The Effects of the Gospel

Last weekend we had the privilege to participate in Nova Vida's 7th anniversary celebration. James, David and Phil each took one of the services during the weekend and they all focused in on a chapter from 2 Corinthians.

Saturday evening, David reminded us that our weekend should really be a celebration of what the Gospel has done to us.
Phil shared on Sunday morning emphasizing that when Christ died, we died with Him and we should therefore now live for Him.


James closed out the conference by focusing on the importance of transformation through contemplating the glory of Christ regularly.

The Gospel changes people. It IS evident in the lives of many of the people in this church. To look back 7 years, you would see vulgar, crude, immodest women changed into humble, modest, loving women who are regularly sharing the Gospel with others. One said to me this weekend that she doesn't have many friends outside the church now because her old friends don't want to hear about her new life or feel guilty about their own sinful choices when they are with her.


One man waited several years before accepting Christ but once he was saved his whole life was changed. Today he leads his employees in a short Bible study each morning before work begins. Another man is prayerfully considering full time pastoral ministry. This is a direct result of the effect of the Gospel in the people at Nova Vida.

We had a great time of fellowship there in Curitiba. I think James and David both miss preaching on a regular basis so it was a blessing to do that as well.

We of course had a cook-out with the church while we were there.

Beginning a new work has various challenges but probably the greatest is the sense of isolation from other believers. We are so thankful for the opportunity this weekend to see God working in the lives of other believers, to edify one another and just be together.


I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. Psalm 9:1

We praise the Lord for his work in the people at Nova Vida as well as here in Sao Jose. He has blessed us immeasurably!