope through the resurrection of Jesus. What an encouragement on a dull day!
Is your hope living or do you find it leaking? Do the cloudy skies reflect your mood right now? If you’re struggling with hope don’t carry this alone! Talk to me or someone else.  We as a church family are here to walk with each other because, well, we have a living hope!
 
 
Sunday Service Update- Thanks for showing love!
It’s been great seeing so many of you out on Sunday’s again. I’m thankful also for our livestream and thankful for our amazing AV team who make sure this happens every week so those of you joining us this way can still connect. 
I’d also like to thank all of you who’ve been following our Covid protocols, wearing masks properly and physical distancing.  I know this can be an inconvenience but I know that there are some who have medical concerns who appreciate those who show love through doing these types of things. This reminds me of how Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that we should have an attitude like Jesus, who made himself nothing and became a servant. A great way to show the love of Jesus, and be the light that shines out of our lampstand like I’ve been talking about, is simple acts of kindness like this.
 
 
Wednesday Prayer
Join Jacob and Karen Ginter for a time of prayer on Wednesday afternoons at 3pm here at GBC in the Side Auditorium.
For questions or further details please contact Jacob at– [email protected] or text 519-803-4453
 
 
Thought for the day: Growing fruit takes time
We continue to look this week at how to grow fruit in our lives, the Fruit of the Spirit.  This is not just a ‘spiritual’ thing but very practical, especially in days like we’re facing. Growing in fruit means growing as a disciple of Jesus. This is not just about letting your light shine but also helps you to deal with the stress and pressure of our Covid world.  Sound good?
Here’s the thing, just like in nature, our spiritual growth takes time. Just like seeds, we must be planted in good soil, nurtured and watered. What this looks like, practically, is a lifelong work of submitting all of our life under God’s authority. We grow in knowledge of God through his Word, and grow our love of God through knowing him and obeying him. We come into spiritual community through our church and grow under the learning of other believers. We renounce old sin tendencies and through the power of Christ’s strength, learn to walk in obedience. We die to our old selves and put on our new self in Christ Jesus. When we do that, we’ll find ourselves being transformed as the seed bursts forth into fruit.  While it takes time (and you all know how patient I am!) it’s so worth it!
 
In His grip,
Pastor Chris