Justified!
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. -Romans 5:1
The past ten months have been a tragic display of egregious acts against fellow Americans and our property. We have seen businesses destroyed, police departments burned, and Wednesday the United States Capital ransacked. But that is not the worst part. The bones of our fellow Americans have been broken mentally and physically, people have been shot, and lives have been taken. Ten months of disgusting behavior. It doesn’t matter what “side” people are on, one must admit that property and the precious lives of our fellow Americans have been destroyed. Incredibly, we would not teach our children to act this way yet underwritten by ideological views the chaos is somehow “justified.” This is nothing new. In the annals of history throughout the world, we see the horrors of human judgment and the bloody trail left behind.
Judea was no exception. King Herod was ruling when Magi from the East came for a visit. They asked the King, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” Herod was not happy, and he devised a plan. He told the Magi to report back to him so that he could come and worship this king. God intervened via an angel and told the Magi not to return and they didn’t. God intervened again and told Joseph to leave for Egypt because bloodthirsty Herod would search for and destroy baby Jesus. Joseph led his family to Egypt, but all the baby boys of Bethlehem were destroyed. The horrors of human judgment will never thwart God’s divine purpose - no person, no nation, no king, no ideology, no riots, no looting, no murders.
We all deserve God’s wrath and his condemnation, we do. We try hard to justify our actions, and justify ourselves, but apart from Jesus, we humans are helpless and alone wandering the blood-stained streets looking for justification. But when the smoke clears and the blood is washed down the gutters, we realize our attempts are futile. Looking to justify our violent actions will lead to nothing but death and destruction – the past ten months underscores that. Let us repent of our sins as a nation, let us turn to our crucified and risen Lord, Jesus. Let us ask for our Lord’s mercy.
I have really good news for you today: we are justified, not by the blood of our fellow Americans, but by the blood of Jesus. The Apostle Paul states,
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. – Romans 5:9-11
Incredibly, the prophecies in Matthew chapter 2 were fulfilled and Jesus was spared for a purpose. He wasn’t spared to make awesome furniture (although I am sure he made a great kitchen table). Jesus wasn’t spared just to teach and preach (we all know he was the best). Jesus was spared for one purpose – to die for you taking all of your sins upon himself and giving his righteousness- That is justification.
We have been reconciled to Christ in his death and resurrection, let us be reconciled to one another. Let us love one another as Christ loved us. Let us not focus on our differences, but focus on what Jesus did for ALL people, even YOU. May God’s peace rule in your hearts tonight and let us love one another as Christ loves us.
May God Bless America
Austin
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Download the Grace Fellowship Gypsum app today! After many months of hard work from Susan, we have our very own official app available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Watch services, submit prayer requests or signup for Sunday's service all in one place! Thank you Susan for your commitment and dedication to the Lord and His people.
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Sunday Services
January 10th, 2021
9:00AM + 10:30AM
-or-
ONLINE
Due to physical distancing, please help us to plan by reserving your seat today!
Please sign up by Saturday night 10:00 PM
(overflow seating available in the lobby)
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MASKS
Face coverings are required at all times.
With the State’s mandate requiring face coverings in all indoor spaces, Grace Fellowship will follow Eagle County’s public health guideline which requires wearing masks in all public spaces, including outdoors when six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. Face coverings are required during the entirety of the church service.
CHURCH ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
In one door and out the other.
Please continue to arrive church through the main lobby doors where ushers will guide you to your reserved chairs. Please depart only through the sanctuary door at the rear of the building so that we can adhere to Eagle County’s public health guideline of maintaining six feet of physical distancing. If you need to enter the lobby or restrooms following the conclusion of the service, please exit the church and re-enter through the main lobby doors.
KIDS CHURCH SIGN UP (Ages 3 through 2nd grade)
Please reserve your kids’ attendance with Ms. Debra during the sermon at the 9:00 am service
Help us ensure that we properly adhere to Eagle County’s public health guideline of maintaining six feet of physical distancing by reserving a spot at Kids Church. Kids Church follows the kids sermon. We can’t wait to see them!
NURSERY
Nursery for Newborns – 2 year olds.
Nursery is open! Grace Fellowship continues to follow Eagle County’s public health guidelines, and nursery care attendants will wear face coverings while caring for your children. We are ready and excited to see your little ones!
NURSERY SIGN UP
Please reserve your child’s attendance in Nursery at 9:00 or 10:30 am.
Please reserve your child’s attendance at 9:00 or 10:30 am where our nursery attendants will lovingly care for your kiddos while you enjoy church.
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Facebook Sunday morning at approximately 9:15 AM, or view the recording anytime on Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.
Click the image below to connect.
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The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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Would you like to submit your offering online? Thank you.
Click the link to securely give to Grace Fellowship.
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Would you like to submit your offering by mail? Thank you!
Please send offerings to
Grace Fellowship Church
PO Box 4280
Gypsum, CO 81637
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Grace Fellowship
Shopping Team!
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Need Groceries?
We have a team ready and willing to do your shopping for you! For those who have underlying health conditions, or simply need help, please contact coordinator, Susan Flock by text or call.
Susan Flock
970-361-4771
Thank you Susan, Gaby, Kat and Aracely for your faithful service to God's people!
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LORD JESUS, HEAL OUR LAND, OUR BODIES AND OUR HEARTS.
Please pray for . . .
- Our nation and our leaders.
- Opal, who was hospitalized with a fever and stomach issues.
- George Kerr, who is suffering from severe back pain.
- Sue, Dave Carle's mother who is struggling with her health
- Glenn Kraft, Austin's Uncle, who is recovering from surgery.
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- Juan Marcez, who is recovering from Covid.
- For all those in our church and community who are sick with COVID and other sicknesses. We also pray for families who are quarantined.
- Leslie and Don's grandson, Weston, who is now home after surgery- thanks be to God!
- Roy Sande, a friend of the Krafts, who is in his final days here on earth, but anxiously awaits the life to come with Jesus. May God's peace be with him and his family.
- Carol Proffitt, who is recovering at home.
- Alex Marchetti and his family, as he continues to recover from medical complications but is doing well.
- Jack Swedlund and his wife Tanya, as Jack is in hospice care at home suffering from cancer.
- strength, comfort and support for Carol who has been sick and is homebound, and her daughter Pam who is caring for her.
- Virginia Hurd, who is at Castle Peak and is very weak. Pray for all the residents and staff of Castle Peak.
- complete healing for Sal and his father Alex Marchetti as they continue to recover. Pray for strength for Lisa and Kathy as they care for them.
- everyone in our congregation and their families who are dealing with the pains and trials of cancer, including Connie Kerr; Jack; Pastor Sid; Keith; Chris; Sharon Hlavinka; Brad Bluhm; Rance Ketterling; little Sal Marchetti; Amanda; Jonette; Carol; Jerry; and Suzanne.
- everyone affected by illness, surgery or accidents - wisdom for doctors, peace of mind for patients and loved ones, and answers and best treatments revealed.
GOD'S WILL BE DONE
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Contact Information
Phone: 970-445-3101
Email: Austin@GraceGypsum.com
Staff and Volunteer Staff
Nancy Kraft, Administrative Assistant, 303-870-3433, njokraft@yahoo.com
Susan Flock, App and Website, 970-361-4771, flock21@aol.com
Pastor Dan Rohlwing, Pastor Emeritus in Memoriam
Sunday Schedule during COVID-19
Worship Services: 9:00 and 10:30 am (nursery provided).
Kids Church: During sermon-time at the 9:00 am services.
Affiliation
Grace Fellowship is affiliated with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (lcms.org).
Our Mission
Proclaim, Nurture, and Serve.
Proclaim Jesus as Savior.
Nurture faith in Jesus.
Serve in the name of Jesus.
Our Purpose
Embrace Christ!
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